As the year 2020 come to its end, some of us will be saying, “Good Riddance!” for various reasons. But as 2020 rapidly approaches our rear view mirrors, perhaps we could all agree that there have been some bright spots to celebrate, and I’d like to share one of those bright spots with you. This is a story about a dog named Winter.

Ms. Shannon Tarr is the driving force behind Emotional Rescue (ER) LLC. I asked Shannon if she would share Winter’s journey with me, and I’m so glad she was able to take the time to fill me in on that journey.

Winter came onto Shannon’s radar when she was contacted by a rescuer in Arkansas about a special needs dog that seemed to have been born with knee caps on the sides of her hind legs. This caused those back legs to be permanently bent in toward her body. So, Winter made the trip from Arkansas to ER, and understandably, that trip was very hard on Winter. She was underweight, and came down with pneumonia. Eventually with good medication and care, Winter was on the road to recovery.

Winter waited to be adopted for many months, but then, an adoption application came in for her. Shannon relates that ER is always transparent regarding the health and behavior of every dog it places for adoption, and Winter was no exception. Unfortunately, within a few days, Winter was returned to ER because the placement family found that Winter was more of a commitment than they were prepared for.

But now, Winter will be going home with a new family who is aware of Winter’s needs.

Shannon feels that this match will be the one that lasts, and Winter will be able to live her best life. Winter will carry a bit of Shannon’s heart along with her, but Shannon will tell you that her job is to be the bridge between a dog’s past life, and the new, loving life they will come to have.

Many people consider pet adoption over the Holidays, and many pets have been adopted as more and more time has been spent at home while we work through COVID-19. Pet adoption can be an amazing thing, but I also turned to a dear friend who coordinated adoptions with the Midwest Pug Rescue, Ms. Jean Brannigan for her perspectives on pet adoption. Jean and Shannon have spoken of many of the same thoughts with me regarding pet adoption, and I’d like to share pointers from these rescue pros.

A rescued dog or cat will probably have been in a shelter or foster care long enough for the rescue organization to learn their personalities, along with any health issues that may arise. This way, a reputable rescue organization can share as much information as possible about an adoptable pet with potential “forever homes”. These organizations will also take their time getting to know the adopters. Is the home safe? Why are the adopters interested in taking in a rescue, and in particular, why a specific pet? What is the adoptive family like…children, other pets, allergies, etc.? Pet adoption specialists are looking for the first placement to be the last and best placement, as being returned to rescue from an adoption can be very traumatic for the pet. Below are some questions to ask of yourself and your family, if you may be considering pet adoption in the future.

1, Will you give your new pet the attention, time, care, and love it needs?

2. Will you ensure that all regular and emergency vet visits will happen, and will you have the financial resources to devote to pet care? This also includes food, kennels, litter boxes, etc., and will you ensure your pet is properly fed to maintain a healthy weight?

3. Will you train or keep your pet in such a way that it is a good “pet citizen”, and will you not allow your pet to run free, unless in the proper types of spaces?

4. Will you provide your pet with proper shelter to meet its needs during changing weather and environmental conditions?

5. Will you commit to caring for your pet over its lifetime, not selling it or giving it away to other parties, dumping it, or treating it cruelly? If you must surrender the pet, will you commit to returning it to the rescue from which you adopted?

6. When it comes time to say goodbye, will you commit to humane passing with a vet.?

Pet ownership is a joy, and you’’l find that having a pet in your life is an enriching experience. After honestly answering the above questions, you find that pet adoption or fostering is something that’s a good fit, well, that ’s just wonderful!

For a dog named Winter, and all the pets that have found forever homes, may 2021 be a year of love. For the pets yet in shelter and rescue, may you find your own forever home that you’re so deserving of.