Faith’s Family
From a lonely stray in 105 degree temperatures to a wonderful forever home!!
Hi, it’s me, Faith, the little German Shepherd girl found running along side the road when it was 105 degrees in Hemet. A wonderful good Samaritan caught up with me, and I collapsed in his arms from exhaustion and dehydration. He put me in his truck, took me home and slowly gave me water because I was very dehydrated and it took me a while to not feel thirsty. He could not keep me and reached out to some people to see if they could take me, but he had no success. As luck would have it, his best friend’s mom, a longtime rescuer involved with both Collies and Greyhounds, is very close friends with the person I call Aunt Mo, a volunteer with GSSH, who immediately called the person destined to become my foster dad. He drove to Woodcrest to meet and temperament test me. I passed all his requirements and he agreed to accept me into GSSH. I tested foster dad Tom’s ears on the long ride home because I was scared and confused and hated being in a crate, so I howled a good part of the way. But at least I was safe and once we got home, I was really surprised how many dogs were there. I realized I was one of many other dogs who, for through no fault of their own, had became part of a sort of club of German Shepherds in need of new homes. I no longer felt all alone and unwanted after being in foster dad Tom’s home for a while. It was not me to blame for my own misfortune, and my new foster daddy loved me so much, I just knew I was a good girl and not as bad as some other people in my past had thought. I learned how to play with other dogs, what toys were, and a feeling of security that came with the comfort of staying in my own crate. I was really getting my confidence back with all the positive attention. A few weeks later I had to get spayed. Foster daddy Tom explained that this was the right thing for me, but it wasn’t exactly great fun since I did have some pain for a couple of days.
A month later, I was finally ready to go to one of our Showcase events. I was filled with nervous anxiety because I was unsure what I was supposed to do at these things. The first one was at Whole Foods Market and I did learn quickly from the other fosters that I just needed to be my usual sweet self. That was easy enough! I was a natural. I attended several Showcase events, and I was very sweet to kids, adults and other dogs. It was getting me a lot of attention, but I was seeing all my fosters friends finding forever homes and yet I myself was not even getting an application. Was I being too sweet and people just thought I was a push over? I wasn’t sure what was going on. Why had I’d been with the rescue for such a considerable amount of time, getting all the praise and attention and yet not one application! I was becoming the favorite at the Farmer Market Great Park, so much so that people would actually stop by and say the same thing I have been thinking–why had I still not found a home? If humans were questioning, then it must not be me, right? My foster dad still loved me and would promise me, “Faith you will find your home soon! We will find you a perfect home.” One application did come in but we met the family and they were not the right fit. Foster dad Tom told them that they did not need a dog at this time because they simply didn’t have the necessary time. Still, I continued feeling sad and unwanted when guess what! Yep, we finally got an application on me. I heard my foster dad talking to the lady about me, confirming that a meeting for Saturday at Hidden Hills Park would be great. I was just so excited. After all, if my foster dad seemed positive about this application so far, it must be a good one! I could not wait until Saturday would come and I could meet this family. My foster dad told me that it was a single lady, and I was thinking, WOW! This could be the ultimate match!” Saturday came and into the car we went. We headed to the park. We always get there early so I can walk around smell everything. It was such a beautiful, sunny, cool, December day and I was thinking that this perfect day would produce the perfect potential home for me. I just knew these people were going to be the best. Soon they arrived, grandmother and granddaughter. I was so excited but knew I needed to be calm. I could just tell they were nice people. The woman’s daughter was going to come a little later. I was giving her granddaughter and her kisses, and they were really starting to like me. The daughter came, and they all took me for a walk around the park. I remembered to be on my best behavior so they would really like me. After we all spent 2 hours together, I just knew this was it. The woman decided that I was the one and she chose to proceed with my adoption, but she wanted to take me a couple days after she retired. My foster dad called her references and everything checked out so perfectly well. Once more, foster daddy Tom loaded me into the car and Aunt Jen went with us. I was so excited but I had to be calm. As soon as we arrived and I walked up the walkway and into the front door, I just knew I was home. We went into the backyard and I couldn’t believe the magnificent view I was to have as my very own everyday.
Aunt Jen and my foster daddy Tom filled out the paperwork while I checked out the backyard. My new sister and niece were there to witness my special day. While my new mommy read the adoption agreement, my foster daddy Tom wanted a picture and I begrudgingly obliged as I hate taking pictures. I would not look at the camera because I just wanted it all to be over. I was home! Nothing else mattered. We finally did get the initial picture taking done, and then it was time for me to get a family picture. The family picture was then over and done with. I was ready to start a new life in my new home. My foster daddy Tom and Aunt Jen said their goodbyes and were gone. I finally had a loving, permanent home to call my own. It took me over 7 months to find my forever home but it was well worth the wait!!