Time for Second Chances

I created this blog tonight and named it 'Fate, Chance, and Circumstance' - now it seems only appropriate to introduce you to a living example of all three. This handsome and noble gentleman is Chance.

I've been volunteering with San Francisco Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue for a little over a year now as a foster family. The dogs are taken from shelters and placed in foster homes for a month where they get healthy, cleaned up, and evaluated for their ideal home placement situation. Our first girl, Tara, was with us for 6 months before her forever family found her. In a weeks time I was picking up Chance.

His time with us was supposed to be short - only a few days. We were a stop on a way to another foster family, but he had other ideas. Fresh from a 3 week stay in an over crowded shelter, he walked into my house and welcomed my 5 year old throwing his arms around his neck in a big hug.

Fate

While I find the notion unimaginable, Chance had walked the last walk of the shelter. He'd been lead to the room that you don't leave from, had his leg shaved and was about to be given the shot that would send him to the Rainbow Bridge...but he wasn't ready to go just yet. Tilting his head back, he licked the technicians hand and she spared his life and called rescue.

Chance

He came to us with the name 'Chief' for no other reason than the shelter people thought it fit the apache patterned collar they had given him. Still, he was a shelter dog and had no tags to put on it. Nothing to catch the light and hold the number of home he longed to find. I tried to call him Chief but every time I looked at him, I wanted to call him Chance. He responded to it, so it, like him, stayed.

Circumstance

There are too many to count when it comes to my favorite foot warmer. He was partially blind and was uneasy in new surroundings - so his temporary stay with us became more long term to limit his distress. Over the next few weeks and months he intigrated himself into the dealings of the house and I found myself talking more and more of making the long term, permanent. Then, like the day he saved himself from death, he made that decision for us.

Chances kidneys are failing.

His condition, while maintainable, made him unsuitable for adoption...and perfect for us. He'd require fluid therapy, but I was home full time now and able to do it. Protein became a no-no, so he joined my other two dogs on prescription kibble - nothing new there. I'm happy to not have to go to the local pet store for food. At least when I buy food at the vet's office I don't come home with new toys, a bunch of bones, and several fish. I think I might actually save money.

We look forward to sharing in Chances new life. My hope is that he had enough good memories during his time with us to forget about all the ones that led him to that Montery shelter.

Fate...Chance...Circumstance = one extra large family with a lotta kisses to go around