NO DOG LEFT BEHIND - PART 1
Two Rescue Groups Working Together For Blitz
In the spring of 2022, we were contacted by one of our rescue friends, All Shepherd Rescue ASR), in hopes that we could help find a home for Blitz, a handsome 9-year-old German Shepherd. By 2022, the surge of COVID-19-related puppy purchases and adoptions had subsided, and rescue groups were once again filling up with dogs in need of adoption. ASR did not have any available foster homes, and they were hopeful that we would be able to bring Blitz into our program.
His owners were moving to a location that did not permit dogs, and they had been desperately trying to find a home for Blitz on their own, with no success. With time running out, local shelters at full capacity, and their move imminent, it was apparent that we were their last hope. We knew from the description and pictures of Blitz that he would make an excellent candidate for our program. Blitz was an extremely friendly and sociable dog. Even though he was 9 years old, he had the energy and enthusiasm of a youngster. Blitz loved playing with toys and people and could easily interact with other dogs.
From Almost Homeless to Adopted
With help from ASR, Blitz was transported to one of our facilities. Blitz immediately made friends with everyone he met. Blitz was a little more dog reactive than initially reported, but we were able to work through those issues with training. Blitz loved to go on hikes or play cool off in the baby pool. After receiving a clean bill of health and being neutered, we were able to find a home for Blitz within three months.
Blitz settled in nicely in his new home. He was living with three younger children, an outdoor cat, and various farm animals, usually including chickens. Although he showed some reactivity to the other animals, Blitz was a great family dog to all the children in the house.
Sedona Is There For Blitz
We were shocked to receive an owner surrender request two years later from Blitz's adopted family. They were moving out of state and only gave us nine days' notice before they left. Even though we were full and had no availability, Sedona Shepherd does not leave any of our dogs behind. With the help of our volunteers, we quickly made emergency arrangements. Within 3 days of being contacted, we brought Blitz back into our program.
When Blitz arrived, he was clearly starting to show his age (nearing 12). He developed arthritis in his back and was having some stiffness in his back legs and hips. We immediately began to give Blitz a daily regimen of supplements and medication to help him deal with his arthritis. It became clear that over the past two years, Blitz had become less tolerant of other animals. The likelihood of adult and senior dogs getting adopted significantly decreases if they can't live with other dogs.
Despite his age and some physical issues, his good looks and personality won over one of our volunteers who was also a prior adopter of one of our senior dogs. After a few days in his new foster home, Blitz settled in nicely and was always following his new foster mom around. It was not long afterwards that Blitz was officially adopted. He spent the last 14 months of his life being loved and cared for by his true forever home.
Why We Say At Sedona: “No Dog Left Behind”
When adopting a dog from a rescue organization, it is essential for the adopter to know the policy on returning the dog to the rescue in the event of any issue. Today, many rescue organizations are quick to transport dogs directly from other states to an adopter's home. If the adoption does not work out, many of these same organizations will then claim that they do not have a local foster home available and can't or won't transport the dog back to the original facility. This leaves the burden on the adopter to find a home for a dog that is clearly not suitable for their household.
Sedona Shepherd's priority is, first and foremost, our dogs. If, for whatever reason, an adopter can no longer care for or keep a Sedona dog, we are always ready to provide a spot in our program. Sometimes, a returned dog stays with us for the rest of its natural life and is part of our Forever Friends program. At other times, if appropriate, such as with Blitz, we will find a forever home. Sedona Shepherd will never leave a dog behind.
