The Perfect Fit

Pure white and stunning, like the snow-capped peaks she was named for, Sierra once had a home and a family and a best canine buddy. She and her buddy spent their days together in the house while her human parents worked. But her family was gone a lot. They didn’t have time to train Sierra, or to work with her, or even to exercise her properly. And Sierra was a bundle of energy, which proved to be overwhelming for her doggie friend who was too old to fend for himself. He’d ignore her invitations to play by flopping on his side or turning his butt to her. Finally, the family made the painful decision to relinquish her in hopes that she could find a brighter future. So Sierra came to rescue and joined the rest of the canine family in the kennels. I tuned into Sierra and asked her what she’d like in her new home. Her response was simple. Busy, busy, busy.

Sierra was a loving social girl who bonded with everyone—human and canine. Every dog she was introduced to became her best friend. And those who accepted her invitations to play had a special place in her heart. While she yearned and searched for a new family, she had plenty of play time in the yard, dashing around hay bales, jumping over new playmates, and playing tug of war with a rope toy. Rescue volunteers quickly learned that she was highly intelligent and turned the play yard into her personal agility course. And while she had received little training in her previous home, she mastered commands quickly, jumping on and off the hay bales on command!.

When Sierra’s bio was posted to the website, applications streamed in, but there was one that stood out. One that might be the perfect fit.

A young family with two dogs and two young children was looking for another active dog because they had an active two-year-old shepherd (Kiara) and a 14-year-old retriever (Kimba). Kiara was desperate for a more-constant playmate. It sounded just like the situation Sierra had come from. Except this family was active. This family was often home. This family had a young energetic dog as well as an older one. And this family had the time and energy to give Sierra what she so desperately yearned for.

So a meet-and-greet was arranged, and it exceeded expectations. Sierra met Kimba first, gingerly sniffing her, and then gently nudged her with her nose. Kimba sniffed back and then wagged her tail and walked away. Success! Then it was time for Sierra and Kiara to meet. Kiara jumped and spun and play-bowed, turning himself inside out with his delight. It was a bit much even for social Sierra. Mom corrected him and redirected his energy slightly. He settled, and Sierra accepted his greeting. Then it was time to meet the kids. Sierra gently sat on cue and offered a paw. And with that, she sealed the deal.

Now Sierra is settled in her new home and it’s the perfect fit. She’s thriving on her daily runs with mom and her new canine playmate. Sierra also proved to be great with the kids. All mom had to say was “gentle” or “paws off” and Sierra settled immediately. One of our volunteers visited Sierra on her second day in her new home and reported back that Sierra is in heaven now. You can see the joy on her face as she gazes at her new family and the wonder in her eyes as she explores every square inch of her new home. She has finally found her match. Her new mom reported recently that Sierra is being run ragged by Kiara and the kids, and the hikes, and the daily runs. And she sleeps like a baby at night, exhausted by her busy new life. I asked Sierra what she liked most about her new home, although it seemed like a no-brainer. Her response surprised me. She said that there was a collective wisdom in her new home, that the people seemed to almost intuitively understand her needs and desires. Sounds like heaven to me.