Guest Blogger: Sarah Krut
A dream job for my husband took us and our two K-9 kids to Phoenix, AZ. Shortly after arriving it became clear the pups had different opinions of the Valley of the Sun. Our little /Chi mix loved the 100 degree weather and I have to say I agreed with him. My heavy coated Gordon Setter mix, along with my husband, became more and more depressed as the temperature rose. It was clear this wouldn’t last long, but how could we get back home?
We decided after eight months enough was enough and in the car we went. We left everything we owned in Phoenix to head home and we figured we’d deal with it later. We traveled for five days not knowing where our next meal would come from or if we would find a safe place to sleep at night. It was a long and scary five days but we arrived home with very excited family waiting for us. Now to get back to life as usual.
Being that both of my kids are Animal Friends alumni, working here was a no brainier. In my first few weeks I witnessed many things, both happy and sad, and really started to feel at home here. Then I met Frank. I walked past his cage and stopped dead in my tracks. All I could do was stare as my heart melted.
“He’s got no butt!” I said to my husband later that evening.
“What do you mean he’s got no butt?” he questioned. I didn’t quite know how to explain it. You see, Frank had been on his own for a while. He didn’t know where his next meal was coming from or if he’d find a safe place to sleep at night. His body compensated for his poor diet by using up stored fat in unnecessary places, like his hind legs and butt. Frank was nothing but skin, bones, and a little hope.
Frank is one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met (shhh, don’t tell my kids I said that). He is always happy and will be sure to let you know when he’s ready for a potty break or stroll on the trail.
As my plane touches down on the runway I can’t help but think of Frank. I’ve just returned from shipping my belongings back home from Phoenix and this chapter of my life is coming to a close. In the weeks Frank has lived at Animal Friends he has started to regain his manly figure and is well on his way to recovery. This chapter in his life will soon be over too. We persevered when all seemed lost and have grown to be stronger, better versions of ourselves. I don’t know where my path will lead, nor where Frank’s will take him, but I am very happy to be back home in this new city, with a new job, and to see Frank’s got a new butt.
Frank has been adopted since the writing of this blog and is now living happily ever after with his forever family. To see other adoptable dogs, please check out www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/dogs