My Craigslist pup... such a blessing! Hear my story!!

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

A year ago today I brought home one of the greatest blessings of my life! Bare with me and follow along as I tell my story...

My husband and I had Winnie, a 2 year old goldendoodle that we raised from puppyhood. We were happy, but yet sensed that both Winnie and us would be even happier if there was a second dog in our family. Over a 6 month period I searched the local newspapers, rescue entities, Petfinder and breeders. I knew in my heart that I did not have the mental or physical energy to raise another puppy, but yet felt that Winnie would be most happiest with a young male pup. We were in love with Goldendoodles, but finding a "rehome" seemed next to impossible in our area. It was a Sunday morning when I asked my husband if I he would be willing to consider a different mixed breed other than a Goldendoodle. He said "yes" and I continued my search. That evening, I looked on Craigslist. Having never been on Craigslist,  and knowing the reputation of it being a "cautionary site," I was not very optimistic. 

But, low, and behold, there was a post of a person looking to rehome 2 dogs. I looked further and found that one of the dogs was a  2 year old male goldendoodle! I immediately e-mailed the gal for further information. She told me that she had had the dog for 3 months and was looking for a new home for him. Over the course of several e-mails, I found  out that he was a 2 year old Goldendoodle  and she had basically taken him in out of the goodness of her heart The previous owners had him for 2 years- they had had a toddler and a baby on the way. They did not feel that they could give him the attention that he deserved. The Craigslist poster was the daycare provider of the the original owners. She had taken in "Bauer" out of the goodness of her heart thinking that she could give him a good home. But, she quickly realized that not only was he large, but his coat was difficult to care for, AND she had her own unexpected baby on the way. So, she was looking to rehome "Bauer" and a Chihuahua.

I corresponded with "Tammie" about Bauer that Sunday Night and Monday morning. I did an Internet backroungd check on her.  I asked her if I could call her to get more information, and reassured her that I was a "safe" person that worked as a Nurse Practitioner for our city. In the meantime, I messaged Karen (of Karen and Jackdoodle) for advice. Long story short, in a very short period of time I got ALL of Bauer's vet records (not just the immunizations, at the recommendation of Karen), told my husband that I thought we might have a match for us, and arranged for a meeting that Monday night. "Bauer" was an hour away, so that evening we took Winnie with us to meet him. We are a family of faith, and prayed on the way that God would show us if He wanted Bauer to join our family. He was a matted mess, but we all (including Winnie) immediately fell in love with him. After seeing him romp around and playing with Winnie, I kissed him on the nose and told him, "I think I already love you!!" It was a Monday night, and we asked if we could take him home on  Friday so that we would be home to help him acclimate over the weekend. Tammie reassured us that she wanted him to go home with us, and that Friday would be fine. After literally 10 -12 phone calls, I found a groomer that would that would take him on that Friday and clean him up. Tammie met us with Bauer at the groomers. She was a sensitive young lady with a heart of gold. She confided that she had never used Craigslist before, and I told her the same. We both agreed that there was Divine intervention in our meeting. She was asking just a very nominal fee for Bauer, and cried when I gave her an extra $100 to be used for her growing family.

Upon bringing him home, we renamed "Bauer" to "Bob." He literally learned his new name within an hour of coming home! Bob has been such beautiful addition to our family. Winnie and him got along fabulously from the very beginning, and he is such a loving dog. The 2 of them complement each other very well. Winnie is more of a "people" person and can be a wild (jumpy!) dog when meeting people. Bob never jumps on people, and is much more interested in seeing if visitors have dogs! :-)  The two of them love to do their "play fighting" throughout the day and evening. When they wind down, the 2 of them join us in our king-sized for a night of snuggles, love and sleep.

My husband I noticed that for the first 6 months or so, whenever we came home Bob seemed happy to see us, but yet was a little reserved. It wasn't until about November when we noticed a definite change  in him. I will never forget the day when I realized the change- he was wagging his tail!!! Instead of just looking at me with love in his eyes, he was wagging his tail. Oh, my goodness... love!! Even his coat has changed form wispy to thick and luxurious- a testament to what good food and love can do. 

So, I'm sharing this story as encouragement. If you are looking for an adult dog, do your research. Check the vet records, check the person records, etc. Although it is usually safer to go with a reputable rescue organization, don't rule out the fact that you might find a good fit on places like Craigliast. My baby Bob, The Bed Hog, has been such a blessing....

The first time we met Bob....

After his first grooming , home for the first time...

Winnie and Bob this past Christmas- 2 peas in a pod! Haha

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks so much for sharing Bob's heartwarming story with us, Lori. It's truly one of the best "rehomed through Craig's List" stories I've ever heard, and it's a great guideline for others.

Wishing you a happy Mother's day and many more happy gotchaversaries with Bob! 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I love this story so much and it has started my day off with a smile. Thank you so much for taking a chance on Bob. I love his name, by the way!! 

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a lovely story with a happy ending.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

What a great story to wake up to! Bob (my dh's name as well, so LOVE the name) is just thriving in his new forever home. This was truly a "heaven sent match".  It's nice to hear a positive Craigs list story.  Happy Doodle Mothers Day

[Carol and Banjo]

Thanks for sharing!  Bob is beautiful!

[Wendy and Myla]

Love this story!  Such a nice way to start off Mothers Day!

[Janet & Jaxson]

Thank you for sharing your story. Happy Mother's Day!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks so much for sharing Bob's story.  I have rescues also and like you did, there was a definite months-later time when you realize that the dog understands that you are his forever people and home.  It is a very special moment.  I think it is sketchy nowadays to find your dog on a public "for sale" forum, but there are still good people who want the best for the dog they can't keep and list them.  Doing your due diligence is imperative. You did and you were rewarded with a loving addition to your family.

[Amy and Annabelle]

Such a sweet story and love the Christmas hats. 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Just saw this heart-warming story.  How wonderful that Winnie & Bob hit it off right away.  I agree this was meant to be and It sounds like Bob knows he found his forever home.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Sometimes things are just meant to be...<3