So,
going back to January 2006 we got our first shelter dog, Hogan. Walking
into PetSmart, I didn't know they were having pet adoptions on that day.
There he was....the most beautiful dog with the saddest eyes lying in a
crate. Oh, there were other dogs that day, but Hogan grabbed at my heart.
The woman who ran the shelter said he was a German Shepherd mix; a black
and golden color. He looked dirty and I could tell he had been at the
shelter for a while. I told my son to walk Hogan just to see what he was
like. So he walked around the store with Hogan by his side, and he looked
so happy with his waggy tail. I really liked this dog, but I thought we
would go to other shelters too. So we spent most of the day travelling
around Las Vegas animal shelters, but I kept thinking about Hogan. So we
went home, brought my daughter with us and adopted him. As I was signing
the paperwork, one of the women working at the shelter told me that Hogan had
been adopted several weeks before, but the people dumped him and his adoption
paperwork over the fence at the shelter one night. When the shelter found
him in the morning, they called the adopters and they explained that Hogan was
aggressive and they didn't want him anymore. I just didn't see him having a mean
bone in his body. We finalized the paperwork, they gave us a leash, and
away we went to purchase some things he needed. After spending about $400
on several dog bowls, food, a leash, dog treats and a crate, we were on our way
home. Since we had so much to put in the car, my daughter wanted to walk
Hogan and my son and I carried everything else. You have to
realize she never walked a dog before, and so right in the middle of the
parking lot she was face first on the ground with Hogan still pulling her.
I guess it wasn't a good idea that she wore flip flops that day.
Needless to say, we were all laughing real hard looking like fools!
So begins the story of Hogan, our first shelter dog.
I think that is awesome that you got a shelter dog. I had a shelter dog once. He was a pitbull his name was Swazi. He was only four months old, he was the best dog I have ever had. How old is your new dog. I am curious to hear how he adapts. My son just got a puppy named Ceasar. My Aunt in law had puppies in September so she gave him a puppy as his birthday present in September. My son and I just moved into a house where we are allowed to have dogs, so Ceasar moved in. It is fun and kind of an adventure owning a dog again. Our little Scotchie pulls us as if he were a sled dog, so I can imagine how your daughter got pulled by that big ol' german shepard.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest dog (Hogan) is now 8 years old, and the two younger ones are 5 years old (Oreo and Jackson)....more to come on the history of my dogs.
DeleteFirst I'd like to say we must be really alike lol! I created my blog about my puppy loves. Great story, I love to hear about people who take in dogs who others decided weren't worth it. I recently went to the shelter to look for my lost dog and someone was returning a pit bull because they said he was vicious. The guy who worked there said the dog would be put down! I had a fit. I called the manager and said how do I save this dog. Basically they told me I couldn't and that it was in the hands of animal control to determine if this dog was indeed mean to the people, who really just wanted their money back! So good for you!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I was thinking that we both chose to blog about our dogs!!! How funny that is, but dogs are so much a part of my life now. What happened to your "lost" dog? That must be so heartbreaking for you to have to search for him at shelters or worry that he's okay. I couldn't imagine. I look forward to more dog stories from you!!!
DeleteI have never adopted a shelter dog before but a lot of my friends and family around me have and they are the best dogs. Its like they know what its like to not have a family and be loved so once they the chance they soak it all up. We have two dogs now, and that is all we need at this time, or at least that is what my husband like to tell me, but when it is time for us to get a new dog I will definetly be looking into saving one from a shelter. I love German Shepherds and look forward to learning more about Hogan.
ReplyDeleteShelter dogs are the best. I had three purebreds when I was younger, and although there were never any problems with them, I will always go to a shelter to bring home an unwanted dog. It's just so sad to see how some people treat their animals. I haven't posted a blog yet about my other dogs, but I hope you'll read them and learn more about shelter dogs.
Deletei find it cool that you have a shelter dog, i have a lot of friends that have shelter dogs. This is a good subject for a blog because it can help others learn more about shelter dogs and can get feedback on how it is to own a shelter dog.
ReplyDeleteSheldon, rescuing a dog from any shelter is such a great feeling. I look back to Hogan's past, and I never knew that he had been at the shelter for almost 8 months before the person before us had "adopted" him and then dumped him over the fence at the shelter. I can tell you he is the most gentle dog I have ever had. All he wants is to be loved. Watch for more updates on Hogan (and my other rescues)!!!
ReplyDelete