SPIRIT

Thanks to Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary I now have a new man in my life. Just a few weeks ago I saw on the SHPS Facebook Page that there was a White Siberian Husky in need of a foster home until he could get adopted. It was love at first sight! However, I was a little too late on the request as he had already found a foster home, but he did not have a furever home yet which got me thinking.

My boyfriend and I were looking at puppies just a few weeks earlier. Although exciting there was something a little unsettling about it. There are just so many animals in this world without a loving home and we knew we could make a difference by adopting instead. This is Spirit and he is 6 years old.

I can tell that the home Spirit originally came from loved him very much. He came to me well trained well behaved and well groomed! His nails were clipped and his fur was majestic and clean. As good practice, all animals come from SHPS with their shots updated and the paperwork that comes along with it as well. Elizabeth at SHPS was an excellent communicator, she was able to answer all my questions and concerns as a new dog mom. The story about how he came all the way to Wisconsin from Illinois is heartbreaking but I am so, so happy that he is getting a second chance at a good life.

I was told that Spirits previous owner knew he would have a hard time getting adopted if he was placed in a shelter since he is an older dog. Spirit also has a certain uniqueness about him. You see, he is blind in one eye, he was born this way. To me, that was just another thing to make me love him even more. Much like humans, I believe our unique differences should never be viewed as a flaw.

I’m learning more and more about him every day! I’m learning what he likes and what he doesn’t like. I’m learning what he is used to and what he is not. He is very expressive! I’m really trying hard to listen to his wants and needs. When he first came to me he wasn’t really eating much of anything. I imagine the trauma that animals feel when missing a loved one is the same guttural reaction we all have as humans. We tend to forget that type of sensitivity to animals. For the rest of his time here on this Earth we want to make sure that he is happy so that we can give him the best life possible.

Spirit loves long car rides and lucky for me he also loves chewing on dental stix (his breath can be a little stinky from time to time).

I was told he didn’t care much for toys in the past but I bought him this hedgehog and he loves it. He sleeps with it, he carries it around and he’ll chase it if I throw it (no more than twice though). I don’t watch Grey’s Anatomy but I’ll put it on from Hulu so he has some background noise while I’m away, he seems to like it.

He really enjoys the finer things in life like fresh air…

The great outdoors….

Long walks and beautiful scenery, we have that in common.

He’s a little bit of a rebel.

Jodi: Don’t sit on the couch

Spirit: *Waits till back is turned, sits on couch

Walks wherever he wants to but the best part is…

He’s respectful. He doesn’t chew or bite anything that he knows isn’t his. He might sniff around but he doesn’t steal food. Such a gentleman! He has the lowest whimper and the softest whining I’ve ever heard come from a dog. For the most part, he’s pretty quiet, I don’t hear much from him unless he’s bored, has to wee or wants food. Sometimes when I talk to him he’ll talk back if he deems it necessary.

He’s a great listener. If you tell him no begging he might quietly complain and howl/murmor to himself but he stops. When I ask him to sit randomly for the purposes of a photo, he groans and sits slowly or half way sits, almost as if to say, “ugh fine, but why”.

He’s a great protector and almost never leaves our side. He backs up just enough to make sure he can feel your feet, legs, hand anything, before laying down next to you.

             Snapchat: missjodik

He’s a great companion and I talk to him everyday about random things, like I said earlier he’s a great listener. We couldn’t be happier and I hope that he is enjoying his new furever home.

It’s because of places like Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary that great animals like Spirit are able to live.

Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary Facebook

Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary Website 

A message from SHPS:

Your donation will help us pay for food, veterinary care, medication, and location expenses. Animals with special needs come with more initial veterinary visits, and it can be expensive. With your donation we can keep providing top-notch care to the animals who need us the most. We are a 501(c)3 organization, so every donation you make is tax-deductable.The animals appreciate your help, and so do we! We can’t do this without your support! The donation box suggests $10.00, but you can change it to any amount. Every single dollar counts!

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