Adopt-A-Pet Day

Duncan and I, accompanied by Hannah, had a blast over at Petco today! It was so good to see Glenn and all the other people with LL Dog Rescue! We came in and I hugged Glen and he just couldn't believe how outgoing Duncan was. He walks on his leash confidently and was curious and friendly. Glenn said he'd never been like that. (And remember, they had him a year and a half!) Duncan did so incredibly well! He was trembling mildly to begin with, but once he settled down he actually seemed to be enjoying himself! Now, the reason that is surprising is because Petco is an absolute zoo on Adopt-A-Pet Saturdays! There are lots and lots of people around and lots of other dogs too. But Duncan loves to meet other dogs! He made many new friends with the other Shelties that were up for adoption, as well as any other dogs that were out to Petco for a Saturday shopping spree. Hannah enjoyed making new friends just as much, and her being there seemed to give Duncan some confidence, although he didn't cling to her or anything.

Duncan also met a couple of other "alumni" Shelties who had been adopted through LL Dog Rescue. We were sad not to have run into Lynne and her alumni Logan (who if you remember came in to the Rescue from the same puppy mill at the same time as Duncan did.) Next time maybe! But, we did meet an absolutely adorable little guy named Sparky and his person Ron! He (Sparky that is) is a tiny tiny little Sheltie. At 14 pounds, he's exactly one half the size and weight of Duncan. His picture does his adorableness absolutely no justice, but here he is!

Ron adopted Sparky a few years back and he has come a very long ways! Sparky was also stud dog like Duncan, but came from a commercial breeder rather than a puppy mill. He lived in better conditions than millers would, but still lacked the regular human contact needed for socialization. From what I understand Sparky was so shy that Ron spent the first six months with him on the end of a 25 foot lead in the backyard each time he tried to get him inside. Sound familiar? Ron said that there were times that he felt like crying out there. "Come on Sparky..." Oh can I feel the exact emotion of that moment! Anyway, Sparky and Duncan got along great and seemed to like each other very well. Sparky was extremely soft, and although a little shy he was still very friendly. Ron said that Sparky had been cowering in the back of his kennel when he met him, much like Duncan was, and that's what had drawn him to him. I have to say, although I don't have room for another dog right now, I would have a very hard time keeping myself from adopting Sparky if he hadn't already been taken by Ron!

Duncan and Hannah and I spent about two hours there in all; just visiting with everyone from other dogs, to the rescuers, to potential adopters. It was so funny to hear people say "Oh yeah Duncan, the one from the Blog!" He was a little bit famous! Duncan repeatedly said 'hi' to all the Shelties in the kennels and then sniffed around any dogs who were out of their kennel (he even decided to sneak inside someone else's kennel while they were gone and sat down like it was his own.) He and big tricolored Sheltie played May-Pole with their leashes as they walked in circles sniffing each other. At one point I was just amazed at how comfortable he seemed with a large group of people suddenly all around us. He just walked between people to get to their dogs to say 'hi.' He even had one nice lady asking questions about him wanting to adopt him! Sorry, he's already my baby.

It was very encouraging to hear the exclamations of how well Duncan seems to be doing from those who had him before me. It can be hard to see the progress when you're so close to the situation. So, if you missed Duncan this week, don't worry; we'll be back to the Adopt-A-Pet Days at Petco. Come adopt your new best friend!