What happens when you rescue a dog?

[NRaleighLiberal]

We lost our last chocolate lab, Mocha, last December - it broke our hearts. In June we felt ready to dive in again so my wife started looking at a local rescue. This is the pic she saw that spoke to her. Koda and his family were living in the woods in a rural part of NC, and were rescued by a park ranger. They were all really sickly.



He was taken to the vet - shaved (mange), which is the pic above - then an initial Foster family took him...the following picture shows the beginning of his recovery.

?1543074968

On June 22, we got him from a second Foster family - this is Koda in the car ready to head home.

?1543075343


Koda has a fear of men (people in general, really), but he bonded quickly with my wife and our cats and he and I are now doing really well.

This is Koda from our Thanksgiving morning walk in the woods with my wife

?1543075024


having a great romp!

?1543074975

He has his forever home...and we have another 14 years hopefully with a sweetie, a dog that was meant to be for us!

Note the tail - we think he is a Golden Aussie mix. Maybe a trace of Staffordshire. He is 1.5 years old, about 60 lbs, gentle as can be....and our new best pal!

It was a mutual rescue!

[JHan]

1. beautiful story! he looks so happy :). Thanks for sharing.

[NRaleighLiberal]

42. you are welcome!

[irisblue]

2. 🐕💙🐕

[NRaleighLiberal]

77. .

[hlthe2b]

3. Very happy for you all...

One can never give more to a dog than they give back to us.

[NRaleighLiberal]

43. absolutely. beyond rational description!

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

4. We had a cat named Coda/koda. I think it means "dear"??

[NRaleighLiberal]

7. could also mean "bear" I think....form of Dakota, means "little bear" I just found out

thank google!

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

13. Good to know. TY.

Coda wouldve been an Italian version. Im glad for the info though. Are you anywhere near Dunn?

[TEB]

5. I love that face

[NRaleighLiberal]

44. we've not seen any like it - always brings a smile to us!

[cilla4progress]

6. We have a similar story.

Our pound puppy Coda (yes!) died at 14 last November. She was a lab mix.

We got Jagger off Craigslist in July. It was his 2nd go round. He had been living on a chain. He is 3 1/2. He's a great dog and we are so fortunate we found him!

He too got to go for fun walks on Thanksgiving.

Not sure how to post his pic here or I would!

[NRaleighLiberal]

8. Wow. thanks for sharing the story and so so sorry for your loss.

what can you say about the healing powers of dogs (and yes, even cats! Pico and Sam would not forgive me for not including them!)

[cilla4progress]

34. I know!

Those 10 months without a dog - the only time I've been without one, other than freshman year college (where I tried unsuccessfully to have one in the dorm) were pretty desolate. Life is much better with one!

And, yes, props to Jack! My cat who thinks he's a dog who was given to us by a neighbor after Coda died. He actually stays around. Except when we take trips. He goes back to his old family, then returns to us when we get home. He's like a little guardian angel! They all are.

[Shrike47]

9. Sweet. He looks so happy. Bless you!

[NRaleighLiberal]

45. thank you so much!

[LakeArenal]

10. So sweet. Most don't understand just how much a dog suffers from mange.

A case as bad as his is torturously itchy and burning at the same time. So happy to see him happy. How cruel some humans are. How kind others. ❣️

[NRaleighLiberal]

46. humans do have some serious flaws to be fixed in our next version!

can never ever understand anyone who could be cruel to an animal...boggles the mind.

[appleannie1943]

11. Almost all my dogs and cats over the years have been rescues.

Sometimes you have to earn their trust because of how they were treated. Some never get over their fear of storms or loud noises but end up showing you how much they appreciate your love. A collie I had for 12 years was so afraid of people when I first brought him home that I got another dog to keep him company that showed him it was okay to get close to his human family. He always let me know when a storm was coming long before I could hear the first rumble of thunder and would crawl in my lap and shiver until it was over. I could never reach quickly for him or he would cower, which told me he had not only been neglected but had been beaten as well. He loved to go for rides and remembered where the fast food restaurants were that we would stop at on long trips to see family. He loved the cheeseburgers we would always get for him. He is gone now but the dog we got to keep him company is still with us. He can no longer jump onto the bed so we got him a couple of dog beds so he has something soft to lay on when he follows us from room to room. I wish people would stop buying expensive dogs and save more shelter dogs. They will not regret it if they do and there would be less puppy mills if the customer field disappeared.

[llmart]

24. I wish every state would ban the sale of dogs in pet stores.

They are almost always from puppy mills.

[Haggis for Breakfast]

64. People should research and get to know the breeder.

Some folks want a particular breed of dog and that's okay. BUT, do your homework and know the breeder. Ask other breeders for their opinion too. Check everything out.

My folks got serious about German Shepherds back in the 60s and bought their first male. We bred our stud very selectively. We made buyers sign a very explicit contract, in which we demanded the right to visit their home area and make sure that it was an appropriate place for the pups before any funds were exchanged. Knowledge of puppy and adult health care and nutrition for the dogs was also part of the deal. Also, for the first two years, we retained the right to check up on our pups and if necessary, remove the dog from the home. NO refund. Only had one problem ever. They did have to remove one male from a family. These people had abused and beaten the dog so badly that he became hypersensitive to everything. They allowed their children (not small kids either) to ride him like a horse, damaging his spine. When my folks went for a visit, they observed that the cartiledge in his ears had been BROKEN because the kids used his ears as reins. They took the dog that day. Then they put out the word to all of the other breeders to beware of these people.

Breeding is a two sided matter. As a breeder, you MUST be responsible for maintaining strong bloodlines, care, treatment, training and LOVE for all your dogs, the placement of your pups and some follow-up to make sure they are in good and safe homes. I have always appreciated the thorough professionalism of the approach my folks took to being breeders. They cared for and loved all of our Germans like children.

Though they got out of the business years ago, we all still have several Germans, because . . . well, we just LOVE our Germans. Gentle giants. Loving companions. Faithful friends. Family to the end.

[cilla4progress]

35. Hear

hear!!

[NRaleighLiberal]

47. Koda does something new every day - we learn more and more

such little subtle cues - typically with his eyes.

the goofy smile is my favorite.

He has made such progress with me it is amazing - I think because his whole first year was outside, indoors was frightening - the acoustics, the scale of things - my height.

The mornings - he jumps into bed when he senses us stirring, just stays quietly at the end - then when he hears us talk, he cuddles up to one, then the other....amazing way to start the day!

[appleannie1943]

84. The vet estimated my collie was about 4 when he was found.

He had never been brushed, he did not know how to play, and when a human reached to pet him, he cowed. I doubt, like your dog, that he had ever been in a house or shown love or even basic attention. His teeth were already bad. About the fifth night we had him I was almost asleep when I felt his breath against my cheek. That was the first time he had approached me. I laid real still and let him sniff. He then turned and left the bedroom. I put the word out that I was looking for a dog that got along with other dogs that no one wanted. Sam lived in a warehouse where a friend worked. She asked her boss if she could have him and he said sure. She brought him to meet Duke and they hit it off right away. After Duke watched Sam come to me to be petted a couple times, he timidly approached and let me pet him. That was the real ice breaker. Patience is the key and the rewards are priceless.

[Delphinus]

12. I am so happy for you all!

Love this very much.

[NRaleighLiberal]

48. thank you so much!

[luvs2sing]

14. It's as if they know..

how lucky they are. It’s hard work, but so rewarding.

[NRaleighLiberal]

49. absolutely. we are doing more than a bit of anthropomorphizing, I suspect!

[ZZenith]

86. I think humans and dogs share many of the same emotions and cognitive abilities.

I KNOW our Lab rescue realizes how lucky he is. His demeanor has changed so much since we got him and he never fails to express his gratitude when we do something for him. They don’t forget their past miseries nor fail to recognize their present luxuries.

[evilhime]

15. Fabulous story!

I'm so glad Koda could rescue you . I have two rescue dogs (8 years old) both from high kill shelters, and they are the best!! Congratulations on your new family member!

[NRaleighLiberal]

50. we've been lucky to have been rescued by great dogs in all our 38 years of marriage

each has added so much to our life - each brings something new.

[JudyM]

16. Beautiful story, thanks so much for rescuing this precious boy!

[NRaleighLiberal]

51. .

[Honeycombe8]

17. In those beginning pictures, even the one in the car, I was thinking "Where is the happy face?"

Poor boy. He had had a horrific start to life. The sadness in his eyes in that first picture. Would this boy ever have a happy face? Every have unfettered joy?

Then, THERE IT IS.....THE HAPPY FACE, when he's romping through the woods with Mom. He is beginning to understand....he has a family, he feels good, he has good food, he has playmates, he has these humans who take care of him, and he can run and play! The Happy Face!

That's just amazing. You are special people.

I've had several rescue dogs. They KNOW they have been rescued. Back in their brains somewhere is the memory of "bad," compared to the "good" now.

When my last rescue dog goes (she's getting on in years), I will get another rescue. An older one, hopefully, since I'm older.

I don't see any staffordshire in your new pup. He doesn't have the musculature, the fur, the face, the build. I don't see a trace of it. He looks Aussie, though, more than anything. Aren't Aussie's herders? If so, he may try to herd your other pets.

If he's not stranger friendly and is territorial, those are traits of the Aussie (if he is mainly Aussie). Aussies are also very intelligent and easy to train. He's a beautiful pup. Congratulations!

[NRaleighLiberal]

52. he is protective - is at the top of the stairs (my wife is in the bonus room quilting) - any sound -

the door, me, whatever - he barks a bit. And he herds Sue down the stairs each morning. It is pretty remarkable, really. No cat herding yet - sometimes he is fascinated with them, sometimes them with him, sometimes chilled all around!

[Honeycombe8]

100. He's herding Sue? LOL.

It's his job to herd. Some breeds are hard wired for certain things, and they have to do it.

You guys are angels. Imagine....throwing away a dog like so much garbage. He's a happy boy, now.

[lillypaddle]

18. What a sweetie

Rescues are the best ever! My DIL's mother just bought a Labradoodle from a breeder and it pissed me off until I realized I don't have the right to be pissed off. But still, why do people do that? It's a beautiful puppy, but there are so many that need to be rescued who really are just as beautiful. SMDH.

[NRaleighLiberal]

53. yes, that judgement thing gets my wife and I too - we try to do what we feels right

and accept others may want the show dogs...oh well. We do what we can!

We are thinking of becoming Fosters ourselves.

[Boomer]

73. It's not about the looks

At least it shouldn't be, but I can't speak for other people.

We've always had rescue dogs (we have two large rescue hounds rights now), but we also have had Scotties that were bought from a breeder. The advantage of buying a breed is that you have a better idea of their temperament and behavior, and that particular terrier breed always fit our lifestyle very well. Each dog was a unique individual, but they all shared basic Scottie traits; we knew exactly what we were getting. We also had several Scottie rescues, which worked out just as well.

On the other hand, we're suckers for a hard-luck story, so over the years we've ended up with other dogs as well. The fit hasn't been as good, from both sides, but the alternative was they would probably have been put down at the shelter. Our hounds would be better off in a country home, with lots of room for them to run and a more active family. But no one with that kind of home stepped up to adopt either of these old unneutered females with health issues. So now we have them and we're all trying to make the best of it.

[lillypaddle]

85. Of course it's not about the looks

Sally, my remaining rescue after Coco died, is short and chubby, and as the vet said one time, "she's so cute, she doesn't know what she is." Has a little coloring like a beagle, but looks part corgi. Doesn't matter, she's my sweet little old lady.

[hostalover]

19. Beautiful story. Thank you from a stalwart champion of rescue dogs!

[NRaleighLiberal]

54. .

[dem in texas]

20. Thank you for giving this dog a loving home

my last big dog was a rescue, a pit bull mix puppy about 3 months old when got her. She lived to be 15 years. It broke my heart to lose her. I have owned many dogs (most with fancy pedigrees) over the years and this one (Winnie) was the most loving dog of them all. I have her picture as my screensaver and I miss every day. I now have a little rescue dog, I like big dogs best, but I am getting to old to walk them.

[NRaleighLiberal]

55. yes, our dogs - and cats - reach in and wrap themselves around our hearts forever.

[sweetroxie]

21. I wish you all long lives together

Koda looks like a sweetheart and your wife should be commended for seeing through his "rescue look" to the beauty he now is.

I lost my beloved Roxie (16.5) in June and still cry whenever I think of her which is often. Maybe some day I'll be ready to rescue another sweet, deserving heart.

[NRaleighLiberal]

56. you will, and you will know when it is time.

Sue was ready to take the plunge pretty quickly after we lost Mocha - it took me 6 months to be ready.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

22. Can't say enough good things about the Original Post. Thank you! . . . nt

[NRaleighLiberal]

76. very much appreciated, friend!

[pazzyanne]

23. What a beautiful boy!!!

Your wife has good instincts with animals. 14 years of unconditional love. What more can you ask for. Enjoy your lives together.

[NRaleighLiberal]

75. we will relish every second, that's for sure!

[Ohiogal]

25. What a great story!

Thank you for sharing and for the photos!

[NRaleighLiberal]

74. thanks...my pleasure! thanks for your comment!

[nmgaucho]

26. Great change of life for this pup!

That first pic breaks my heart but the last made me smile.

[NRaleighLiberal]

72. yes, that first pic is hard to look at - note the only hair is the red tip of his tail!

His tail has been the most visually shocking of how he was flourished! was always tucked and skinny when we got him - how he flies it high and bushy!

[Raster]

27. Saving one dog will not change the world...

...but for that one dog, the world will be forever changed.

[NRaleighLiberal]

71. I really love - and believe - that!

[cpamomfromtexas]

28. Wonderful to see. Thank you for posting

[NRaleighLiberal]

70. right back at ya!

[NoMoreRepugs]

29. Grrrrrreat story.

[NRaleighLiberal]

69. thanks for reading!

Grrrr indeed!

[JDC]

30. Great story. Hope that dog likes tomatoes.

[NRaleighLiberal]

68. seems like there is not much he does NOT like!

His stomping grounds are NOT where the tomatoes are!

[Major Nikon]

31. We rescued a dog that had a fear of men for many years

Dogs can get this way either by being abused by people or by other dogs. When we first got her if I walked up to her she would cower and urinate. Quickly I learned I had to let her come to me. Eventually she overcame her fear, but it took several years. We think she was about 1yr old when we got her and she was with us for 16 years.

[NRaleighLiberal]

67. we are patient and I am finding letting Koda approach me works best..

but it is hard - he is so soft and pettable/huggable!

[Major Nikon]

88. You might try laying down on the floor on your back

This is a sign of submission with dogs and ours would immediately come to me and start licking my face as soon as I did it. After several months of doing this she finally stopped urinating when I would walk by her, but it still took much longer before she was really normal. Still she was one of the best. She was an excellent watch dog, yet would never hurt anyone or any other dog.

[SWBTATTReg]

32. Wonderful story! Best wishes to the happy family!! Our rescue family includes 3 of the best

friends / dogs one could ask for. It took 4 years for two of the puppies to get over their fear of basements, being that they were in a house fire and we rescued the two of them (they lost 3 of their siblings though). First dogs I've ever had in my life, best decision ever made.

[NRaleighLiberal]

66. we are amazed at his progress in 5 months, so expect full acclimation by a year

with some remaining quirks...which would be just A Ok!

[Duppers]

33. ...

💕 all around.

[NRaleighLiberal]

65. .

[sazemisery]

36. Thanks for rescuing.

I have 2 rescue bloodhounds. Our female came to her forever home when she was 6 months old. I don’t know what she went through early in life but she has some aggression issues we have found ways to work around. She is certified to search and rescue.
Our male was 2 years old when he came to live with us. He lived in a fenced in yard but kept jumping the fence. His owner finally surrendered him. He is obviously from show stock but his legs are deformed so that he looks like a long-legged Bassett Hound. He “sees” things better than he scents them. He makes a beautiful sofa ornament.
Life would be so boring if these 2 clowns weren’t around and they keep me in shape with our 3 mile walks.
Life would be empty without animals in our lives. They teach us unconditional love. Something humans really need to work on.

[NRaleighLiberal]

63. when I watch Koda meet other dogs on our walks and they head off to play -

they are vastly different sized, colored, coiffed - my wife and I say that humans can learn so much from watching dogs!

[demmiblue]

37. What a wonderful addition to your family!

Dog bless those who foster animals... they are saints.

I am forever grateful for that unnamed foster family who took care of my (future) pup before she was ready to be placed for adoption at the Humane Society.

[NRaleighLiberal]

62. .

[ejbr]

38. Thank you for sharing

I really needed that smile

[NRaleighLiberal]

61. I've been meaning to do it for some time - Thanksgiving time seemed appropriate!

[AZ Jim]

39. Bless your heart

When someone takes a sad and probably dying little animal out of their misery and gives them a happy life, I believe they earn a happy life for themselves. Good for you and your lovely wife...

[NRaleighLiberal]

60. thanks so much for your kind words

[BadgerMom]

40. That's awesome!

And I’m not crying. You’re crying.

[NRaleighLiberal]

59. well played (sniff sniff)!

[robbedvoter]

41. Interesting about the fear of men. Our rescue (10 years ago) was also scared

So much so, she would drip a few - in what we were told was "submissive urination". She was fine with my daughter and I but took some months - and a summer of just the two of them together to bond with my guy.

[NRaleighLiberal]

58. we wonder if it was related to how it was finally captured when rescued -

if Koda were in bad shape, and the ranger approached him aggressively or threateningly, it could have left a mark..

[MLAA]

57. You are a lucky man! Smiling beautiful wife and smiling beautiful doggie.

[NRaleighLiberal]

78. I tell myself of how lucky I am every morning when I wake up!

[3catwoman3]

79. That is a great tail, and a...

...great tale! Congratulations.

I have had many cats over my 67 years. When one crosses the bridge, I usually am on the lookout for a new family member within a matter of days. We refer to them as successors, never as as replacements.

I’m so happy for you that you reached a place if readiness for this lucky guy.

[NRaleighLiberal]

80. perfectly stated...and observed!

[pamdb]

81. Rescued is the best breed

He's adorable. And you're right, we rescue each other.

All of dogs have been rescue dogs, our fist was a red pit mix we named Mocha Jean-smartest dog I've ever had and I grew up with dogs. We had to put Mocha to sleep the night after the red hats won the WH, bone cancer, she made it 13. Now we have two black lab mixes, one is a tripod we got when he was 7 or 8 months and had been hit by a car and we had to have his back leg taken off and he is now 13 and doing great. DO you know what happened to the rest of the litter or when you say "family" do you mean human or dog?

If I new how to post a picture on DU, I would.

[NRaleighLiberal]

89. thanks for sharing and commenting!

[StarryNite]

82. Thank you for sharing this happy tale/tail.

Koda is gorgeous! What a wonderful way to start off Thanksgiving, a walk in the woods with family.

[NRaleighLiberal]

90. no better way, we think!

hope your Thanksgiving was great!

[disndat]

83. Wonderful Post.

the progressive photos of him made my day.

[NRaleighLiberal]

91. thanks so much!

[Mr.Bill]

87. Another beautiful thing that happens when you adopt a rescue animal

is that it makes room at the rescue organization for another one to be rescued.

[NRaleighLiberal]

92. yessiree - it is a really great rescue - and dogs move through quickly.

[Demovictory9]

93. ..

[stopwastingmymoney]

94. What a wonderful story

That poor baby, what a transformation

My thought on your title question:

When you adopt from rescue, what happens is that you create a place for another life to be saved 💕

[NRaleighLiberal]

95. yes indeed a big win-win all around!

[Neema]

96. What a sweetheart. Congratulations! Our rescue pup is the light of our

lives. She was purchased from a breeder to be, basically, a puppy mill mom. For whatever reason, the original owners changed their minds before she had her first heat and we got her from rescue. She's now been spayed and no longer has to worry about anything except having a long happy life.

She is afraid of closed spaces. I suspect she was kept in a too-small crate. But other than that she's an absolute joy. So sweet and loving and exuberant. We're thinking of rescuing a sibling for her if we can find a good fit.

Totally agree with your comment about mutual rescue. She fills our lives with so much joy it's unbelievable.

[NRaleighLiberal]

106. Wonderful story...thanks so much for sharing!

[AwakeAtLast]

97. Awww, I love this story!

He's adorable, so glad you found each other!

❤💕❤💕❤

[NRaleighLiberal]

105. thanks so much!

[calimary]

98. That's what tends to happen: a mutual rescue!

Thanks for this LOVEly story, NRaleighLiberal!

[NRaleighLiberal]

104. you are very welcome - thanks for the comment!

[sellitman]

99. These stories

renew my faith in humanity.

[NRaleighLiberal]

103. nicely put - we feel the same!

[UpInArms]

101. Awwwww

That made me cry ... bless you and your loving family

[NRaleighLiberal]

102. thanks so much!