SAVED: HELP FOR TWO GALS-MARYLAND BY 8/7!

[BowWowMeow]

Wow, Danni! This is an amazing story! You are so great with these dogs--they are so very lucky to have you and vise versa. It's amazing what you can learn from the most challenging ones, isn't it?

It is great to hear that Sage is slowly coming around and becoming a part of your family. It sounds like she's not going anywhere else though!

[daniella5574]

After a couple lengthy talks about whether or not we were ready to add another permanent member to our family, we have requested to adopt Sage! Four months later, she has made so much progress, but I still have not felt comfortable adopting her out. Deep in my heart, I know something doesnt always "click right" with her thinking, but working with her like I have and developing the bond and trust with her I have grown to love her so much. She requires a very stable, calm routine every day, and to be watched more carefully than the others, but she has been able to consistently make progress, even if its been just baby steps with me. My family jokingly calls her "linus" and me her blanket, but I believe that is what has been able to allow me to make progress with her. I know DH has wanted a black male for a long time, but he loves Sage as well and we couldnt imagine being without her. We will due what is necessary for her in regards to her HD, so that she can live a long and comfortable life. Our time with her hasnt been easy, and my work with her is far from done, but I wouldnt want her anywhere else.
The day before New Years, we received our answer from BrightStar- YES!! Adoption Approved!! I was so happy that she wasnt my "foster kid" anymore, but my furkid, who now has her forever family with us. My daughter was very happy, she is starting to understand that the fosters are here temporarily, and that Sage is here for good now. I have to say that my little girl amazes me- she just turned 5 but is wonderful with the dogs. She loves to help me with what she can, and to be able to trust Sage with her has meant alot to both of us, and makes me proud when I see my "two girls" together. I was reading her first information that we were given, and I laughed when it said "alot of training". Whatever the owners claimed they trained her in, the vets office gave me a whole nother story when I contacted them. I had to learn a bit about her past to understand how to work with her, and I am thankful I had this opportunity. We were so happy when we got the news, we took some pictures- I looked terrible from crying but tears were from happiness.

Mom and Me


My forever family! if only they could see me now!


I love belly rubs!


Mommy never thought she would see pictures like this!

[shilohsmom]

I just love happy endings!!!! You have done a wonderful job with her and it really shows. Congradulations!!!
Rosa

[Myamom]

OH DANNI...I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND SAGE!! THANK YOU FOR BEING HER ADVOCATE AND NEVER GIVING UP ON HER!

[MatsiRed]

I've missed a lot being off the forum so much. There is nothing like a rescue dog and her child. Those photos really pull at the heartstrings, congratulations Danni.

[daniella5574]

I havent updated my crazy girl in awhile. She is doing great-still very reactive, so I try and stay calm and controlled around her at all times. Today however, I was VERY stressed, and Sage lost it. She was barking and yipping every time I even walked quickly through the house, and was hyper as can be. I feel bad, but we have made alot of progress, August 11 will make one year she has been with me. She will no longer try to nip the daycare children, but, she still isnt the best with kids running by her at playground-if they run close she will jump up and bark, but, before, even if they were 20 feet away she would nonstop bark. now, she watches from a distance unless they get way too close. It seems like Sage will never be "normal" in many ways... I cant even raise my voice to get my daughters attention if she is in another room, I cannot walk fast around her, I cant jump up quickly, it sends her to a yipping mess. She still after a year of being with me shy's away from men for the most part- plastered behind me, ears flat. There has been a couple she has been better with, but I have realized that doing better doesnt mean normal, or over her fear. I have NEVER had a dog as much work on a daily basis as Sage, but, again, I could never picture her not in my life. She needs alone time with me everyday I noticed- even if its just a walk with her and I, or playing in the yard, or just me petting her with no one else around. If she doesnt get it, she also seems to "react". Here are a couple new pics from our playtime:

If I run sideways- both my ears stand!


Bringing mom the stick:


Or maybe we can play with this one:


So tired:


Time to go in:

[Sue F]

Absolutely adorable gal...with such a LOUD voice!