Meet Sawyer

I'd like to introduce you to Sawyer. He is my 3-year-old golden retriever mix that I adopted from the Williamson County Humane Society in January. Backstory: I grew up raising Guide Dogs for the Blind with my family- an experience that taught me patience, diligence, and most importantly- gave me more respect for people with disabilities. Later, I went off to college in Texas (Baylor- sic 'em bears), and then grad school (UT) so I was too busy to take on a dog of my own. Finally, once I snagged my big-girl job, I decided it was finally time to get my dog.

The question begged: buy from a breeder or adopt? I decided that raising a puppy on my own would not be the most ideal situation for either myself- or the puppy. So, I began narrowing down my options: I knew I loved golden retrievers (I raised one for Guide Dogs for the Blind), I knew I wanted a male (not sure why- for protection?) and I knew I wanted one that was at least 2-3-years-old. Apparently- so did everyone else. 

I began scouring the golden retriever rescue sites. No luck. But, I wasn't in a hurry- I knew the right one would come my way. An animal is the last thing you want to settle on. If it isn't the right fit for your lifestyle and/or family- it isn't the right choice. Introducing a dog into an environment where it would not be the right fit isn't fair to you- or the dog. i.e. I went to a local animal shelter, saw a chocolate lab I loved, took him to the meet and greet room where he proceeded to shred the stuffed pig they gave him in a matter of minutes. I imagined my couch.... or better yet- my shoe collection, and promptly decided he wasn't the right fit.

Thankfully, technology has provided us all with great opportunities to reach people- this rings especially true for animal adoption agencies such as human societies, animal shelters, ASPCA's and the like. I began searching the websites of many local adoption agencies until one day, I stumbled across a picture of a red golden with a huge nose. His name was "Humboldt." It was only Monday, and they closed before I would be able to get off work. I figured that someone would probably adopt him before I could even make it there that weekend. Sure enough, the next day I looked at the same website, and he was gone. I was kind of upset, but figured he had probably gone to a good home. The next day, I searched some of the other local shelter websites, and "Humboldt" had shown up at at a different one. I called on him right away. They said they had just received him. By then, it was Wednesday, and I knew I wouldn't be able to go meet him until Saturday. I checked that website Thursday, and again on Friday. He was still there. I called on my way home from work on Friday, and he was still there. I told them I would be there first thing Saturday morning.

Ryan, my boyfriend, and myself went to look at him on Saturday morning. We went into the big dog section, and he was nowhere to be found. Impossible- since I had called right before they closed on Friday, and we were there right when they opened on Saturday. Then, I looked at the crates they had lining the walls, and realized there were dogs in there. Sure enough, "Humboldt" was in the first one I looked in. He was standing up, dirty, and staring out at us with his huge brown eyes.

We took him to the meet and greet pens, and he was so sweet. More interested in us than anything else. I knew I had to have him. I put a hold on him, and picked him up later that week, and changed his name to Sawyer. The rest is history. Throughout the course of this blog, I'll share with you my stories and tips on getting him acclimated to his new environment, changing his name, training triumphs (and failures), our ongoing battle with hotspots (he has them) and his new life as my dog-son. I'd love to hear your pet adoption stories as well.

Here are his first photos (pics from our meet and greet at the humane society):

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