A post by the momma:
To the family that gave up my dog,
His surrender paperwork said he was given up because he was too active... he was 4 months old. I would think that was to be expected. Sending him to a shelter where he'd be caged most of the day probably wasn't the best for an overly active puppy, but that's what you chose to do. During his stay at the shelter, he jumped and jumped and jumped, causing him to have ACL issues.
Thankfully an angel at the shelter saw potential for him and understood that he really needed to get out of the shelter environment. She reached out to some local rescues and Homeward Bound Dog Rescue stepped up to take him into their program. Two more angels named Heather and Jen came and walked him out of the shelter and he went into foster care with Heather.
10 days later I walked into Corbin's life. I was looking to begin fostering for Homeward Bound, hoping to eventually find the perfect dog to adopt into our small family. Corbin was in need of a new foster home, and I agreed. He was everything I didn't want in a dog, I definitely didn't want to adopt a Pit Bull. So I figured it would be a good first foster, because there was no way we would keep him.
Within 24 hours, Corbin had settled in so well into our home, and into our hearts. We kept him up for adoption for 2 months until finally admitting we couldn't part with him. I couldn't quite understand how someone could give him up and I couldn't understand why no one wanted to adopt him during those two months.
After 4.5 years with this amazing dog, I finally know the answer. I know why you surrendered him and I know why no one was interested in adopting him. It was because I needed him, and he needed me. This amazing dog has changed my life so much, he has opened my eyes to so many things, made me a better dog mom, a better rescuer, a better person. He has been an amazing foster brother to over 30 dogs. He has touched people across the world and changed people's views on Pit Bulls, changed my own views on Pit Bulls. I could never imagine a better dog to be with every day.
Instead of being upset that someone gave him up, I'm grateful. I'm grateful that you recognized his needs were beyond what you were able to give him. I'm grateful he was given a second chance by some amazing people. I'm grateful he walked into our home that day and never left. And I'm grateful we've been able to provide to him everything he's needed.
He is my heart. Thank you for letting him go so he could find his way to me. He has completed me and my life will never be the same. If you ever think of the crazy brown puppy you dropped at the shelter, I hope you imagine him living a great life... please know he has that, and more.
Yours Truly,
A girl who loves her dog.
With a wonderful pup like Corbin, how could you do anything else but be a foster failure? We know the routine all to well at our house too.
ReplyDeleteVery well said, Corbin Mama. It irks me when people get so angry at folks who give up their doggies. Sure there are bad dog parents out there, but my guess is that a lot of people were just overwhelmed. It doesn't matter if they were overwhelmed by something that crazy dog ladies would take in stride. What matters is that they let their dog go so that he or she could find their true furever home.
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Dexter
That wuz a really good letter. Yep, sumtimez there r peepz out there that fur whatever reezon, just can't hold on tue their woofie - furry much sad butt at leest there iz sumone out there like u who can give that woofie a lovin'furever home.
ReplyDeleteShiloh-Lord of the Manor an'Diva Shasta
OMD, this was the bestest letter ever! Our mom is still wiping away tears.
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
Aw... that's so sweet! Corbin definitely has the right home!
ReplyDeleteThis made my eyes leak. What a beautiful tribute to your handsome guy.
ReplyDeletetoo sweet…definitely teared up at work
ReplyDeletebeautifully said - that is how it should be .
ReplyDeleteSuch sweet words and we are really happy that you have found each other. Corbin is a blessing to you as you are to him. Sending lots of hugs from all of us.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Max, Wai-Pai & Forgie
What a grreat letter! I'm very grateful that my furst owner surrendered me to LBR, because I got vet care and TLC and help to find my momma. Everything happens for a reason, you know?
ReplyDeleteI loved this. My Ruby was a stray so I can't ever know who might have had her before, but I am grateful she found her way to me.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful letter. Whatever the reason, I'm glad Corbin found you! ♥
ReplyDeleteLOVE this POST.... LOVE IT....
ReplyDeleteEyes leaking here, too. The Mama captured my sentiments, exactly, as she so often does. My Bonnie is my "accidental pitbull", I wonder how many other accidentals like us are out there?
ReplyDeleteI rescued Bonnie off the streets, she was malnourished and gentle, I was so ignorant, I didn't even know she was a pit mix (she's also the tall leggy form factor). Didn't occur to me that I couldn't find a home for her, but she captured my heart in the same amount of time. I had no resources to learn anything. Then along came the Michael Vick firestorm and I found Bad Rap and so many other reputable pitbull rescues that taught me so much and then the blogs of families just like us, including Corbin's family. I can't say what I think of Vick, but I do thank that episode for giving energy and coalescence to the pitbull rescue movement and helping us take back a wonderful dog from the people who have taken advantage of their good nature.
I rescued Bonnie as an individual, but I wonder how many families have rescued pitbulls since the Vick episode because of the positive publicity and outreach?
I didn't mean to hijack The Mama ;-) it's just what you said about how you felt at first really struck a chord of how I felt, as well. I do love Cesar Milan's observation that we don't get the dogs we want, we get the dogs we *need*. I think we can both agree on that one, I love all my dogs equally, but my connection with Bonnie is unique and special.
Hugs to Corbie and The Mama and thank you for sharing your life and adventures! ;-)
What a great post. I feel the same about my Edward and my angel Benny
ReplyDeleteLily (& Edward)
You guys are such an amazing team. You have opened so many eyes to how awesome pitties are.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Oskar, Olive & Pam
Perfect!
ReplyDeleteOur Millie was dropped off at the city shelter at about 3 1/2 months old for similar puppy behavior. Lucky for us she was transferred to a rescue group too and we could't be happier. Those people that dropped her off have no idea what they are missing. She is the sweetest, lovingist dog we have ever had. We too are thankful Millie didn't stay were she started.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Such a beautiful letter to Corbin's former owners. You were a lot nice to them than I would probably be to Chico's former owners. They didn't give him over to the Humane Society, so at least they have one point in their favor.
ReplyDeleteI hope Corbin is feeling better.
That picture says it all: beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the most wonderful love letters ever! So. Much. Love! Love that you rescued each other!
ReplyDelete