We try so hard to do what we feel is best for our dogs … we try so hard, in fact, that we sometimes forget to listen to their desires. George reminded us of this.
We’ll start with a little history.
When we rescued George from the shelter – where he was about to be euthanized – he had a broken jaw, and all the teeth on the right side of his mouth had been knocked out. His remaining 24 teeth were loose and severely rotten with a tight mat of hair wrapped around them (one of the worst dental cases our Dental Specialist had ever seen). George’s face was swollen, and infection oozed from his eyes and nose. He had been in great pain and suffering for, most likely, a very long time.
It appeared that prior to landing in the shelter, George had been an outdoor dog and he didn’t look at humans as a necessity. He wasn’t really afraid of humans, but he didn’t know that he “needed” them. We guessed that in all his approximate 10 years, he has never had his own person. He was “just a dog,” and a very neglected one at that.
Once in our care, George immediately received all medical attention necessary, and within a few days it was clear that he was feeling SO much better! And then, living in our home and receiving lots of love and attention, he began to bond … first with Dan, and then with me as well. He was clearly in his bliss, learning about this wonderful thing called “love”.
Yes, George loved us and we knew it … it couldn’t have been more clear. And we certainly loved him (it was impossible not to), but in keeping with our commitment to rescue and find the perfect home for each dog we save, we felt that his forever home was truly with someone other than us. And in the meantime Nina, who 4 months prior adopted Otis (another “Harley’s House of Dreams” rescue), told us she’d fallen in love in George through his photos and story. How perfect! We were so happy thinking that George would become Otis’s brother! We already knew Nina was an amazing dog mom.
The long-anticipated adoption day was finally upon us.
We arrived at Nina’s house with George and all of his worldly possessions … his bed, blankets, toys and other belongings. We spent several (super fun) hours with Nina and Otis. George was happy, he and Otis got along fabulously and Nina adored him. We were thrilled to know that George would have a super sweet brother and the perfect mom.
But that evening after we left, George became very stressed. He paced. He kept going to the front door. He was looking for us. He knew we left him. He was sad and confused.
George slept lightly through the night, waking up periodically to look for us. As the new day dawned, he continued to be worried. Nina had done everything she could think of to comfort him and let him know he was home, safe, and loved. But George would not relax, no matter what she did. Finally, Nina contacted us. She said it was breaking her heart watching him search for us. She didn’t know what else to do for him.
We had spent the night at a nearby hotel so that we could go back in the morning and say goodbye to George. We thought that if Nina gave it a couple more hours, George would settle in and relax. But he didn’t. He continued to look for us, and soon we were on our way back to Nina’s house. The moment we walked into the house, George leapt into my arms, giving me kisses (he’d never kissed me before!) and then raced back and forth between Dan and me … truly the happiest dog in the world! He was so excited, in fact, that he was even trying to get Otis to join in the celebration!
At that moment, it became very clear that George wanted – and needed – to be with us.
We are so grateful to Nina. She absolutely adored George, but she said that she had to put what was best for George ahead of what she wanted. And he had clearly chosen us; there was no doubt in her mind he was meant to be with Dan and me. Nina was the epitome of grace. Thank you Nina, you are truly amazing.
And so, we’d like to introduce to you the newest member of the Taylor family! George, welcome home!
Thanks for taking care of this special little friend.
Like it is said: you don’t pick the dog, the dog picks you. So sorry for Nina, but she knew what was best for George!
Love this story of George and cried reading it. Happy life George with your family, that you adopted.
OMG! I cried with joy that George let you know he needed to be with you. Thanks guys for a great posting to start my day.
This was such a heart wrenching for Nina and you guys.
Sometimes someone just has to step in and take charge!!
It was the only right thing to do but it must have been so hard! Nina acted as a true dog lover!
Otis is so adorable! Nina is a beautiful lady with a huge heart. Little Otis will get a sibling soon. It’s just George found something with you and Dan that he had never ever experienced. Little guy was terrified he’d never know it ever again. What a beautiful feeling that another adores you so much!! God bless all these amazing people and the pups. So beautiful.
Oh dear,
Yes sometimes we are blind in our ambition and fail to see clearly. You have been chosen. George knew all along what he wanted and now he is where he belongs; a true Taylor to the core. Welcome home sweet little George.
..
..how my heart sings..
while my tears of joy..
and love..
and *loss* fall..
..dog bless you, Nina..
Precious little George is where he belongs
..because of your unselfishness..
and beautiful connection to him..
♥♥
Awwwww!! George is so adorable!! I’m sure Nina was disappointed, but Geoege needs to be where he is happy and will thrive!! Thank you again for rescuing George!!❤️❤️🐾🐾
Oh my word!!! I always get teary eyed reading Rudi’s stories, but the tears streamed this time! What a story and I wasn’t surprised at the ending! What a lucky guy George is to have so many great people love him. It’s finally time George has a life any dog deserves. I continue to keep you and your network of awesome rescuers in my prayers. God bless you all and Nina, a perfect rescue will pick you and Otis! ❤️🐾🐾
Bless his little heart & your huge hearts!!
Oh George. You knew who you were supposed to be with. So glad you have your forever home where you want to be.
So happy that George is happy and loved.
Happy Furever… some things truly are “just meant to be” ❤
How wonderful. Dogs know . . they always do.
What a way to start my morning! I have the biggest smile on my face and a tear in my eye! God Bless you all for listening to a little being that just wanted to be loved and he chose the Taylors! Wow how Special!!!!
We all remember our first love, and George remembered his. Thank you Nina for recognizing that George needed to be back with his, and thank you to the Taylors for taking him back to your home where he belongs.
Great name George. You & Dan just are Amazing!! How could George not love you? He’s just too Adorable!! Welcome to the Taylor Family George!! ❤️❤️❤️
Happy that george has chosen his forever family
Aww, what a touching story! I’m so glad that George found his happy ending!
This is a beautiful story of so much love 💕 I’m so many ways. God bless you all. Congrats 🎊🎉
How is George today?