RESCUE TAILS / SCARLETT FINDS HER TARA

By Tammy Fox, Executive Director, Florida Key SPCA

Her eyes filled with tears as she stood at the intake desk telling us she could no longer care for her dog. A pretty German Shepherd stood anxiously at the other end of the leash. Many families don’t want to surrender their animals but find themselves no longer able to afford them or new housing won’t allow pets when they have to move. Unfortunately this sad scene is one we see often at the shelter and it’s a hard one to witness, especially when the animal is a senior and has spent its entire life with that family. This was Cali’s situation. She had been with her people for close to 8 years and her life with them was all she had known.

Although unsure at first, she quickly became very sweet and trusting. It was obvious that she had been well-loved. Her initial exam revealed a chronic ear infection, but otherwise she appeared to be in good health. Being a purebred German Shepherd, one would think adoption would be quick and easy. But being a senior AND a German Shepherd put her in the category of dogs that don’t fly out the door. German Shepherds are on the list of restricted breeds in many housing developments which limits the potential adopter pool and, in addition, most people aren’t looking for an 8-year old dog. The challenge then becomes helping dogs like Cali stay mentally and emotionally healthy while they wait for that right home.

During the following month and a half, we worked to clear up her painful ear infection and did what we could be keep her happy. She actually did quite well but the stress of kenneling was beginning to take its toll just about the time that Vicki and her husband Arnie came into the shelter. They were in town visiting from the west coast of Florida and had seen Cali’s picture online.

We prefer doing local adoptions so that we can support our adopters more effectively during the sometimes challenging transition period and also be there for the animal if for any reason it doesn’t work out. Our commitment to our animals is a lifetime one. But some adoptions are no-brainers and this was one of those. Everything Vicki and Arnie said and did told us they were the perfect home for our girl. They knew the breed, their lifestyle was a perfect one for an older dog, and their gentleness and respect for the needs of a dog were very apparent. Cali definitely agreed with us and her comfort and connection with them was immediate. The decision was mutual on all fronts that Cali had a new home.

From the updates and pictures we have received, it sounds like she has landed in a heavenly spot. In the words of Vicki:

“She has settled in very nicely. She loves taking her long walks everyday and going to the soccer fields to run. She particularly likes the end of the day when I sit down to watch television and she can get up on the couch and snuggle with me. I didn’t know she was a snuggler, but I love it.

We did change her name. She never really responded to the name “Cali” so we changed it to “Scarlett” and it fits her perfectly. She is the perfect southern belle. We live in a community called Tara, so it is befitting.

Everyone in the neighborhood now knows Scarlett and gets out the dog treats to feed her when they see her coming. Everyone comments on how beautiful she is.

Scarlett has found her forever home and we love her. She completes our family. Once again, thank you for taking such good care of her, while we were searching for her.”

We are the ones to say “thank you” for people like Vicki and Arnie and for the wonderful loving homes they provide to our animals in need.

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