and said, "I love you already, take me home".
At the time, we lived sort of out in the sticks on a horse property with lots of room and no horses of our own. We had one energetic dog, Domino, who would like a romping partner. After we told the Humane Society that we'd like to adopt China, they discovered there'd been a mistake. China was already going to another home.
BUT, a couple of days later, they called me.
"'China' (not her name at the time) didn't work out with that other family. Do you still want her?"
"Uh... yeah", I answered.
"Okay, but we're going to kill her later today, so you'd need to get her before 4pm". Not the EXACT words, but that's pretty much what she said.
"Great, we'll be there", or something like that.
I hung up the phone and thought CRAP! How we gonna be there by 4?!? Magnum was at work, Meego was wandering around in diapers, Wolfgang and Chaco were little elementary school kids. Did I mention we lived out in the sticks?
I don't even remember now how we did it, but we did. We even managed to get Domino there to make sure the two of them would get along. Snatched from the jaws of death!
We don't know the story of her origin, but she'd clearly been abused. She was afraid of all men, she has a large scar on the back of her neck, most likely from wearing a collar long past having grown out of it. When I first took her out on the leash, I could tell that was a new experience for her. She was afraid of everything.
But she's the sweetest dog, so eager to please. Soon we gained her trust, and she stopped freaking out about everything for the most part.
As with a lot of dogs in the boonies, ours lived outside. We had a barn with a fenced in area just outside. They slept in the barn on cold nights and cooled off in there on hot days. When we moved here, Magnum put up a dog run with a cozy "hide" for shelter from sun and cold.
A few years ago, we lost Domino to the cancer. China was noticeably sad, as we all were. We started letting her into the house.
We had a crate for her that she took to right away. She's never even attempted to get on any of the furniture. I've put down large towels and blankets for comfy padding. They've just ended up bunched in a wad.
Yesterday, I was at the pet store getting some "frozen dinners" for King Reese the snake and decided it was time that China had a proper bed. I brought it home and put an extra cover on it and slapped it into the crate.
When she entered, she was a bit hesitant, like "Can I still be in here??" I assured her that it was her bed, just like for a real pet.
 |
| "It's about damn time!" |
Magnum says, "She's never going to come out now". I must say, she does look even more content than before.
Like maybe I should have a padded room too.
13 comments:
When I met China, I remember thinking that it was funny that she seemed to like her crate. I suppose she feels great comfort in her enclosed place. She must feel like a princess now that she has a nice soft bed!
How wonderful that you were able to rescue her in the nick of time, and provide her with such a loving home.
BTW, I had a dog named Domino as well - a cute little black Cocker Spaniel with a white spot on her head.
I'm happy that you guys were able to adopt China...but I'm pissed off with the shelter for preferring to kill animals rather than wait an extra day so they can go to a good home.
Awwwwwwwwwww. I'm so happy you were able to rescue her before they took her out. And she looks SO VERY content in that crate! XOXO
Good job they remembered that you wanted poor China!
Rescued dogs are so rewarding - I guess that they remember the hard times and really appreciate it when life is good.
Yea, we never even shut the door of that crate. It's just where she wants to be.
Domino was the one who really got me into running. He could run forever until the day I knew he was sick.
I don't think I could work at a shelter without bringing half the animals home!
At the time, it happened so fast. But looking back, it's like the stars were aligned!
I think they do have memories and appreciation. Daily slobbery appreciation.
We noticed things with Lucy that hinted at abuse too. Like when we took her to the in-law's house, she was glued to my side and extremely distrustful of the strange people she met there. We thought maybe she thought she was being abandoned again, just when she was getting comfortable. And when the guys took out their shot guns for a hunting trip, she freaked out and barked like crazy at the guns.
But she's sweet and affectionate too. She likes her kennel as long as the door isn't shut and she's free to come and go from it. But she thinks the furniture and beds are hers too!
I'm so glad China and you all found each other. Seems like you were the perfect fit for her.
I recall a certain video of Lucy Pie going off on a certain Christmas decoration? I think she's got some stories...
Absolutely great story about China. I love to hear the story behind the dog. I am glad to hear you saved her from a sad and lonely end. RC's right, rescue dogs are the best breed. They definitely have a certain level of appreciation that cannot be described. I don't think my two were abused, but they were somewhat neglected - it shows sometimes. I think they are much happier now. Thanks for giving China a great forever home!
Aww what a sweet story. I'm glad she has a comfy bed :)
Yes China, I agree with you - it's about time! Nothing like a soft, cushiony place to lie down for those oh so often snoozes... although, my pup has various favs... like Girl #2's bed.
China was meant to be a part of your family.
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