Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA
  • Home
  • Adopt
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Other
    • Apply
    • Info
  • Donate
    • Ways to Give
    • Needed Items
  • Engage
    • Volunteer
    • Foster
    • Events
  • Services
    • Lost & Found
    • Pet Cremation
    • Surrendering A Pet
    • For Kids
    • Referrals >
      • Area Animal Shelters
      • Veterinarians
      • Pet Services
      • Wildlife Help
  • Success Stories
  • About
    • Saving Lives
    • Rescue Partners
    • F.A.Q.
  • Contact
    • Newsletter Archive
    • Board of Directors
    • Careers
  • Home
  • Adopt
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Other
    • Apply
    • Info
  • Donate
    • Ways to Give
    • Needed Items
  • Engage
    • Volunteer
    • Foster
    • Events
  • Services
    • Lost & Found
    • Pet Cremation
    • Surrendering A Pet
    • For Kids
    • Referrals >
      • Area Animal Shelters
      • Veterinarians
      • Pet Services
      • Wildlife Help
  • Success Stories
  • About
    • Saving Lives
    • Rescue Partners
    • F.A.Q.
  • Contact
    • Newsletter Archive
    • Board of Directors
    • Careers

Success Stories

ready to adopt?

Gunther's Story

6/23/2016

 
Picture
Gunther came to the SPCA as a stray. A couple found him running in the road. Afraid he would be hit by a car, they were able to catch him and bring him in. While on stray hold, it was clear that Gunther was a little fearful. He spent a lot of his time in the back of the kennel and would bark loudly if staff approached.  It took Gunther time to warm up, but once he was out of the kennel, he became playful and enjoyed lap time. New stimuli and new people were a little overwhelming for him and he would back up and bark. Feeling that Gunther needed a little more attention and some time to decompress, we felt a foster home would be best. Also, the barking and cowering in the kennel could pose as a deterrent to potential adopters.

Thomas had just signed up as a foster parent. He wanted a dog that was energetic that he could take for long walks.  We felt that Gunther and Thomas would make a great match! Gunther was in Thomas’ care for about a month. It was during this time that Gunther’s personality was allowed to shine through. Thomas discovered that Gunther did not like enclosed spaces and became very fearful in the crate. We also learned through fostering that Gunther was housebroken and fine to stay in the house by himself free-roaming. Thomas introduced Gunther to his friend’s dogs and facilitated play dates. Thomas also found that Gunther loved soft toys, was excellent at fetch, and got along well with dogs of all sizes.
​
After discussion with Thomas, it was decided that it would be best for Gunther to be adopted  out from the foster home so that he did not have to be in a kennel. After reading Gunther’s bio online, that Thomas helped write, the Johnson family fell in love. Knowing what Gunther was like in a home helped them feel like he would be a good fit for their family. Thomas, Gunther, and the Johnson family got together for a meeting. The Johnson’s loved having Thomas there to talk to them about Gunther’s likes and dislikes. The Johnson’s adopted Gunther less than 15 minutes after meeting him and Thomas. There were happy tears from Thomas, and a new friendship was established. The Johnsons and Thomas exchanged contact information so he could come visit Gunther. Thomas recently enjoyed dinner with them. Thomas enjoyed his foster experience so much that has signed on to foster another dog. The Johnson family is very happy with their newest family member.  

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016

    Categories

    All
    Betty
    Betty And Wilma
    Bluetick
    Boots
    Brinkley
    Cat
    Cats
    Daisy
    Dakota
    Deena
    Dennis
    Dewey
    Dobbin
    Dog
    Dogs
    Herbert
    Home And Garden Show
    Hound
    Katie Nana
    Kittens
    Lab
    Labrador Retriever
    Lab Rescue
    Lady Bird
    Lilly Bug
    Marley
    Missy
    Otis
    Pants
    Pip
    Pug
    Roxy
    Tbt
    Throwback Thursday
    Toothless
    Tuxedo
    Wilma
    Winny

    RSS Feed

Find US

Connect with Us

PHONE: 540-434-5270
EMAIL: info@rhspca.org
Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA
2170 Old Furnace Rd
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
HOURS:
Mon.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm
& Wed. Nights 5-7 pm

Subscribe to our newsletter

* indicates required
The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.