Can Sadie and Sasha Be Adopted Separately?

I've been thinking about this question for the past several weeks. Can Sadie and Sasha be adopted - and thrive - separately?

I believe the answer is yes. In scary situations, they stick together. But in our home, where they are comfortable, they sometimes willingly choose to be in separate rooms.

And they have different personalities. Sadie loves to play fetch and loves all toys. Sasha is more people focused. And she is the wrestler. She'd rather play with another dog than chase or chew a toy.

Sasha is less shy about walks. Sadie would prefer to stay and romp in the backyard.

If you feel a connection with one dog over the other, act on it. They each need to be somebody's dog.

It will be an adjustment, but I think they could each be in different homes. I bet they wouldn't mind an occasional play date, though.

Playing Ball

With a bonus of Laura falling down....

FYI

A pictorial history of pit bulls and their role as nanny dogs.

Cutest. Picture. Ever.

Right?

Sitting

Sadie and Sasha have learned to sit and wait for their meals (Well, Sadie likes to lie down.)



Treats are a little more exciting. Blue and Piper are doing their best to show the girls how to do it....

Testimonial about Shy Dogs

From our friend and artist and fellow animal lover, Foust, in response to Rob's post about Sadie and Sasha on Facebook:

"I hope someone will see past their shyness--our dog Mia was feral and it took almost 3 months for her to get comfortable with us. Before we took her home, I even spent a week visiting her at the Animal League--just sitting in her cage and letting her get to know me. It was well worth it. Shy dogs appreciate you so much. You become their safe place."

I've met Mia, and while quiet, she is great. And beautiful.

Happy Foster Mother's Day!

Derby Day and the "Look" Command

So, just because they are shy in new situations doesn't mean they only get love in our house. Oh no! A little training is part of the package. Although we do it comfortably....This is Rob working on the "Look" command with Sadie and Sahsa.



And this is the "Lady, do you have to take so many pictures?" look:

Back at Our Foster Home

I picked up Sadie and Sasha from the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA last night. They did not have an easy time back at the shelter, through no fault of the excellent staff and facility there.

They didn't even come to me when I went to their kennel. You could see in their eyes that they were scared. Luckily, I was armed with chicken and won some of their trust back. But I still had to pull them out of the kennel. And getting into the car was a challenge. But, on the ten minute trip home, they started to remember, and once we pulled into the driveway, tails came up. In the front yard, those tails started to wag. Two minutes later, they were back to their happy selves.

I tell this story so potential adopters realize that Sadie and Sasha can bounce back from tough experiences. Don't take their fear personally. They are resilient and want to love and trust and be a part of a family. Right now, after a morning of playing, they are napping on their beds, just 15 hours after returning from four days at the SPCA.

They take effort, but the rewards are huge. To see the fear leave their eyes (its departure hastened by chicken and liver treats) is so wonderful. And their puppy fur is so soft and sweet smelling.

It will seem hopeless when you take them home, but with just a little patience and a lot of treats, they feel secure enough to play and love and snuggle. What more does anyone want from a dog?

Sadie and Sasha are at the SPCA!

We had to go out of town for my Dad's retirement party, so Sadie and Sasha are at the SPCA for a few days! They were a bit reticent about returning, but seemed to settle in all right. Please visit them if you're interested in adopting or just to give them a cookie. The more friendly people they meet, the more the will continue to improve.