There is nothing more devastating than having to depend upon an abuser, yet animals who have been neglected, abandoned or abused learn to love and trust again when offered the chance. Somehow, they are more forgiving than people and, in their vulnerability, they deserve an opportunity to exist without the oppression of fear. This requires an active commitment from people like you.

I am confident that you have some very lucky dogs and I thank you for reading my blog.

Thank you so much for your heartfelt and thoughtful response.

I certainly value the trust that Emmett has placed in us. I see it every day. I can?t fully imagine his life on the street or where his scars have come from, but I suspect Emmett has had to diligently fend for himself in survivalist mode by hoarding, scrounging and never trusting.

He has opened up so much and found comfort with us in a way that he still can?t with visitors. He may get excited in their presence, welcoming them and their attention, but he goes right back to breaking the rules and pushing, pushing, pushing to demonstrate that they can?t get anything over on him. I suspect he finds tremendous relief knowing that he doesn?t have to constantly assume that role with Tim or me ? although he still tries occasionally. I have felt the tension subsiding over time (and my own stress levels are the better for it).

You?re right. I would never regret the decision to keep Emmett. The largest obstacle to that end is my husband?s desire to foster more dogs in the AnimaLovers? program to keep them from extended kennel life. It seems that each time the opportunity to continue this work comes up, a rough-and-tumble, unwanted dog needs us for life.

You?re also right that Emmett really wants to be a good boy. I titled the video ?Bad Dog? in contrast with a new video in the works. Watch this space for more to come?

Your point about the relationship between Emmett and Shamus is one I find important. Emmett is not the only rescue to consider here.

When Shamus first came to us, he was depressed. He missed all the hustle and bustle provided by his former family of two parents, three small children and his best Bassett Hound friend. With just me working from home and Tim off to the office until dinner, Shamus was in need of some action. Emmett's arrival provided an abundance of that.

Shamus has gone from finding Emmett a complete nuisance to craving his companionship. This became most evident with the seasonal change. Emmett won't go outside as much in colder temperatures so Shamus has learned a new trick. He calls to Emmett from under the window, barking as though there's something interesting to see. The moment Emmett charges through the dog door, Shamus stops barking and incites a romp in the snow. This alerting bark is obviously just an ingenius ploy.

Although Shamus has settled in with us and is now living a very happy life, to disrupt Emmett's life would be to disrupt Shamus' once more too.

I have had the great privilege and joy of watching your many wonderful videos. Thank you! They are all very heartwarming. This latest video featuring Emmett brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. It is so clear that this special dog IS in his forever home.

With you, your husband, Shamus, and dear Kitty, Emmett has all the love, socialization, discipline, exercise, wonder, and joy that every dog deserves. For whatever reason, The special bond between Emmett and your family has been formed. It would be a tragedy to wrench his forever family away from him. I truly don't believe this foster dog would now be best served being adopted out. He belongs where he is right now and I simply can't imagine that a better, more life-giving, life-nurturing home and environment awaits him than what he has right now with you – your pack.

I will pray for Emmett that his deepest desires, wants, and needs are best served (staying with you!). The sooner the commitment is made to keep him, well, his heart and soul will find peace and will soar!! Dogs sense things like uncertainty and temporary-ness. I tell my rescue Newfie everyday that she is in her forever home and she will stay with us always!! For a dog that has had 3 or more very bad homes over her short life, saying this to her really makes her feel so much more settled.

Emmett: Your adorable little loveable, rambunctious, mischievious, delightful, loving mutt (who you can tell is really trying to be a good doggy) deserves staying with you!! You'll never regret the decision!

Thank you for a great blog and being a favorite twitter friend!!

/wave
Gunilla Wachtel
Kanweienea Kreations