Two Transports & The Home Show

In my last post, I commented on the lack of transports I've done lately...yeah, I should know better than to say something like that! Last week, two dogs were awaiting intake to the rescue group, so I got to take both from Mansfield to the vet in Fort Worth. And when I use the phrase, "got to take" as opposed to "had to take," it's with good reason. Even though transports involve me loading a stinky dog (who may not be a model passenger) into my car and driving him/her all around the metroplex before unloading him/her at the vet's office, I love doing transports. I feel like it is such a privilege to get to spend even a little bit of time with these dogs. It was explained to me when I first started working with the rescue group that the person doing the transport is important because, often, you are the first kind face the dog has seen in a while (if ever). And these dogs never, ever cease to amaze me. They usually haven't had the easiest lives, they are scared, they are sometimes in pain, and yet they always let me (a total stranger) pick them up and take them to an unknown destination. I have never so much as been growled at by one of these dogs. They have the most trusting and beautiful spirits, and getting to be the one who is with them during the very first phase of their new lives is really amazing.

Fletch was happy to be sprung from the shelter!

My friends Jonathan and Nick have decided that it's fun to help me name the transport dogs (and I always need help!) so they made it into a contest. So far Nick is winning--he picked the name Fletch for the cute boy from the shelter. The second dog of the week already came with a name, so the contest is on hold until I have to name another one!

Yesterday, the rescue group had a booth at the Fort Worth Home & Garden Show. Mr. Bear went with me to do what he does best: look cute and gather donations. The Home & Garden Show is one of Mr. Bear's favorite things because he gets attention from all kinds of people and kids...he just soaks it all in. And speaking of dogs who had a bad start in life but are now extremely trusting, Mr. Bear decided to roll over onto his back in the middle of the aisle at the Home Show and offer everyone who walked by the chance to rub his tummy.

Here he is with one new friend (and future professional dog groomer?) who came at him with a dog brush. Mr. Bear was in heaven!

"Um...who told you to stop?"

Mr. Bear had a great time, gathered lots of donations, and went home exhausted. Another successful Home & Garden Show!