Freyja – Pet of the Month – July 2015

Laying on the cold concrete day in and day out, I patiently waited for someone to come by kennel number 033, someone to stop by for a brief moment so I could look into their eyes and show them how much I longed to be loved, how much I desired a family of my own. I spent my days at the San Bernardino Shelter, which isn’t a no-kill shelter so my time was limited.

One November morning, a man and woman came to my kennel and walked me out of the San Bernardino Shelter forever! I was overjoyed with happiness and thought, this was it, and I had found my family. I spent some time at the home of the man who saved me from San Bernardino and I later learned that this man was my “Foster Dad,” and his name was John Flores. John cared for me for a few weeks, and I was visited by other people who showed me love, affection and guided me with leash walking and brushed up on my manners.

I unfortunately cannot tell all the ones who loved me and shared time with me throughout these several months how grateful I am for saving me, but I try to express my gratitude through my excited wiggles, piggy snorts and loving eyes. I also cannot tell all these wonderful people exactly what experiences I have endured for my three years of life prior to November 21, 2014, but those humans are smart and they have concluded I was used as a breeder dog and didn’t receive much socialization with other dogs or discipline, not to mention a lack of love, dedication and commitment that all dogs deserve to receive.

I eventually made my way to Priceless Pet Rescue, the organization that saved me, where John volunteers and I have spent the last six months falling asleep and waking up to volunteers and all the other dogs that wait for their furever families. I wake up some days, stretch and hear the voices of men and women who give me love, attention and affection. Sometimes they are new faces and sometimes they are familiar faces. I adore all the faces I meet and I enjoy making them happy by wiggling around and lying on my back to get those soft human hands on my belly and chest. I especially like it when kids and toddlers come scratch my face and ears and give me the sweetest innocent kisses. I always look at them and hope that one day I will look into the eyes of the ones who will take me to their home and I can be loved by them every day.

Although I haven’t found my home, I do enjoy the Sunday hikes, spa days, photo sessions and being spoiled by volunteers. One volunteer in particular makes time every week to take me on long walks and sometimes I get to visit the BEACH! I love the ocean, the waves crashing, and the cool breeze on my face and chasing the seagulls of course (those rascals are quick!). This volunteer, Jessica, takes me to Laguna Beach where we walk around, play in the water and eat a nice lunch together and sometimes she surprises me with ice cream! I am grateful for the time shared by not only Jessica, but all the exceptional volunteers at Priceless Pet Rescue.

My time thus far has been fun, memories made, but I am ready to go to a family and home that will be there for me, every moment of everyday until I no longer roam the earth. I would be forever grateful to the humans that welcome me into their homes and lives and share holidays and make new memories with me.

The door opens at the rescue over a hundred times a day and I hear the bell. I look up to the noise and watch all different legs walk past me, some stop and I see their happy faces. I get up and greet them, express with my wiggles and loving eyes that I deeply long for their care and affection. I need their consistency, guidance and love.

I want to wake up on Christmas morning and lay in the circle of overjoyed kids opening their presents and giggling with their parents. I want to run outside and watch the kids look for their Easter eggs, and I surely will place my nose to the ground and help seek out all the treasures. Quality time I what I want, what I need.

My name is Freyja, and I would be furever grateful to be made your family protector and loving guardian for the rest of my life.

Thank you, Jessica Gage, for writing this and being one of Freyja’s biggest advocates!