"Shadow"
Posted: 02-15-10
On a dreary rainy day in Florida, I finally saw my shadow….
My name is Kelly Jean. In April, 2009, I became the activities director for West Winds Assisted Living Facility located in Zephyrhills Fl. When I accepted the position, I went on the search for a therapy dog to take to work with me each day. My search was over, when I found Bubbles at Tampa Animal Services. She was a pure bred Chihuahua puppy that was given up because her human parents lost their home. "Bubbles" joined "Carry", another therapy dog that comes to work each day.
Bubbles brought great joy to our residents! They took her for walks in their wheelchairs, and let her play bingo and Wii with them several times a week. They also snuck bacon out of the dining room for special morning treats. Bubbles accumulated over 40 different outfits, including shoes, hats, and sunglasses! She became an icon of sorts for our small country town, appearing in numerous parades and community events, dressed in the latest fashions, and always ready to make new friends with each person she met.
But, something was missing... There was still room in our residents' hearts for another dog.
In October, 2009, I took a day off work to visit with my mother in Inverness. When I was getting ready to leave, I made a quick trip to the local Animal Shelter, just "to see". I remember it very well, because it was cold, wet and rainy outside.
As I walked through the kennels, "the little angel" on my shoulder was telling me "too fuzzy" (next) "too old" (next) "too hyper" (next) "too scary looking" (next), but as I came around the corner, I peered into a dark kennel, with apparently no dog inside. As I stared into the dark shadows, I saw eyes glaring back at me. "Come here puppy!" But no reply, not even a bark or movement. I shrugged my shoulders, and kept walking. When I was getting ready to leave, I had to pass that same kennel. This time, a giant head was there to greet me. Still very unsure, he only came within two feet of the chain link. It was hard for him to stand; in fact, he was leaning against the concrete wall, and seemed to be dragging his hind legs. His eyes were only tiny slits in his miserable looking face, and every bone in his body was trying to poke through his red irritated skin. He just stood there trying to hide his interest in me, and me and my angel smiled back.
I adopted him 3 days later. The staff at Citrus County Animal Services were AWESOME! They told me my new dog was a Merle Harlequin Great Dane. He was severely undernourished, and only weighed 89 lbs. They showed me the sores all over his body, and explained how I would need to take care of him. When I told them I wanted him to be a therapy dog, they were SO excited. Rafael said that the extra love he would get would be the perfect thing for him, and that my residents would help him, as much as he could help them.
The staff and volunteers helped to socialize the Great Dane with my tiny 5lb Bubbles and 10lb Carry. He REALLY loved Bubbles, and kept licking her like she was a Popsicle! She was a bit more shy, and rightly so, since his front paw was bigger than her head!
Several days later, after he was finished getting fixed from the caring staff at the Dunnellon Animal Hospital, my new puppy came to live in his forever home. He was so insecure…. he would barely allow us to pet him. Loud noises or fast movements sent him running for his life. Because of his skin conditions, he smelled really bad, and needed special baths several times a week. Even though he was now eating a proper diet, his bones were still visible, and he didn't have very much energy.
Weeks went by, then months...
The Great Dane was eventually named Shadow. He IS my shadow! He rarely leaves my side. I think he truly believes he is the same size as Bubbles, and he is constantly trying to jump into my lap.
Shadow has gained over 20 pounds! His ribs no longer show, and he is FULL of energy. His favorite thing to do is play "keep away" in the back yard with a squeaky ball stuffed inside an old sock (he also insists on sleeping with this toy!) His skin is still pink, but with allergy medication his hair has started to grow back. He and Bubbles love to taunt each other, but he is always very gentle with her. As his health became better, I started taking him to work with me. The residents are thrilled with him, even asking for "private visitations" with him in their apartments. He is still skittish, and learning to trust people. With his large stature, and striking black and silver markings, I normally get a line of both residents and visitors in front of my office window watching him.
I'll be sure to send you more updates, as well as pictures of him as he grows into those silly floppy ears and enormous feet! Me, and all of the residents here at West Winds Assisted Living Facility are grateful you allowed us to give Shadow another chance.
It's a good thing he is such a big boy, he has 45 hearts to fill now!
Sincerely,
Kelly Jean