Oliver is a wonderfully curious Weimaraner with a fantastic disposition. Until now, however, he has not been able to be himself and show the world how fantastic he truly is. Sadly, Oliver was abused, starved, and left tied to a woman's fence without regard for his safety or wellbeing.
For approximately 10 days, the woman who found him tried to care for him and keep him clean. Eventually, though, she realized she needed help, and she contacted the DC Area Weimaraner Rescue, which is part of the Weimaraner Club of the Washington DC Area.
Fortunately for Oliver, Colleen Dugan came to his aide on behalf of the Rescue. She and her husband, Trav, along with their two Weimaraners, Gertie and Ethel, became Oliver's foster family. They carefully worked with him to help him feel welcome and loved, and they showed him that he has value and meaning.
Colleen patiently sat with him, trying to comfort him, but it took quite some time before he understood that he was able to approach her without the fear of being abused. She fed him, bathed him, and loved him as she watched his gradual transformation.
Colleen shared the story of Oliver and some pictures of him with my wife, Beata, who later shared the same with me. As we learned of his situation and of the efforts of the Rescue to place him permanently with a family through their adoption process, we knew he would be a perfect fit for us.
Our long-time family best friend, Romeo, a Black Lab/Greyhound mix, was a rescue as well. We got him approximately 12-13 years ago from the Humane Society of Harford County when he was about 7-8 months old. His story was very similar to Oliver's so we knew we could help him. We spent a great deal of time and effort to patiently bring Romeo out of his shell and watched as he was transformed into the playful, happy, and loving animal he is today. He's a little older now, but he still needs love and caring, and he gets plenty of it from me, my wife, and our children, Ania and Emmett.
Working with Colleen and the Rescue's Karin Bakken, we were able to adopt Oliver and welcome him into our home and our family. The kids are super excited about having him at our house, Beata and I love him already as if he had been with us for years, and Romeo has taken him under his wing and is showing him the ropes.
It is our hope that this Journal will help others to understand the wants and needs of animals as we all watch together how Oliver changes and grows. Perhaps just one person who reads this will feel inspired to adopt an animal in need of love, compassion, and, most importantly, a safe and happy home.
Please feel free to add your comments to our posts at any time and share your pet adoption experiences with the rest of us.
For now, thank you. And may you too know the warmth of a cold nose.
Michael Carnahan
