Feb 28 2010
Adopted
Saturday afternoon Harlow
Yesterday, the chilly morning turned to sun as Megan and I headed to town for the Adoption Day.
When we arrived at the Feed & Pet, Monica was already set up with a palapas-looking umbrella shading her table, which of course had a scented candle burning and a vase of orchids beside information packages on pit bulls. Because that’s how she rolls.
We had Harlow’s brother Trace with us that day, sporting his orange “ADOPT ME” vest. He was full of puppy energy, so I was walking him around the parking lot when I saw a family approaching. I introduced Trace, and I saw a look pass between the mother and her teenage son. We learned later that Trace Adkins is the son’s favorite singer. Kismet! They were clearly charmed by Trace, and we walked back toward Monica’s table as I told them everything I knew about Trace.
His foster mother, Carol, demonstrated Trace’s exceptional training (sit, stay, lie down, etc.) for the delighted family. They filled out the paperwork right then and there. I was so happy to take off the vest and hand the leash to Trace’s new family. They already have a 12 year old dog they rescued off the street many years ago (so emaciated you could see all his ribs), and Trace is his new brother. Trace settled happily into the waiting bed in the back of their car and drove off to his new life while we waved good-bye.
One thing Monica insists on is doing a home visit to make sure everything is OK in real life and not just on paper. We agreed to go over later that afternoon, giving Megan and me time to run errands (library, Safeway, bank, gas station – you know the drill). We met up with Monica and went to visit Trace’s new home.
They live on seven beautifully landscaped acres, with the two acres around the house being fenced to keep dogs in and unwanted animals out. The house itself is huge and lovely, and Trace and Max, his big brother, have free run of it along with their own luxurious beds. During the visit, Max and Trace played together happily, Max’s eyes bright with joy, and then collapsed onto the bed for a nap. No worries there.
Driving home in the setting sun, we agreed that it had been a great day.