Cap Is Adopted!

Sometimes, the heart you’re searching for isn’t found in a puppy’s boundless energy, but in the quiet wisdom of a dog like Cap. Cap, a very handsome liver roan German Shorthaired Pointer, arrived at a remote shelter. This gentle soul carried the kind of gentle gravity only time can give. The moment we heard his story, we felt the pull to act, and brought Cap to safety.

When we first met Cap, what caught us off guard was Cap’s gentle ease. He settled into the car with quiet trust, moved beside us on the leash with a calm grace, and greeted every dog with a soft, unhurried curiosity. Even a spontaneous detour through the bright aisles of Home Depot became an effortless adventure at his side.

Cap was immediately a volunteer favorite. He had so many wonderful qualities. A sweet demeanor, he was easy on the leash, he was very social, great riding in a car, and being an adult GSP, while Cap loved to exercise with daily walks, some hiking, and experience a little adventure, unlike a young GSP, he only needed about half as much.

Bill an experienced GSP owner applied to adopt a dog. He was looking for a companion to share his life, and was open to a male or female of any age. This opened up many options for Bill. However, he was in the process of moving, so he wasn’t going to be ready to adopt for a few months. While we had his application on hold, Bill reached out on a regular basis to give us an update, and we were thrilled to hear that his timeline moved up, and he would be ready to adopt in June. He inquired about Cap, which we thought was the perfect match for Bill and his lifestyle. He worked from home, he enjoyed going on hikes, and had a beautiful backyard that would be a dogs sniffing paradise. His parents lived close by, so Cap would have two new doggy friends.

We set up an appointment, and Bill made the long drive to meet Cap, and after spending some time together, they made it official! Cap is adopted!

We have received some updates from Bill, and Cap could not have found a better place to call home.

First Night

“I was so happy to get home! It took about 4.5 hours. We stopped in Ventura for a potty and coffee break (coffee only for me!). It was about 66 degrees a big change from the heat.

Arrived about 5:30. Since last night was only my 2nd night back in the house, there is still a lot of unpacking to do. My parents got a 48” wire kennel for him and it was set up when we got here. I gave him the tour through the house while still on the leash and closed off rooms to keep his world small to start. He loves the back yard and enjoys playing. His tail is very happy! And he’s able to really relax next to me. He slept on the floor next to my bed, and was awake at 5:58am. I left the blinds open and the birds were happy.  He went past the door and peed on a box I emptied last night. A quick clean up with the enzyme foam and I got the boxes outside. He then made his patrol of the back yard and did his business.

He came back in and went into his kennel, and we both got another 3 hours of rest with the blinds drawn. He peacefully slept and was ready to go when I got up.

Now he’s super velcro helping me get organized. He’s a big sloppy drinker! And he’s food driven, so I’ll have to work on that. I didn’t have treats to give him while I ate. Of course meatloaf last night would make anyone want some. Thankfully I have high counters to eat at while he adjusts to the eating rules. He won’t be training me to feed him!  

He’s a big boy and gets in my legs when I’m walking sometimes. And I have to lock him out of the bathroom when I need to do my business. That’s a little TOO close Cap!!!

He has a hard time finding me at times. He ran right by me looking for me twice last night. I have to be in his field of vision to confirm where I’m at sometimes. We both need to find out rhythm.

We did a neighborhood walk and he met my human friends and then my mother. She brought out her Boston Terrier Max to see Cap. We didn’t let them interact. Max was confused my me with another dog! They’ll be buddies soon enough. Holding off on a play date until he gets oriented and marks the back yard as his! Max is used to me living here from 2019-2020, but hasn’t seen me at the house yet. He’s going to be very happy when he discovers I’m here and he has a new friend!

Cap is eating and drinking well. He’s peeing normally and I had forgotten how big GSP’s can poop! 

He seems very happy here”.

One Week Update

“What an amazing week and day for us both! 

My son brought my old dog Cooper here for Father’s Day and they were fast friends! This breed just amazes me.

Cap has yet to bark, and I’m ok with that. I think we figured out our routine and how we both exist in the house, on walks, in the car, and at the park. 

We visited the dog park and he got a run in checking all sorts of smells and pointed at several things including a few birds. On a second trip to the dog park, there were more dogs and his social ability was just fine.

I scheduled a wellness visit with the vet on June 30th just to establish care, not for anything specific.

I’ve left him in his kennel for short periods of time to go out and it seems like he’s fine, as long as he peed before.

Today has been interesting with Cooper visiting at our old house where he lived for a year. Cooper hasn’t seen me since 2024. He was very excited to be here. Cooper will be 11 soon and has a lot more energy than Cap, but I prefer Cap’s calm demeanor. My mother was here today and said Cap is definitely the right dog for me in this house.

I was thinking earlier this week that Cap was acting more like a 9 year old. But seeing Cooper’s energy today at nearly 11 and I can see it’s just his personality. 

He’s eating and sleeping well. He fits in my house, schedule, and life perfectly so far. 

So a great first week”.

One Month Update

“Cap's energy is a bit of a roller coaster... he's back in low energy mode.  He's also not eating much, but is drinking water.

Vet called me and said a lot looks good. But he's anemic, has a UTI, and low thyroid. Also his white blood cell count was very high. She recommended antibiotics and iron and thyroid supplements.  I'll pick those up this afternoon. Doctor said to recheck the blood after the antibiotics finish.

I started him on the medications this evening. I gave him the medicine with Freshpet beef dog food and he loved it. He wasn't eating his kibble. I was thinking of changing him slowly to a fresh food diet instead of the kibble if he can handle it.  He perked right up, most likely just from the food.  He has since had more energy, but I know it can be up and down. I'm hoping the medicine is all he needs.

Cap is in good hands. Even though he's not feeling well, he seems happy and trusts me. Whenever I need to lift him from the couch, he readily accepts it. (I know some dogs wouldn't allow that!)

Cap is doing so much better. He finished his antibiotic this morning. For the past 2 days, he's had a healthy appetite. He even was "playing" with me a little with a tennis ball. 2 days ago, he spotted a lizard on a retaining wall in my backyard and he chased it a good 20' before losing it. I saw it on the fence and got him to notice it and he saw the lizard to over the fence. He sat there for about 10 minutes focused on where the lizard went. Today, I took him to PetSmart and the guinea pigs really caught his attention. So he's having some very good moments. And he's digesting well, since he's leaving healthy looking poops.

He loves to go with me in whatever room I'm in or just sitting in the back yard in the shade of the sycamore tree.  He got a little cheeky and claimed my spot on the couch when I came back from the bathroom last night!  He loves his ear scratches and greets me with a wiggly tail. He also greets every person that comes in the house in a friendly way (but I think he's really hoping they have treats!)

He hasn't quite figured out the exit function of the dog door, but he definitely knows how to get back in. He does his business and sometimes will just sit like a handsome prince in a way reserved for GSP’s. Lol

I noticed on his paperwork from the shelter that they had both 5 and 9 years listed on the same sheet. He's acting more like a 9 year old. However old he is, he's got a good home. “