6.11.2019

tailwagger tuesday (foster plea for Cloudi)

Yeah yeah, it has been a hot minute since I have blogged... mostly because after work, I have been a little consumed with another project.

THIS little project. His name is Cloudi. You can see his official little kennel card bio HERE...
I won't even tell you what name he came in with...

He was picked up by the local animal control due to a lengthy list of reasons. He hasn't been treated the best in his short little life, and I decided to take him on when I realized he hadn't been letting anyone take him out in FOUR DAYS. This little scared dog was yelling at everyone to "Leave me ALONE!!", and quite honestly, he was pretty convincing that he meant business.

On the fifth day, I spoke with the animal control officers that picked him up (along with his 7 other siblings, who were skittish, but more welcoming of a few minutes out of the kennel), and they both told me he was worth a shot with me. So with their help, I managed to take him out that day, and his little tail stayed so tightly tucked, but he started to warm up to me.....

I was able to get him to take treats from me, walk a little on the leash, and even lean in for pets.

When I left him that day, I was certain with more time, he'd come around.....

At the end of that day (it was a Thursday), fines were paid, he and all of his siblings were reclaimed by his 'owners' and I was so sad for him.... I was also mad. Couldn't understand how this could have happened, but with anything related to laws and the legal system, there is due process, and they hadn't been convicted of anything, so it was their legal right....but still....

I must admit that when I had heard he was picked up the following Monday AGAIN, I was relieved and happy... I rushed over to animal control after work to see my Cloudi!!! It seemed he remembered me from our short little time together days earlier, and maybe was even happy to see me!

I committed to seeing him each day for only the free 20 minutes I had at lunch. I was still nervous that once again, he'd get reclaimed. Snatched away from endless loving possibilities to a life that was sad and lacking human connection. I counted down the days. You see he was only on hold for 5 days, and during that time, if his 'owners' didn't come back for him, he would have a shot at getting rescued or adopted....

The 5th day came around, which was Sunday. I waited at animal control until legally he was not able to go back to those people.... At 4:01pm last Sunday, myself and another volunteer who was equally devoted to these dogs, jumped up and down, high-fiving each other in relief and joy. Cloudi and his siblings that had been picked up the second time, had a chance. Two of his more trusting siblings left that day at 4:01, and two others have a great chance due to their friendly and outgoing demeanor. Cloudi is still looking. Cloudi is starting to trust humans again. Cloudi is treat motivated, and loves playing with toys....

you can see how sweetly he plays with toys in the video below...
He needs an experienced foster who understands he came from a sucky 'home'. A person that understands animal control is the best life hes had. Dry shelter, opportunities to go out to potty, and people wanting to interact with him. He has likely never stepped foot into a home, and isn't housebroken, but I believe in him. He has shown me his hunger for human connection, his love of toys, and his ability to trust again.

He just started wagging his tail a few days ago. On Sunday actually....

in the video below you can tell, he is actually enjoying the interaction <3
Please consider opening up your heart and home to a boy who was never shown love until he landed at the county pound.... If you are local to Athens, GA and would like to meet Cloudi, message me using the contact form to the right on this page. I can connect you with a rescue group that is ready to take him when a suitable foster home is found.

Thanks for reading and learning about Cloudi...... he is a real treat...