Dog adoption rescue story - My giant Gentle Giant

A Great Pyrenees dog spells adventure

I love Pyrs. The Great Pyrenees gentle giant of a dog is a grand and noble representative of the dog world. This weekend I begin a new journey with a Pyr. He is a large, leggy, massively tall Great Pyrenees named Samwise Samchild.

My history with Gentle Giants

This is my second adventure with the large dog breed known as the Great Pyrenees. In 2007 I met my first Pyr, Waco the Wonder Dog, and he was truly a wonder. He even came with his own cape. You'll find more of his story below because this is the story of why I think fostering a dog is a good idea and why this Pyr is the one for me now.

One Pyr opens the door wide for another

My new Great Pyrenees gentle giant is coming to me through the great work of the Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue (TGPR) group. They are the same group that rescued Waco from an animal hoarding situation in Dallas years ago. In fact, Waco's foster mother is the same foster mom that has been caring for Samwise Samchild. What an odd and wonderful coincidence.

The Big Day is here

The big day this weekend is Sunday, September 2 when I'll be meeting Samwise Samchild for the first time but I already feel as if I know him well. I've talked to his foster mom and gotten all the skinny on this big boy. I already know he's a huge water lover and will probably splash his way into my backyard pond the first time he goes outside.

Why you should consider fostering a dog

Read on: We're also going to talk about the reasons why fostering a dog is a good idea and the benefits of fostering a dog for both the dog and the foster parent. There is such a huge need across the US for volunteers, fosters, and adopters. We hear a lot about adopting dogs, volunteering at animal shelters or for rescue groups, but there's less talk about the world of fostering dogs. Maybe my story will shed some light. Scroll down to the gift section where you'll find gifts for Pyr lovers. All proceeds help Sam's Great Pyrenees rescue group.

Update on Sam 04.16.2013

Sam is doing well. He's been with us for 7 1/2 months. In that time he's definitely made himself at home. We love him. He often goes into my mom's room to visit her and the cats. My mom adores him and keeps on saying, "He's so big" and "He's so soft and white."

Pyr to Pyr update 05.21.13

Pyr time has doubled as Sam now has a new Great Pyrenees brother named Max. Max, photo below, is about one year to 18 months old and was picked up by a neighbor who took him to my vet to be checked for a chip. Alas, no chip. Because the kind stranger couldn't keep Max, my vet called me to see if I could help out. At that moment, TGPR didn't have any available fosters in my area so I took him in. Look for his story in the near future. Meanwhile take a look at his photo with Sam.

Pyr to Pyr update 07.17.14

Sam, and now Max, are both doing well. Max has brought out Sam's inner child and every morning they do a round of dog wrestling, all in good play. Sam is now about nne years old, while Max is probably approaching three years. Max still retains much of his puppy behavior. All the dogs get along well.

Be sure and visit us at our blog A LIFE WITH DOGS.

Max is our newest member of the pack and he, too, is a rescue dog. Look for his story soon.

Pyr to Pyr photo 2013 Copyright Vikk Simmons; Update 05.17.13

Crates are not for punishment. They can be used for a time-out when necessary but good crate training helps the dog like and enjoy his or her crate in a way that is natural and helpful.

Sam is a huge dog even by Pyr standards, yet he enjoys his crate and wants to use it. Sam wants to go to his crate every night. He likes that it is cozy and den-like. He also uses it when he simply wants to get away from everyone and have some space of his own.

RIP My beloved Waco! (July 29, 2012)

There's a lot of pros and cons when it comes to adopting dogs from shelters. Some people are eager to rescue a dog in need and would rather pet stores and dog breeders didn't even exist. But other people are more leery of adopting from rescue shelters or even rescue groups. They worry about the dog's previous life and think the dog may come with problems.

What do you think? Give an answer and add your comments, caveats, and suggestions.

Would you adopt a rescue dog?

1. You'll find it's a great way to test out a breed and see if this really is the right type of dog for you.
2. You'll gain the reward of doing a good deed. It's simply a good thing to do, so good even the dogs know it. There is a huge need for people who are willing to open up their homes to dogs that are at risk and in desperate need.
3. You'll gain immediate entrance into the wonderful world of dogs and the people who love them. Dog-people love to talk about their dogs and share what they've learned. You'll make friends and pick up stories, tidbits, and recommendations.
4. You'll discover the learning experience is incredible and will gain a deeper understanding not only of dogs but of a particular breed.
5. You'll save a life but, even more, you'll be engaged in an amazing reciprocal act.
6. You'll make a difference--immediately. No question. Every day dogs are in need of foster homes.
7. You'll find your expectations will become more realistic should you eventually adopt a dog and that is good for both you and the dog.

There are many reasons, most pretty obvious, to open up your home to foster a dog in danger or in desperate need. At the same time, and often overlooked, are the many ready benefits. Here are just a few that come up whether you are fostering or even adopting a dog.

1. Dogs are good for you. The health benefits to humans from being with dogs has actually been documented. They help lower your blood pressure and raise your mood. They help lower your cholesterol level and raise your survival rate from heart attacks. Dogs are great walking buddies and exercise partners. There's plenty more but you get the idea.
2. Dogs are fun. There's no question that being around a dog will blow the doors off a sudden drop in mood, but they're a big help when you're feeling overwhelmed and depressed, too.
3. Dogs are people magnets; they bring new people into your life. Social animals, they love people. Walk a dog, find a friend. With a Great Pyrenees, you will definitely make new friends because a lot of people have not seen one before and they are curious.

1. When you are unsure - Sometimes you find a breed of dog but you're not totally sure it's the type of dog for you. Fostering is a great way to learn a lot about a particular breed. Fostering is also a good way to get to know a dog before you adopt. Many volunteers become "failed fosters" because they realize the dog they are fostering is their perfect dog.
2. When a dog dies - As with me, the loss of a dog can leave a great hole in a heart and life and fostering a dog in need is a wonderful way to stimulate healing for both.
3. When you simply want to help - Many people want to help but they don't feel like they can take on a strong activist role or aren't able to attend a lot of functions, help with rescue transports, or even donate much money. What they can do is open their heart and home.

Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue dog adoption group

I admit I'm biased about the work the TGPR group does but then I'm more than a little biased when it comes to the breed they rescue. This isn't my first dog rescue adoption with them and it's far from my first dog adoption from rescue shelters or helping dogs in need.

How foster volunteers prepare the dogs

From the beginning I was impressed with the way the group operated. They have a great group of dog foster volunteers who open up their homes to help all the Great Pyrenees that they rescue. The dogs are eased into the transition from their former life to a life of care and love.

The TGPR network is wide-ranging

TGPR dogs are primarily from Texas but sometimes from surrounding states. While most of the dog's are considered pure Pyrs, they also take in Pyr mixes. The dogs range in age from puppies to the older, senior dogs.

Because the Great Pyrenees is also an LGD (Livestock Guardian Dog), some of the rescued dogs may have lived on ranches and spent their previous lives guarding livestock like sheep, goats, and cattle.

Once upon a time, there was a little Pyr and a little goat....

The Great Pyrenees breed is a well-known and valued Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD). Recently the group rescued a little fella named Bandy, a Great Pyrenees puppy, who had been taken up with a stray goat (now called Ariel) and the two of them were rescued together. Pyrs are always looking out for the little ones and make wonderful family pets. You see him in the photo here and can click through to read more.

TGPR has many volunteer oportunities

There are many ways to help a dog rescue group and TGPR in particular. Naturally all groups are happy and thankful to receive donations as they have a lof expenses when it comes to the care and fostering needs of rescue dogs. Because TGPR rescues one of the gentle giant large breed dogs, their expenses match in size. If you love Pyrs, care about dogs, have a heart to reach out in some way to help my group accomplish their mission, you can use the link below to learn about the group, their goals, their dogs in need, and about others who are fostering dogs.

TGPR always is in need of donations to help dogs in need

The Foster Volunteer's responsibilities are pretty basic and center around food, shelter, love and socialization. Here's more info. Be sure and look at the current crop of adoptable dogs, too.

Help a Pyr in need; help TGPR rescue more Great Pyrenees dogs

Proceeds from the sale of these items will be donated to TGPR

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So I'm pretty excited about the big event this Sunday. Can't wait to meet Samwise Samchild and introduce him to the family. Look for updates on Sam's story and the latest on adoptable Pyrs. Let me know about your foster dog experience, too.