We have a new addition to the family.

Paige is a ten year old German Shepherd. She has been with one owner her whole life. Her previous owner (don't know whether it was male or female) died at home. When the owner was found, Paige was still at his/her side. The owner had been dead for a WEEK. The owners family took Paige to the pound.

We got a call from a German Shepherd Rescue organization about Paige (her original name). The organization authorized me to pick her up. Evidently Paige has won the hearts of everyone there. The vet at the pound even gave me a big hug!

She is very, very traumatized. I brought her home and immediately gave her a bath. Not only did she STINK, her fur had dried stuff on it that I was afraid had come from her owner (think CSI) She evidently had a winter coat, but the stress caused her to start shedding, and she had HUGE chunks of loose fur. My dog and she were fine. The cats not so much! LOL. She was GLUED to my side. Literally. If I move an INCH, she was pressed against me. When my mom came over, Paige wouldn't even LOOK at her, she kept scooting closer to me.

We talked it over and decided that the best person to keep Paige is one of my sisters. I REALLY wanted to keep her. But because I work 12.5 hour shifts with an hour travel time each way, I take my dog to my mother's house when I work. Mom's dog is very elderly, in poor health, and doesn't like other dogs. It wouldn't be fair to Mom's dog, nor to Paige to have to switch back and forth like this. So, with not a few tears and heart pangs, because I already loved her, I took her over to my sister. Let me add that this is not my favorite sister. Well, my nephew Brandon (15.75 years, 6 feet) took Paige's leash and led her away. I drove home crying.

Tonight I got an update. Paige has attached herself to Brandon and they are inseparable. Paige will live the rest of her life being very well loved, and I'm sure will learn to be secure again.

As a great dog lover here, so glad that Page has a happy ending!
What a wonderful thing you did!


Ninnie

I'm sorry that you could not keep her, but it sounds like she found a new buddy in your nephew. Bless your hearts for taking her in and giving her a new home!!!

Thanks Gai - I'm now sobbing like an idiot! Oh, I love the sound of Paige! I used to have a GSD named Hetty who was like my shadow. They are very one person dogs - sounds like she and Brandon will have a bond for life.

K x

Thanks K. We were all in tears too. Imagine, the poor dog stayed by her dead owners side for a week. No food or water (at least after the first couple of days). This is tropical weather, so it could not have been pleasant, and no one would think twice if the dog were in another room. No, she was laying nearby. And then to be dumped at the pound. I guess I don't know the relative's circumstances, but she deserved better than that.

Since she's an older dog, they were worried about her chances of being adopted. In the Houston area more than ONE MILLION animals are euthanized every year. The Rescue Organizer was telling me that she had been unable to find a home for a really sweet mixed breed, six months old, great with kids, house broken, and that he will be put to sleep this morning. I don't think they keep them longer than a week. In fact, Paige had been there a week already, and was due to be put down, but the vet was so touched by her story and how sweet she is, that she gave her a couple of extra days. We got her just in time.

OMG Gai - if I had the resources I'd have a million dogs! I don't dare go to the rescue centre here. Dougal Dog was 'rescued' from a riding stables when I was on holiday - I said how cute he was and the owner said ' oh THAT, we're having it put to sleep, it keeps killing the neighbour's chickens'. He's SCARED of my chickens so that was a load of BS!

K x

Here's a pic of the killer dog! He's looking over his shoulder to make sure they don't sneak up on him while his back is turned! :D

k x

Good Lord! Of course he's scared! They're bigger, have longer legs, meaning they can run faster as well as fly, and their beaks are sharper! Plus, there's a whole POSSE! Poor Dougal!

I'm so glad you saved him. And I'll bet he's appropriately grateful. I am!
Hugs to you !

Gai

Saving the world one critter at a time!

Oh Gai...what a great story! I'm so glad that you got involved and that Paige has a new love in her life. Its amazing to me what kind of love animals have for their owners, especially considering what some owners do to the animals! Big hugs to you, your nephew AND the person that thought to call you! :D

Wheres that dang blasted kleenex box? Oh wow! what a happy ending :cry: :cry: :cry: