Nothing makes me happier than posting positive updates about dogs who were recently rescued and are now doing awesome in their new home. A few weeks ago I did update posts on shelter dogs Patrice, Peanut and Kobe with emails I received from their new families or fosters. This time, I’m here to report on an adorable dog who was adopted from my shelter by my next door neighbors: Rojo!
Because I live next door, I get to see first hand how Rojo (pronounced Ro-ho) is settling into his new life. We’ve had a few fence line chats with him and my various temporary fosters, but the other night I headed over there to babysit his human siblings and I got to see just how great his digs really are. His family has toys and kongs and beds and LOTS of love for him, and he seems like one seriously happy pup!
In my post introducing Rojo I asked for advice about his excitable wetting. I am happy to report that his family says he is doing much better with that since they have been keeping arrivals very low key. He didn’t do it when I – an exciting new person – showed up, so that was a great sign (he did it last time I met him).
He’s also been attending classes at Your Dog’s Friend. YDF is my favorite training group in Montgomery County whose mission is to help keep dogs out of the shelter by offering affordable positive training classes ranging from basic obedience to agility to nose work, as well as free seminars and workshops about all things dog related. Rojo excelled in his first level of classes, and now does a fabulous “sit” and “touch” – both of which he likes to practice with his two sibs.
Speaking of, I think my favorite part of Rojo’s new life is his relationship with his human sister and brother. Not only do they adore him, but he tolerates all their kid antics (which are few and far between; they are fabulous around dogs). On the night I watched them, they prepared his bed for him so we could all watch movies together, as well as a kong treat for when the humans had ice cream.
His family is still learning the ropes, like making sure his counter surfing skills don’t get too perfected and helping him keep his cool around other dogs (their next class at YDF is actually one that I am helping coach – which I will write about later – but that was a fun coincidence!), and they seem to love him even with all he has to learn.
Seeing Rojo as such a loved family dog was so rewarding. I don’t like to focus on an adopted dog’s past, but it’s crazy to think that just months ago Rojo was living as a stray without a bed or consistent food or anyone to love him. And look at where he is now! He’s a family member – a happy, happy dog.
Peace, Love & Fostering 
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