Random Licks: The Story of Dillon

The Story of Dillon by Tabitha

The hidden gems!
 
I have to share a secret with the world. A secret that I want to scream from the rooftops. A hidden gem that has gone overlooked by many in this country for years. There are millions of these gems all around us, but yet they lie undervalued. What is it? SHELTER ANIMALS!
 
Not only can these animals add value and beauty to your life but they do it so unselfishly. They are the most giving spirits that give us more than we could ever offer them. They lift you up when you are down. They welcome you with the generosity in their hearts that only can be explained by phenomenon. They are the definition of glorious. There are millions in this country waiting to unleash their love on you!
I share a very special story of a very exceptional boy named Dillon.
Dillon was in the shelter for quite a few YEARS! He was just overlooked while he was there. It wasn't that he didn't have much to offer. Quite the contrary, he is a hidden gem. He is a piece of gold dog, in the body of maybe an average looking exterior. And while I do believe he is super handsome, the world seems to be drawn to a different type. We couldn't help but love this boy. We believed in this dog, and we knew that one day someone else would too. It wasn't long before he really became my best buddy.  He adored our "dates" for pizza and trips to the park. He really was the best friend a girl could ask for. He was loyal, loving, funny and silly. He made me laugh each day I was with him. He showed his love with never ending kisses and puppy eyes. Where was the adopter that could see what we at the shelter could see in him?
 
There is nothing like the connection that one can have with a brilliant dog. He understood my words, my actions and my love for him. We had many talks, and I told him I promised to push hard for him, if he indeed tried hard to. And he never disappointed me. Potential adopters would come to see him, and he was such a good boy. It was even pouring intense rain during one visit with a potential adopter, and he didn't mind. But still no home yet.  He was really holding up his end of the bargain. Now the pressure was on us to hold up on our end and find him a permanent home. As much as we all loved him, at the shelter we could only give him a little of what he really needed.
 
One day is all it takes for the world to change. One day the sun shines a little brighter and brings what is meant to be together.  The greatest couple and their sweet dog Lola walked into Dillon's life. Suddenly hope had arrived in a way it had never before for Dillon. This is it! The day has come. As we say in animal rescue Dillon was about "to go home." It's kind of like spending time in jail (without committing a crime). The daily life in the shelter is a routine and it becomes all they know. So the day they get chosen to get adopted, their life gets turned upside down. Every sound, smell, and person is new. And every animal reacts differently.

Dillon's new family took him in with the understanding, compassion and love that only a miracle can bring. At first he was scared, nervous and stressing. But he was such a brave boy and went with the flow. We spent the whole day slowly transitioning Dillon into their life. We entered his new home with his new mom, dad and sister pup Lola for the first time. I couldn't make a grand exit as not to stress him out anymore than he already was. I was the only familiar thing to him in the room, and he had to put his trust in me that I knew what I was doing, and it was best for him to stay behind. It just felt like he was meant to be there. I walked out holding back the tremendous emotion that I was feeling.  It's really hard to be throwing a party on the inside of your body, and being cool and calm on the outside.

I walked out the door and I cried happiness for days afterward. He was about to start his life. Finally. "This is it! Dillon went home!"
 
His new family has been so amazing and has shared with us how well he is doing. There were of course bumps in the road, but he is taking their correction so well! He is now part of their pack! He enjoys playing like a puppy (something he never got to do), and all the toys he never had a chance to have. He lives in the comfort of all, a fabulous home has to offer, and like he has always deserved.

I am forever grateful to them. They are 3 angels that I will never forget!
 
I cannot express into words what the feeling I have is to see him in these pictures, you just have to experience it. It's like nothing that I know. ADOPT A SHELTER ANIMAL!

A few comments from Dillon's new family:
Dillon has quickly blossomed into an amazing city dog. He is so eager to please! He takes such delight at being around us that he nearly jumps out of his skin when we get home. Even a glance in his direction puts the biggest smile on his face. He is the perfect gentleman when we are not home, is great with other dogs, and looks out for his sister pup Lola (who loves having him around). Even though he's a bigger guy, he loves little dogs; one of his best friends is a 12 pound Chihuahua that he even lets win wrestling matches! He loves to meet new people and gladly puts up with kids petting and pulling on his ears; at the same time, he is constantly making sure we are OK with the people, especially when he is alone with his mom. He is an amazing boy. We feel so lucky to have found him. Thank you for having faith in our boy and showing him love all those years he waited for his forever home.
- Robin, Brian and sister Lola pup

This was Dillon's home for a few years:

THIS IS DILLON'S NEW LIFE!!

A DREAM COME TRUE!