We got home late on a Saturday night and first thing Sunday we had a new family member. After the two week shut down, yes it’s a little stressful, but well worth it. Dodger and Simba had their first play time out in fresh snow, Dodger was not sure why Simba didn’t want to run and play in it. But he sure had a great time, then they warmed up in front of a warm fire. Simba has learned a lot from Dodger, in truth we learned a lot from Dodger and the support from SEPR is amazing. We never felt alone, if we had a question on why he was doing something we had an “owner’s manual” to look in and see why he was doing something or how to get him to do it. The foster moms or dads that take these dogs in do an outstanding job working with them and teaching them how to become good family members. They are also just a phone call away if you need them.
Dodger has become such a big part of our life. When he wakes up in the morning he is so happy we can’t help but have a smile on our faces. From his happy dance before he sits down to get fed to his goofy beagle like howl he is always making us smile. When we go to work all we have to do is open up the freezer and get out his SunButter filled Kong and he runs to is kennel and waits for us to give him one of his favorite treats. Mom gets home first, so she gets to see his happy dance when she lets him out of his kennel. He is always so happy to have us home. When dad gets home it does not matter what the weather is he wants to have some dad time and we head out to play ball or just walk around the yard. Other times he gives you the “look” and off he goes doing his zoomies around the yard. He has learned the word “walk” and runs to the door sits down and waits for us to take him out for a walk. One of his other favorite words is “ride” he will tilt his head give you his pity smile and off he goes to wait for you by the door. Dodger loves to jump up in the truck and head out for a ride it may have to do with us ending up at Renner Corner for a beef jerky treat, yes we spoil him. He truly just wants to be with us and be wherever we are. He is also always up for a snuggle on the couch, or he loves to stretch out in front of the fireplace on cold winter nights. He will even snuggle up with his feline brothers.
He also now has a foster sister who he loves to play with and relax on the couch. He has told her all about his time with his foster mom and that someday she will be as lucky as he was and find her forever family. In truth I don’t know how to put it into words on how much more fulfilling Dodger has made our home, we love him so much and he loves being part of our family.
~ Ryan & Stacie B.