Michael Arnold

So, over a year ago I adopted ['rescued' seems too over the top] an 11 month old GSD - even got the pinks. Anyway, the lady who gave the dog to the rescue organization mentioned to the rescue director she'd like to know how the dog was doing in her new surroundings.

After about four weeks, I contacted the lady and sent her some photos of the dogs interacting [the rescue and the two GSDs I already had]. Subsequently I invited her to visit, which she did.

Yesterday she visited for the fourth time since the adoption. She brought her remaining GSD [she had two, could only care for one - for a lot of very good reasons - and reached the emotionally draining decision to give up the younger dog to the rescue organization].

My rescue went absolutely nuts when she saw her. Anyone thinks that a dog does not remember is not informed. It was a wonderful thing to see, the exuberance and recognition and joy the dog exhibited.

I took the rescue and my male, and the lady took her female, and we walked about 4 miles along the Old Erie Canal. A great time for a walk and talk, and the dogs got on great.

Over dinner we chatted and compared dog notes.

Not a lot of moral to the story. The lady had to make a hard decision. She visits and is able to see 'her' dog is well cared for. And, I hope, she is more at peace with her decision. And we ended up with two new friends.