The Rescue of the Goose

 I’vebeen writing a lot about our little rescue dog Hannah, and as much as I want tokeep sharing about her, I thought I should tell you about another rescue dog.

Whenyou take a rescue dog into your home, you never know what you’re going to get.If you’re lucky, you might be told a little about their history and their previousfamily, but generally, even if you are told things, don’t count on any of it.

Youneed to be patient and diligent and remember the three 3’s. Something like – ittakes three days for the dog to just calm down, 3 weeks for them to adapt toall the new things in their new world, and 3 months to gain your trust. Or itmight take two years.

Twoyears ago, last fall, my son and his girlfriend adopted a beautiful coonhoundmix, named Goose. She had been surrendered back to the shelter twice. The peoplewho adopted her previously took one look at her and thought, “hunting dog”. She’sgot some of those instincts in her, but being a gun dog is not in her heart.She had probably been treated all right, but never as the family pet.

Myson and his girlfriend took her in and gave her a good home, all the attentionthey could shower her with, walks and runs at the dog park, new people to meet,lots of treats, lots of adventures. She was doing okay, but she remainedsomewhat aloof and skittish. She wouldn’t walk on a linoleum floor or go intoany kitchens. She wouldn’t relax at my house, no matter how many times she washere. She would come to us, but she didn’t care about being petted or hugged. Shenever completely relaxed.  

OverChristmas, her mom and dad gave her a new dog bed. Dumbest thing ever, but itwas like getting that bed flipped the switch. Reminded me of Dobby the house elfgetting a sock. Everything changed for Goose.

Shewas suddenly affectionate and wanted those pets and hugs. She trotted across linoleumand into the kitchen. She wanted to play with more toys. It was like she knew, aftertwo years of wondering, that she was in her forever home with her foreverfamily who would always love her. And she’ll never have to look back.