Storm’s Success Story!

Being an expat’s wife and in Cape Town and here for only 3 years, it was difficult to find things to fill my days.  When I found an ad for DARG in an old magazine, I knew this would be a great opportunity.  Although I could never adopt a pet here since I couldn’t take one back home with me, I decided fostering shelter dogs would be a great alternative.

When I dropped in at DARG on Sept 1 to ask for some information on fostering, I certainly didn’t expect that the outcome would be what it was.  David explained the different foster plans, the last of which was to take a semi-permanent foster…a dog that didn’t stand a good chance at adoption but might not have a lot of time left.  That’s when he introduced me to Storm, a greying brindle American Bull Terrier.  They told me she was very social, somewhat arthritic and not good with other dogs.  Within a few minutes, my car was loaded with Storm and her various accessories.  Getting my first foster was quicker than expected but certainly not quicker than I wanted.

Storm has been with me now for almost 2 weeks and the match couldn’t be better.  She can’t walk up and down the stairs, so we simply go from the living room to the bedroom and back by going outside and taking the sloping walk through our yard.  She loves to be outside and has even begun to “chase” her tennis ball when it’s tossed a few steps away.  She has a few squeeky toys and enjoys when I sit on the floor and play tug of war with her.  When she’s feeling playful, she rolls onto her back and wants to have her toys held while she plays with them.  I’d say she’s finding a little playtime is good for even old souls like she and I.

A few days after getting Storm I was asked if I could also take a short term (2 weeks) foster, a 4 month old puppy named Dalmy and I agreed to give it a try.  It’s been very interesting how Stormy has adopted the puppy, and shares her toys, her rawhides and even her bed with little Dalmy.  We take the two of them to the beach for a walk and Stormy has been very receptive to other dogs approaching her although I keep her on a leash to be on the safe side.  The only agressiveness I’ve seen her show toward other dogs is when one approaches Dalmy….she really has issues with that and lets them know quickly this is her baby.  But Dalmy can crawl on her, lay on her, and play with her.  And when Stormy has had enough and is ready to rest, she gives a gruff bark and Dalmy knows playtime is over.

I know I spoiled her just a little (or a LOT)!  She does not appreciate it when I move from one room to the next unless she is at my feet.  On the occassions I head upstairs where she can’t follow, she sits at the bottom and whines until I obligingly return.  Due to her age she is on a special food to help her mobility as well as medication that eases some of her stiffness.  I also have taken to making homemade dog food mix of boiled chicken with brown rice which I mix with both of their dry foods to make it just a little more appetizing.  As you can tell, we’ve become quite attached to one another and I’m already starting to dread having to bring her back to the shelter for my 4 week holiday trip back home in December.  But knowing she will come back “home” when I get back is comforting.

It’s been amazing having her with me and whether we have 6 weeks,  6 months or the full 3 years together, I will cherish all of it.  To the staff at DARG who put so much effort into caring for and rehoming the animals there, THANK YOU.  You are an amazing group and I look forward to working with you for my duration in Cape Town.

Best regards,
Vicki