Happy Tails
A Dog and His Boy
By Mary M.
I got a call asking to foster a big black dog named Vadar for a few days. I immediately assumed Vadar was playful and goofy. Instead, I was informed he was nervous, probably woundn’t eat and has aggression issues towards men. Hmm, did I want to take this on?
I waited anxiously in my driveway with my calmest dog Roxy. Vadar got out of the car with his foster mom. He was a big dog, far bigger than I imagined. He was twice the size of my largest dog Roxy and ten times the size of my smallest dog. I hoped they would all get along. His foster was nervous telling me Vadar only liked women and he was an extremely shy and nervous dog. I continued with the doggie introductions until Vadar had met two-year-old Phoebe and three-year-old Gracie.
After Vadar’s foster mom left, I took Vadar out to our back yard to explore and play with the other dogs. He immediately began to romp and play with the dogs. He did not seem shy do me. My husband Tino came home from work and joined us outside. Vadar was shy, for about five minutes. Tino chased Vadar around the yard and Vadar chased Tino. They played fetch and Frisbee. When it came time for dinner, Vadar ate alongside the other dogs with gusto. Bedtime came and Vadar slept alongside the pack.
Vadar was not living up to his reputation. He ignored my cats, played with dogs, loved Tino and got along with the rest of the family. After several days with our family Tino and took him to the adoption event. We had high hopes of Vadar finding a home.
Not long after arriving, a family approached us. They had come to see a different dog but it was not working out. What kind of dog was Vadar? We told them what we had been told then explained our few days with Vadar. David and Danette asked if Vadar would get along with their three-year-old son Zachary. Let’s see, was our response. The family took Vadar for a walk, bought him doggie treats and spent quite a bit of time at the adoption event. Vadar was shy and a little overwhelmed by the crowds. I crossed my fingers hoping it wouldn’t work against him. It didn’t. David and Danette adopted Vadar three days later.
It has now been several weeks. How is Vadar doing? It’s amazing.
Vadar was nervous for a little while after arriving at his new home but quickly settled in. His new family preferred a shy dog for their young son so Vadar really fit the bill. Being house trained and knowing a few commands was a real plus.
Bedtime with Zachary used be an ordeal. Tuck in to sleep took more than an hour every night. After Vadar came to live with them, David and Danette put his bed alongside Zachary’s. Their son and Vadar go to bed at the same time. Now tuck in to sleep takes about five minutes. Zachary’s door is left open all night. In the morning, Vadar will wait by the open door until given permission to come out. Every morning Vadar goes with David to take Zachary to school. This dog with “issues” toward men has really bonded with David. Vadar also loves Zachary’s toys and will bring one out of the room “asking” if he can have it. If not, no problem.
Zachary and Vadar spend a lot of time in the back yard playing fetch. Vadar is still working on the “drop” command but has no problem with Zachary putting his hand in his mouth to take the ball.
Vadar’s new family has learned he is afraid of newspapers and umbrellas. They work with this by allowing Vadar to leave the room while they read the paper and he gets to stay indoors on rainy days. Vadar is still shy around the neighborhood, but daily walks are getting better and better.
Zachary loves his new dog. Vadar is very patient while Zachary learns how to treat him. This big black dog has found a family that loves him unconditionally and he is returning the favor ten fold
