Gemma's story began in August 2014. In four months, she has experienced a great deal of loss in her life.
Gemma was an owner surrender. Her family had to move, and they could not take her. ( Loss #1 ). Gemma was also surrendered with a brother. At the time our shelter was bursting at the seams. Gemma's brother was transferred to a rescue in Colorado that specializes in big dogs around September 2014 ( Loss #2 ). In October 2014, Gemma gave birth to a litter of adorable puppies. Two months later all of Gemma's puppies have been adopted. ( Loss #3 ). Last weekend we had our monthly adoption event and Gemma was adopted. Volunteers were ecstatic that she would be home in time for Christmas. The next day she was rushed to the vet, and was having seizures. After being released from the vet, Gemma was returned to the shelter. ( Loss #4 ).
Since returning to the shelter on Monday there has been a change in her demeanor. About a month ago, Gemma walked in the Christmas parade in town. She literally pulled my arm off going up to every single person to say hi and for affection. She smiled, and was content with her life. Today, she roamed the shelter all day, but she wasn't the same. One of her puppies came out today to visit, and while he was there the spark came back. Well, the pup returned to his home, and she stayed at the shelter.
I received a text from someone today, and all it said was " Please find Gemma a home before Christmas." Thoughts crossed my friends minds to even take Gemma home for Christmas for that one day, but she would have to return eventually. A loss I don't want her to go through again.
After so much loss in the four months we have had her, Gemma still stands up on her feet and wags her tail when she sees anyone. She's resilient, and at times I question if I could ever go through what she has gone through in four months, and still make myself stand on my own two feet. Her wish is the wish of every animal in a shelter, to find a home for Christmas. Gemma's story gives me hope, that even though her world has been turned upside down in such a short time, there is that one family out there that needs her as much as she needs them.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Belt-Humane-Society/415395048510798
Gemma was an owner surrender. Her family had to move, and they could not take her. ( Loss #1 ). Gemma was also surrendered with a brother. At the time our shelter was bursting at the seams. Gemma's brother was transferred to a rescue in Colorado that specializes in big dogs around September 2014 ( Loss #2 ). In October 2014, Gemma gave birth to a litter of adorable puppies. Two months later all of Gemma's puppies have been adopted. ( Loss #3 ). Last weekend we had our monthly adoption event and Gemma was adopted. Volunteers were ecstatic that she would be home in time for Christmas. The next day she was rushed to the vet, and was having seizures. After being released from the vet, Gemma was returned to the shelter. ( Loss #4 ).
Since returning to the shelter on Monday there has been a change in her demeanor. About a month ago, Gemma walked in the Christmas parade in town. She literally pulled my arm off going up to every single person to say hi and for affection. She smiled, and was content with her life. Today, she roamed the shelter all day, but she wasn't the same. One of her puppies came out today to visit, and while he was there the spark came back. Well, the pup returned to his home, and she stayed at the shelter.
I received a text from someone today, and all it said was " Please find Gemma a home before Christmas." Thoughts crossed my friends minds to even take Gemma home for Christmas for that one day, but she would have to return eventually. A loss I don't want her to go through again.
After so much loss in the four months we have had her, Gemma still stands up on her feet and wags her tail when she sees anyone. She's resilient, and at times I question if I could ever go through what she has gone through in four months, and still make myself stand on my own two feet. Her wish is the wish of every animal in a shelter, to find a home for Christmas. Gemma's story gives me hope, that even though her world has been turned upside down in such a short time, there is that one family out there that needs her as much as she needs them.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Belt-Humane-Society/415395048510798