But it's hard to bring the big dogs. They really need one volunteer to hang out with that one dog all day long. I was determined to give at least one dog this opportunity.
Who to choose? There are so many good dogs at the shelter right now. So I decided to give Hunter a chance. He's a shepherd mix. He can be a little shy with men. We're a perfect match! I'm a little shy with people...As I was gearing up for the adoption event, I had to talk myself into being outgoing and upbeat and in a marketing mode. That's not easy for me. I'm not a small-talk kind of person. I don't know what the weather is going to do and I don't really care. I can't talk about light issues. But this day, I could hide behind the glorious Hunter! I could just be there, trying to find him his forever home.
And that's how he must feel every time someone walks toward his kennel at the shelter. He has to psych himself up to be jovial and cute and cuddly looking. Because he knows that's how he's going to get adopted. But when you've been in the shelter for more than a month, it's hard to keep your public face on all the time. So sometimes, he doesn't come to the front of the kennel. And sometimes, he just retreats and waits for a familiar face. Because that's easier.
But Hunter was in his element! He pranced around, walking up to perfect strangers with strange dogs, accepting treats and doing his tricks. Every one of us was a little shocked and very impressed. I'd thought Hunter would last an hour or so, but he spent the whole day with the adoption group! Go Hunter!!!
But while many people greeted Hunter and commented about him, no one filled out an application form. Hunter returned to his kennel at the shelter and settled in.
Tomorrow, I'll take him for a walk and bring him into the Training Center for a little quiet time. I'll remind him about all of the people he met the other day and how his forever home is out there, waiting. We just have to find it.
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