Violeta Is Adopted!
Violeta now known as Polly with Carolyn and new sister, Maya
An adult female German Shorthaired Pointer was picked up as a stray. She had recently had pups and was still lactating. Undoubtedly someone would be looking for the Mother of a recently whelped litter. Wouldn't they? The shelter had named the GSP Violeta. Violeta, a blueish-purple flower that Ancient Greeks believed to be a symbol of fertility and love. The name seemed appropriate, but where was the love? When the holding period passed, and the owner had not come to claim Violeta, California GSP Rescue was there to rescue her.
They brought Violeta from her kennel and brought up to the front. Her tail was wagging; happy someone was finally there to get her. She looked at the Volunteer as if to say, "what took you so long?" The Volunteer returned the gaze with heartfelt love. Violeta knew she was safe.
Once vetted and made available for adoption, we had an adopter waiting in the wings for an older dog after her beloved Chicot had passed away. Carolyn is a repeat adopter and huge supporter of the California GSP Rescue. She also is dear to our hearts, as she only applies to adopt senior dogs, and gives them a caring loving home to live out the rest of their years. We introduced her to Violeta and her dog Maya. It wasn’t perfect, but definitely manageable, and Carolyn was committed to this beautiful GSP who needed her. Once again, Carolyn was our angel. Violeta, now known as Polly was home.
“We have survived six months of Polly (formerly Violeta)!
When Greg brought her over for a meet & greet, I could see that he was a little disconcerted that she spent more time exploring my yard, (lots of shrubbery, hedges, and an enticingly-overgrown "back forty"), than trying to impress me. Nothing has changed, but I told Greg then that I didn't mind, and I still don't. She LOVES hunting for critters (and seems utterly unfazed by her lack of success), and if that's what makes her happy, then I'm happy. Well, I'm not so happy about the destruction of my vegetable garden or the fact that the neatly-stacked woodpile is now completely scattered, but that's a different topic! And so is the matter of the multiple destroyed dog beds!
I did have some concerns over the fact that she was reported to have some food guarding issues and was not terribly dog-social, but neither has been a problem. I did feed her in a separate room from Maya at first, but now she actually waits patiently while I feed Maya, and then dashes into the laundry area where she does an excellent sit-stay before I give her the bowl. And she actually likes other dogs. The one thing I feel bad about is that she wants to play with Maya, and Maya who is twelve just isn't having it. But she ignores the yappy little dog next door and when we go on an excursion, she wants to meet other dogs and whines and yips when her "friends" leave.
When she can spare the time from lizard-patrol, she is a funny, affectionate, happy dog. She loves backrubs and tummy rubs, takes treats very politely, and really, REALLY loves her walks. As soon as she gets the cue that we're going out, she turns into a complete idiot, jumping, spinning, and barking hysterically (and LOUDLY) until I get the leashes. Maya usually goes outdoors until the ruckus stops, and I don't blame her!
I am working, not very successfully, on her territorial tendencies. She loves everyone off the property, but thinks that she has to scare off anyone coming to the house or walking down the street. Fortunately she generally accepts people I approve of, but for reasons I can't figure out, she just doesn't like my housekeeper, who feels hurt because she loves dogs. But this gives me a reason to take her down to the local bistro/brewery where I have an adult beverage and Polly gets a beef patty. She is so happy to meet other dogs there, from little terriers to the giant pit-mastiff mix whose owner works there, and she is also very popular with the other people there. She's so darn cute!
I'm so glad Greg urged me to give Polly a try. Every time I see that happy grin, I have to smile myself. And if she isn't a Velcro dog, well, Maya is, and I don't need two”!
