After being a pit bull rescue for 18 years you would think we have experienced everything there is out there, but everyone once and a while something still shocks you with awe and wonder.
You see, some of our foster homes have color preferences when it comes to their dogs. I personally like white pit bulls while some of our volunteers like red dogs ands some like blue dogs. It just so happens our blue dog foster home was open and while a foster mom was volunteering at the Indianapolis shelter when she met Paloma.
Isis at the shelter
Paloma came into the shelter as a stray and was put on the rescue only list because she was growly during her dog-dog introduction and potentially has rear leg issues. Our foster home fell in love at first sight. Here's what her foster mom said:
"What is it about this fat blue dog with the gimpy back legs that I couldn't resist? I tried and tried to not bring another one home already. I was drawn to the shelter by her blue mind wave...I took her out in the long run to watch her...She was ignoring me and I watched as she walked around snuffing. I left for a bit and then came back.. She ran up making happy huffing sounds and bouncing around like a little bouncy girl that she is. I sat down on the ground and she smiled at me and hung her tongue out and happy huffed some more and then came and leaned up against me...Shit...It was a done deal..What could I do? How could I ignore this fat little dog with the take me home eyes and happy smile. Before you could blink your eyes I was in the car with her paperwork and a happy blue dog...She jumped right in that car with those gimpy legs and smiled all the way home. Upon getting out we went out to see the horses. She was interested but not TOO interested. She settled down pretty quick and ended up sitting on my lap..just soaking it all up. We walked down the lane slow...and then back to the room. The Blue crew won't be allowed to be around her till we know she is healthy. She was loose as a goose but I think it is just from nerves. Hopefully all is well. I sat with her in the dog room and made up her crate. She got a worried look on her face and panted and heaved heavily as she watched me zip tie the corners and put a blanket in. I let her settle down by sitting on the chair with me for awhile. She soon was sleeping and very happy. Of course when the time came to put her in the crate she didn't look too happy. Hopefully the crate will be in one piece in the morning. She howled and cried as I shut the door ...so forlorn and sad. They always have separation anxiety of some degree when i first bring them home. I am hoping it passes soon as she gets used to my routine. She is very over weight and I am going to start her on a swimming program with Lucy's bobber vest. I am hoping her back legs can be helped by the water exercise and a loss of weight. She will need to see a vet to see what is going on with those sore back legs. Hopefully a good program will bring her back to health. Send healing prayers and energy to this kind soul. She is a sweet girl ,,,I want her to have a second chance at a family...Thank you Casa Del Toro for pulling her...She will be a good one when she is well....Good night all..." So here's Paloma during her first 24 hours in foster care.
So we rescued Paloma on a Friday night and introduced her on Facebook on Sunday morning. Within fours hours of posting Paloma we received a family 45 minutes away contacted us and said that Paloma is their dog Isis who disappeared three years ago.
It took us about an hour to confirm Isis's identity and make plans to reunite her with her family. Then Casa del Toro volunteers loaded Isis up and took her home. It was an emotional journey for everyone involved.
We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to reunite Isis with her forever family and generate the awesome pit bull friendly media that her story has created. The story was picked up by WTHR Channel 13 and repeated on local TV and radio outlets.
Reuniting Isis with her owners was a very fulfilling opportunity for us and it really made us feel that all of the hard work, dedication, sacrifice and tears that rescuing pit bulls takes is worth it.
100% worth it!