Success Story: Fritz

When Fritz first arrived at Muttville HQ he was so fearful that he hid in a corner for 2 weeks, trying to touch him was a challenge! I think he finally started to feel safe enough to join in the routine, the other dogs taught him that this was an OK place. We took him to the vet and found he has an untreatable spinal problem called spondylosis, his back hurt so we started him on some pain meds and a good diet with supplements to help his joints.

He stayed with us for 5 months, during that time I was sure he was to stay here forever because of his fear issues. Then the call came! A wonderful couple wanted to meet him and they were sure he would fit in with their pack. When I arrived at their home near Lake Berryessa I was greeted by 6 black and white dogs, all wagging their tails and waiting to meet Fritz! Wow. I wanted to live there. Trees, grass, a view! Fritz jumped out of the car and ran in and he never looked back, I cried out of pure joy for this little dog that had had such a rough life. After one day I got the first email from Fritz’s new mom. Here it is!

Dear Sherri,

Good News, Fritz is happy, happy, happy. He sat in his little bed in the kitchen and watched us cook and eat dinner. He was cute as Pie ! He loves the other dogs and they totally accept him. Later in the evening we went up stairs to watch TV. I put a pillow on the floor and laid down, he climbed onto the pillow and snuggled with me. At bed time Frank and I fluffed up about 4 sheets and put them on our bed. He climbed in and re-arranged all the sheets until he made a big fluffy hole, then climbed in and went to sleep all night. This morning Frank had a big dirt bike ride scheduled so we were up at 5am. I love mornings, everyone is warm and we always say “goodmorning” to everyone, lots of hugs. The dogs love it. Fritz joined in, he got out of bed and was thrilled to see all of his friends, and wagged his tail every time I said Goodmorning! Then we all went down the stairs into the back yard and Fritz was thrilled, he went potty and ran around and played in the grass and enjoyed all the trees. Then it was back into the kitchen. While I was packing for Frank’s trip, all of the dogs were with me and Fritz was right there, wagging his tail the whole time. He looks like he is at Summer Camp and having the time of his life ! He loved his dinner last night and his breakfast this morning and ate everything. Right now, there are 5 dogs in the computer room with he and Fritz is right here too! He is darling, I love him and he is truly happy here. When you first drove away, he went to the gate and barked at you like, “don’t leave me”. It broke my heart, I always feel so sorry for dogs because of the changes they have to go through. But as soon as you were out of sight, he was right back into the backyard and happy as could be. He follows us everywhere. We put his little bed by the glass doors in the kitchen, he loves that. He sits in there and watches all of the humming birds flying around the sugar water. I have been taking pictures of all of this, but this morning, right after Frank left I realized that he took my camera. When he gets home tonight, I will be sure to take some more pictures and send you lots. You will see how happy Fritz is. It’s a match made in heaven, I think Fritz is home. He will go to the vet sooner, rather than later. I am worried about the smell in his mouth, pretty sure he will need to be scheduled for some extractions. So we’ll probably plan a full anesthesia to clean and remove teeth, remove the bump between his eyes and the lump on his tummy. Then he will be good as new! and will probably feel lots better too!. He loves when I rub his chest and he lets me pick him up, no problem. Everything is good, this was the right decision for you and me and Fritz. Thank You again ! Lucie

AliG | 06.01.10