By Janet McAfee
There is no place like a “home for the holidays”, and a little dog named Johnny knows that better than most. Johnny was a stray homeless dog who ended up at the now closed Indio animal shelter. The Indio shelter was a blighted building on a dead end street with few adopters, and Johnny did not have a bright future there.
Christmas angel, Lori Weiner, owner of the Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace, changed Johnny’s luck when she rescued him and a little black terrier named Shawna four years ago. Both dogs were featured in this column last year in an article, “Johnny and Shawna Seek A Home for the Holidays”. Eventually Shawna was adopted. Johnny remained behind, hoping that one day someone would take him too. Unlike most homeless dogs, Johnny was a royal resident at the Pet Hotel, well fed, loved, and romped in the indoor dog park with the four legged hotel guests. He lived in a beautiful suite with loving staff, but his heart longed for something more.
Last month, Johnny came to Loving All Animals’ annual Super Pet Adoption Festival for the third year. He looked longingly at prospective adopters, hoping to catch their eye. But Coachella Valley residents seem to favor the “white fluffies”, the Bichons, the Shih Tzus, and the Poodle blends. Johnny, a terrier mix, had a hard time getting noticed among the throngs of specialty breeds and cute puppies.
But sometimes those who wait the longest get the best home. A couple operating a vendor booth for lighted dog harnesses noticed Johnny’s sparking personality, and thought he would be a great match for their daughter and her family. Johnny left for his forever home that day, one of 271 rescue animals adopted at the Super Pet Fair. And while he was happy and content at Barkingham, Johnny transformed into a radiant, joyful dog once he had a family to call his own.
Jennifer Nelson, Johnny’s new human mom reports, “We’ve never encountered such a grateful little being. Johnny is so loving and happy! He’s like a circus dog, throwing the rope in the air, practically jumping over my son’s head to catch it, and then proudly trotting away. When I took my son and our 10-year-old dog Brando to the dog park, Johnny was practically jumping out of his skin with excitement. He was truly in his element, and was appointed the role of “leader” by another large dog, Draco. Draco’s human owner thought Johnny was part of our family for years by the way he behaved and expressed his loyalty. Johnny sleeps in bed with my son every night, while occasionally jumping down to pop up on our bed to visit and give soft kisses. We are so grateful for him.”
Nine-year old Nic describes his new best buddy, “He’s an awesome dog, he’s so happy. Johnny is like a little jumping bean, and he follows me everywhere. I’m going buy him some squeaky toys and balls for Christmas!” This year Johnny will celebrate Christmas in his own home with Nic, five-year-old Hanna, and his new dog brother, Brando.
Dreams do come true for those who believe and wait with patience and optimism. There is a home for every dog, and no home is complete without a loving rescue dog or cat. If you are still “dogless”, head out to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, our county shelter in Thousand Palms, and meet some fabulous dogs and cats. Call them at (760) 343-3644 and view their adoptable animals at www.rcdas.com. And take a second look at those mixed breed pups like Johnny, who have hearts of gold, fabulous personalities, and will reward you every day with loving loyalty.
Jmcafee7@verizon.net
