This is the third post with testimonials about adoption. I am so excited to see how much love people put in to the writing of their stories, That reflects kindness and a desire to show others what a blessing these dogs are in their lives. This week's testimonial is from Gloria and her dog Sonny:
"While fostering my second Brittany our state coordinator sent all volunteers a photo of a 12 week old puppy, looking for his forever home. His mother and 2 of his siblings had been surrendered and had already been adopted. He was the runt, last dog left. Having no plans to ever raise a puppy again, I asked about his personality. He was described as a middle of the road type dog. PERFECT. The hook was set.
Training a puppy, what was I thinking? WOW, what work! Will I be able to exercise him enough? Other challenges? Yep, he got mange, developed a limp with his growing pains and has a calcium deficiency and broken teeth. Luckily everything is under control now. Sonny stoically withstood being medically probed, creams applied, and medicine given.
Sonny’s personality developed into one of the most flexible dogs I have ever encountered. His easy-going nature, his fearlessness, and his joy of play readily welcomes every dog (and human) into his home. He shares his toys, food, humans, and furniture, whatever. Sonny makes sure each dog is exercised to their individual ability. When he plays with a puppy or small dog, he somehow becomes a small dog. Sonny can take on the big dogs, too. Labs, Setters, Aussies, bring them on; he’ll play on their level. If a dog wants to dominate, Sonny is ok with that. If they are submissive, he encourages them to relax, be comfortable and secure. With Sonny’s expert help, confidence is quickly built. He shows other dogs how to sit, come and generally how to behave in and out of the house. It all seems to come naturally for him. Sonny is equally content to entertain himself as an only dog or party with a group of dogs. Oh, and did I mention he is a cat-like dog?He’ll climb on anything. His favorite place to nap is on the back of a couch.
Sonny has been a great addition to our family and a super asset to ABR. With his assistance, fostering is more rewarding. He has a job to do. He trains, exercises and offers friendship. Sonny really enjoys his work.
Sonny passed the Canine Good Citizenship Test and he was only 1 ½ years old. Sonny is 10, now the oldest after our Dalmatian passed away at 16 1/2 years. He is a big brother to two other rescued dogs." - Gloria, Florida
This is Mimi, Gloria's last showgirl dog. Sonny grew up with Mimi. After she crossed over the rainbow, her family decided to get into fostering.
