It was a beautiful day on Saturday.
I woke up bright and early, threw on my SPCA of Niagara volunteer shirt and black yoga pants, laced up my sneakers and headed out the door to pick up a dog named Owen. Today would be a very special day for Owen as we were headed to PetSmart in Amherst for an adoption event.
Now, I’ve never met Owen and he had never met me.
I looked for his name tag on the front of the kennels as all of the kennels were being cleaned and the dogs were in the back. I walked to the back and counted the number of kennels away from the name tag I saw to make sure I had the right pup.
I counted one, two, three, and there he was.
The most beautiful black lab mix I had ever seen.
I handed him a treat so he knew I was friendly.
As I tried to open the kennel, Owen backed up and waited patiently for me to come inside.
Owen didn’t jump. He didn’t bark. He just sat down while I put on his leash. Somehow, someway, he knew today was his day.
We walked out of the kennel and I could tell he wanted to get out of there as fast as he could. As soon as we stepped outside, Owen no longer pulled, but instead walked at a nice, steady, slow pace. I talked to him before we reached my car. I let him know my name was Kimberly and I was here to help him get adopted today.
I opened the backseat to my car where I had placed down a nice silk sheet for him to lie down on. Owen was a little scared. He didn’t seem to know that I wanted him to hop in, or perhaps he was just being polite. Either way my little self picked him up and placed him in the car. He could have growled, he could have put up a fight, but he didn’t. He trusted me in only a matter of a few minutes and to me, that meant the world.
We drove off and I rolled down the windows for him. He immediately stuck his head out and took in the fresh air. He was enjoying every second of being a dog.
It took about 20 minutes to get to PetSmart. Owen didn’t try to hop in the front seat during the drive. He didn’t roll around in the car. He just basked in the freedom and put his head in the middle once in a while to say hello.
We arrived, and I went straight to the backseat to get Owen. He hopped out gently for me and we headed to the event. He walked so graciously for me it was as if he was a trained dog in the Westminster Kennel Show.
I kept Owen by my side throughout the entire event. I would tell him to stay by me and he would. I’d sit on the floor and he’d just sit and relax next to me. Children would come up to pet him and he was so patient and gentle with them. I was so impressed at the way he handled himself in such a different situation. Not to mention, how wonderful he behaved with me, someone he’d only known for a short while.
Several people inquired about sweet Owen. I hoped that they would call and adopt him. They seemed just as baffled as I was as to why he hadn’t been adopted yet.
I only wish I could have taken him home myself.
When we got back to the SPCA, I sat with Owen for a bit in the yard before I brought him back in. I wanted him to know that he was a very special dog and that it wouldn’t be much longer until he found his forever home.
I pray that’s true.
The incredible thing about Owen is I can’t get him off my mind. His gentle soul, the way he buried his head in my arms, the way he trusted me without knowing me.
I know Owen would make a great addition to anyone’s home and heart. He just needs to be given a chance. And, I promise, you’ll get back way more than you give.
Please call SPCA of Niagara at 716-731-4368 to inquire about adopting sweet Owen.
You won’t regret it.
