When Dave and I began Almost Home Foster & Rescue, we had stated that we would always try to help those furbabies that were “located in our own backyard.” We had been tagging, pulling, and saving so many dogs from the Southern states, “trying to save them all,” a feat that we quickly learned, is not possible, but when we were approached and asked to help those in Minnesota, or bordering states, we wouldn’t, “Just say ‘NO’!”
Dollie, along with Trixie, Lillie, Walter, Rusty, Mollie Jr, and Punkin proved to be one of those times. Located just a few miles from us, breeding had gone awry. The original pups were not altered. Then a number of major surgeries took place with one partner, unable to work, the family dynamics fell apart, money was tight, and the puppers were pregnant. The breeding got out of control and we were sought out to help.
Dollie was one of the first ChiWeenies to arrive at Almost Home Foster & Rescue. Scared, timid, and in constant flight mode, it took soft voices, time, patience, and sometimes, just sitting and rocking to let her know that she was safe. Finding a family with this same mindset, we felt, would be difficult. Boy were we wrong.
Matt and Kellee and son, proved to be the ultimate poster family for providing a relaxed, quiet, patient environment. The first meet and greet took place at their home. Sitting on the floor, they allowed Dollie to wander the layout of their home, always coming back to Kellee’s lap. She was comfortable and her survival skills to always be “in flight” were diminishing. Dollie still needed to complete her vetting, therefore, she couldn’t stay with the family.
We returned a week later and immediately everyone sat on the floor. Dollie had no hesitation as she climbed into each of their laps, staking her claim to family and home. With school at a close for the year, Dollie’s human brother will be able to spend his days with her, acclimating her to her new surroundings and environment. There are many family times around the corner for this little girl. Dollie is home, where she is cherished, loved, and safe.
Thank you, Matt and Kellee for giving Dollie the home and family that she needed and deserved. Thank you for opening your hearts to her and providing her this second chance. We are furever grateful.
