Mookie

Taking in a dog like this to the rescue 9 months ago we knew It would be a long, long, very long haul. Mookie named after Mookie Wilson from the LA Dodgers during the World Series last year is a black dog, Chow Mix, older, sick with heart worms, had hanging and dangling masses and is the classic dog that is nearly impossible to find a home for. We didn’t care..

She had an owner that died and she was left tied to a. tree outside while some people offered to feed her. A new neighbor came in and said no, this will not do and contacted us. Mookie was loved by all staff, she was loved by her foster mom and dad and we were so grateful they took care of her for months and months trying to get her healthy and maybe just maybe find her a home.

And guess what? We did…

Ana:

Does everyone remember reading a post back in October about a dog who had been tied to a tree for a year and a half? Do you remember how your heart sank when you really thought about just how long that is? I do. I remember thinking “how on Earth could someone do that?” Then, I thought “didn’t someone see her? Why didn’t they help her??! Finally, someone did and DRR agreed to take her and find her a forever home where she’ll never have to worry about being left behind or forgotten again.

Everything seemed to be going well! Mookie was the name she was given, she was introduced to the fine folks at DRR and integrated with the other dogs. Our hearts were feeling lighter for this sweet girl. But things started to change. Mookie was heartworm positive, you see. And the strain those nasty worms were putting on her heart and therefore her lungs was taking a toll. And our hearts sank a little again. She had to go to the hospital for treatment for pneumonia. We all wished and prayed for her to pull through. And she did!

Mookie is a fighter! Weighing in at 43 pounds when she arrived at the Ranch, she gobbled up her meals because she wasn’t used to eating with any sort of regularity. But she was stressed being confined to a den. And while the Sanctuary is a beautiful facility with people who provide the best care possible, it just wasn’t a place for Mookie to thrive. And being that she’s an older gal, a black dog, a mutt, a home wasn’t in her near future. So off to foster she went!

That 43 pound dog quickly grew to about 55 pounds! She was in a home where she could roam a yard at her leisure, cuddle up in bed with her (temporary) people at night and be part of a family! She thrived. And we could really see who she is, which makes matching her with a forever home so much easier, especially for dogs like her. We were able to have her heartworm infestation treated and get her healthy again. Now the only thing left to do was wait. Wait for her someone to see her. Like, really SEE her. And want to give her a chance.

Enter Mary Orsted. Mary visited the Ranch to drop off and pick up her granddog, Oliver, and Mookie just happened to be there while her foster family was out of town. On a whim, Ranch employee Payton, who has a huge soft spot for all the rescues – especially Mookie, suggested that Mary check out Mookie and consider adopting her. Mary had always had a dog but sadly, they had all crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and her home was so quiet. Too quiet. So she looked into Mookie. Like I said, Mookie is an older gal. She’d been living in a crazy dog house with 10 other dogs and was doing very well, but she very much enjoyed quiet moments and would often sneak away and tuck herself into a quiet room or corner for a rest. Mary lives alone and has no other pets so we thought her home would be a fine place for Mookie, so foster mom loaded her up and drove up to Mary’s home to introduce them.

Upon arrival, Mookie was nervous. It took a little coaxing to get her through the door, but once she was in, she quickly picked her quiet room and tucked herself away. Now, this is avoidant behavior and isn’t good long term, but after a minute or 2 she came out and went straight to Mary for scritches, had a drink of water and went back to her quiet refuge. We sat and visited a while and Mookie continued this routine. She wasn’t avoiding, she was simply doing things at her own pace. She engaged Mary throughout our visit and ultimately seemed very comfortable with her. Like, “foster mom who???” Mary had treats and a nice chew bone for her, which she loved.

For a week, Mookie stayed with Mary. We felt it was wise to give it time before jumping in. Through the week, Mookie got more and more snuggly with Mary at night, learned her work-from-home routine and really settled in faster than expected. So it was decided that Mary would be hers and her new name would be Ladybug.

Now our hearts can all soar for this girl who was left behind and forgotten for far too long because that will never happen again. All because Mary decided to take a chance on a dog who was overlooked by so many and found a wonderful companion who has filled a void in her life, provided comfort, companionship and endless love.

We checked in with Mary just to be sure before announcing that Mookei had her forever home.

Mary:

“Absolutely positively sure…she’ll live the rest of her life with me and I am grateful!

She’s such a GOOD girl!!! She wants to please – even when her “determined” self wants something, you can see her checking and asking. I can’t imagine a dog who is so people-focused being tied up apart from people. She’s home now, and living in the present. I’m determined to make it a great one!!!”

And there you have it village, a happily ever after for the one and only Mookie ,and her new Mama who loves her dearly Mary.

Happy Life Ladybug…