Rescue Round Up - August 2020
Back in 2016, Laguna Niguel resident Jan came into the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center looking to adopt a dog as a companion for her and her elderly mother. Since she was open to adopting a harder-to-place dog, our staff showed her Wookie, a senior poodle who had been at the shelter for two months. Wookie lived a wonderful three years with Jan and her mom, but Jan recently wrote to tell us that Wookie unfortunately passed away. As sad as we were for Wookie and Jan, we knew he lived his best life with her.
As a dog lover, Jan could not stand an empty house, so she went to our website and was immediately taken by the photo of a black-and-white dog named Dandelion. Some dogs do not have the greatest start in life and that was case for Dandelion. She was living as a street dog in Mexico, begging for food and attention and getting by with very little of both. A rescue this side of the border took her in and fostered her, but with all the loose dogs in Mexico, the rescue was quickly overwhelmed with needy dogs. When they reached out us to ask if we could take a couple of their dogs, we did not hesitate. Dandelion's luck was about to change. But she was scared when she arrived and would growl out of fear. Our staff worked to reassure her, and she began to blossom. Dedicated Animal Welfare Group paid for some medical expenses, and soon she was ready for adoption. This is when Jan was invited to meet and adopt her.
Dandelion, now named Greta (Greta Garbo for the classic movie actress) has found her forever home. Here is an update from Jan:
"She got into the car like a pro and proudly sat in the back seat as calm as could be. Very different than the drive home with Wookie - he was all over the car.
Stopped by McDonald's and got her some Chicken McNuggets gearing up for treats for going into the house. Got home and did a quick walk around the block before bringing her into the house. No barks and we passed several people. We entered the house and she immediately took to my mother - go figure. No barks, no jump. I guess they sense the frail and vulnerable. Mom adores her and she adores Mom.
She has pulled every toy - all 10 of them - out of her toy box and has explored the back yard. Surprisingly, she went to the back door and stood - so we let her out and she pooped. I have my doubts she is housetrained, but I could be wrong.
This dog is nothing short of amazing. Such a lover, so smart, so well-mannered and she just wants to please. She is active, so we're walking a lot around the neighborhood. Attached is her sleeping in the den.
Thank you all for choosing me to adopt her. What a gift. She is a doll and we already love her. I wish everyone in the world understood the gift of a shelter/rescue dog - there's nothing like them."
No, Jan, thank YOU for choosing another dog in need of much love and understanding. We are thrilled that Greta is home.
