We asked a couple of enthusiastic adopters to tell us about their new family member. We enjoy updates on the IGs who made their way through rescue to their forever homes, and we hope you do too!
Justin – adopted October 5th, 2007 by Tiffany and Steve
Justin in his first formal portrait.
Justin survived the first 6 years of his life in 2 puppy mills in Iowa and Missouri. We first met Justin and his foster parents Erik & Bridget at a puppy mill round table in September 2007. We fell in love with Justin immediately. While his foster family took wonderful care of him, he had hernia surgery along with some dental work that included the removal of many teeth. We adopted Justin shortly after his surgery.
Justin was extremely shy and afraid of people. He was so brave to attend many puppy mill roundtables to expose the treatment he endured during the first 6 1/2 years of his life.
He has the typical flat feet from the wires he stood on along with poorly developed shoulders and legs. He looks bull-legged from having to balance on the wire floor he once knew as home.
Justin napping with his big sister Bronte
Justin napping with his brother Kimi.
Justin adapted rather quickly to his new home in WI. He has a sister named Bronte (Greyhound) and a brother named Kimi (Cat). They both welcomed him into our home. They knew he needed extra love and tender care and they both took him under their wings.
Justin
Justin in his bee costume.
I even had my picture taken with Santa this year and dressed up as a bumblebee for a Halloween party! My favorite time is when the whole family goes to sleep. I get to snuggle right under daddy’s chin against his chest while Bronte gets the middle and Kimi sleeps above mommy’s head. During the night I even sneak away from daddy to snuggle up to Kimi and Bronte to be close. We are one happy family. This year mommy and daddy are bringing me to obedience class and I will be working towards being a therapy dog with my sister Bronte. I have so much confidence now and people do not scare me. I love to go right up to them and introduce myself. I often get called a big dog in a little dog’s body. I act more like a greyhound than an IG. I love to relax and lay around with my sister. I can behave like a crazy flying squirrel if I still want to. My parents have spoiled me so much that they even bought me a lot of toys and some really cool outfits for the changing weather. I am no longer cold or hungry. I am so very grateful to all of the people that helped to save my life.
Love,
Justin
Justin with Santa
Justin has brought so much joy to our lives. Every morning he lies in bed wagging his tale. He loves to say good morning with wet kisses and snuggles. We have never seen a dog before that wags his tail from morning to night. Just a smile will get his tail wagging.
He cannot bark because the mill debarked him but he has learned to communicate to us. He rings the bells on the door when he wants to go outside. When he wants attention, there is no lack of communication – he just makes himself available for petting. Justin has enhanced our lives more than we could ever imagine.
We love our new son with all of our hearts.
