“When I first met Deuce – almost four years ago this spring
– he was a sick, scared little guy, and I was recently laid off. Thinking I’d
take advantage of the downtime, I made one of the best decisions of my life and
volunteered as a foster parent with the Washington Humane Society (WHS). Three
moves, five roommates, three jobs, a dozen road trips (at least), one adoption
contract, and about a billion treats, naps, and kisses later, the one constant [in
my life] has been Deuce’s consistent improvement, loyalty, devotion, and
over-the-top adorableness (totally unbiased opinion).
When I first left the WHS New York Avenue adoption center
with Deuce in 2009, he was so terrified I had to carry him trembling to the
car. He had advanced pneumonia, zero socialization, and was scared of everything
(no really, everything). I immediately thought I was in over my head. I
waited for the inevitable tipping point proving both he and I were failures. It
never came. And just like that, the love story wrote itself.
Deuce improved every day – his condition, health, demeanor,
confidence – everything. Two months later, clean bill of health. Three months
later, first tail wag (yup, it took that long). Four months later, he was a
pro on the leash. Less than four years later, Deuce has put on (ahem) 40 pounds;
has loads of four and two-legged friends; has been Dog of the Week at daycare;
has been on a boat, to the beach, camping, and to the country; has been in a StubbyDog calendar; and he even has his own blog, The Dlog. What can I say? I’m a bit of a pageant mom.
Deuce is a constant inspiration and daily reminder of the
power of positivity, perspective, and patience. I’m so proud that he has
inspired friends, family, neighbors, and plenty of strangers to consider fostering, adoption, and the many [misguided] notions about pit bull
type dogs. But mostly, I’m just grateful to have such an unbelievably sweet,
loyal friend (and foot warmer) waiting for me every day when I get home. It
might be cliché, but I didn’t rescue Deuce, Deuce rescued me.”
- Emily Batchelder
Follow Deuce’s blog at www.dlogblog.tumblr.com.
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