Paws and Prayers Rescue Blog

There is no way to tell the story of Russell from beginning to end as a short story. His story is far too long; and far from over. So I will do my best to keep it as short as possible. I'll divide it into chapters so it doesn't have to be read all at once. The 7 chapters of Russell's Story will be posted semi-monthly.

This is the final chapter.

By the week of Thanksgiving I had gotten the results of Russell’s blood work. His thyroid levels were much better. His weight was down to 47lbs. and it was easy to see that he was well on the way to feeling better. He could keep up and sometimes even pass Mandy and Buddy when we went on walks. He loved to run whenever he could and watching him hop down the steps, his backside bouncing in the air at each step, was both inspiring and comical at the same time. My only concern was that his skin was flaking badly. His skin and fur were dry and flaky in September when he came back to us, but had improved. Now it seemed that it was worse than in September. The vet told me that was due to his body’s metabolism changing. He would, over the next six months or more, loose his skin and replace it with healthier skin cells that would improve his overall skin condition and coat. In the meantime, with advise from Tara (another foster for Paws and Prayers), I would give Russell a soaking oatmeal bath. He loved it! Soon his skin and fur would be much improved.

After doing the normal amount of checking through Marty’s adoption application, I realized that she would provide a wonderful forever home for Russell. Knowing how concerned I was about Russell’s future, she even sent me a photo of her house and fenced in backyard so I could see that Russell would have plenty of room to run freely when going outside. Her vet would contact my vet to discuss Russell’s health issues and plan his continued recovery. It all seemed like my long journey with Russell was coming to and end. We planned on doing the adoption soon after Thanksgiving. That would change.

During the week after Thanksgiving, I got a phone call from Marty. Her mother, retired and living in

Russell at the Holidays 2012

Tennessee, decided that see would like to come to Pennsylvania for the Christmas Holidays. Marty would have to drive to Tennessee to get her mother. She would stay down there a couple days before returning with her mother to Pennsylvania. After the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays, she would drive her mother home. After a short visit, Marty would return home to Pennsylvania. If Marty were to adopt Russell now, she would have to put him in a kennel when she was traveling. There was simply not enough room in her car to transport her mother, her mother’s dog, her own dog and all the luggage. She didn’t think it would be good for Russell to be put in a kennel shortly after being adopted. I agreed. She asked me if I would keep him until she returned to Pennsylvania in the middle of January. She would pay any expenses that I incurred taking care of him for the extended period. I wasn’t worried about that. I was more worried about it being all the more difficult to part with Russell.

People often ask me how I give up a dog for adoption after getting attached to the dog and the dog getting attached to us. It is never easy, and Russell was going to be the most difficult of all my fosters. My answer to people is that I know that there are so many other dogs that need help. Our family could not handle more than three dogs at a time. If I kept Russell, it would mean giving up fostering. I couldn’t do that. I made two trips to the Summit County Animal Control shelter prior to Russell’s adoption for the sole purpose of just looking at the dogs. The sights, sounds, smells, and especially the eyes of all the dogs confined there kept me grounded in the belief that I needed to keep fostering.

Up until Russell’s official adoption, he continued his steady improvement. His weight would eventually be down to 42lbs., for a total weight loss of 18lbs. Although he was considered adopted, I took him to adoption events so he could interact with other dogs and I could show him off like a proud father. He enjoyed playing with other dogs and seemed to especially like the large females! And for the first time since I knew him, after petting him at one of the events, a little girl said: “He’s so soft!” It was quite a breakthrough. He enjoyed the Holidays with my family and we bought him a new bed to sleep in and take to his new home.

Russell lounging in his bed

Russell’s adoption would finally come about on January 25th. I met Marty at the Petsmart in Poland, Ohio to complete the adoption. My Dad accompanied me on the trip. I was glad to have someone to talk to, especially on the way back home. We got there early and I was able to spend some additional time walking and sitting with Russell. I couldn’t help thinking what must be going on in his mind. In my mind I hoped that he would do well in his new home. I hoped I was making the right decision. I hoped he didn’t think I was giving up on him and abandoning him. Every time I looked down at him he would sit and look into my eyes. I knew he probably just wanted a treat, but I couldn’t help but think he might know I was saying goodbye.

Shortly after 2:00pm, I put Russell into Marty’s car for the ride to his new home and the start of yet another new journey. I gave him a hug, a kiss on the head, and whispered something private into his ear; something that I tell all my foster dogs when they leave me. I gave Marty a hug and thanked her for adopting Russell. She thanked me for keeping him for so long for her.

My Dad and I avoided talking about Russell on the 50 mile trip back home, but he knew I was thinking about him. It will be a long time before there is a day when I don’t think about Russell. He touched the hearts of my entire family and countless others around him. I hope to foster many dogs for many years to come, but there will never be another Russell.

By the way, Russell is doing great in his new home. He has become attached to Marty and enjoys his time with his big brother dog Simon. Marty and I will keep in touch and whenever possible she will meet me so I can see Russell again.

The last picture Beagle Bob snapped before sending him off to his new furever home!

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Content By:  Beagle Bob

"Beagle Bob" Dietrich is a foster parent for dogs along with his wife Vicki and son Robert.  Bob is a full time Fire Fighter/Paramedic, Vicki is a high school math teacher, and Robert is a full time college student.  They have two Beagles, Mandy and Buddy. 

Images: Provided by Beagle Bob