Christmas 2006 A Visit to the
Shelter
"Don't look at the dogs," I warned
myself. Of course I didn't listen.I looked.
I saw a lab puppy in one of the adoption runs. Since I
volunteered for Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, LRRoF, I wondered if
I could take this puppy home for the holidays. Instead of a hard concrete
floor; a warm bed. Instead of isolation; socialization, and basic manners
including potty training.
After a conversation with the local coordinator, I
was told that the puppy I saw was in the process of being adopted, but
there was another puppy about 6 months old that we could "pull" for
private adoption. Her name? Lillie.
A Black Lillie Lab for Christmas! She stayed with
me for one week.Her adoptive family drove three hours to see
her, and fell in love.The family stayed for five hours as we talked
and trained Lillie. Lillie knew a lot for only living with a dog
trainer for one week,and the family stayed to learn what Lillie
knew.
The two children were giggling about their new dog
as they gave treats to Lillie. She paid attention to every
little request such as Sit! Lie down.Come! and Let's take a
walk! What Lillie learned in this week was to take treats
gently, not to jump on people, good house training, where to go potty, and
her name. Most importantly Lillie learned that people can be a very
good thing with treats and smiles!
For four years, each Christmas
there has been a foster dog under the tree in my home. Lillie was a
special holiday treat this year for me and her new family! A special
holiday indeed.
Best Wishes,
Maureen, Jet, Lillie,
Annabelle and Milk Dud
Find an animal shelter or rescue group near you with a holiday pet fostering program
www.petfinder.com/foster-a-lonely-pet