4.04.2011

Wonder's Wonderful Weekend

Lucky Dog Rescue’s Weekend Foster Program allows families to foster a rescue dog over the weekend, to give the pup some extra-special love and one-on-one attention for a couple of days. Maybe you can’t commit to being an official foster family, because of the indefinite timeframe… But for just one weekend, could you donate your family to a dog who’s never had one?
I’d like to share a very touching story about the weekend foster experience of one of my most special pups, Wonder, a death row rescue from a North Carolina shelter. She spent an extra-fun weekend with a dear friend of mine, Anna Dallas, and Wonder wanted to tell you all about it in her own words…
My Weekend with Anna
Story Told By Wonder

Anna picked me up at 9 a.m. Friday morning from the coolest place on Earth, Lucky Dog Retreat, where I live with my foster mom, Ashley.  Anna brought her dog Macon with her to meet me, so we could get acquainted with each other.  He was a little shy at first, but I finally figured out he just loves all of Anna’s attention. 
When we left Lucky Dog Retreat the adventures began.  First we went to PetCo to buy me a toy.  Anna figured out that, although I am small, I am a piece of DYNAMITE.  So, she bought me a harness instead of a collar, because you see, I was pretty much choking myself pulling her around the store! After we fixed this, I picked out a bone that I liked.  When Anna was paying for my bone and harness, I stole a lot of cookie treats off of the counter, and they were delicious.
When we left PetCo, Anna took me to meet her Dad.  He didn’t know I was coming to stay for the weekend, so we were a little nervous.  Thank God I’m so cute and freaking awesome because he instantly fell in love with me (along with his co-workers).  After I met Mr. Ronnie, we went to Okatibbee Lake.  I ran until I couldn’t run any more.  I played in the flowers and rolled around in the grass.  And I even got to meet some of the fishermen at the spillway! I hate to toot my horn, but everybody that saw me kept saying what a good looking dog I was. Right before we left, I decided I wanted to take a dip in some cool muddy water.  Anna didn’t even care when I jumped in her car soaking wet and muddy!

When we got back to Anna’s house, I was THIRSTY.  I drank all of the water from the bowl she gave me, but my favorite place to drink from is the toilet.  You don’t even have to leave the lid open for me; I have no problem opening it for myself.  I got in the bathtub after our trip to the lake, and Anna bathed me with some really good smelling shampoo.  I sat like a good girl in the water and even laid down in it.  She said I was the easiest dog she had ever bathed.  This is when Anna first told me she loved me. 

After my bath, I was still ready for more.  I’m pretty sure by this point, even after all this tiresome fun, I had yet to close my eyes or even sit down.  Anna told me that we were going to meet a friend for me to play with that had an AWESOME backyard.  So, I watched her get ready, and even learned how to shave my legs, if I can ever figure out to hold a razor in my paws.  When Anna was sitting in front of her mirror putting on her mascara, I jumped on her back and did the humpty hump.  She couldn’t stop laughing at me, her silly Wonderbra. That’s her nickname for me.
Later that evening I met my new boyfriend, Denver.  Denver is a yellow lab stud muffin that lives not too far from Anna.  When I went in to meet Denver, we went nuts.  He is a year old puppy that still has lots of energy.  This is just perfect for me, because I never want to stop playing! We ran and played ALL night and had lots of toys, treats, and kisses from Anna.  When it was time for Anna to go to bed, I had finally gotten a little sleepy too.  I jumped right in bed with her and instantly laid by her side.  Anna fell asleep pretty fast and so did I.  I slept so good, and snored the whole night through.  Anna told me I snore like an old man, but that she loved the sound of it.  I think I like her. 
We woke up Saturday real early, because Anna tells me that she is an “early bird.” Today I am super tired from all the fun and take a few more naps than the day before.  So on this day, we decide to stick around Anna’s house.  But, that is fine with me. Anna has a huge yard and a lot of doggies for me to play with. She even has cats too that I loved. 



For breakfast,   Mr. Ronnie gave me some eggs, bacon, and some dog food.  For lunch, Anna shared her pulled pork sandwich, fries, and slaw with me.  After lunch, we decided to take a nap.  Anna turned my favorite movie on for me, Lady and the Tramp, and turned out the lights.  I love rooting around in her bed to find the perfect spot.  But my favorite spot was right beside her.  I like to get as close to Anna as I can, so my puppy breath hits her face and she can rub my belly.  Today she tells me I am her “little piece of heaven,” and we fall asleep. 
Later on Saturday night, I really wanted her to take me to see my man Denver again, and Anna said yes! I watch her get ready and mounted her back again while she applied mascara.  She just laughs again, and calls me her “special Wonderbra.” I think I like that name, although I’m still trying to figure out what a bra is?

We jump into the car and off we go.  Tonight I play with Denver again, until I am just exhausted.  When we are done for the night, Anna scoops me up (since I fell asleep) and off we go. 

We wake up again bright and early on Sunday and decide to go for a ride.  It’s such a pretty day out, and I love to hang my head out the window and let the wind make my cheeks flap. 

I notice that today is different though.  When we get back to Anna’s house, she lets me out of the car and I play with Macon and Cammmie for a while.  I run up to Anna and see something wet coming down from her eyes, under her big black sunglasses.  She tells me she is sad and does not want to take me back.  She tells me this has been one of the best weekends of her life, and I feel the same way too. 
We go inside to lie down since we are tired again.  Anna holds me, and rubs my belly and kisses my face.  She says to me “I love you Wonder, and this will not be the last time I hold you.” I lick her face and it makes her feel better.  We get up and start getting ready around 3:00 p.m. to head back to Lucky Dog Retreat.  I can’t wait to see all of my friends and my foster mom, Ashley.  On the way, I ride in Anna’s lap and she doesn’t even tell me to move.  She rubs my back and holds on to me tight and drives with one hand.  I think she is pretty talented.  Before I get out of the car, she tells me again that she loves me, and she can tell I love her too.  Anna also tells me she hopes she can be my Mom one day.  She kisses my head and off we go.  I am so happy to see my mom, Ashley, and all of my friends. I run right inside without any hesitation. 


This special girls’ weekend changed not only Anna’s life, but my life.  I am no longer Wonder, the dog on death row in North Carolina. I am somebody’s baby. I am somebody’s Wonderbra. 



If you are interested in participating in Lucky Dog Rescue's Weekend Foster Program, email Ashley at luckydogrescueblog@gmail.com for Foster Application!

21 comments:

  1. this is so great!!!

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  2. You really know to capture a dog's soul in your writing. It is beautiful and inspiring. And you are making a difference in this world. Bless you

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  3. (tears) what a beauuuutiful story. the smile on wonders face as she holds him is just priceless. i pray that one day she can be his forever mom too! but i know in the meantime, he is in the most loving care. god be with you wonder!

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  4. This story made me cry!

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  5. Awwwww. What a sweet story from a sweet girl!

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  6. Once again, I thought I'd make it through the day without crying. But I hadn't read your blog entry yet. Little did I know, I'd be sitting here with my rescue dogs and fosters licking the tears from my face. Beautiful. Simply beautiful. Peace, love, and paw prints...

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  7. IF THIS DOESN'T BRING YOU TO TEARS, THERE IS NOTHING THAT WILL. WHAT A WONDERFUL TRUE STORY.

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  8. Such a sweet story...you should write books!!! I recently became a dog lover...Her name is Nikki...She is a shih-poo, just the right kind of dog for a retired couple. Hope you have a lot of sucess with your dogs!!

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  9. Ahhh, my poopers always curious as to why I cry when I read your blog, it's just so darn sweet and sad all at once!

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  10. I just think of when we first saw Wonder, and now this is her life today, it's too much. Thank God for you.

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  11. Ashley,you have managed to make me laugh and cry all at the same time again! I love your stories! Wonder is going to make someones home a very special place with lots of love and puppy dog kisses!

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  12. Beautiful touching story :) Thank you for loving the unwanted doggie souls.

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  13. geeezzzeee I am crying! lovely story. wonderbra is a great name.

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  14. I am crying my eyes out. What a wonderful and creative idea. Hats off to you Ashley, you truly are a special Mom. Congrats to Wonder for the wonderful weekend and to Anna who made it possible.

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  15. I, too, thought I'd make it through tonight without crying. I should have realized that reading an Ashley story is something that always brings the tears. Love this story...you captured Wonder and the relationship with Anna so beautifully. What wonderful human you are. These innocent angels are so lucky.

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  16. Chris,
    When you & I first saw Wonder, it was one of the saddest girls we had ever seen. I never could've imagined the happy girl I see today. You helped me make this happen for her. Thank you :)

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  17. What a lovely story................

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  18. Ashley you are an angel just like the dogs you help.Please,please,please tell me this story HAS a happy ending!!

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  19. Wonder is a beauty and very, very lucky to have you all to love her! thank you!

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  20. oh, anna, what a beautiful story straight from the heart. we both were "blown away". thank you for letting us share in your sweet weekend with wonder --- bill & odie

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