Sunday, May 20, 2012

Bless My Husband

Yesterday, I ran up to the shelter to find a model.  I wanted a cattle dog for my calendar.  I have had several people sponsor a month with no dog so to fill those in, I am using dogs from the shelter.  Anyhow, I had one in mind.  However, when I got there, she had been put down.  Ugh, that always puts a lump in my throat.  As long as I've done this though, I know I can't dwell and have to look at who else I can help.  


So my shelter staff friend and I walked the kennels until I found two heelers.  One a red, the other a blue.  I chose the red.  His eyes were begging me to take him.  He didn't even have a name.  My staff friend asked if I would name him while I had him with me.  I said sure.


So I loaded the heeler up and headed East to the studio.  It's about a 35 minute drive.  He sat scared in the front seat, never peeping a word.  I always sing to them when we drive thinking that may calm them down.  Usually I just get weird stares like "seriously, you think that horrendous noise helps?!"


We made it to the studio and met up with the husband.  He was able to help me out which I LOVE!  He's so good.  Anyhow, I let the heeler hang out for a little bit.  He was very timid especially around the Husband.  Men seem to intimidate and scare him.  He stuck to me like glue.  I sat in the floor with him to reassure it would be okay.  He just laid his head in my lap and slept.


We did eventually get pictures taken.  Here are a few...




I named him Butch.  After the photos, we hung out in the studio.  He still stuck to me like glue. 


It was getting close to the time I usually return the dogs to the shelter.  But I just hated to send him back.  I usually hate returning the little ones too but in the back of my mind, I know they will more than likely find a home.  It's just easier for the small ones.  And the other two heelers I had seen there previously had already been put down.  I didn't want that to happen to Butch.  He seemed to have already had a rough go in life.  Only 7 months old and from his behavior, appeared to have been mistreated.  


The Husband saw it coming.  He told me several times we did NOT need another dog.  Which I replied, what is ONE more?  I asked if I could at least bring him to the house and see how the other dogs would react to him.  He agreed.  I would return him to the shelter if they did not get along.  


So home I went with Butch in tow.  I introduced him to the pack and guess what, they didn't really seem to mind him.  Not much drama at all.  Frankly, I was pretty surprised.  So I let him hang for a few hours.  


Finally, a decision had to be made.  The shelter would be closing in an hour and it is a 45 minute drive from the house.  I loaded him up and went to town.  When I arrived, I asked them if they could do some tests to check him out.  Make sure he was heartworm negative.  I was pushing the envelope with another dog as is, I certainly would not be allowed a sick dog.  


The shelter staff were SHOCKED when I told them I was adopting him if the test came back negative.  They happily did the test for me and we waited for the results.  Ten minutes later, it returned NEGATIVE.  Butch was officially coming back home to live with us.


He was never so happy as he was leaving the shelter with me the second time!  And he lit up when he came back to the house.  The Husband went outside after we came home.  He said you must have told him he gets to stay because he seems so happy.


Today, the Husband took a picture of me, the crazy dog lady, and all her kids.





13 comments:

LindaG said...

And what a great family you have. :o)

*hugs* ♥

Mikey said...

Awww, you just have a heart of gold (and hubby too!) Gosh I wish we could get our packs together, lol. It'd be nuts!
I will say, as you add to your pack, they tend to get along better (most of the time) Heck, I've had half of my crew (that would be 6) and taken them to the ranch, where they mix with as many as 6 other dogs. We have yet to have a fight. Ranch dogs seem to have some manners when it comes to visiting.
Glad you gave him a wonderful home. It's the best when they KNOW and appreciate their home. God Bless ya girl, from one crazy dog lady to another :)

MsDarkstar said...

What a wonderful story! Glad to hear that Butch has a name AND a home. I work with rescue cats & it is a good thing that ours don't have a clock ticking because if they did, I'd be up to my armpits in felines!

Nikker said...

Yeahoooo! (0:

aarond said...

How sweet you are. I would probably never be able to take any of them back. Jake (the farm dog) is a rescue and we have 3 cats, all strays that came here. I couldn't tell you how many animals I have rescued in my lifetime and you can go to my blog to read about my latest. Believe it or not a stray sheep (yes, that's what I said) came here and them had 2 babies so I now have 3 sheep. The cows don't seem to mind. I give them treats every night.

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Wonderful! And meant to be! You and your hubby are amazing people! And Butch just hit the lottery!

Foxterriermom said...

Yeah Butch!!!! That is exactly what would happen if I were doing what you do - my house would be overrun with dogs! Bless your hearts!!! (I can tell Harley is over-joyed with your decision!!!!)

Shirley said...

Butch looks as happy as you do in that last photo. Love the one with the necktie.

lisa said...

He looks like a younger version of my RJ!

Bekah said...

he is so cute! Yay for Butch finding a home with a great "momma"!

Karenna said...

I hope one day to have that many furbabies! :)

Michelle Palmer said...

He captured one amazing lady :)

~ Janis said...

Great story, you had me on the edge of my seat. Good look'n dog and fabulous family photo. It would even look better with an "even" number of hounds at your feet. LOL.