Well, it has been about a week and Franklin (fka Kevin) has really settled down with lots of love and affection. This little guy came into our lives after being a stray (about 7 years old) found in Los Banos. After having four teeth extracted and being neutered at Muttville, he had been through lots but was given a chance by the Muttville crew and we are grateful.
The first few days he was very food-driven (maybe from being on the streets), and extremely active and nervous when he got into the house; trying to jump on things too. Then, on day 5 he got up and out and did not follow me to the kitchen for food. Instead he grabbed a toy for play.
So he doesn’t get too attached to me, he also sits with my husband and learns from both of us. He loves to play ball and toss toys back and forth but that play is limited because he will go on and on and as the Muttville staff knows!
He gets about an hour a day in the house of play but at least four walks a day; one long one (can do at least 2 miles or more) and lately at the nearby marina. He loves to walk the boardwalk there and see other dogs. Once the weather clears, we’ll go to the small dog park where he can get more exercise and toss a ball back and forth. His walk is funny because of his little legs, but quite endearing. It looks like he is skipping; he has stubby legs!
The most wonderful thing happened yesterday when we took him to North Beach to hang out with friends and other dogs for a coffee morning. He sat in my lap and gave me a first kiss!! This dog is a champ and is so loving and wonderful.
He is very independent and seems to have survival skills, but those defenses are disappearing as he realizes he has a home and he is loved. In this short time, he has stopped peeing in the house, curtailed his loud squeals when being “shushed” firmly, stopped some of the reverse sneezing (which I think was some nerves), stopped jumping on things….and has settled down. The future looks bright.
While we were a bit exhausted in the first week, we are so blessed to have him in our lives. In this very short time, he has made us so happy and we look forward to every day with his little funny self.
We love what Muttville does and how you give these homeless dogs a chance. While it is challenging to adopt one, with a little patience the love you feel is something that cannot be bought.
God bless you all.
Debbie Caulfield and Joel Roth
12/27/24
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'.
