We love a happily-ever-after, especially when it’s a Kitu’s Fund dog! You might remember Kiwi, the dog who needed emergency care for a mysterious respiratory illness last spring. Kitu’s Fund covered Kiwi’s medical expenses, and she soon regained strength. We’re overjoyed to report that last December, Kiwi met Holly Hawthorn, a medical herbalist and massage therapist in Ashland, Oregon. It was a match: Kiwi became Stella and embarked on her new life. Recently, I caught up with Holly and was delighted to hear Stella’s progress!
When Holly met Stella
Holly came to Rescue Ranch looking for an adventure companion who would be calm, friendly, dog-social, and not too noisy (she’s a renter). Knowing what she wanted helped our Adoption Center staff steer her towards several possible matches. Holly spent time playing with each dog. They were all sweet, but with Kiwi there was an immediate connection. After signing the paperwork, a staff member led Kiwi out to load up. She galloped joyfully toward Holly and jumped in the car.
Holly took time off work to spend every moment with Kiwi the first week. That first evening, Stella explored the house, picking up random objects and looking to Holly for cues. Holly gently redirected her as needed and cheered when she found a toy. Stella gathered all her toys into a pile and laid across them. She was home.
Helping a rescue dog adjust
Stella slept a lot the first month. She was timid (especially with men), so Holly created a routine and kept her world small. They spent lots of time outside together, and Holly encouraged Stella to progress at her own pace while introducing her to new things. There was a terrifying incident after Holly returned to work when Stella escaped the yard. The dog sitter found the gate open, called Holly, and the two of them frantically searched the neighborhood. Finally Holly caught sight of Stella down a side street. She called her name and Stella bounded into the car.
After that, Holly fenced off part of her clinic where Stella could snooze. She encouraged her dog to greet each client and gradually, Stella’s confidence grew. Walks and visits with Holly’s friends (and lots of treats!) made a huge difference as well.
As she felt more secure, Stella tested boundaries. Holly improved her dog-proofing and taught Stella to restrain her barking. Stella is a clever pup who lets herself indoors by pressing the latch down with her front paws. But she no longer has separation anxiety.
As far as advice goes, Holly refers to the Rule of 3’s and recommends patience. Adopters should “allow a rescue dog to acclimate to its new environment and have time to decompress. I think the first month is just that. Building trust, letting them relax in their new home, slowly explore the world.”
It’s also important to have realistic expectations. For example, Stella has a strong prey drive towards small animals. “I need to be okay with the idea of not being able to off-leash walk with her. I have to meet her where she is at.”
Thanks to Kitu’s Fund, Stella is living her best dog life!
These days, Stella is a friendly, confident dog who loves meeting new people. She’s even become a therapy dog, offering her paw to clients who are having a hard time. Holly says “It’s not a shake thing, she just wants to you to hold her paw.” She enjoys camping trips, hikes with her best doggy pal, Frankie (also a Rescue Ranch dog!), and weekly trips to doggy daycare. Stella loves her new “Aunties”–Holly’s friends helped pay Stella’s adoption fee and have embraced her wholeheartedly.
Holly has prioritized a healthy diet and supplements to help Stella heal from her respiratory illness. In return, Stella’s digestion and breathing have improved and she’s gained muscle.
Holly’s adoption advice is to “Go into the experience open to something unexpected, but have a clear idea of… what qualities you want and your life and how that would fit.” She also recommends laying aside savings each month towards pet expenses and investing in pet insurance.
Kitu’s Fund gave Stella her second chance and now she’s living the life every dog deserves. Help dogs like Stella get the high-cost and emergency veterinary care they need. Please donate to Kitu’s Fund today!
