I gasped when the CE perked up and said, “Yes! I want to see her!”
The lady at the rescue said the only other dog she had that would meet our criteria was a Pomeranian. What??
I had steadfastly maintained that after the loss of Frosty, I couldn’t go through that again.
As you’ll remember, Frosty was our seventeen-year-old Bichon Frise who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in January 2023. By September, I missed all those precious little Frosty doggy sights and sounds so much, I had to fill the void.
I couldn’t have another Bichon. That would not be fair to a new one and would hurt too much. The CE was a bit reluctant, but I showed him a number of possibles—small, mature, short-haired females, mixed breed. Most of the little girls I looked at, however, were spoken for immediately upon listing. One lady in Texas told me frankly that the cute little female (JR mix) I was interested in would not work for us (as old and mature as we are) as “she has no off button.” Uh oh…she might be right.
So when we finally passed all the applications, terms, and acceptable prices (they aren’t free), was disappointed to see that the dog still available to see not only had no interest in us, but clung heavily to her foster dad. She’d bonded already–maybe what others saw as well(?).
The lady from the shelter brought out a Pom alright. She was stiff with fright, wild-eyed, and so messy the lady said if we wanted her she’d bathe her first. (Then sent us off with a shivering wet dog wrapped in a towel.)
You may know the rest if you followed a few of my updates in the monthly review recaps, beginning in October 2023, with a follow up in November.
She shut down completely after we brought her home. She was 2 ½ days stirring from her kennel. The rescue could (or would) not give us any history other than that she was 4 ½ years old, had been a breeder. It quickly became obvious she’d never lived in a home before, had any training, or clue what toys or treats were. Never been walked. The rescue did a vet check and spay. (She still freezes stiff when picked up.)
Our first experience with a rescue dog, we are now beginning to realize that actually we were pretty lucky. Some of these animals are so traumatized it takes years to trust again and we have made great strides.
I recently finished several books from the Ryder Creed series by Alex Kava whose main characters are rescue dogs that have been trained as service animals. The protagonist discovered the special attribute each dog possesses and uses that ability to solve the mixed plots. It’s a fun series!
National Rescue Dog Day hopes to “bring awareness to the countless number of amazing dogs in shelters…who deserve a second chance…” Founded in 2018 by Lisa Wiehebrink who rescued Cooper from a LA shelter in 2009, she realized the need for attention. Abandoned, abused, owner moved, too much puppy or got too old. Few shelters are “no kill.” And there are so many dogs each looking for a furever home.
It’s amazing the number of ways canines can provide valuable services to their humans. Despite the challenges we faced with Punkin, she is blooming into a real dog with some major personality. It’s encouraging to watch the transition from terrified little dog to one who is patiently teaching us (although her patience sometimes wanes into frustrated little yips). Yeah, she has provided chuckles and astonished glances and watching her grow and change has been so gratifying.
And she is sweet. Such a sweet little thing.
©2025 V Williams
Rosepoint Publishing 
This is a truly heartwarming and inspiring story about adopting a rescue dog. The author beautifully articulates both the initial challenges and the immense rewards of bringing a dog like Punkin into a home. It not only celebrates National Rescue Dog Day but also highlights the profound impact of adoption and the positive transformation it brings to both animals and humans. Punkin’s journey from a frightened dog to a vibrant family member is a wonderful testament to the resilience of rescue dogs.
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Thank you for those kind words. Realistically now, I can see that some dogs, including Punkin, might take upwards of two years to make the transition from ex-breeder to companion. This is the same dog who freaked the first time we set her down on grass. Still, she has fit in with our laid back lifestyle very well, slow to wake in the mornings. Just this week, for the first time ever, she actually got up and laid down on a comfy rocker.
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My rescue can still be a little reactive too other dogs and some people. But, some people are horrible and maybe, im a little reactive too?! 🤣 She is my souldog. I love this story!
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Thank you, the experience has provided us a steep learning curve…possibly the first being “let the dog come to you.” I’m not sure that ever would have happened had we not subtly insisted on some rules…her food bowl in the kitchen with us…consistent potty… Since then she have shown us, more than once, that she’ll darn well let us know when she needs to go out and won’t cooperate if we think she should go out after eating (for instance). but at least that has led to her letting us know (most of the time) and she can go (possibly as a result of multiple pregnancies?) for an impossibly long time between potty breaks.
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She’s adorable! I’m so glad she’s found a home with people with the patience to help her back to a good life!
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thank you. she’s been good for hubby. he does love her so much. my soul pet was Frosty. but i’m so glad to have Punkin in our lives–she is giving us just exactly what we both needed and makes us laugh too.
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Sweet Punkin. She is safe and loved, and she knows.
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thank you. she is coming along tho still has issues, of course. the progress was slow at the beginning and we reveled in each tiny new step. i was clueless how long it would take.
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