Josey (formerly Julie) was at the Rescue Ranch after being found with 4 puppies who were three months old, two who were so sick they didn’t make it. Her remaining pups were treated and adopted, while Josey stayed on to recover. I met her at the Ranch during COVID. I had just been removed from teaching in my classroom, and was on the lonely journey to teach from home. A dog, I thought, would be a perfect solution to my new situation!! That day, when sweet Josey gazed into my eyes, was just the beginning of our incredible journey! Josey was terrified to go inside a house, get in a car, or walk across a room! She bravely entered dog training, took her first hike, made her first human and dog friends, and ever so slowly began adapting to living life together. When I went back to the classroom, I found out we had bonded supremely well and now she had separation anxiety! After escaping from multiple fenced yards and even two boarders, we found a solution that worked–a completely contained, all metal, outdoor kennel. Here Josey found peace while I worked. Fast forward four years–Josey couldn’t be a happier, sweeter pup. She has best friends now, both dog and human, can sleep on the couch while I work, loves camping and road trips and even rafting! Last fall was our biggest moment of validation when she won Best Dog in Talent, Oregon at the Harvest Festival!!! She went right up to the judges, gazed into their eyes, and once again, the deal was sealed!! I’m incredibly grateful for my forever friend, my life is truly better with her in it and every ounce of love and acceptance I poured into her has been returned a million times over. Thank you for saving her for me!!!
~ Shelby
