Mutt mom Helena shares her story of adopting Bowie, and the lessons she learned in patience that she hopes helps other Muttville adopters:
Dear Muttville,
I am writing to let you know how happy and thankful we are that you connected us with our little lady. We also hope that if you choose to share this message with other adopters, it will help them take the plunge and bring home that old dog they’ve been dreaming about.
As mentioned, we love Bowie and cannot imagine life without her now. However, the first two weeks were rough and I admit that we were close to taking her back to Muttville. Though we should have expected it, we didn’t feel like we were “connecting” with her at first and didn’t know what to do with her. So awful of us! It felt like having a weird little alien trotting around our house, occasionally pooping in the corner. She would cry during crate training like a whaling mother. It was excruciating and heartbreaking. We were being impatient jerks who expected to bring home an adult dog with NO issues or training needs just because she is not a puppy. Thankfully we forced ourselves to give it a proper try and 3 weeks in we were inseparable peas in a pod. After patient training and positive reinforcement she is fantastic and happy and an integral part of our family. I am sure this is even a short adjustment period and that we are lucky to have such an easy dog.
Now Bowie and Hannibal (our other senior) are best friends and do everything together. They lay on the porch, sprint down the hall, share toys and snuggle up closely wherever they can. (Picture attached) She has lightened his serious personality and he has proven polite and accommodating in making her feel at home. They are best buds. Every day we giggle at the sight of Bowie and Hannibal being goofy together. It is truly a joy to take care of her and make sure she is happy, healthy and loved.
Again, we thank you for the fantastic work you do for dogs and for families. You are amazing. Please let us know if we can help other adopters go for it or talk troubled adopters off the edge when things are tough. You are also welcome to share this message with others.
All the very best,
Cole and Helena
4/27/16
Are you the proud parent of a Muttville dog? Send us your story! Include three of your favorite photos and send it to success_stories@muttville.org with the subject line 'Success Story'.
