Night
"New Beginnings" - Stories About Saved NYC Shelter AnimalsHey, there! I’m Night! I know so many of you were very worried about me when I ended up on the nightly kill list…more than once! Thank you for loving me when it felt like I had no hope!
I had a perfect SAFER and I wasn’t sick! So, how did I end up on the list? In my notes, I was called “obnoxious” with other dogs. I started barking at potential adopters and showing my teeth. It turns out that I am one of those dogs who “smiles”. A “submissive grin” and a big bark didn’t get the kind of attention I’d hoped for! Luckily, my new parents weren’t scared off by my behavior. They read your comments and learned that those who had met me thought I was a big, excited goof.
It is true. I’m a goof! I am so happy about everything! Treats! Toys! People!!! Life is wonderful and I’m all about living it!
There’s a side to me you may not have gotten to see while I was at the shelter. After a long day of playing and training, I turn into an 80 pound lap dog. I make little baby noises when people cuddle with me. I can’t help myself! I love everyone – even when I’m sleeping! I love kids, cats, dogs of all ages and sizes, and even hamsters. Yup. Everyone.
Dad says I just needed training and guidance but once I learn something, I don’t forget it. I’m really good at this training thing. I just do what I’m asked to do! It’s easy. Sit, stay, heel, come, leave it – I had them all down in the first week! I’m not allowed to take the cushions off the couch. Okay! No problem! It is not nice to remove the hot tub cover and jump in with my chihuahua friend. Who knew?? The words “no” and “stop” work great and I know not to do those things again (although I know sometimes my parents are laughing on the inside at my antics). I am allowed to do a lot of things, though – like run around the pool as fast as I can as if I’m on an Olympic track. That’s the best! I can roll around in the snow on the patio and play ball as much as I want. I can fall asleep in front of the fireplace with the cat. I hear “good boy” and “I love you” a million times every day.
I have a special doggie bed that once belonged to Mom and Dad’s beloved pitbull, Bubba. It was their love for Bubba that made them give me a chance, too. He didn’t start out perfect, either! He couldn’t stay here anymore. It was his time to leave this life. But, it wasn’t my time to die and I think he wanted me to have the love he felt for 14 amazing years. I think Bubba was one of the angels who brought me home. My other angels? You – the people who shared my photo, pointed out all of the things I had done right, or put in a good word for me. Thank you. You brought me home, too.
There are other dogs just like me on death row every night. They aren’t perfect. Shelter life can bring out the worst in anyone, believe me! But, if you give them a chance, you might find that they will save you even more than you saved them. That’s what my mom says, anyway. I saved her. Imagine that!
I’m hoping all of my animal friends find loving homes and that all of my human friends find loving pets. We need one another.
Love Always,
Night
View all entries in: NB Dogs By Month | NB for Dogs 2016-01