On May 7, 2017, a cute little collarless ball of white fluff showed up on our front stoop, covered in fleas and matted fur. This wee creature captured my daughter Kolleen’s heart, and we took her in. First things first, she got a flea bath. The cute doggie had a visit to the local vet to see if they could find a chip. Although he couldn’t locate one, the doctor thought she was about eight years old, and it appeared that she had been wandering quite a while. Kolleen took a photo of the pup’s sweet face and put it on social media and lost pet sites, but no one claimed her.
We only had a week or so when she got out and took off like a shot. We went out looking for her but to no avail. Forty-five minutes later, we all returned home to find her again on our porch. Kolleen decided to keep her, so we took her back to the vet for a thorough exam and shots needed. This time they found a chip. Kolleen called the owner right away. The story emerged that owner gave his dog Sofie to an associate. The person still claimed Sofie was doing well, but, in truth, she had not been in his care for some time. Angered at his associate but glad Sofie had found a new home, Kolleen had his permission to keep her. Sofie became part of the family and received her new collar that day.
Rallo, Kolleen’s dachshund, the always friendly pup, wanted to be friends, but I’m afraid this pup that found us must have had run-ins with other dogs. Sofie tolerated him but didn’t like him in her business. She growled a lot and marked her territory all over the house. Ugh! Her messes made him revert, and goodness me, I thought of my grandmother’s saying often, “I’m gonna kill you kids and tell God you died!”
Fast forward. Kolleen and her husband and their two pups moved to Oregon in October of 2019. Though they tried to make it work, Sofie and Rallo were not good companions for each other. They continued marking their territory in the house, and something had to give. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, we hadn’t been able to visit for a year, but finally, at her wit’s end, Kolleen called. They had had enough. We made the trip and picked up Sofie and brought her home with us—hoping the best for Rallo and Sofie and that this would make the difference for the dog’s best friend’s sanity. 😊
Sofie is doing well and has a new collar again. She’s happy here, and Rallo is happy there. Kolleen misses her “Gofie-girl” but is glad she is in a familiar place and with people she knows and loves. Sofie keeps me company as I write. Except for the occasional midnight cry to go outside for business, we are getting along famously. She’s being so good for grandma. Sofie’s a sweetie.
Too bad Sofie had to feel the need to protect her boundaries but if she had been living on the streets for a long time than it is understandable. It is the survival of the fittest out there for strays. So glad she could come live with you 🙂
I’m glad we could take her in. It’s interesting how she chilled out once she was by herself. Poor Rallo, I think she was a bully to him. I think he’s doing well now, too. That makes me happy. He’s been in the family for 10 years. 🙂 Love that little waggle, too.