Gunther’s Family

Just in the Nick of Time!

Hi, remember me? I’m Gunther and I’m one lucky dog. The only reason I’m alive today is because my foster dad, Tom, wanted to show one of the GSSH volunteers what the process was for temperament testing a dog when they pulled a dog from a high kill shelter. Well, he performed all of the tests and I passed everything…except the paws. He said that we would have to work on that one. I was up for that. The kennel attendant took me back to my kennel while they went to get information on me and see how long I had. They were shocked to learn that theshelter was going to put me to sleep the next day! Tom was not planning on taking another dog, but this had turned into an emergency situation and he knew I was a great dog. He had to beg the shelter to keep me until Sunday because he did not have any room. They agreed to keep me until then…if only I could read a calendar!

Sunday came and my foster dad came to pick me up. I was really ready to be out of the shelter. All of the barking dogs and the smell of death was enough for me. I was still trying to figure out why my old owners left me there. But I had a new beginning ahead of me with GSSH. Once I gotto his home, oh boy, was I excited! There were so many dogs ready to play and have a good time. I met a lot of nice friends and got to play and play and play!

The day came for my first GSSH event at a place called Whole Foods Market. I met a few people but it seems that many people are afraid of black dogs. I went to a couple of other events and met more people, but still, nothing. Then one day I overheard my foster dad on the phone with someone. They were talking about me! It sounded pretty promising. He said that her application looked really great and asked when she wanted to meet me. The appointment was set for Saturday at 11am…if only I could tell time! From what I could tell by the conversation, this person had lost her Shepherd a few months back and was ready to adopt another Shepherd. She did have another dog. We would have to see if we could get along first. Are you kidding? I get along with all of the dogs in my foster home! This wasn’t going to be a problem.

Well, my daddy loaded me up and we headed to the park. Once I got there we walked around and waited for her to arrive. I kept myself busy with all of the new smells. There were so many! She finally got there and immediately sat down on the grass with me. I could tell she really liked me but I was a little unsure of her. She was patient while I got a feel for her. It took a little time, but then I knew, she would be a good fit for me. Next, I had to meet the dog I am supposed to get along with. Okay, I’ll admit, I was kind of difficult at first because I wanted her to know I was the “Big Dog” in these parts. Well, she didn’t care if I was the Big Dog, the Small Dog or the Medium Dog…she was not having anything to do with me! She didn’t pay any attention to me at all! Well, I finally got some attention and everyone seemed to think we would get along just fine. I knew I could get her to play once I settled into my new home, I’m irresistible! After an hour and a half it was decided that we were a good fit and we would move to the next step. I heard my foster dad talking on the phone with the references. Everyone said wonderful things about my new mother. I could have told him that, I’m a very good judge of character.

Finally it was adoption day! I was loaded up and we headed to a place called San Diego. Typical Southern California freeway…traffic was heavy almost all the way there! I just wanted to get to my new life and all this stop and go was making me sick! Finally, we arrived. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had almost two acres on which to run. A dog can really stretch out for a good run on two acres, especially with all of the rabbits and squirrels to chase, they were everywhere! We walked around to check the property, just to make sure everything was good. It all checked out okay (whew). All that was left was to complete the adoption paperwork and take the family photo. Taking the family photo was fun because my foster daddy is so picky on getting a good picture. Come on, this isn’t Vogue! After we were finished, my foster dad said his goodbyes and off he went.

I finally found my forever home. I have a buddy I can play with and an amazing mom. I have a great life ahead of me!