Sandy

By Gabrielle Van Hest

Sandy is more than five, a pure mutt—an Australian cattle and Jack Russell mix—and is as sweet as can be. This wonderful girl became a member of our family in March, thanks to some great dog park friends.

We are especially grateful to Debbie Fajardo, who was her walker for five years. Debbie told us about Sandy’s availability at just the right moment, as we had recently lost our Marina at almost 18 years old.

We couldn’t take her right away, and Sandy’s previous guardians had to give her up quickly, so Steven, the park volunteer who replenishes the MuttMitt dispensers, kept her for several weeks until we were ready to take her.

On that day, Sandy jumped into our car without hesitating. From the moment she set foot in the house, she knew that this was her forever home. She sniffed around and went in and out the dog door a few times before settling down on her bed to sleep away the rest of the afternoon.

Sandy had been well-trained by her previous guardians: no destroying toys, no stealing food, no jumping onto the bed or sofa uninvited. She loves to play with her balls. When I’m in the kitchen and she puts the ball in front of me, I open the door and throw the ball out and she runs down the stairs into the yard. Repeat until tired.

Sandy had been taking medications and eating special food for gastro-intestinal problems and anxiety, but she no longer needs special care. She goes to Point Isabel every day, and whenever she sees Debbie or Steven, she is super-excited and runs up to greet them.

We are so happy with her and the way she wags her whole body when we get up in the morning warms our hearts. We all get lots of love and attention.