Each month, WTLI puts on a Saturday adoption event at the Hamden Petco. We have a table with information about all the adoptable dogs, and try to bring as many of those dogs to the events as possible.
At the April event, one of our volunteers brought Misty, a shy sweet pitbull but ready to find her forever family. Misty was a little hesitant when being picked up and readied for the event, but once she got in the car and had that open window with the breeze in her face, she started to come out of her shell. Before heading into the event, the volunteer spent a little time with Misty getting to know her and gaining her trust.
The lights and sounds were a little overwhelming at first, so Misty and her handler Jolea opted to step to the side of the commotion. At that moment, Jolea started chatting with a couple who had come to meet another pup named Jack. When Jack arrived with his human chaperone, the wife of the couple broke off to go spend some time with him.
Misty and Jolea interacted with some of the other dogs and people, but made their way back to the quiet spot where the husband was waiting. As they chatted, he started asking questions about Misty and noticing that despite her keeping her ears and head down, her tail was wagging and she kept looking at him with those beautiful eyes. Jolea could tell a connection was happening and encouraged Misty to engage with the man, and she did. The tail wags got bigger, and her ears came up, just a bit.
When his wife came back, he asked if she liked Jack, and of course she loved him. She asked if he had gotten a chance to look at the chihuahua puppies, who were also at the event and up for adoption.
The husband looked at her, looked at the puppies, then looked back at Misty. He said, “you know those puppies will have no problem getting adopted,” and looked to the Jolea, who confirmed there has been consistent interest in the pups. “Look at this sweet girl, she needs a home.” At that moment, Jack walked over, saw Misty, and they greeted each other enthusiastically. That was all it took, both dogs went home with the couple.
Misty, Jack, their new family, Jolea and all the volunteers at the event that day were happy at how it all worked out!
Postscript:
Misty who is enjoying her new forever home was surrendered to WTLI with two other siblings. Peaches (1 year old female) and Ash (now 9 months old) they are both still available for adoption and sweet as can be!
