This is Maxine, the incredibly sweet 3-year old beagle that my friends Rain and Matt just adopted from a drug-testing lab. The lab was finished with its testing and if Maxine hadn’t been adopted she would have been put down. Maxine (”Max” for short”) had been part of a study to see how long the test drug would remain in her system. She was the last of her group to find a home, so the good news is that no dog had to be put down. Because of people like Rain and Matt, each dog found a loving home.
Adopting a dog who has never been trained, has never been outside (has never been in a house, for that matter), and who has never really interacted with other dogs or many people is truly a solemn responsibility. But falling madly in love with the dog helps smooth over some problems, that’s for sure.
When she first arrived she wouldn’t make eye contact or eat or drink and spent all her time hiding. Understandable, after being uprooted from all she’s ever known. But she’s already making progress in her new home. Now she can look directly at you, is starting to feel more comfortable and adventurous (although it took her 2 days to pee) and doesn’t seem afraid at all of people, or noise. Obviously the lab techs were very good to her, because she loves to be pet and held. She hasn’t been outside yet and certainly hasn’t yet met the whirlwind which is Fungus– first things first! But I think in time she’s going to turn out to be a terrific companion. She is solemn and observant and seems to possess an epic ability to lie on your lap. She shows an affinity for a treat called Baa-Baa-Cues, which apparently are delicious dried bits of sheep lung. Needless to say, Rain and Matt are totally over the moon with their new friend.
Click here for updates on Max’s progress in her new home.
If you’re interested in learning more about adopting a dog or cat in the Bay Area, check out the Berkeley Humane Society’s adoption center.
