Hi there! My name is Gizmo and I am 10 years old. I'm a small guy that weighs only 10 pounds. I asked my foster Mom to write my story because, well I can't type and I'm too short to reach the keyboard .... hee hee.
A rescue dog has 3 stories. Their past, their present and their future. Let's talk about Gizmo's past.
Gizmo's past: Gizmo's owner was a "mature" lady. Gizmo was her faithful companion, along with another dog, until the day her family put her in a nursing home. The family then took both "mature" dogs to a local kill shelter. There, Gizmo waited his turn for someone to rescue him.
When a "mature" dog lives with a "mature" Human we can agree, they both are settled in their own habits and for Gizmo he learned some bad habits. He was not potty trained, not neutered and was terrified of everything. But what we learned from the intake paperwork was Gizmo was a loyal companion to his Mama.
One day, Treasured Animal Rescue goes to this shelter and found Gizmo's friend that was brought in. We didn't know they came in together until a dedicated shelter worker looked at their notes and said Gizmo came in with that dog. Their family brought in 2 dogs after their loving Mama was taken to a nursing home. Can you imagine the sadness both dogs felt? They can't express their sadness but just look out for a familiar face.
So, when TAR took the 2nd dog as a foster, we said we would take Gizmo as well. We didn't even see him yet. We just knew he had a friend; he was a Chihuahua and he's 10. TAR's mantra is "we never leave a buddy or sibling behind". So, Gizmo got his Freedom Ride.
Shelter wanted to clear up a blood test before releasing him to us. Remember back to his "mature" Mama - chances are if she was having health issues -she can't manage herself; chances she can't manager her "mature" dog's health issues. Gizmo blood test was off.
When Gizmo got his Freedom Ride we beelined to our vet's office for a more detailed blood test. Gizmo didn't do well on that blood test. If he got a grade, it would be D-. His thyroid level was super lower. It didn't even register on the test limits that vets have to assess him at. He went on thyroid medication right away and we provided him a healthy diet for senior dogs.
Two months of blood tests (we had Gizmo study!) he passed!! Woo woo. His test results came back much better. We gave him an A+! But sadly, once a dog has thyroid issues and placed on medicine it will be for the rest of his life. His thyroid medicine is very affordable ($7 on Chewy for 30 days). His foster Mom can provide information.
Gizmo's present: He LOVES his foster Grandma! We think Gizmo likes the "mature" lady's vs young ones. The pace is just right for him. His foster family has him on a daily routine that Gizmo has thrived. He is now potty trained and will tell you he's excited to go outside. He beelines to the backdoor and is very excited when he gets a praise for doing his business.
He loves mealtime because his foster Grandma pampers him. She makes sure he gets his daily medicine and praises him when he eats all his food. Gizmo is not aggressive or territorial with his food. He will take treats from your hands gently. Gizmo LOVES sitting outside and soaking in the sun. Not a big fan of the rain though.
But with all our improvement(s) with Gizmo he still is weary of people. With all the dogs in his foster home Gizmo has not shown the comfy, cuddly side of himself. He prefers to sit by you or lay by your leg's vs your lap. We hope when Gizmo gets his forever home, he will have the spotlight all on himself or another "mature" dog and it will remind him of the days when he was with his original Mom and can be that loving, faithful doggie.
Gizmo likes to talk to you. If you are not walking fast enough or making his food fast enough, he will bark. He barks to be let outside. He barks to come back inside. Walking on a leash he does gets spooked so not sure of him being in an apartment where there might be many people and/or other dogs.
Speaking of other dogs. He has learned to co-habitat with them. In the beginning, he was terrified of bigger dogs or even the cats! Although the cats are bigger than him. As time goes by Gizmo has learned that the dogs bigger than him will not harm him. The cats he learned the same. We hope in his new home he has a friend that will continue to teach Gizmo. Teach him that Humans are good and we won't harm him.
Gizmo's future: He doesn't require much. A doggie bed, good food, lots of treats and his daily medication. We are hoping his new family will have patience with Gizmo and show him the love he aches for. We feel when he looks out the door or window, he's still looking for a familiar face; like he did in a shelter. He's looking for his original owner. Silently, we are telling his past owner in our hearts that Gizmo is safe. He is loved and being taken care of. We are going to ensure his new family will love this little guy. With all his quirks & barks!
Thank you for reading Gizmo's story.
Gizmo is located in our foster home in Aurora. To meet Gizmo, please complete an adoption application at: https://treasuredanimalrescueinc.org/application-dog-adoption/
Thank you for choosing to adopt!
