If you read All Dogs Must Be Irish, How To Make An Informed Decision When Choosing A Dog, and How To Adopt A Dog From A Local Shelter Or Rescue, welcome to my dog adoption reveal story!
Petfinder
On April 14, I joined petfinder.com, Purina powers that website. Mickie, who I wrote about in Mini-Pin Rescue, was found using it as a resource, so I thought it would be an excellent place to start.
On Petfinder, many shelters and rescue organizations list the animals in their care. Petfinder states: “Our team is passionate about connecting people and pets. We’re excited about assisting with your search. We can help you find your best match, learn more about pets that catch your eye, and move forward with confidence.”
A helpful feature on this website is that you can use filters to narrow your search to the kind of dog you are looking for and save the photo and info to your favorites. The dog we ended up adopting was at one time briefly on my favorites list! Then she was no longer available after a few days, which usually means the dog was adopted.
Local Shelters And Rescue Organizations
Daily, I checked the websites of Petfinder, Animal Humane, local shelters, and rescue organizations. I had a trip planned to Phoenix to see a WNBA game and Janet’s daughter from June 19 through June 23, so I wanted to adopt a dog when I returned home. Writing the three articles mentioned above kept me focused on the adoption process and not the emotions I experienced when I was in the shelter.
Dog Adoption Active Search
My active search began on June 8 and included five trips to the local shelter, with the last visit on July 14. I asked to meet three dogs outside of the confines of the shelter in a less stressful area of the shelter grounds.
Also, since I always went with a clipboard in hand to take notes, I asked for additional information from the staff about several other possibilities. Many of those dogs were still in the shelter awaiting surgeries but had been adopted.
Consistently, I noticed that small dogs are not available for long in the shelters. The shelters and rescue organizations work together to find homes for as many dogs as possible. A “medium” dog weighs 25-55 pounds-a considerable difference between those numbers. There are more male dogs than females. Many pit bulls, pit bull mixes, and large dogs usually remain in the shelter longer, hoping for a new home.
Some Things Are Meant To Be
On July 5, a friend who is a long-time volunteer with the ABQ Eastside Animal Shelter in the clinic and does adoption outreach events sent me a message about Smiley Miley with Lap Dog Rescue.
“Smiley Miley is a 4-year-old Terrier X weighing around 16 lbs. She was a wonderful mom to her 3 puppies and now it’s her time to find her forever. She’s working on her motherly figure and getting back in shape and would be a great dog to take your walks with. She gets along with other dogs but seems to be more into human affection. She’s never met a stranger and is happy to say hello to anyone that comes her way. And watch out! She will smother you with kisses. She has done well with her potty training and is learning to be a spoiled little baby. Someone will be lucky to have this happy little gem!”
Arlie added that she thought Miley would be a good match because we had previously talked about what kind of dog Janet and I were looking for.
July 11, I completed an online application with Lap Dog Rescue.
On July 14, Jenn from Lap Dog Rescue contacted me and said she received my online application for Miley. She explained that she had tried reaching out to me earlier in the week but realized she didn’t leave a voicemail. Jenn also told me she had a Meet ‘N Greet scheduled with a potential adopter but could contact me if things didn’t work out.
On July 15, Janet and I went to an ABQ Chihuahua Rescue Meet ‘N Greet at a local Petsmart, where we met Nana Banana, and saw many other chihuahuas. Several of the volunteers with the rescue hoped we would adopt her. I completed an application at the event, but we did not commit to adopting. Both of us felt like something was holding us back.
Jen called on July 16 and explained that Miley was still available. We scheduled a Meet ‘N Greet in our home for the next day, July 17.
Dog Adoption Reveal
Jenn and Miley arrived at our home. With her tail wagging nonstop, she ran back and forth, spreading her love between me and Janet.
The question I had yet to ask was how Miley ended up in the care of the Lap Dog Rescue of New Mexico. She explained that Miley and her three four-day-old babies had been found in a hoarding situation in El Paso, Texas. The rescue in El Paso was full, and it contacted LDRNM to see if they could take Mom and her puppies. Jenn said yes and fostered all four in addition to her other foster commitments!
During the home visit, Jenn told us that Miley had been a patient and wonderful mom, and all her babies had been adopted. Now Miley had her chance for a forever home.
I asked Janet what she thought. She said, “I like her!” Then I said to Jenn, “We want her!” Jenn asked if we wanted to keep Miley that day or if they needed to return to give us more time. We said Miley could stay, and I completed the adoption papers.
Then I held Miley out of sight in the den while Jenn quietly (and I imagine with happy tears) left out the front door. I suspect those moments are difficult for the kind-hearted foster guardian as they care for and rehabilitate God’s most vulnerable creatures. And then let them go to their new forever home.
We feel fortunate to share our days with the best Wire Fox Terrier X gal pal ever!
Included with the Lap Dog Rescue Adoption Packet was info every new pet parent should know and patiently practice:
Resources
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) https://www.aspca.org
You might wonder why I included camping as a tag for this blog story. I intend to camp with Miley sometime in the future. We were still getting to know each other (one month) when this article was published.
Tough Cookie Shout Out: During the three-month process to find and adopt a dog, we met the kindest and most dedicated guardians and advocates for animals. Most of them volunteer their time to care for those in shelters and their own homes as fosters on many different levels. In a capitalistic and celebrity-worshipping society, they restored my faith in what truly matters in life and who does the most important work. Miley, Janet, and I thank you all!
Copyright © 2022-2025 Marilyn K Fuller. All Rights Reserved.
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A lot of good info to find the right pet. Staying patient helped us when Miley became available 🙂