Golden Years Have Some Privileges
Colin, one of the Gabbs’ favorites, fits right in to his new home.
By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff Who could be more deserving of a loving home than gentle, sad-faced
Colin? When Colleen saw him on online, and then followed his progress through the Best Friends Network, she formed an emotional attachment to Colin before they had even met. “He reminded me of my very first dog that I had as a child in Indiana.”
She contacted Liz Finch, Best Friends Animal Care Specialist, who put her in touch with Kris Brown of
Yerington Animal Shelter. Colleen was so enthusiastic about meeting him, in January, she followed Brown 175 miles to the ranch in Gabbs and says “It was worth it.” When the two met, he came out of his hay bale house and it was love at first sight.
Despite the instant bond, Colin did need to be cornered, so they could ready him for his trip home. Though he was still quite shy, a few bites of chicken fried steak during the ride helped further cement their growing relationship.
Now Colin can barely stand to be separated from Colleen. “If I leave him out too long or he can’t see me, he’ll howl the most plaintive howl.” Once she appears, he will stop. He has what Colleen describes as “sundowner’s syndrome,” where he likes to sleep all day and comes to life at night. When he first arrived, he was already housebroken, but much like a baby, he would wake her up hourly to be let out. Now they are down to only 3-5 trips out per night.
Colleen comes by her patience naturally, for in addition to her own dogs and cats prior to Colin, she has also been fostering for the
Douglas County Animal Shelter through their volunteer organization,
DAWG (Douglas Animal Welfare Group).
When Colin first arrived, Colleen notes the groomer said, "It was like a science fiction movie the way the ticks poured out of his ears!" Even so, when he went to the veterinarian, the doctor still found another three deeply embedded in his ear. Despite all the handling, Colin remained a complete gentleman. Colleen says, “He has very nice manners. He has such a tender spirit.” Unfortunately, the veterinarian also discovered that Colin has some health isues. Now though, Colin will be living the good life during his golden years.
“I figure at 13, he should have some privileges,” notes Colleen. He has already put on a few pounds and she can no longer feel his ribs. They go for regular short walks and he adores going for rides in the back of the camper shell covered truck. Best of all, he is the only dog in the house allowed up on the couch, where he watches television. If a show gets too loud though, he prefers to crawl on to her feet. He knows where it is safe.
Colleen is thrilled with her new companion. She highly recommends others to adopt Gabbs rescues. “It would be a great thing for the dog and the person who adopts, because the dog will just soak up all the love that person has to give. If someone is looking for a good and faithful companion, these would be good dogs.”
“Thank you so much Best Friends for rescuing the Gabbs Dogs,” comments Colleen. “Our life is richer because of Colin.”
How you can help:• The shyest remaining Gabbs dogs are temporarily being cared for by
United Animal Nations in Reno, Nevada through February 20. Shelters or rescues are desperately needed to take these dogs in to their foster and adoption programs. If you have the ability to take one or more dogs, please call Shannon Asquith at 916-216-3677 or Paul Bruce at 916-344-1710 today.
• Consider adopting another of the
Yerington Animal Shelter dogs.
For more information: •
From Hay Bales to HomesYerington Animal Shelter217 Trowbridge
Yerington, Nevada 89447
Phone: 775-463-6578
Photo credits: photos courtesy of Kris Brown of Yerington Animal Shelter and his adoptive Mom, Colleen.