Tula @ Kamp Kimmy

Ok, it's been 3 weeks since Tula came to Kamp Kimmy and she has settled in nicely. She has firmly put the boys in their places and let them know exactly where the boundaries are. I love it when a dog can speak good dog language! At first, it had me concerned and worried that she might not be good with others, but my fears were quickly relieved in seeing the 3 all interact. I say 3, because Lisa doesn't do much interacting with the other dogs. She mainly does her own thing and everyone else leaves her alone to do it. Though, I must say, that lately Lisa has been interacting more with the boys than she has in the past. She will occasionally sniff them or get right in the middle of whatever they're doing. The boys both look after her, too; it so cute.

Tula has been great with Lisa. It's usually an eye-brow raising thing to watch girls interact. In my experiences with dogs, I've had more girl-girl disputes/fights happen than those between the boys. However, Tula has treated Lisa with respect. It's nice to see that. It just adds to list of beautiful qualities Tula has. We've discovered a few things about Tula since she's been here both good and areas for development. She is a neat dog and a real lover. I need to find her a home before she becomes a permanent resident here!! And letting her go will be a bittersweet moment, in which my husband and I will probably cry like little babies. That's the beauty of dog rescue. So let the tears come. I know the joy she will bring that lucky forever family will be incredible.

Tula Comes to Kamp Kimmy

Sometimes, I just can't help myself. I'm a glutton for punishment and a magnet for trouble! Ok, I might be exaggerating just a bit. However, it's true that I can't help myself. Tula is now a foster resident at my house. She had been residing, due to space restrictions at my house, at the American Pet Spa in Argyle, TX. Lisa also has been boarded there a few times last year. Ms. Tula had been there since September, but it was time to try her out in a home environment now that she's nearly recovered.

After some discussions with my husband and rearrangement of some furniture, I can squeeze one more crate into my kitchen/family room area. When we bought this house, we were thinking kids, not dogs. Well, we've got dogs and not kids! Time to move, I say! ;-) I digress. In an effort to reduce some financial strain on the rescue resources, we decided it was best for everyone if Tula came home and fostered with us. She's been here at Kamp Kimmy a week and it's been an interesting one, at that!

Prior to her change in addresses, I believed we had a forever family for Ms. Tula. Alas, the family declined; I applaud them and their reasons for declining. After meeting Tula, they realized, "OMG, this is really going to happen," and needed to take a moment and think about it. Instead of just rushing right in emotionally blinded, they did the objective thing and evaluated their life and lifestyle. What they found was that at this time in their life with both husband and wife starting new careers, they couldn't give Tula all the attention she needed. They didn't think it would be fair to her, so instead of taking her, trying to make it work, only to fail miserably and then have to call the rescue group to take the dog back, they opted for the only honorable solution: to gracefully decline. Was it hard for them? You betcha! It's not easy to walk away from a Beardie, especially one as sweet and adorable as Tula! Did they make the right decision? Absolutely, they made the right decision for their family and that is what being a responsible pet owner is about.

Honestly, we could use more families like that. People who were truly honest with themselves and their lifestyles, then perhaps we wouldn't have so many dogs in shelters. Do I think this family is still a good prospective home? Absolutely, and now, even more so, when they're ready. Sure, we can find 101 reasons why the time isn't right to adopt a dog or a cat, but if we were truly honest with ourselves and how we live, at the heart, we know if we're really ready or not.

Kamp Kimmy is a bit different from the boarding kennel. Kamp Kimmy has rules and a schedule and Tula has made the adjustment to living in our home quite well. She's told my Beardie boys, Tedi and Tyler, in not so many words, that she doesn't appreciate their staring and leering looks! Can't say I blame her - it's rude behavior in either human or canine social circles. Lisa ignores her and Tula ignores Lisa, which is perfect for 2 girls. Tula enjoys being petted! She enjoys it so much that if you stop, she'll just rub all over you like a cat! Too funny!