RESCUE DOG – Charlotte, NC

As a Realtor I would guess 80% of the homes I see have dogs, I was never one of them.
Most people are natural dog lovers. Born with dogs, grew up with dogs, or have four or five dogs as their kids. I wasn’t one of those people. Don’t judge me. I just didn’t
grow up with dogs. I knew they were a lot of work. Personally, I was never at a point in my life to
have a dog. This past year I got married, we bought a house with a fenced in yard, and I finally felt settled.

MY RESCUE DOG STORY

One day out of the blue I said to my husband, “lets get a rescue dog”. Ten minutes later we were looking online. We found a rescue dog that was adorable. His name was “Gator”. For those who don’t know me I am a die-hard Florida Gator fan. Two minutes later we were in the car driving to the Humane Society of Charlotte.
For years, I have seen my Facebook friends post humane society stories, volunteer opportunities, and pictures of neglected dogs. Now I was about to enter into that world. I will tell you the pictures you see don’t do the heart justice. Once you are there and see these dogs it literally transforms you to become a rescue dog owner and lover.

It was a bone chilling Saturday afternoon in Charlotte. Once Tim and I arrived at the Humane Society in Charlotte, we were quickly escorted to the back area where the dogs and cats were kept.
It was the saddest thing I have ever seen. All these adorable dogs in these cement cells looking for a place to call home. They were all barking to their own tune, vying for attention for people walking by. Some cells had signs on them that said “THANK YOU FOR ADOPTING ME!”. With each cell I prayed we would find Gator and he would still be there.
Once we got to Gators cell his picture and biography was there, but no Gator. Who could blame him. It was freezing out. So, we found Whittnie, she got him to come out for us.

Gators kennel appearance wasn’t so hot. It really wasn’t the hollywood movie scene I expected. He was viciously barking non stop. Whittnie asked if we wanted to see in him in the “play area.”

Gator arrived and it wasn’t great at all. Running around in circles barking and barking. All the other dogs were barking. But, there was a split second where he came up to me and licked my face. I just knew. Whitney explained to us his previous situation and once we got him home he “could” be completely different. Gator was a dog of surrender and his previous situation wasn’t a good one.  Tim and I trusted what she said and we decided to rescue Gator.
The paperwork was very easy and the people who work there were so kind and helpful.

Gator the Rescue Dog –  Freedom Ride

Gator, Tim and I made our way to Petsmart. Tim ran inside to get the basics we would need to make Gator comfortable.

The RESCUE DOG CHANGE

They said at the humane society that it would take 1-3 weeks for him to adjust. By the time we got in the car he was different.
It was like he knew he was free. Once we were home he ran around the house like a track star in circles for hours. He demolished treats.  Each minute that passed he became more calm, loving, and adjusted to his new home.
For the first day he didn’t want to eat. But, I think it was anxiety. Day 2 he ate a little bit, and Day 3 he was eating better.

We switched his food week 2, to IAMS and he LOVES it.  He ate 3 cups!  We also did a trial run at a doggy day care for days when we will be gone for extended periods of time.  We loved the Camp Bow Wow site, so we gave it a try.  We took Gator to Camp Bow Wow for a half day.  He loved it!  I love being able to watch him on the camp cam from my phone to see him playing and having a doggy fun time.

Dogs just want love.

My friend said it best, “You may have rescued him, but he will rescue you back 100 times over.” It has only been 5 days and I can see that. I guess if you are a dog person you already know this. But, for me the excitement when I come home, or when he sees me in the morning is so amazing. His love is something I never knew could fill my heart and be reciprocated so quickly.

He does LOVE to JUMP but we are working on that 🙂 We spent countless hours watching Cesar  Millan Dog Whisperer videos on YouTube. Highly Recommend it!

RESCUE DOG: MY TOP 5 REASONS

1) Unconditional Love- This is NO joke.  WOW.  It melts your heart.
2) Walking your dog is great exercise (forced exercise)
3) Rescuing truly is making a difference and feels good
4) Studies show people with dogs live longer and are happier
5) Dogs teach kids responsibility and help prepare you for having kids (which ever category you fit in)

WANT A RESCUE DOG?  Contact your local humane society.

I promise if you follow your gut you won’t regret it.

 

Danielle Edwards is a Charlotte, NC resident and Realtor with REMAX EXECUTIVE.