Saturday, August 25, 2018

Helping Brandon #18-018 Find "Life"


~More veggies from our garden~
Today Carl returns from being out of town, and I end 10 days as a single-dog-parent. I'm exhausted.  The loss of Momma, and two sick pups, Eva and Bailey took its toll because of a few nights of little sleep and having to work, and care for the other dogs.  Thankfully both girls are feeling better, and for that I'm thankful and grateful.
~Bailey, not feeling well~
We also end the week minus another member of our household. You may, or may not remember that back in June, we welcomed a 14+ year old boy named Brandon.
~Brandon, the day we met~
Brandon settled in very nicely and got along with all the dogs. But somewhere along the way,  that began to change. I can only think that being part of a multi-dog household got to be too much for Brandon. He began growling and sometimes fighting with the other dogs. Most of the time, for whatever reason, Bailey, was the one he targeted.  And Todd, who is always ready for a fight, got involved a few times which took the fight to a whole other level. Thankfully no one was injured, but we began "managing" where Brandon was, and which dogs he was with. It wasn't always easy, but we worked it out.
The foster-home-coordinator for the rescue really tried to find a new foster home for Brandon. But she wasn't able to find anyone, and I think now it was because the cosmos had other plans. Brandon had been on the rescues website as "available for adoption." and a few weeks ago, there was an inquiry about Brandon. But the family had to go through the approval process and so we decided to hang-on and see where it would take us. They were previous adopters from the rescue, and with all their information updated, a new home visit completed they were approved to adopt again, and so we met last Saturday.

Meeting "P" and her husband was just like meeting friends. They were warm and welcoming. "P" is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, and she felt she needed something to take care of and something that would also take her mind off herself.  "P" had seen Brandon on the rescues website when he was with his previous foster home and available for adoption , and she'd noticed when he was no longer listed.  So, when "P" saw him listed again, she knew they had to apply to adopt him. "P's" feelings about Brandon, even before she met him, were so strong, that she even ordered him a new leash and collar.
By himself, Brandon is gentle, sweet, endearing, affectionate, and even silly. He was all "P" and her husband hoped he would be, and our meeting could not have gone any better. Taking on a senior dog, especially one that is 14 years old is something to consider, so I asked them to think about it and we would catch up in a few days. I received a call from "P" a couple of hours later. They were totally smitten by Brandon and of course I thought they could not be more perfect for him!

So, on Thursday, Brandon was adopted. "P" and her husband could not be happier or  more excited to dote on and spoil Brandon and to have him as part of their lives! "P" and her husband are Jewish. I mention this only because when we were filling out Brandon's adoption contract, I remarked to "P" about his ID number for the rescue being 18-018 (referencing the year and that Brandon was the 18th dog that came into the rescue this year)  "P" had noticed that as well, and told me that the Hebrew word for "life"has a numerical value of 18. So, Brandon's ID numbers mean "life." Very appropriate I think.
Brandon's story and his journey that began this spring to find a new home speaks to my heart and soul. I know Brandon is where he is supposed to be for this chapter in his life. I'm grateful to be part of his story, and helping, Brandon, #18-018 find "life," happiness and a perfect forever home and family.
~Brandon settling into his forever home~

29 comments:

  1. What a nice story- thank you!

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  2. Such a lovely home for Brandon, and his new life will be full of love, and for Pam, this is such a wonderful outcome. What a week or more for you, single handed caring is never easy, either with dogs, cats or people. Hope you get some rest now.

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  4. just a great story. of courage and love and kindred souls!
    and oh Kim. you'll need a vacation from Carl's vacation!
    I wish I were rich. you'd never have to work outside your home again. you could just care for your sweet room mates and travel to your favorite places occasionally and to Todd's reunions and the sunflower field and your favorite places to eat and tend your garden and read good books and great movies. your are loved and admired SO MUCH. and your garden produce is remarkable! I didn't even know you had one! good grief! LOL! XOXO

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  5. Hello, wonderful story about Brandon. I think he will love his new home. Your veggies look wonderful. I am glad all the girls and dogs are doing well. Sending hugs and best wishes for all.
    Enjoy your day and new week ahead.

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  6. This made me teary eyed ... in a good way.

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  7. How wonderful for Brandon and for you. I know what it is like to have conflicts in a pack. It isn't easy. How you get some rest and can rest a little more now that Brandon has a good home. :)

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  8. I'm so happy for Brandon to find the perfect new home. Hopefully your home will be a bit more peaceful without having to worry about him.

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  9. We're happy for Brandon. We hope his last years are the best a dog could wish for. Get some rest.

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  10. What a perfect match. So happy for Brandon and his new family!

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  11. Another wonderful story and it shows that a place for all can be found if the right process is put in place.

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  12. We wish Brandon and his new family nothing but love. It sounds like the perfect match.

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  13. We know you did a lot to make it work for Brandon, but we are also so happy to hear how he found a new "life" with such a welcoming home. We send our very best wishes to Brandon and to Pam for healthy and loving futures.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  14. That's the way you want your dogs to leave you instead of the other way.

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  15. What a lovely story. Hoping Brandon will settle in nicely, and enjoy his golden years with his new family.
    Hugs,
    ~Jo

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  16. Oh my . . . the stories you have . . .
    I like this one . . . and the ending . . .
    Brandon’s has a wonderful new . . . forever home . .

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  17. It sounds like the perfect match for Brandon and for Pam.

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  18. What a great match! He looks quite content.

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  19. We needed a win after some loses. Thank you for sharing that Brandon's loss was really only a win-win. It scared me a little at first thinking this story was going to have a sad ending!

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  20. Wonderful and sweet story, Kim. Especially nice to hear on a day of such sadness in our country.

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  21. How wonderful for Brandon. Glad that Eva likes the Merricks food. It is yummy
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  22. I'm sorry about your losses, but Brandon's story sounds meant to be!

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  23. Sorry for your losses . Glad all are feeling better. I am glad no one got hurt in the fights to , it is strange how it all starts after getting along well for a while isn't it?! Hey sounds like Pam and Brandon were meant for each other . I am soo glad for them both . Thanks for sharing Hope get some R&R soon.

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  24. How marvelous for all that Brandon has found his forever home with Pam and her husband. He is clearly happy to be an "only dog".
    Wishing Pam good health and long life.

    Hope you can catch up on your rest.

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  25. Bravo for Brandon!!! Wishing you all the best, dear boy.
    Stephanie in Northern California

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  26. Reading Brandons story makes me feel happy. I feel this is just the way it was meant to be. Everything is falling into place.. The dear couple needed Brandon, and he needed them.
    love
    tweedles

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!