The Joys of Adopting an Older Rescue

[SW FL Dem]

Two years ago, Libby became a part of our family. Libby had a hard life, she came from a pet store and lived for 5 years with an older couple that turned her into a shelter when they had to move to a care facility. Libby was matted, neglected and hours from being put down when she was adopted by a well-meaning family. Libby's new family struggled with trying to housebreak her, but after two years gave up and surrendered her to rescue. It was hard to find a foster home for Libby because of her age and her housebreaking issues, but I agreed since I am home most of the time and my house is mostly tile. Libby wasn't here for more than a day before we discovered she had an infection, a simple xray showed that she had a huge bladder stone that had been growing for a while. The surgery wasn't easy, but she was a trooper and it has made a huge difference. After all she had been through, we couldn't let her go. My son always wanted a dog of his own and Libby was happy to take that role.

Here's a pic of Libby two years ago on her "Gotcha Day". She was definitely the best present under the tree.

And here she is two years later, safely tucked in with her boy.

[RebelOne]

1. Libby looks so much like my little foster doggie, Dewey,

but he is gray. I am probably going to adopt him because he is 11 years old and no one else wants him.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=243&topic_id=11659&mesg_id=11754

[SW FL Dem]

6. Dewey is adorable too!

I hope he finds a wonderful forever home, whether it is with you or someone else.

[wildeyed]

2. Awwwww! What a sweetie.

It is particularly nice when your dog bonds with your child. My small brown dog is very attached to my daughter. When she is naughty and I am annoyed with her, he stands between her and me, eyes averted and tail tucked, but he tries to trip me before I get to her. :rofl: Protecting his sweet girl from big bad mommy.

Glad you got Libby's issues resolved. Lucky for all of you! Sounds like she is a wonderful addition to your family.

[SW FL Dem]

9. LOL - Sounds like your dog is as attached to your daughter

as Libby is to my son. What is better than kids and dogs as best friends?

[BrklynLiberal]

3. She looks like a real sweetie..and it turned out to be a happy ending for

her and your son. Great pic. It is hard to see where your son's hair ends and Libby begins. PERFECT!! :hi:

[NMDemDist2]

4. awwwww

what a sweetie! does he like molasses crinkles?

:evilgrin:

[SW FL Dem]

5. I don't know, I haven't tried to make them

They sound great to me.

[demnan]

7. Look at the wonderful gift you've given your son

You've taught him that love can come from other species, and you've taught him to be gentle, otherwise, this dog would never sleep so close. And it is such a dear thing to see a young arm so strong meet out to a small frail animal. You've taught your child love of those less strong and those less fortunate. You've provided a wonderful home for an animal and you're building a wondeful young man in the process.

[SW FL Dem]

8. Thank you so much for your kind words

My son is a wonderful young man and he treats Libby like a princess. He's also a teenager (14 going on 15) and isn't always wonderful to Mom and Dad. I have faith that his good nature will ultimately prevail once his teenage hormones subside.

[demnan]

10. But he won't always be 14 going on 15!

That's the good part at least ;)

[ernstbass]

11. I love a story witha happy ending!!

[roguevalley]

12. people who take older animals in are already in God's radar. I

can't give you enough props.

[Grateful for Hope]

13. What an adorable dog!

Definitely a wonderful present!