Xander’s Family
From being just a dog to a true family member!
Hi, it’s Xander, the dog that my old owners did not want anymore. I think I was too much dog for them and I don’t think they understood me because they used a shock collar so I wouldn’t bark and a muzzle so I wouldn’t chew on stuff. They reached out to GSSH to see if they would take me and it was the best thing that could have happened. My mom and I met this really nice guy in a park and he evaluated me and I guess I passed his tests because he decided to take me. Even though I loved my family, I was kind of relieved because I felt like I needed a family who would take the time to learn about me and understand what I needed to be a good, happy dog. So anyway, off we went to my new foster home.
When we got there, I couldn’t believe all the dogs there were to play with! I knew I was going to have lots of fun getting to know everyone. Chloe, one of my foster sisters, kind of introduced me to my other foster brothers and sisters. She also became one of my favorite play buddies, we played so well together! I finally was able to be myself! No more shock collar or muzzle, my foster dad threw those away the minute we got home because he knew I didn’t need them. All I needed was to be able to be a dog! We had playtime, meal times, playtime, nap times, and more playtime! I was really happy to be in such a fun home. I relaxed and settled in pretty fast because my foster dad and the other dogs were very understanding of the new guy in the pack.
Soon, I was ready for my first adoption event. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I had a lot of fun. There were so many people who came by to give me a lot of attention and you know, I am a people dog so I took it all in and just loved every minute! I didn’t get an application from the event but there was no need to worry though because a few weeks later, an application came in for me and my foster dad thought they could be the perfect family for me. The family was excited to be able to meet me so a meet & greet was scheduled for the following weekend. I couldn’t wait to see what this family was like, would they like me? Would I like them? I was getting nervous as the weekend approached. I told myself that I need to settle down and just know that if it’s meant to be then it’ll happen.
Finally the day came to meet that family. My foster dad and I got to the park first and since the family wasn’t there yet, we walked around the park to calm my nerves. He said to me that “this could be it Xander, this could be your forever family. I know you’re excited but just be yourself and it will all work out.” I was totally calm when they pulled up and when they all came up to meet me, I knew right then and there that this was the perfect family for me. They were all so nice to me but I soon realized that I had to win over the little girl because she was unsure of me and kept comparing me to their old dog. I knew we could be really good friends and she would be an awesome human sister for me. I had already won over the rest of the family but knew it would take time to show her what a great dog I am. The family decided they wanted to do the foster to adopt program but were going to wait a couple of weeks because they were going out of town. That was okay though because during those couple of weeks, I got to stay with Aunt Jill and it was really fun at her house because I had a huge yard to play in with Aunt Jill’s two dogs and we went on a lot of walks too.
Before I knew it, it was time to go to my foster to adopt home. My old foster dad and Aunt Jen picked me up and we made the long drive to my new home. We finally got there and it was exciting to see everyone again. And guess what, my human sister was happy to see me too! I checked out the house and the yard but it was hot outside so I came back in and saw that they bought me a brand new crate, bed and toys! How cool! It didn’t take me long to get comfortable hanging out in the living room. As the days went by, I knew I was a really lucky boy. I got to go for a lot of walks, I take naps with my human siblings and get to play a lot! After several weeks, my foster parents decided it was time to sign the adoption papers and get them sent to GSSH. I was so excited because my new mom said, it is official Xander, you are now our dog! I am so happy in my forever home! I finally have a wonderful family that loves and treats me so well and has made me a true member of their family!