Adoption Success Story
I’m an adult man that has MS, which prevents me from working and limits my mobility. I began thinking about getting a dog several months ago. After doing some research on the internet, I decided that a Labrador retriever was what I wanted because Labs are commonly used as service dogs for the disabled.
I don’t have the energy to work with and train a young puppy, so I started looking for a young adult Lab. On the evening of July 9th I started browsing petfinder.com. It was more out of curiosity than anything because I intended to wait until the fall months before adopting a dog.
Well, I came across a chocolate lab that was available at the Hickory Creek Animal Shelter. He was found running loose in a neighborhood and was described as having an “intensely loving nature with a laid-back attitude”, which was exactly what I was looking for in a dog. There was also a short video available on his listing that showed that the description was so accurate. I called Ken Lowrie at the Hickory Creek Shelter to set up a time to meet Travis (as he was named for the listing). Needless to say, I adopted him right then and took him home. Ken gave me everything that I needed to get started…a leash, collar, and even loaned me a kennel.
I’ve changed his name to Cowboy and have had him for almost 2 weeks now. At first Cowboy was afraid of everything. He would cower and run from every little noise or movement. That first day Cowboy did not even sit or lay down until late that evening. I don’t believe that he had ever been kept inside a home before because it seemed that everything was new to him…things like reflections in mirrors, sound from the TV, and the sound of the icemaker refilling.
Luckily house-training was accomplished very quickly. He had an “accident” on the carpet that first day, but quickly he learned where to go outside. Cowboy has made an amazing transformation from that first day! Once he realized that he had a new home and was safe and secure, he began to lose some of his jumpiness. It is taking a lot of loving patience, but I’m amazed and very pleased with the progress Cowboy has made in just 13 days.
Since my walking is very limited, I have to use a scooter to get around outdoors. I’ve been able to train Cowboy to walk along beside the scooter…and we go to the park that is across the street and through the neighborhood. I have not been able to get Cowboy in the pool yet, but I believe that he will be swimming with me soon!
I have a great pal now…Cowboy was the perfect dog for me!!! Cowboy is very smart and trainable, but a little stubborn sometimes. I’m confident that I can eventually train Cowboy to help me with some of my daily living activities.
Cowboy and I are proof that the old saying is true, “dogs are man’s best friend.”
