RESCUING a DOODLE-of-some-sort

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

On Friday, Michele of the DRC sent my DH and I to check out a doodle at the San Bernardino City Animal Control Shelter.  It was to be the dog's last day but the DRC had gotten a hold put on him (Yay!).  He was supposed to be a large white male doodle, but when Michele spoke with a worker there, she was told that the dog was small.   Michele was trying to find a foster home or get the poodle rescue to take him, but there was a problem with this if he was a small guy.  When we got there, the shelter worker was pretty abrupt because she was locking up,  but  she let us go to the kennel we thought he was in to check his size out. NO doodle  :-(   Even though we had the dog's ID number, she said we would have to wait until Saturday because it would cause someone to work overtime and they just could not do that.

My 88-year-old mom had to put her beloved dog down on Tuesday and could not stand having no one to keep her company so she agreed to go with us on Saturday.  We got there when they opened and, thank goodness, the dog  had not been put down as we all feared, but had been moved.  When we got to the kennel, he stood back a moment, then greeted us and let us pet him through the fence.  Then he went to the back of the kennel and lay down to watch us. He was calm but not afraid.  He was just darling, but too small for the rescue organizations to take. 

A kennel worker brought him out for us to check out closer.  It was love at first sight for my mom and Sunny (yep, she had a name ready, just in case!) He is a mess - kennel cough, a stinky coat, matted to the skin,  dewclaws so long they are digging into his legs and evidence of a previous broken bone in his front leg.  Animal Control strongly suggested that we wait until Monday to pick him up so that their contracted vet could check him out, neuter him (if he is well enough) and the groomer could bath him and shave him down. So tomorrow is our big day or Sunny's big day - however you want to look at it. We are soooooo excited. My mom is so proud of herself for rescuing a dog and I am proud of her for attempting to do so.  With our help, I hope she is up for the task and that Sunny is the perfect companion for her. Thank you DRC

Cross posted with the DRC

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a great story. I hope Sunny and your Mom do wonders for each other.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you all so much for the encouragement.  My mom is just so excited about this and wants him to be a 'real' doodle and so he IS - whatever a real doodle is - see the discussion posted about what a real doodle is from earlier today.  She is truly devastated by her Westie's passing as it was the last link to my dad.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so happy for Sunny and for your mom! I think he's going to be adorable when he's cleaned up! Your mom is an angel for saving him. I can't wait to hear more about him and his new life with your mom!

[Kyoko]

ooohhhh.... This story really made my day. Thank you and your mom for rescuing Sunny and saving his life....

[Bonnie and Kona]

Nancy, I know you are going to be greatly involved with your mom and Sunny during the adjustment process and beyond. So glad you are doing this for her and for Sunny. It's a sweet tribute to your love for your mom and doodles.

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Hope all goes well tomorrow.  Your mom and Sunny will be best buds soon!   Looking forward to more pictures!

[Ginny Nightingale]

Poor little guy! Who could do that to a dog?! I bet he will be lovely when he gets cleaned up and has a month or so to have his hair grow back! Congrats to all of you an a wonderful rescue.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Nancy, this is a wonderful story.  I am so glad your Mom is taking Sunny.  Life is looking up for the little guy.  He looks so neglected!!  That is all going to change now.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Nancy - is your Mom up for adoption? I just love her! Sunny is going to have the life he should have had all this time! Can't wait to see the after pictures!!!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Good luck tomorrow.  IT was great of your mom to be willing and eager to include another dog in her life.  He looks like an ALD with that curly tail and the tongue hanging out.  The groomer has a big job to get him cleaned up.  Wow, what a day for him.