Mia is a one year old Pitt Bull Terrier Mix aka American Staffordshire (which is cousin to the Pitt Bull). She was given up by her owners because they moved into an apartment that didn't allow pets. So they took her to the local shelter. The very shelter that has an open door policy to accept all animals that are brought to them, thus receiving about 110 per day. Without enough room for all of these animals, 50% are Euthanized. Each stray has a mandatory 3 day stay and then they are put down as a new batch rolls in--cats, dogs, bunnies, etc.
Propelled by my desire to one day foster children and inspired by my neighbor, Bonnie, (who fostered dogs before adopting the 10th one that came through her door), I decided I wanted to be a Canine Foster Mom, too. After all, they're man's best friend and I want to return the favor. I started researching and contacted a rescue that I was referred to by Bonnie. Browsing through the thousands of homeless dogs listed on Petfinder I got an idea of what kind of dogs I'd like to foster (small and medium) and emailed the woman at Posh Pets to begin the process. Then, I clicked on one more profile and was struck by what I read. It was Mia's profile, and it said she was set for Euthanasia in 2 days. Turns out it had been posted 2 days ago. When I contacted the rescue in charge of her profile (United Action for Animals) I learned that she was in line for doggy death that night. She was up for adoption, but I was only interested in fostering and asked if that could be an option instead? They said yes, and so did my roommates! Mia's Euthanasia was put on hold pending pick-up. I went to the shelter last night to meet her after reviewing all her behavioral test results. Sure enough, she met up to everything it said. She scored the highest score with a "No Concern" and A's and B's in every catagory (stares, toys, animal interaction, adults/people interaction, biting, pinching reactions, etc.) She didn't jump on me, or bark, responded to commands, and was so lovable. I agreed to Foster her, went back this morning, and saved her life. :)
We took a long walk home and she was amazing! She didn't bark at passersby or other dogs (even stopping to play with a 6 month old puppy) and was very curious about her surroundings. She's particularly fond of stairs and windows. Perhaps because of her reflection? She loves kids. I wonder if she had kids in her last family? I wonder if she wonders where her family went, since it's only been 7 days since they left her behind? She has "kennel cough" (which is basically a cold) so she can't play with other dogs for the next 4 days til her antibiotics kick in. Otherwise she's a champ. I also realize that being under the weather might be why she's such a good and fairly calm dog, so we'll see what the next week has in store! :) We got back to my house and she made herself immediately at home, jumping up on my futon chair which I covered with a towel and laid a chew toy on for her.
I went shopping around the corner for some food and shut her in my room to see how she'd do. She whined and barked at the door as I left, but I was back in 10 minutes. She hadn't torn up anything or caused a ruckus, but my wall mirror did fall and break, possibly from her tail hitting it. I was glad she was ok and glad to find her sitting patiently on the futon waiting when I entered. Throughout the day I left the room and shut her in to get her used to being in while I'm at work during the day. She whined and barked but got over it pretty quickly. I bought a dog gate for her with suspicions that she'd jump it, but the pet store said they didn't think so. HA! She totally did. It took her 2 minutes of whining and not seeing me to jump it. I raised it and she barely cleared it, again. A little higher and she could sneak underneath. So back to the door shutting. Only this time she was really good and didn't bark/whine. After 15mins I went in and praised her, then left again, and she was ok. Then my phone rang and when she heard me talking she barked/whined. I left here there and after 5 mins she stopped and was quiet for an hour and a half until the roommates came home and we were all chatting and she felt very left out and let us know it. I'm nervous about tomorrow and being away from her (although I will check on her mid-day), but encouraged by the fact that so far her reaction is to whine/bark and then get over it. She hasn't chewed up anything or demolished anything in my room.
I did tell her that if she eats my shoes, I'll take her down myself. ;P
After a long day of getting settled and acquainted she was worn out. I enjoy her company, especially in my big bed. :)
To view Mia's profile and information about adoption click HERE.
No comments:
Post a Comment