I have always visited our local spca at least once a week....sometimes twice...to pet and speak to all the dogs....I always felt that although it broke my heart that I couldn't take them all home (thought I would  have, gladly) I could at least show them love and kindness and give attention and try to help them not give up on people.  I still do this.

 

I had lost my little Sheltie, Lujack....to kidney failure...and it had been pretty devastating to me.  Lujack's passing left a huge hole in my heart. 

 

One day while visiting the spca, I came across a German Shepherd that I just took to...and I kept going back and forth...in my mind...what do I do...my husband and sons were away for a few days and I was hesitant to bring home a big dog without discussing it with the family.  The next day I decided to get him....and when I went back..he was gone...he'd been adopted.  While I was happy he found a home...I was sad...that I'd lost him because I'd hesitated. 

 

There is an older gentleman who works at the shelter and had seen me there many times.  He called me aside...and said..I have someone I want to show you.  He took me to a kennel...and showed me a beautiful young shepherd...who was obviously stressed beyond his limits...you could see the fear in his eyes...and he was panting (it was not hot that day) and shedding and pacing quicky.  They told me he'd only been there a few hours.  Owner surrendered--said he needed more attention than they could give him.  (I wondered if they'd take their children to an orphanage for the same reason?)  The gentleman said to me....this dog is elegant...but very upset....he's not handling being here well.  Some dogs suffer worse than others.  Then he just walked away and went back to his work.  I sat down..and looked at this dog...who actually was pretty intimidating.  One of the other attendants who came by....was reluctant to bring him out for me.  He said...."little dogs...little bites...big dog...big bites"....and then said a stressed out shepherd is dangerous.  I thought...well how would you feel if your family just dumped you off?  stressed? I guess so.  No one would bring that dog out to me!  Finally someone agreed to let me into the kennel (at my own risk) and if I could leash him..I could bring him out.  I sat in the kennel...on top a 5 gallon bucket...for about a half hour...just talking to him.  Finally he allowed me to leash him.  I took him outside (there is a field there for visiting the dogs) and walked him...sat under a tree and we "talked."  I had reservations...but something in my heart told me...I was this dog's last chance.  He would not be able to handle being in the kennel any length of time.  I put a "hold" on him...and went home...to seriously think it over.  I went back the next day...he was even more stressed..but allowed me to leash him..and I spent a couple hours with him.  I knew I had to take him home.  I did.  I passed the gentleman that introduced me to him...on the way out...he smiled and said..."I knew he was YOUR dog"..........Lobo was too thin...and very stressed.  He threw up a lot...and it took me almost 2 yrs of experimentation and treatment to find a food that his stomach would handle.  Over time he gained weight...and became a beautiful, beautiful dog.  He is animal aggressive and does not like other dogs...other than the other dog in our household (which came later, Harley, my Doxie mix) and my son's gf's min doxie.  But we came to an understanding...and I promised him....this is your last home...I will not abandon you....you need to relax.  He has become one of my best friends...is very loyal...and protective of me.  I have to be careful because if I show any signs of being upset...Lobo's protective instincts kick in.

 

At one time...an intoxicated man came to the wrong house and was trying to force his way in....my husband was not home...and this guy pulled the door right out of my hands and grabbed me by my arm.....that was it......Lobo jumped up on him....(and he's very tall when he's on 2 legs...) and put him right to the floor on our porch...and had a hold of his jacket right at his throat....was growling fiercely...but did not bite.....I was petrified....that he was going to really hurt him bad....I grabbed Lobo and told him to let go...and pulled him back...and I said...Now get out of my house and off my property before I let my dog have another go at you!  He sobered up fast....lol...and RAN out of my yard.  Lobo calmed right down.  He was protecting me.  He loves my husband and my sons...but there's a special bond between him and me.

 

Lobo was a year old when I adopted him.  He is 12 now...and still as beautiful as ever...but having trouble...getting up and down...and occasionally his legs give out on him...he has arthritis and hip trouble. It hurts my heart...because I can see the confusion in his eyes when his legs give out...because he's the same dog in spirit.....but his body is failing him...and he doesn't understand.   Outside of the natural aging problems,  for his age my vet says he is in good health...and great spirits...and he knows he is well loved.