Meet, train, go!
Saturday was so much fun, interesting and informative! We decided to combine a free training day utilizing the expertise of Sam Smith Walk My Dog, an awesome resource to VEBR dogs, and a day for folks to come meet our available pups. We have never done this before as we like to minimize traffic through the kennel. However we really wanted to offer that extra level of exposure to our dogs.
It was so good. Two dogs were adopted: little five-month-old Pear, a pointer mix from Texas went all the way to Ottawa Canada with Erlee and Erik and Coda, her new dog best friend. She was so happy ripping around the yard, jumping, chasing, somersaulting and following her soon-to-be canine brother. It was beautiful. The way that they accepted one another and played rough but not in any way mean, sealed the deal. We are so excited for you little girl!
In addition little Reesie, one of the most interesting dogs that I have ever seen, was also adopted. Reesie is a Jack Russell Terrier Dachshund cross. Her color is a soft blue/grey with white and rust points….stunning. Little seven-month-old Reesie is going to be the new canine queen of Runamok Maple Farm here in Vermont. Her adopters, Emily and Scott, visited us earlier in the week and met several dogs. However in the end it was the Reesie that had their vote and heart.
Both adoptive couples were able to work with Sam and the dog of choice in order to know what things would need their attention going forward. We will miss these pups but know that they are now fully integrated into a family and home. Starting at 10 a.m., Sam had individual and group sessions scheduled. Some of our participants had rescue dogs that were not living up to their full potential. Sam worked with them and the dogs and sent them home with a clearer understanding about what needed to be changed.
In the groups, some of our wonderful volunteers came and partnered with VEBR dogs to learn how to better handle them and bring out the best in them. The comments regarding Sam and the work he does were nothing short of positive. Sam imparts not only knowledge to be a better dog partner, but confidence to just do it and the awareness to see and process the results. Thank you Sam.
An an extra bonus, we got a visit from Oliver, adopted eight months ago. Oliver’s history was nothing short of soul breaking, but with Jaime and Brandon’s help, he now lives in security, peace, fun, and love. Such a great treat to see this boy blossom.
Thank you to our volunteers who have families and jobs and lives, to take your Saturday to help our dogs by learning skills. Thank you to our potential adopters for coming and meeting and with Sam’s help better understanding what type of dog would be the best match. Thank you to my rescue partner Karen for helping me until after dark last night, planting flowers and tidying up the yard so that it provided a great place in which to work. Thank you to those who donated. Great day!
