Giving up your Dog - Sometimes, it is Best
A few years ago, I was contacted by a rescue friend about a pair of hounds needing a new home(s). Their dad recognized that his health no longer enabled him to care for and train them in the manner in which he hoped. Their dad died this past summer - he was younger than I, but suffered a long time. He knew both his "girls" found very good homes before his death. Mr. McManus didn't trust his girls to just anyone. He knew my rescue friend, and she knew me; we both had high standards for any adopters of our dogs in rescue. IF you need to give up your dog, do your homework, visit any shelter to whom you consider trusting your dogs, and ask for follow-up. We kept Mr. McManus informed, helping him be at ease with where and how his girls were doing. They both are doing GREAT.
Mr. McManus and his girls, Rocky and Sheba
Both Rocky and Sheba (yes, both female) were welcomed by the dogs at Silverwalk Hounds, now Silverwalk Fosters. They settled in quickly. Each found her new home in a different manner - Roxie fka Rocky participated in Puppies for Parole at Charleston Prison (SECC). She excelled on the obstacle course, allowing me, who had never guided a dog through the course, to guide her. The president of Build a Bear, whose company donated funds for the course, was present and knew a company family who was looking for a well trained dog. Marilyn Olson of Bollinger County Stray Project was also present and championed Roxie for this family, able to see her potential. What "potential" did Roxie need? To live in a family with three girls, one of whom is autistic. She has bonded with this girl who needs her, acting as a self trained service dog. They all say, "Thank you, Mr. McManus!"
Roxie with "sister" in water - she LOVES it.
Roxie with family friend's Spaniel by hearth.
WAIT - there is MORE - how about Roxie's sister, Sheba? Sheba also went through Puppies for Parole at Charleston, then returned to Silverwalk to await adoption. Well! A hound loving family contacted Silverwalk Hounds about Sheba. They had a lovely male hound named Bobby Lee and wanted a companion for him. They just moved to a large, fenced acreage with a pond and room for a couple hounds to safely roam. As was my custom, we met on neutral territory. Let me say, a match made in heaven. Both Bobby Lee and Sheba, after being walked separately and by opposite owners, were walked by the dad. Both put their noses down and, in tandem, sniffed their way around the lower part of Juden Creek Park. Mom and I looked at each other, the laughter dancing in our eyes. I heard from Mom this past July, almost a year after Sheba was adopted. They are so happy with her. She shows characteristics of a Rhodesian Ridgeback, so they are now looking to adopt and add a Ridge to their hound household. They, too, say, "Thank you, Mr. McManus!"
Sheba posing at Silverwalk Hounds
Bobby Lee, Sheba's new "beau"
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