Sarah - female/young (2 to 4 years) - medium (50 pounds) - husky or shepherd mix - cream, silver and black and white medium coat
Sarah has proven herself under the most trying and challenging of circumstances. Hedgesville Hounds was called on October 11 by a rural animal control asking for our emergency help - a dog in their kennel had begun lactating and they feared she would begin whelping soon.
Within an hour the observant humane officers had delivered Sarah to one of our foster homes. The foster providers had hastily cobbled together a whelping box and pen for Sarah, who did not even look very pregnant when she arrived at their home. However, she jumped into her box, and within 12 hours began to deliver her puppies. She had 5 perfect, beautiful puppies.
Without knowing where she was, or who her new caregivers were, Sarah evidenced amazing trust during a vulnerable and exceptional time in her own life. Her initial reserve gave way to hopeful tail wagging, and her care providers will never forget the first gentle kiss she gave them.
Sarah’s puppies are now all on our website and will be going home in early December, and it is time for us to think about a home for Sarah. Here is what we know about her so far: She is capable of profound bonding. Sarah’s eye contact is open, soft and direct. She looks to humans for direction and encouragement, and she had been an incredibly quick study.
Based on information provided by Animal Control, we do not think that Sarah was given much attention in her former life, and we have been told she was an outside dog. This explains why she comes in so gratefully each time she has been outside. She has been impeccable in her house training, and surprisingly quick to master walking on a lead (although she is being walked in very familiar surroundings, and has not been taken anywhere public due to her puppies’ continuing need for her.)
Sarah is a lenient, patient, and devoted mother. As the puppies have grown, she has enjoyed her short outings in the yard with her caregiver, and the opportunity to have time that is “just about Sarah.” She is not a presumptuous nor a particularly demonstrative dog, but her searching eyes, and her soft kisses and swooshing tail speak volumes. She is also quiet, voicing only when she needs to go outside, or when she perceives that there is an animal or other presence outdoors that may be a threat to her babies.
We do not know how Sarah interacts with other dogs, as we have done our best not to stress her by asking her to navigate other dogs while she is so busy raising and protecting her little family. We have observed that while she reacts to other dogs who enter the room in which she and her puppies are living, she is basically giving them a warning not to come too close, and at the same time, wagging her tail. She has been very matter of fact and accepting of the other animals whom she sees outdoors regularly, including ducks, turkeys, a horse and a donkey.
Sarah has met a number of new people and children who came to meet her puppies, and she has greeted them with trust and friendly interest.
Sarah has shown remarkable faith and gentle courage since the day we met her, and a loving and cooperative spirit. She deserves a home in which she is rewarded and celebrated for her accomplishments, and given an opportunity to shine as a valued family member.
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