The Rescue of the Goose

 I’ve been writing a lot about our little rescue dog Hannah, and as much as I want to keep sharing about her, I thought I should tell you about another rescue dog.

When you take a rescue dog into your home, you never know what you’re going to get. If you’re lucky, you might be told a little about their history and their previous family, but generally, even if you are told things, don’t count on any of it.

You need to be patient and diligent and remember the three 3’s. Something like – it takes three days for the dog to just calm down, 3 weeks for them to adapt to all the new things in their new world, and 3 months to gain your trust. Or it might take two years.

Two years ago, last fall, my son and his girlfriend adopted a beautiful coonhound mix, named Goose. She had been surrendered back to the shelter twice. The people who adopted her previously took one look at her and thought, “hunting dog”. She’s got some of those instincts in her, but being a gun dog is not in her heart. She had probably been treated all right, but never as the family pet.

My son and his girlfriend took her in and gave her a good home, all the attention they could shower her with, walks and runs at the dog park, new people to meet, lots of treats, lots of adventures. She was doing okay, but she remained somewhat aloof and skittish. She wouldn’t walk on a linoleum floor or go into any kitchens. She wouldn’t relax at my house, no matter how many times she was here. She would come to us, but she didn’t care about being petted or hugged. She never completely relaxed.  

Over Christmas, her mom and dad gave her a new dog bed. Dumbest thing ever, but it was like getting that bed flipped the switch. Reminded me of Dobby the house elf getting a sock. Everything changed for Goose.

She was suddenly affectionate and wanted those pets and hugs. She trotted across linoleum and into the kitchen. She wanted to play with more toys. It was like she knew, after two years of wondering, that she was in her forever home with her forever family who would always love her. And she’ll never have to look back.