I first met Winnie, a corgi chow mix, at the Kent County Humane Society. I never intended to adopt a dog. I just wanted to take a break from studying and walk a few. In 2002, you could walk into the local shelter and just take dogs out. There was no volunteer sign up or class.All the dogs were so happy to get out, they would run to the end of their leashes, or if we were in a outside pen, they would sniff the edges of the fence & run all around. I didn’t blame them in the least! Winnie was different. She would calmly walk outside but then promptly sit or lay down at my feet. She seemed happy to just be with me. The humane society was right outside the small town of Chestertown. It’s where my husband grew up. I found myself visiting Winnie more & more. My mother in law even called the humane society one evening to let me know it was dinner time!!!
We were in Chestertown a bit house sitting for my sister in law.
When we returned home, I could not keep thinking about Winnie. So, my Dad & I made the trek back to get her. At the time, they only took cash so I had to go to the local “ Suds in soda” to get money from the ATM.
What I didn’t know then was how much she would change my life!
She taught me patience, forgiveness, and resilience better than any human could have. She had a chow demeanor and for that I learned about dog behavior, dog training, dog behaviorists and unconditional love.
Winnie spent 14 years with me & my family. She left us at the age of 15. We think she was around 1 year old when we got her.
I still miss her.
She gave me the courage to open my home & heart to a bonded pair from Animal Control in Philly- the dynamic duo of Oscar & Cody! Oscar was a large bulldog mix and Cody was a large shepherd mix with Rottweiler markings. Oscar was timestamped for 8pm and I agreed to take him short term. On the way to meet the rescue volunteer at the Maryland house off of 95, he called to say Oscar had a sister. Oscar looked like a large beagle mix from the photos!
So, we expected two of those. I agreed thinking I will only have them a few weeks. Surprise: they were a bonded pair, not at all siblings. They were HUGE. Not beagles at all. Oscar was #100 and Cody around #80. They were surrendered secondary to a divorce situation. What we figured out right away is that these two were used to being in a house and had manners. They let us know right away they appreciated us. We never let these two go and they reminded us every day for 4 years how much they appreciated us. I miss them so much. They were so gracious when Boh arrived. Boh is the current love of my life along with Daisy. Boh was #140 pounds and found us and stayed with us. Oscar & Cody embraced him & welcomed him. Boh was the only dog for 9 months. We had no intention of keeping another dog. Another wonderful local rescue was contacted to help with a highly heart worm positive bloodhound mix. We picked her up & she never left.
These, as well, a dozens of others are the faces behind Wags for Winnie.
We believe some dogs just need time to be seen, money to help shelters & rescues with their care, training to be the best versions of themselves , and often times a ride!
For the village it takes to help the dogs, we are just a small part in the journey.
Thank you for supporting us!
Foster. Rescue. Adopt.
