August 2011, leaving the shelter for parts unknown.
Dixie is a dog I pulled from the shelter where I volunteer, which went through a terrible patch of having to euthanize dogs every other week due to being fuller than we'd ever been. Dogs that had no issues but were basically just homeless were going down. A bunch of us volunteers scrambled and pulled some dogs to stash in boarding while we searched independently for proper homes. Our shelter has since created a facebook page and gotten much more visibility for our dogs, moving several long timers into home situations. But that is another story.
Last fall I posted signs everywhere to get Dixie adopted. I remembered a friend lives in a neighborhood that is pittie-friendly and very nice. Beautiful old buildings and lots of community. I posted signs on many, many street corners and on their community board. Sure enough, a nice family contacted me, but they quickly realized it was too soon after their last dog died and they still needed some time.
I kept plugging away to get Dixie adopted. Numerous people inquired; one had cats but we learned Dixie hates cats, one had too many rescued animals already, another had too many animals in her apartment but was responding to my flyers and trying to do the right thing. A little discouraged (hey, I'm being honest), I emailed the family who lost their dog again. I mentioned that if they felt they were ready, Dixie was still available. The 21 year-old daughter emailed me right back saying they would finally like to meet her. That was January 20th.
Nine days later Miss Dixie slept in a home for the first time in three and a half years! The pictures below document the last part of her homeless journey.
They like me, they really, really like me!
And up in the apartment...
This can work.
I'll be glad when I don't have to pose anymore... oh wait, these new people probably like cameras too. Humans! Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em!
On the way to spend her last night in boarding, she knew she did good!
...And the Big Day!!
During her last car ride from Top Dog boarding facility.
The nice man at Top Dog gave me this new pink collar and leash. And a bath!
Okay, I'm here. I was fluffed and buffed and now I'm waiting...
Are you my Mother?!
When are we going?!
Hey, I recognize this place. This, I can do.
Do you like my new collar and leash? I think it's fab. When do I get fed? I smell good, you know.
Look, our hair matches!
I like the view from home. I think I'll bark at the cars on the bridge, every. single. day.
I want to thank everyone who helped share Dixie's flyers, gave boarding money, told friends about her, and who encouraged both of us in some way during the last nearly-six months. You helped to save a great dog!
Onward, to Olive's new home... someday soon I hope!
xoxo
