Marley

Home at Last!

Marley wasn't getting noticed at the county shelter. He was nervous and timid and, when people came by, he retreated to the back of his kennel. He has two strong features of his Shar-Pei breed: his funny looking, oversized snout and several wrinkles on his forehead; the rest of him is all Viszla, including his gorgeous amber coat, svelte albeit emaciated body and high energy level, which was now hampered by the four walls of his kennel. Marley grew increasingly depressed and hopeless. The staff noted that he was exhibiting "major kennel stress" and, if a rescue didn't take him, he would have to be euthanized.

The Dog Squad talked to several of the shelter's volunteers, including Mike, who knew Marley well and personally vouched for him. He insisted that Marley deserved a second chance on the outside. TDS trusted Mike's instincts and sprung Marley from the shelter.

Over one hundred and twenty days in the animal slammer, however, had left Marley with some trust issues. After ten minutes in his new foster home Marley busted out and led "The Squad" and his foster mom on a high speed chase throughout the neighborhood. Thank God that TDS's Sue had been going to gym regularly. She ran him down and, after twenty nail biting minutes, he was safe and sound in his new home.

Carol is one of TDS's most trusted foster parents. She trained and taught Marley some important commands that would give him a sense of home and trust. Soon he could "sit", "stay" and, most importantly, "wait" for his leash before darting out the door for his walks. His canine companion, Zoey, was an excellent role model. He took his cues from her and showed his gratitude with face-licking and doggy play. His daily hikes and runs in an open ball field reminded Carol of Elsa the lion in "Born Free". Soon, he was happy, de-stressed and ready for a permanent home.

Several adoption events came and went and Marley was still available. The Squad was perplexed. Marley's quiet, retiring nature didn't get him noticed and his shyness with men dashed a lot of opportunities for a permanent home.

One Saturday in September, TDS trotted Marley out to yet another event. For most of the day, he was passed over as usual. Then, Marley spotted a young couple. He approached them the same warmth and friendliness that they seemed to convey. What's more, Marley did not shy away from the man. On the contrary, he went up to him seeking affection. After some petting and a short leash-walk this lovely, young couple cheerily announced that they wanted to adopt him! By that night Marley was home with his permanent family, Scott and Heather.

Marley and Scott hang out each day in their office and take breaks to run at the dog park. Heather confessed that Marley is allowed on the furniture even though he has a nice new dog bed that he, himself, got to pick out. Now, Marley's days of dodging people and dashing doors are over. He is comfortable, loved and happy; he is finally home.

Other Happy Tails

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