Aardwolf is Now Birdee And She LOVES Her Car!
Like 95 percent of the pets adopted from Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS), Aardwolf, a 4-year-old, 36-pound, male, Shepherd/Chow Chow mix, was transferred to us through the FOCAS (Friends of County Animal Shelters) Program.
Unfortunately, Aardwolf had been passed around. Her family surrendered her to a shelter, which transferred her to another shelter. Then, Aardwolf made her next-to-the-last move when she came to RCHS in June.
Our Animal Care staff noted she was “…very sweet, excellent on a leash, and friendly.” She was kind of a perfect dog!
Her file also said Aardwolf could be “jumpy” and needed a family dedicated to teaching her “4-on-the-floor.” This means not giving her any attention when she jumps up, only when all four paws are on the floor.
Just three days after she arrived, Aardwolf was adopted. She left RCHS to begin a new life with a family dedicated to letting her settle in and keeping 4-on-the-floor!
A few days after Aardwolf, now “Birdee,” left RCHS, her adopter told Libby (our trainer) that Birdee was home to stay.
Three months later, we got this Birdee update:
“She is doing so well. She loves her fur brother, Mr. Bo the cat. She is 100% adjusted to her new home and family. She has learned how to fetch a tennis ball and is learning to drop the ball. We are so in love with her. Such a wonderful addition to our home. Birdee loves her car rides as you can tell by the pictures.”
Birdee’s story is a reminder that it can take time for a shelter pet to reveal its full awesomeness.
In fact, it’s called the 3-3-3 rule :
- In the first 3 days, your new pet may be feeling overwhelmed, shut down, not quite “him/herself.”
- After 3 weeks, your new pet is starting to realize he/she may be home for good. A definite personality is starting to show, and there may be some behavior challenges that need your attention.
- After 3 months, your new pet is building trust and a bond with you. A routine is set.
It just takes someone willing to give a rescue pet a chance because Every Animal Deserves a Tomorrow®.
To meet our adoptable animals, visit SDPets.org for more information and details on the adoption process.