Buttercup: An Amazing Surprise

Yesterday I was surprised by a telephone call from a friend whom I know through dog rescue, a woman who breeds and rescues Australian Shepherds. She asked if I were still involved in rescue, as she probably remembered that I had shut down Old Gold Senior Dog Rescue two years ago. I told her that I had stopped my direct involvement in rescue entirely, although I was moving back into the field of animal welfare via my new job as a pet training instructor. After a few minutes of exchanging Katrina stories, Dina told me the reason for her call: a local shelter with whom she is involved had taken in a Golden Retriever female as an owner turn-in. The dog was reportedly doing poorly in the kennel situation, acting quite depressed, and, as an owner turn-in, would be subject to euthanasia in a day or two unless they could find her a foster home. She was only three years old.

The timing was right, Joel consented, and today, on my day off, I picked her up and drove her directly to my home store for a badly-needed bath. Her original name is Buttercup, and I had a metal identification tag made up with her name and our address. Buttercup is overweight, but has very soft medium gold fur. It is tempting to call her Butterball, particularly as she is coming to us at this time of year. Her mouth and the fur around her lips always look wet like a child's Kool-Aid smile. Amazingly, she is heartworm-negative and up-to-date on shots.

Buttercup rode nicely in the minivan. She explored our property as best she could, carefully observed and incessantly pestered by the other dogs. Although she has a history of not tolerating young children, she seemed to like Kate's company. I haven't yet decided how I can advertise her for adoption, but so far she looks like an easy keeper. Although much larger, she is roughly the same age as Boogie, so if they get into a playful relationship, it will be excellent exercise for her.