The Adoption of Grace Isabella

"Grace was rescued from Tillamook, OR. There, she lived with too many dogs and did not receive enough human attention. In her new home, Grace will need patient owners who understand that it will take her time to adjust to family life. She will need time to feel comfortable in her new home, and get used to interacting with people. Given time, we think that Gracie's personality will begin to shine!" --Oregon Humane Society (OHS)

Grace arrived at OHS in early December from Tillamook. She was one of 107 rat terriers (I will be referring to her as a short-haired terrier) that were surrendered when the breeder was charged with animal neglect.

Grace spent a few days at OHS before being adopted by another couple. When she arrived at her new home, her first instinct was to run and hide under a cabinet in the corner. After one month with her new family, she was running freely around the house, cuddling, and would even let them rub her tummy.

Grace made such wonderful progress with her new family. Unfortunately, they were unable to keep her longer than one month. Grace was returned to OHS on January 10th with a letter that outlined her progress.

On January 13th, I was reading the days local news stories on FOX12 as I do every morning. One story that caught my eye was of a handful of chihuahua's that were being transferred from Merced, CA to Portland. California has too many chihuahua's to care for, and these pups were at risk to be put down.

A young chihuahua named Smeagle caught my eye. As soon as I saw him, I made the decision to adopt; if not now, then soon. To adopt Smeagle would have cost $250. So, I put in a request for an advance in my pay (that I would pay back out of MY money). However, I was denied once they found out that it was to be used to adopt a dog, and not for an emergency expense.

I was pretty upset. That is when I realized that the reason I have been feeling the way I have, and acting the way I have could possibly have been the onset of a depression. I put two and two together, and realized that I NEEDED a dog for therapeutic reasons.

So, Amanda and I drove out to OHS after I got off work. I didn't have anything in mind, nor did I even intend on adopting that night. We walked through each section of the shelter, mainly focusing on the smaller dogs (I live in an apartment, people!).

When I first came across Grace Isabella, she was very shy towards me. As soon as I stepped in front of her kennel, she walked to the back; she was extremely shy and skiddish. I could see that she needed someone to give her unconditional love and attention; I had plenty to send her way. I pulled her card, and gave it to the gal at the front desk so that I could meet with Grace.

As I sat in the stone 'meeting room' with the handler and Grace, I could see so much more of her. It's hard to put into words. She needed me.

I returned to the front after about 10-minutes in that room, and filled out the paperwork.

Several minutes later, Amanda and I were approached by one of OHS's certified trainers. This lady, Laurie, was very... Umm... In your face with here explanations of Grace's personality. I believe that it was her job to make me see the worst possible scenario if I were to adopt Grace. "Grace does not like leashes, how do you plan to deal with that?" "What if her behavior does not change for the rest of her expected 14-years with you? You do realize that this is a long-term commitment that could last for that long, right?" Stuff like that. She also informed us of the reason that Grace was returned by her recent family. She said it was behavioral, and that Grace was not making much progress, and that it was likely that she wouldn't make much progress.

Then, she wanted to see how I did with Grace, and attempting to get her into a harness and leash. So, back to the stone 'meeting room'. After fumbling around with the stupid harness (it was only difficult to see which way it went), I got it on her correctly, and hooked her onto a leash. Next, we went outside to see how I interact with her 'shut-down' behavior. I did just fine, I was calm, and patient. I believe that trainer started to see that I was intent on taking this dog home that night, and that I was going to give her all I had.

We went back inside, bid adieu to the trainer, and the rest of the wait began.

Okay, it wasn't that long a wait. We met with the adoption consultant and went over Graces short medical history, and the progress she made with her previous adopters. This is where I learned that Grace not returned for the reasons that the trainer told us, but because they were preparing to put their house up for sale, and that they were unable to add that to their plate with Grace.

That is when I really realized the true potential that Grace possessed. In the month that they had her, she had learned the command "come," to call her to their side, as well as "kennel," to get her into her kennel at night, and when they were leaving. They also outlined the things that she was not so clear on, such as going to the bathroom. She would go outside at times, if they were able to get the leash on her, and other times she would go on her Piddle Pads. Of course, Grace also had accidents on the carpet at times.

I didn't let any of that deter me. I was ready to sign the papers and pay the fee so I could take my new friend home. And, that we did.

Next week, I intend to post an update you with some highlights (and lowlights) of her first week with me.