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Adopting Mom and Dad

The first 2 years of my life were, lets say, less than ideal. I was abandoned and set loose to be on my own, I'm not sure why. I ran wild and had to forage for food, I was living at a dump and eating food dropped from the dumpsters. I guess I really didn't have any shelter. Food was scarce, I was scared and I wasn't sure why I didn't have a home, but I did my best to take care of myself. I thought I was doing okay but a human who thought I looked skinny, scared and hungry called an organization called Animal Adoption Foundation, (AFF), to come and save me.

People came and started chasing me all around and trying to catch me. They offered me food and treats but I didn't trust them or any humans really, I mean, why should I? To their credit, they didn't get discouraged, they came back every day offering me food and talking nice to me. I eventually ALLOWED a volunteer from the AAF to catch me.

I was lucky to get placed with a temporary foster family, they had other dogs, I LOVE DOGS!!! They were very good to me but I knew it wasn't going to be my forever home. Eventually I was sent back to stay at the AAF shelter. The people at the shelter treated me very well, but I was timid and distrustful of people. To get me ready for adoption and a new family, they provided me with a personal trainer to help me get over my fear of people. I was adopted twice but returned both times, I didn't know what I did wrong.

I thought I would live at the shelter forever. AFF is a no kill shelter and they would let me live there forever...but it's not a home and I didn't have a family of my own, but at least I was not living on the streets and they gave me food, shelter and treats, yellow cheese, I love yellow cheese.

Well, one day a very nice couple came through the shelter. They looked so sad. They said they saw my picture on Pet Finders and had traveled two hours to see me... me... just me!! I was hopeful and skeptical and at the same time. The people at AAF let us spend some time together and then the nice couple took me for a walk. I could tell they very much needed a good dog to take care of them, so I volunteered to adopt them. But the folks at AAF wanted the couple to come back for another visit because they wanted to make sure we would be a good fit and that this time would be my forever home. So the couple left. I didn't know if they would come back but a week later I saw them come down the hallway with an AAF volunteer and I held my breath hoping they they didn't stop in front of an another dog's run, but they came right to my run! I was excited on the inside but still timid on the outside, but they brought BACON and Yellow Cheese! We spent some more time together and the couple said they wanted ME! Yes ME!

The folks at AAF agreed but wanted their trainer to work with me a little more so they sent the couple home again. I felt sorry for them and me. These poor sad people had to travel 2 hours back home again without me, (4 hours round trip) and this was their 2nd trip!! I sure hoped they didn't change their minds. A few days later I saw them coming and they had a crate, harness and a leash. I was going home!! They gathered my belongings, all I had was a pink blanket, and as they say the rest is history.

Now Mom and Dad are so happy, they have set up an account that automatically contributes a donation to the AAF monthly, so other families may also get rescued just like they were.

The Animal Adoption Foundation, www.aafpets.org, is located in Hamilton Ohio. They are a non-profit no-kill shelter for dogs and cats that have been abused or abandoned. AAF provides a safe and humane environment for dogs and cats that are waiting to be adopted. Their caring volunteers and generous, loving donors enable them to provide a safe and happy haven for their special friends. The shelter currently houses approximately 85 cats and dogs.