Susan and Andre had been lifelong dog owners, but now after retirement, they wondered if they had the strength and stamina to handle a big dog. After all, they had always had big dogs, or as they told me, big unruly dogs, who had been unpredictable with strangers and other dogs. They loved their previous dogs and were devoted them, but now at a different stage of life they didn't feel up to the challenge and had decided to give up on having a dog. Then, they heard about Mutt Match.

I wanted to find them a dog who would enrich and make sense in their present day life. Enter Sweet Pea, a cocker spaniel mix, no bigger than 25 pounds. Sweet Pea was surrendered to a local shelter. When Dad's My Angel Puppy Rescue saved her, she was severely underweight with hair loss due to malnourishment. Despite her condition, she was a happy, happy girl, always overjoyed to meet all people. She wiggled even more joyfully for children. She also enjoyed the company of other dogs.

This little girl was exactly the dog I envisioned for Susan and Andre, and serendipitously when they saw Sweet Pea's picture, with her sweet eyes and big smile, they were immediately smitten.

Sweet Pea has settled easily into her new home. I recently heard from Susan. Due to Sweet Pea's outgoing, loving, charming personality, Susan is training Sweet Pea to be a therapy dog. Susan also shared these thoughts with me in an email:

Dear Meg,

 

Just to let you know how much we are enjoying Sweet Pea.  It is such a different experience than the big boys.  My husband, who was reticent about having a dog, is rather enthralled, taking her for long walks and being very solicitous of her.  She is a very easy dog.  We have been able to take her in the car with us when it is someplace that we can take her and she is so good, never saying anything. Andre has taken her to visit the neighbors and she has been meeting other dogs as well.  She loves to fetch and will bring me her toy and drop it as long as I am willing to play with her.  If I am busy with something else and not paying her any attention she just settles down quietly.  In other words she's not demanding!  And I actually like taking her for walks.  I don't have to worry about being pulled down or that she is going to go after another dog.  What a treat.  Her being so small really does make a difference. 

 

Meg, Thank you so much for making this possible. Susan