Posts Tagged ‘ Large dog ’
I have hundreds of dogs. When you spend time at DAWG, you can’t help but assume ownership or at least concern for every dog that comes through our doors. Every one of them has made an impact on my heart, but only one was able to capture it.
Blackjack’s past is mostly unknown, as with most DAWG dogs. Shortly after beginning my job at DAWG last year, I was contacted by his adoptive family and informed that he was going to be returned to the shelter for aggression and fear. I soon found out exactly what they meant. At our first meeting Blackjack ferociously growled and wouldn’t let me go anywhere near him. No one would have guessed that nine months later we would be attached at the paws.
Over the next couple of months, I decided to commit the limited free time I had between law school examinations and multiple jobs to take Blackjack on excursions to the park, beach, and around DAWG. I was determined to socialize him, however possible. After a few months, and much improvement, it was clear that I wasn’t letting Blackjack go anytime soon.
The day that I became involved with DAWG as an adoption attendant in 2010, my dad warned me that I was not to get emotionally attached to any of the residents. By Thanksgiving, “Gramps,” as Blackjack calls him, refused to allow Blackjack stay the night at the shelter because Gramps didn’t want him sleeping alone.
On December 12th, 2010 Blackjack officially became part of my family, and he hasn’t left my side. We take daily trips to the beach (he starts whining the moment he can see the ocean whether we’re stopping or not), park (he loves playing lacrosse), and downtown (he’s the first in line at every water bowl).
Blackjack still has a long way to go. He still is hesitant of strangers, has some food aggression issues, and is still learning to be polite around other dogs. Nonetheless, Blackjack has come so far and learned so much, and unexpectedly taught me more than I ever thought an animal could. He teaches me to cherish the town we live in and the people that surround us. Blackjack lives in a dog’s paradise with the ocean to swim in and the mountains to run up. I’m so happy I get to share every experience with him.
We have his whole life to enjoy our favorite places. I can’t wait to see how Blackjack improves over the next months and years. You better believe we will be throwing an amazing party for his second birthday at the end of May; to celebrate not only his existence, but DAWG’s part in saving him and his siblings, and giving him a second chance when many others wouldn’t. It’s DAWG’s commitment to giving second, third and fourth chances that makes the hundreds of adopters like me so fortunate each year.
Emily G.
Young, intelligent and eager to learn new tricks, Miss Devin would be a great addition to any active family. This pretty pittie was born deaf, so she will need to learn new commands with hand signals.
Quick to learn and eager to please. A dog who wants to be an integtral part of an active family. Good flyball and agility potential.
Thor will grow up to be a big boy! A sweet, active puppy that is sociable with people and dogs. Thor is good with dogs at the dog park, but would prefer being the only dog in the household.
Spirit is the latest in designer dogs, a lab/ red dobie mix. A gentle giant who lives to cuddle. Walks nicely on leash, knows basic obedience, learns quickly and eagerly.
‘
Spirit found his forever home!
Gentle, calm, good with other dogs and people. Needs only moderate exercise. For more info please email adopt@sbdawg.org.
Big, strong, and enthusiastic! Breed experience and obedience class required. A star student who recently graduated from his first obedience training class with his foster family. For more info please email adopt@sbdawg.org.
