On November 4, 2006, my life changed- it went from being good to AMAZING!
I've been told that when you find the "right" dog, you'll know right away, I had never experienced that feeling until I met Blue Eyes. The shelter in Downieville, Colorado needed some work- it wasn't the nicest place to find your new companion, but to me, it was more of a reason to rescue an animal from the Clear Creek County Animal Rescue League. CCCARL is an amazing organization that has helped a countless number of animals find homes. Blue Eyes, as he was known to the shelter employees and volunteers, was a long term resident having been in the shelter for over 4 months. My first meeting with Blue Eyes was an amazing one- as I bent down to tell him hello, he actually climbed his way up to place his two front paws on each of my shoulders while laying his head next to mine. This dog gave me a hug during our first meeting! How can you walk away from that!?!
I decided to foster Blue Eyes, to make sure we were a perfect match, but it didn't take long (a couple days) for me to sign the adoption papers and make him mine. After many hours of debate on a potential new name, I decided that Bleu (he has to have a French name like me!)suits my Blue and it made for an easy transition. Bleu and I quickly became inseperable. Hiking, snowshoeing, biking, cleaning, working....we did it all together!
I decided to take Bleu to some training/obedience classes to help get his "manners" under control. He was the worst dog in class on his first day, but by the end of the 6 week class, Bleu was the most improved and best dog! I knew at that moment that he was meant for something greater so together we became a Delta Society Pet Partner team or make Bleu a therapy dog. We were told that you should have your dog for at least 1 year to allow ample enough time to know your pet and vice versa, but after 6 months, Bleu passed the evaluation with flying colors! Bleu, my therapy dog, and I went to the local Vail hospital once a month to cheer up people of all ages in the PCU. It was great! The smiles, laughs, tears of joy and stories these patients shared with us!
Bleu and I have now been together for 3 years and I have to admit- I don't believe for one second that I rescued him from the shelter that day- Bleu rescued me....that day and every day here after.
Bleu has given me inspiration. Inspiration to do more; to help more dogs find amazing homes. My dream is to create a K-9 rescue organization that will help thousands, maybe millions of dogs be placed in a home with responsible owners. Bleu's Place (as it will be called) will have training facilities so anyone who adopts their new best friend from Bleu's Place or any other rescue organization will have free classes on training the dog and training the human. Bleu's Place will be the ultimate animal rescue and training facility! I know it will become a reality one day, so stay tuned!
I hope you enjoyed this story- that it brought smiles, memories and happiness into your life (even if it's just for a moment).
I remind myself each day what a wonderful world it is that we live in. Bleu is just one of the many reminders in my life. I hope that you will share a little piece of happiness with others as well.
Have a blessed day!
I've been told that when you find the "right" dog, you'll know right away, I had never experienced that feeling until I met Blue Eyes. The shelter in Downieville, Colorado needed some work- it wasn't the nicest place to find your new companion, but to me, it was more of a reason to rescue an animal from the Clear Creek County Animal Rescue League. CCCARL is an amazing organization that has helped a countless number of animals find homes. Blue Eyes, as he was known to the shelter employees and volunteers, was a long term resident having been in the shelter for over 4 months. My first meeting with Blue Eyes was an amazing one- as I bent down to tell him hello, he actually climbed his way up to place his two front paws on each of my shoulders while laying his head next to mine. This dog gave me a hug during our first meeting! How can you walk away from that!?!
I decided to foster Blue Eyes, to make sure we were a perfect match, but it didn't take long (a couple days) for me to sign the adoption papers and make him mine. After many hours of debate on a potential new name, I decided that Bleu (he has to have a French name like me!)suits my Blue and it made for an easy transition. Bleu and I quickly became inseperable. Hiking, snowshoeing, biking, cleaning, working....we did it all together!
I decided to take Bleu to some training/obedience classes to help get his "manners" under control. He was the worst dog in class on his first day, but by the end of the 6 week class, Bleu was the most improved and best dog! I knew at that moment that he was meant for something greater so together we became a Delta Society Pet Partner team or make Bleu a therapy dog. We were told that you should have your dog for at least 1 year to allow ample enough time to know your pet and vice versa, but after 6 months, Bleu passed the evaluation with flying colors! Bleu, my therapy dog, and I went to the local Vail hospital once a month to cheer up people of all ages in the PCU. It was great! The smiles, laughs, tears of joy and stories these patients shared with us!
Bleu and I have now been together for 3 years and I have to admit- I don't believe for one second that I rescued him from the shelter that day- Bleu rescued me....that day and every day here after.
Bleu has given me inspiration. Inspiration to do more; to help more dogs find amazing homes. My dream is to create a K-9 rescue organization that will help thousands, maybe millions of dogs be placed in a home with responsible owners. Bleu's Place (as it will be called) will have training facilities so anyone who adopts their new best friend from Bleu's Place or any other rescue organization will have free classes on training the dog and training the human. Bleu's Place will be the ultimate animal rescue and training facility! I know it will become a reality one day, so stay tuned!
I hope you enjoyed this story- that it brought smiles, memories and happiness into your life (even if it's just for a moment).
I remind myself each day what a wonderful world it is that we live in. Bleu is just one of the many reminders in my life. I hope that you will share a little piece of happiness with others as well.
Have a blessed day!
Great story Kayla. Hope your dream shelter comes true.
ReplyDeleteReally well written - I happened to see your notice on FB and thought I'd check it out. Fantastic outlook on life!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing and best of luck with your Blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story! I loved it, and it made my day. Pursue your dream! --Char
ReplyDeleteIt must have been an exhilarating experience but I'm afraid my stomach would not have allowed me to jump... Congratulations on overcoming your fear, but please don't do it again for the sake of your mother!!!
ReplyDelete