This morning all the pups went up for adoption. They were actually listed yesterday evening, so people could fill out online applications ahead of time. A few minutes after the shelter opened today, Koala was adopted and on her way Home. Shortly after that, MacKenzie followed. She was my favorite of this bunch; she was the most human-focused, she learned to ask to go outside when she had to poo, she was most affectionate, and the kind of dog you just know would make a great companion.
Otter went next a couple hours later, and Audrey found her Home at the end of the day. Mission accomplished, for all involved. Having participated in their rescue, I am especially happy to have watched their growth from shy little things to curious pups, to explorers, to little rascals, to masters of mayhem. The day before they left here they figured out that if they pooled their strength and pushed together, they could thwart any barrier I put up. They pushed open the folding kennel walls and ran wild, stealing shoes, socks, sofa cushions, mail, rugs… if it was in their reach they would grab it on the fly, run around the house with it, play tug-of-war with it, or go hide in a corner and try to rip it to shreds as fast as possible. Often they would do it quietly and I wouldn’t realize they were destroying something before it was too late. Other times I would think they were playing with a dog toy only to realize it was definitely not a toy.
Damaged beyond repair are:
One pair New Balance trail runners
Two magazines I wasn’t finished reading
My Scott Wiedensal hummingbird photography book, pulled from the bottom bookcase shelf
Cordless phone charger cord, bit clean in half
One small wicker basket
One Thorlo Light Hiker
Half a dozen pieces of junk mail (go puppies!)
All the other things I managed to rescue before damage was done. It was maddening and hilarious at the same time, and in spite of the material losses, I was glad to see them play with abandon – it’s a big change from the day they were rescued.
They are all in their new homes as I write this, and I’m glad. I hope they settle in well, and I hope to meet them at the dog park one day.
To close this chapter I leave you with my favorite photos (and a video featuring Grace) of these adorable little ones:
Bozeman Foster Dogs 