A Letter to My Forever Family:

I’m a really good guy – I just want a place to call my own and a family to love. I can’t tell you how much I have been through!

I was on the run when I was picked up and taken to jail. Then, I was moved to solitary confinement at a place they call a hospital, where they put me into a big tub where I got a bath and haircut. It wasn’t fun – my tail was so matted that I cried when it was being brushed out – but my skin felt so much better afterward. Then I got a hug and a kiss (oooh, that was nice!) and was taken to my foster home. Now that I’m there, I don’t mind being brushed and groomed, and I don’t mind eardrops if you sneak them in quick (once a week isn’t that bad).

At first, I was so sick that I could barely move without coughing. But they gave me medicine every day and I’ve started feeling a little better. I still have obstacles to overcome since I am heartworm positive, but I know with the love and support I have now, I can handle it.

I was held and cuddled for hours at time to keep me still while I was sick. I felt so safe that now I won’t leave my foster mom’s side – I follow her every where. If she walks out the door and leaves me, I cry and cry until she returns. This makes her a little crazy but I can’t help myself – I’m still so scared that I whimper and I can be very whiny at times. My foster mom ignores it or distracts me (I think toys with food falling out are very interesting and they keep me busy for a while). Even though I whine a bit, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much I smile and how happy I am to be somewhere safe and loving. My affection is a sure sign of my gratitude and I promise I won’t ever take you for granted.

I am very low key but I really get excited about treats – I can make a rawhide last for a week! I like to chase a ball around the house but I am not big on playing outside unless you play with me. I enjoy a short ten minute walk and then I want to do something else. Sometimes, I pick something up and walk off with it just to get your attention, but I really shouldn’t have stuffed toys because I will pull them apart. I am recently house-trained, but I do like to mark flower beds and shrubs. I won’t chew up your personal stuff and I don’t bother with what is on the counter (unless it is beef jerky) - I stick to my own things.

There is something about a cat that drives me crazy (felines, watch out!), but I’m not sure about other dogs yet. I get along with children of all ages, although I prefer sweet, cuddly kids and not mean ones that pull my tail.

All I really want is to crawl in your lap and have you hold me and love me. I will love you back with all my heart…I promise.

Love, Blake