02 Sep Happy Tail for Scotty (FKA Scotcheroo)
I have decided to write our particular story because in it I hope others will find what we have. It all began over a month ago when my wife decided I could just look for another dog. I should explain that my last dog was very close to me and the loss has taken two years to get over. We have always had a dog or dogs in the house for over 50 years. Big ones, little ones, some just plain showed up and stayed. All of them rescues or strays and they all were loving and loyal pets. Protective of my property and my family. None were kenneled or tied after two weeks, Scotty has proven no different.
I first saw a picture and profile of a dog on 4 Luv of Dog Rescue named Scotcheroo. A year old and a Pomeranian mix they said, looked like a little Sheltie in the legs. Two different eyes made me want to call him Festus, but he caught my eye.
The description and updates from the foster he was with sounded too good to be true. So I showed the wife the picture and profile and she said go ahead if ya want to. So I filled out the interested form and emailed it in. A couple of days later I got a reply. Now this is where my story becomes interesting. The reply was fairly prompt and stated very briefly the conditions necessary for an adoption to take place. I read them and became a little bit upset. Let’s see, 3 personal references (only 1 family member), a personal home visit and inspection and then and only then after approvals are you allowed to set up a meeting for the dog.
I looked at my wife and said it would be easier to adopt a living child. And I put it out of my mind.
However two weeks later we attended the Red River Valley VW show in Fargo. And one of the dogs being shown was Scotcheroo. So we went over and formally met him. Pretty impressed with his behavior considering all the people and the vehicles. We decided right there to try and go through the hurdles, cause he was an awesome pup. So I came home and filled out all the forms, gave references and notified them. Sent it all in the same day after the show.
That very evening I received an email from a volunteer that was more than willing to come out the next day for inspection. I said sure, what a lovely and dedicated lady she was. During our visit I found out why they check so closely into their adoptions. Pretty sure she wanted to make sure my wife and I are physically capable of raising this pup and then it dawned on me. I thought to myself I guess there are people who are not thinking of the commitment and just buy a dog and then realize the amount of attention and daily needs an animal needs. I was raised with dogs, you learn early to check their water and feed them on time. Treat them as family and they will treat you the same.
So now I’m thinking I kinda like these people and what they are doing. The volunteer said we would do nicely as adoptive parents but no guarantee for the dog you have chosen, however she would forward our application right away. So we waited, worse than an expectant father I swear, then the email came from the coordinator, “We understand your interest is in Schocheroo, however he has already been scheduled with another couple. We will add your name to the list if something changes. Thank you.”
To say I was a little depressed would be true. I put my mind on other things and moved on. Two days later we came home after shopping to a message on the phone asking if we would be willing to meet with Scotcheroo. They say some things are just meant to be, and this little guy has been everything and more his foster mom said. She could not have been more accurate with his description concerning temperament and habits.
So in closing I would like to suggest to anyone looking for a pet to most certainly consider this organization and their methods. Yes, they want to place homes for these animals, but not at the animals or the new owners expense. Good homes are out there, don’t be afraid to save a rescue!
Once again I thank all of you people from the depths of an old man’s heart. I needed him as much as he needed me.
- Patrick K
