Success Stories: "Querida"

Thank you, Ceci Powell for sharing this happy story about her Muttville rescue, Querida:

Querida Corazon (I call her Queri) is not the dog I planned on getting-and it couldn’t have worked out better!

I had wanted a dog since the age of 5; we discovered my allergies to dogs just before I was to get one for my birthday. After moving to California where I am allergy free, working and saving for years to buy a house, I was finally ready for a dog. But I was hesitant to make the commitment because I spent so much of my “free” time doing work at home.

Having always had a love of German Shepherds, I scoured the GSD rescues, area SPCAs, Craigslist, Petfinder and any other rescues I could fine. One day, I found Queri’s picture online, read the accompanying description (cattle dog/GSD mix) and was hooked, although I didn’t know it. I continued to search for my GSD, but after every search I’d go back to her listing. Finally I called her foster mom, and a few days later she was mine!

Although very shy and scared at first, Queri eventually warmed up to me and began to show her sweet nature (as well as her stubborn side). Over the past nine months we have learned to “talk” to each other, and she lets me know exactly what she wants; a walk, a treat, her dinner, some love, or a trip to the bathroom. Seeing her blossom and become so interactive has been very rewarding!

At the (vet-estimated) age of 12, this darling girl has a few physical limitations; deafness, arthritis and auto-immune keratitis, as well as a contagious enthusiasm for life. She loves to walk, and that has changed my workaholic ways because I so delight in her joy. Almost every evening I find myself smiling on the way home in anticipation of our time together.

Nothing deters her from her walks; not even having to wear her Doggles to protect her failing eyes from the sun. She realizes that they are part of the walk, and doesn’t complain; just heads out the door to her favorite places with a spring in her step. Sometimes I have trouble keeping up with her!

During the day, she sleeps downstairs, and occasionally walks up to the second floor to check on the cats, who are sleeping on the bed. She will take a nap with them and then come back downstairs. She also loves food, baths, grooming, ear and tummy rubs and snuggling on the sofa.

Queri brought a special love and joy into my life that had been missing for quite a while. She got me away from my desk at home, out into the fresh air, interested in something other than work, and has given me a more optimistic outlook because of her own enthusiasm for living despite the hardships and abuse she had endured in the past. She’s a wonderful gift, and I can’t imagine my life without her.

mariem3 | 04.28.11