“…the day he came home my heart truly did grow two sizes bigger,” writes Annie of her Muttville love, Koa.
When we receive tributes like this one from loving families, we are left speechless. Thank you to Annie for sharing your memories of the day you found senior mutt love:
I am the recipient of one of the greatest blessings ever….On March 21, 2015 I adopted furbaby Cotton Koa) from Muttville.
When first learning about Muttville only 2 weeks prior to my meet and greet, I felt compelled to adopt a senior furbaby. Upon my first glance at Muttville website, I was drawn to Cotton. However, was informed that he was scheduled for a meet and greet Sunday, 3/15. Through my disappointment, I realized that the objective is to find forever homes for all Muttville furbabies including Cotton. So I inquired about another furbaby that I also felt drawn to.
They say in life there are no coincidences. My story proves this to be true. I had mentioned to foster mom Tina, Sassy Pants foster mom, that I initially was interested in Cotton but since I had not heard back on status of his prior meet and greet, I assumed he had been adopted. I learned later it was because of Tina that I received an email from Cotton’s foster parents informing me that he was still available for adoption.
Saturday, March 21st upon entering Muttville, I was intent on leaving with Sassy Pants…and as I was holding Sassy pants, I noticed a while fluffy tail tucked between two people sitting on the sofa. I can’t explain why but I knew instantly that it was Cotton (now Koa). When I held Koa who was wearing neck collar as he was still healing from having his right eye removed…I felt my heart skip a beat…I knew at that very moment that we were meant to be a family and that I was going to provide a loving home…and an amazing quality of life for this little guy.
Once the adoption was complete, my sister, grandson and myself opted to take Cotton (Koa) to Pet Express and just spend some time spoiling him….and honestly we are all still spoiling him today!
There were a couple of challenges…the obvious being that Koa needed to learn how to navigate confidently around his new home as he is still adjusting in some ways to living without a right eye and no peripheral vision on that side. Every now and again he walks into something but for the most part he is making huge strides and now runs to the back door to let me know when he needs to relieve himself. Car rides have been a bit challenging only because he wants to make sure when I exit the car that he gets to come with me…lol! His barking has subsided considerably in just this week so I am confident that he is beginning to understand that he is coming with me.
Yesterday was his first day adjusting to a new crate so I can rest assured he is safe should I have to leave him home for a bit. This morning he surprised me. The crate door was open, his bed tucked nicely inside and he walked in, climbed into his bed and fell asleep. Picture attached. He surprises me daily with how smart, loveable and truly cuddly he is.
Koa is with me everyday…I take him everywhere I go and when I go somewhere like a grocery store where pets are not allowed he is in a carrier, fully secure, safe and he loves it!
I cannot thank Muttville enough for the work you all do. Without your efforts I never would have known how magical adopting a senior furbaby is.
My family and even my sister who fears all furbabies LOVES him…and his gentle soul! He is my heart and the day he came home my heart truly did grow two sizes bigger.
With love and gratitude,
Annie and Koa
5/27/15
Are you the proud parent of a Muttville dog? Send us your story! Include three of your favorite photos and send it to success_stories@muttville.org with the subject line 'Success Story'.
