Welcome Home Winston

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Well, the last week or so has been a whirlwind of activity. I ran a 5km race for charity, walked in the wiggle waggle walk-a-thon with Sophie, celebrated my dad's 70th birthday, (finally) picked up my brand new car, and rescued a doodle.

 

So I bet your just dying to hear all about my new car. Well, it's shiny blue, it has four doors and a hatch, a zippy engine, four wheels, a steering wheel ... What's that you say???? You're more interested in the doodle?? Well alright FINE then, I'll tell you all about Winston, ...

 

Winston is a 5 year old golden doodle, and just about the sweetest, gentlest guy I've ever met (canine or otherwise lol).

 

His owners were posting on the facebook site for my dog park about wanting to find him a new home since they don't have time for him now that they have kids (you know that lame old story...). I referred them to DRC naturally, but they decided they didn't want to go that route (not sure why, but I'm guessing because it would be too time consuming). Anyway, my desire to get a second doodle got the better of me and I started asking questions. What is his temperament like, how does he get on with other dogs? cats? people? kids? He passed on all the questions so I just couldn't think of any reason not to meet him. I figure, what do i have to lose if I just meet him and see how it goes...

 

So I asked if I could meet him and they said no. They had already found someone who wanted him and they were going to come pick him up on the week-end. Well, now I was worried. Through our correspondance I had gotten the impression they didn't care much about who he went to, just wanted to be rid of him. I was worried Winston would end up in the wrong hands. I told them if they changed their minds than to please let me know as I am still interested. They decided that since the other guy couldn't come get him right away there would be no harm in setting up a meeting just to see how it'll go, especially since I live in his old neighbourhood and so it will be good for him to be in his old surroundings. He was apparantly very happy back then... before their owners moved to the country and had a couple of kids.

 

We met at the park on wednesday, and I have to admit, it wasn't exactly love at first sight. Winston was filthy, and smelled really bad, and drooled a lot. Nevertheless, I wanted to give it a shot. I spent about an hour and a half with Winston and his owner learning as much as I could about him. I don't think the owner expected to spend that much time, and seemed to be getting impatient (he had brought all of Winston's stuff and was going to give him to me right there and then, no questions asked), but I didn't care, I was taking my time.

 

I honestly have never met a sweeter gentler soul than this guy. He even tolerates my crazy rambunctious puppy, and was so gentle when he met my cat I couldn't believe it. He walked so nicely on his leash that Sophie followed in suit. It was nice to see, and not at all the chaotic mess I had envisioned.

 

Winston's shots were out of date, clearly had bad allergies, his ears were so dirty, smelly and infected I was so worried about him. he hadn't been bathed in at least 3 months, nor were his nails cut in at least that amount of time. I asked about what his routine is like and he said he spends his days outside in the backyard, they don't let him in the house because they don't want him to get the carpet or the furniture dirty. I asked where he slept, and he said "in the basement" proudly. As if he should get a medal for not leaving him outside at night. I asked why they are giving up a dog who is so clearly loving, gentle and easy to care for. They said they just don't have time for him, the kids take up too much time. He said he was resisting the advice of others to re-home him but eventually he grew tired of the digging in the backyard. Out of boredom, Winston has been digging holes in the backyard and then he falls asleep in them. I asked what he does for a living, he said he's an IT consultant but he's not working at the moment. I'm having trouble understanding how two adults who are at home all day long are having trouble caring for the basic needs of a such an easy going dog. I know kids are time consuming but still...

 

Since I wasn't able to take Winston that night given that I was going out of town for a couple of days for my dad's birthday and to pick up my car, I told him I could only pick him up on sunday morning, but if his shots were up to date I could have borded him or left him with a trustworthy friend. he looked highly inconvenienced by this plan, since he was planning on going to the cottage with his buddies for the week-end and I'm guessing his wife wouldn't have been pleased to be left with a toddler, a one month old baby, and a dog for the week-end. At least he felt badly about the shots and said he'd take him to the vet the next day to have them done. I was pleasantly surprised to learn he followed through. He even got him heart worm tested and got him antiobitics for his ears (which he didn't bother administering at all).

 

All I could think about over the past few days was Winston, digging holes until he's exhausted, and falling asleep inside them, all alone in the backyard. :(

 

I picked up Winston this afternoon, with a big bag of pig ears, his favourite treat. The first thing I did was put him in the bath. I thought the dirt was never going to wash off, and in the end I just gave up and figured I take him to the groomer right away. I cleaned his ears, brushed him out as best I could, gave him some food, and honest to goodness it is like he was always a part of my home. He is getting along famously with Sophie Bear, who obviously adores her new big brother. Penelope the kitty isn't bothered one bit by his presence. He comes up to me every few minutes and nudges me for cuddles. He puts his head on my lap and looks awfully sad, like he knows what is going on. Everyone once in a while he perks up and plays a bit with Sophie. I think in a few days he will be good as new and a very happy doodle indeed.

 

Born in a puppy mill, neglected by his owners, I looked in his eyes this evening and promised him he will never know another day without the proper care or love he needs and deserves. So, without further ado, here is the new handsome guy in my life. Welcome home Winston!

 

 

   

Two Doodle Bums are Better than one!

 

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Poor dood, totally neglected. He will do fantastic with the love you give him! Sounds like hes settled in well already :)

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Sherri - what a loving, kind thing you did by giving Winston a new life!  Two doods are better than one!!! 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Sherri! How amazingly wonderful! You are so good to have pursued this poor guy. His life story is heartbreaking but you have changed all of that. I'm sure he will be just the dog you hoped for and that his life with you and SophieBear will be heaven for him.

[Carol and Banjo]

That's an amazing story and a beautiful promise to a deserving dog.   I wish there were more Sherri's in this world!

[Amanda & Riley]

Such a great story! I almost started to tear up!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sherri, Winston looks like an absolute sweetheart! Thanks for rescuing him from that horrible situation!! I wish the 4 of you many happy and loving years together!!

[Melody & Bruin]

What a beautiful gift you have given & received - enjoy!!!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Wow, Sherri, what a wonderful ending for such a sad story. Winston is going to think he's won the lottery. I didn't see this blog on the main page and missed your exciting news. I see you are thinking of a new name for him and I think a new name will cement his place in your family and signify a great new beginning. Since Winston has been liberated from his prior circumstance, you could name him Liberty, Bert or Bertie for short. This is an amazing thing you have done. Wishing you all lots of happy doodle years ahead.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I love opening DK to just this sort of wonderful story.  You have just made my day.  Winston is now at the start of his new (and finally) happy life thanks to you.  I sometimes wonder what sort of parents these people who are so cruel to animals are?  It can't be possible that they are good parents and at the same time practicing animal cruelty such as in this case. I wish you every good luck and many happy days and years with your now extended doodle family

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

God bless you, Sherri, for giving Winston the kind of life he deserves. I know he will show his gratitude every single day.