Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Sheeba Arrives at Golden Pines!

In the early months of coronavirus lockdowns, a lot of people found themselves with extra time at home -- leading many to finally welcome a dog or cat into their family. But unfortunately, with lockdown restrictions lifting, many are now surrendering and rehoming their “pandemic pets.” We're hearing on the news that some animal shelters are reporting increased rates of people surrendering their dogs and cats. Whether that's true or not, what I do know is that Lab Rescue the past several weeks has been bombarded with Labs in shelters that need a place to go.  Despite all of that, and a shortage of foster homes, I'd thought because we have Cooper, Jack and Shelby that we wouldn't be asked to take another dog.  But we were. 

On Saturday, we welcomed 14+ year old Sheeba. Her family lost their home, and surrendered her to a local shelter. She was being cared for by another foster home, but a busy summer schedule left them unable to continue to care for her -- Unfortunately while Sheeba was with them, she had to have surgery to remove a mass that was found to be malignant. The vets have given her a prognosis of 6-12 months .... So, she is a "hospice foster" and will be with us for the remainder of her life. 

On the bright side, Sheeba is an easy going and nice girl, that has easily fit in with our crew. After 3 days, she's still trying to get into her new routine - Which is really important because for the past two nights at about 2:30 in the morning, I woke up to find her standing by the bedside, looking at me and wagging her tail. When she sees that I am awake, she starts barking at me. I'm not sure what she was trying to tell me. Is she having bad dreams, is she lonely, are the cats causing some mischief?  Whatever it is, she doesn't want to go outside, but she is happy to get a treat and some attention. I'm hoping that this doesn't become a nightly routine. I'm hopeful we'll get it all figured out.

Welcome to Golden Pines, Sheeba. We're glad you're here, and we look forward to getting to know you.... At a decent hour!  


23 comments:

  1. To lose your home and have to leave Sheeba, heartbreak on all levels, but they, hopefully, know that she will be so loved, and looking at her smile, she has already settled in with much happiness. How little we know what happens in families with their pets, but we all know that at Golden Pines, they will be so loved and cared for. Kim, Your heart is huge, and full of love for them all.

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  2. Oh she's gorgeous! It's comforting to know that you will be looking after her until the end.
    Perhaps she wakes you and demands attention because she is so happy to be with you and the crew.
    The same thing is happening this side of the pond too - people returning animals to shelters. It's so sad that many are just abandoning them because they've served a useful purpose and are no longer needed. It's different if circumstances change, as in Sheeba's case - such a heartbreaking thing to happen to the family.

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  3. Sheeba is gorgeous, thank you so much for caring for this lovely lady.

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  4. Hello and welcome Sheeba. She is a beautiful dog.
    I hope her schedule becomes more aligned with you and the others. She is in a happy place. Take care, have a happy day and week ahead.

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  5. A welcome Sheeba from me as well!
    Not sure how you do it all but trust
    you will figure it out and Sheeba will
    enjoy life in “Gold

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  6. continued . . .
    “Golden Kim Land”
    Wats blessing you are . . .

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  7. Awwww... sweet Sheeba. Having to find a new home, with a new family, at 14 years old and being shuffled around for a bit, to boot. At least she's not languishing in a shelter anymore. *sigh* I wish I lived close by, Kim, as I'd help you with Sheeba. Most of the time, in my insomniac life, I'm awake at 2:30am. I'd love to have a little buddy to wag tails with. :-) Sheeba is so lucky to have you!!! ~Andrea xoxoxo

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  8. A sad tale that deserves a happy ending.

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  9. Happy days ahead for Sheeba. To be so loved in your final days.Sounds like she is a special girl. Just needs a little reassurance.

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  10. dear heart. whatever would they do without you?
    maybe she wakes and just needs reassurance that this is REAL!
    she is in a Home where she's safe and there's food and people who truly love her and welcome her. who knows what can be going through her mind. YOU are one amazing lady. and it's just such an honor to even Know you. sending you love and strength for the task. XOXO

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  11. Sheeba is such a sweet looking old gal. She sure is lucky to be able to live the rest of her life with all of you at Golden Pines.

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  12. Our half-Golden rescue did that for a few weeks, then she never did again until the very, very end 16 years later. Sheeba is very lucky, at last. Sweet-faced ol' gal.

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  13. What a sweet girlie! You're so good to take her in at this point in her life!

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  14. Sheebas best days are yet to be.

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  15. My Samba used to wake me around that time every night to go out and spend some together time looking at the stars. Enjoy it, it all ends way too soon.

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  16. Sheeba is indeed a sweet girl AND lucky to be with you!

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  17. You are the best, Kim. Welcome, Sheeba!

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  18. Welcome, dear Sheba! She looks like a real sweetheart.

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  19. What a sweetie!

    God bless you for taking her in at this point in her life!

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  20. Welcome to Sheeba. We know you will make whatever time she has left very special. ♥

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