Washington Is Adopted!
Washington came to us when he was a puppy found abandoned with his Mom and siblings. Washington was understandably very shy and timid considering the circumstances he endured, so we needed to help he and his siblings feel safe, build confidence, and earn their trust. Once Washington was fully vetted, and old enough, he was made available for adoption. He was still a bit shy, but we knew we would find just the right home for him, and we sure did.
Melanie and Eric applied to adopt a GSP after losing their previous GSP who was also a rescue. Both Melanie and Eric had experienced different issues with rescue dogs in the past, but really had no idea what a challenge Washington, now known as Banks was going to be.
After their first night with him, they realized what a sweet boy he was, but also how timid and fearful he was of so much of his natural environment. Simple things like getting in and out of a car frightened Banks, also putting on a collar and leash. Clearly Banks had experienced negative outcomes of these simple tasks in his prior life. Melanie and Eric were determined that with patience and love and some training they were going to allow Banks to blossom on his own terms. They hired a trainer to help them understand some of his personality quirks and assisted in the pacing of Banks’ progression.
Six months into their adoption, Melanie states how much Banks’ is such a light in their lives, sweet, affectionate and curious. He has become an exceptional coffee date, as well as a perfect gentleman in the nail salon.
During his first road trip to Idaho to see snow for the first time, Melanie and Eric opened up their hearts once again and rescued an adorable GSP mix that had been dumped in a field and abandoned.
Banks now has a big sister who is confident and able to show him the ropes. Her confidence has definitely rubbed off on Banks and getting a second dog was the best thing they could have done for Banks, says Melanie.
”Hi Mariann and Greg!
We are 5 months into our life with Banks (previously Washington) and I think we are due for another update.
Banks continues to be such a light in our lives. He is sweet, affectionate, curious and learning all the time. We are continuing to do training with him daily and plan to join a dog training monthly class this spring. He comes with me to the nail salon and rests quietly while I get my nails done, and gets treats from all of the techs. He is an expert coffee date- patiently waiting for his puppachino and gets lots compliments by strangers.
He has adjusted to the routine and is continuing to blossom. He got to go on a road trip to Idaho for Thanksgiving to visit family and see snow for the first time. This is where we rescued an adorable GSP mix that had been dumped in a field and abandoned.
Banks has turned into a completely different dog having a big sister around to show him the ropes. Her confidence has rubbed off on him and we think getting the second dog was the best thing we could have done for him.
Banks had his first day at work with my husband 2 weeks ago. He did well- but was a little unsure of the new environment. I picked him up after about 3 hours so he didn’t get too overwhelmed.
This year I made custom wrapping paper with our dog’s faces on it for Christmas. Banks’ is pictured below.
He still has his nervous tendencies and funny quirks but we are working to heal those with training, love and time.
Enjoy some highlights with the past 5 months of Banks - I’m sure you can tell that we are 100% obsessed with our pups and all is good over here
Sending you my best- and Happy New Year”.
Melanie
We couldn't be happier that they chose Washington, accepted him into their family, and never gave up on him.
We are looking forward for future updates and developments as Banks still continues to blossom.
Eric and Melanie were committed from the beginning to help Banks develop into the dog they knew it could be, and with all their hard work, love and patience, and it sure is paying off.
