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The Doggie in the Window: Shelter Pup Waits for Her Family, But Finds True Love Instead
Rocky Kanaka
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It was one of those moments that etched itself into my memory. I found myself at the dog shelter, where a poignant scene unfolded before my eyes. There, in the window, sat a dog patiently waiting for her person to return. This dog, yet to be named, had an air of quiet desperation about her. The image reminded me of Patty Page’s iconic song, “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?” And so, I decided to name her Paige. Little did I know that Paige’s story would become a testament to the power of trust and hope.
Paige was clearly terrified, and her fear manifested in the scattered remnants of her food bowl, which she had most likely knocked over in a panic. At first glance, it might seem cute and endearing, but it was a stark reminder of the void in her life. Paige was a Border Collie or Aussie mix, known for their loyalty to their families. She had found a high point to look for her people, but they weren’t coming back.
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I knew I had to try something to help her. I started with a treat, and it was a small step forward. The treat was a bridge to making eye contact, which was essential for building trust. I mixed in some gentle touches, reinforcing the idea that positive interactions were safe. I even adjusted my stance to make her more comfortable.
But Paige was still on edge. She flinched and hesitated, and that was okay. I knew I had to respect her boundaries. After about 20 minutes of trying, I decided to sit on the floor near her window perch. And then, something incredible happened.
Paige made her way toward me, cautiously but willingly. It was a big deal, and it warmed my heart to see her trusting me even just a little. My goal was to make her comfort space not the window sill, but the presence of good people like me.
As we spent more time together, I noticed the subtle body language cues that only come from spending time with a dog. These cues, almost imperceptible to the untrained eye, are significant in the dog world. We made progress mentally and physically, but I knew we had to find Paige a loving home where she could continue to heal.
Finally, someone took notice of Paige. She had a hold for the day, which was a hopeful sign. But the real turning point came when a local family adopted her. They decided to keep the name Paige, a fitting tribute to her beginnings as the doggy in the window.
Going live on social media was instrumental in sharing Paige’s story. The incredible support and positive comments from our community were heartwarming. While the family who originally joined as members didn’t adopt Paige, they were willing to drive four hours to do so. In the end, a local family stepped in, and Paige found her forever home.
Paige’s journey is a testament to the power of patience, love, and community. It’s a reminder that even the most timid dogs deserve a chance at happiness and a loving family. If you’re ever in a position to adopt or support a shelter, remember that there are countless dogs like Paige waiting for their second chance.
Please share this story if it touched your heart as much as it did mine. And if you’d like to be a part of our rescue community, consider becoming a member. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of animals like Paige. A special thanks to Animal Friends of the Valleys for their unwavering dedication to helping animals in need.
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