2.25.2011

February 26, 2011



White Dog wasn't sure what to make of things when she stepped out of the SUV into the pouring rain in Phoenix a year ago. We had just spent lots of hours in the car with a young man who had come to live with us only a few weeks before and now here we were at a strange house being greeted by Dragon, Gregg, Candace, and our Heart Family from California. There was Prinnie and Digby...and a really dirty smelly white Eskie that looked skinny and terrified. She hopped back into the car when I got out and threw my arms around this Big White Boy and said, "Everyone, this is Quinn! I am so glad to meet you and I welcome you to our family!" Quinn looked at me blankly and pulled away, looking for a place to run. I could have cried.

We went inside the house we had rented for the weekend and spent the next few hours trying to find Quinn who kept hiding. Michael was fascinated that he was ours and was also a little over anxious. Michael was thrilled when Quinn followed him into the bathroom and waited there while he showered. We could hear them talking and Michael reassuring the scared pup that it was ok and that he promised Quinn would be safe forever with us...this from a child who had only really known us for 24 days himself. Boy, did I feel the weight of responsibility at that moment!

The miracle story of Quinn being saved from Death Row in Los Angeles two days before his execution date has been told on this blog many times. Every time I falter and lose faith in the promise of humanity, I only have to think of all those friends and strangers who worked so hard to make the magic needed to bring our boy to us. We can never repay the debt we owe those who reached out to help a single bedraggled stray get a second chance. Kim and Shar drove from San Diego to LA TWICE and then to Phoenix to be sure he got to us. Kari is still miffed that SHE didn't get to drive six hours to pull Quinn from the horrible facility he was in. If that isn't love...what is?

The next day two fellow DWBers who only knew us from our blog came by the rental to throw a Welcome Party for The Mighty One (who wasn't feeling too mighty yet). They brought gifts and genuine wishes of forever happiness for a dog who still wasn't sure about any of this. We grilled and the dogs milled and we shared the connection that everyone reading this has and understands. Later, that afternoon, we all said goodbye, loaded White Dog, Michael and Quinn into our car and headed back to New Mexico.

The bad weather stalked us and it was an arduous ride home. TOWD spent most of the time panting and staring wide-eyed out of the window. Once at the house, Quinn tried so hard to please and make no mistakes; just as White Dog realized that this big stinky boy was STAYING. It was a long night and ended with Steve teaching TOWD how to use the dog door at 3am.

It has been a yearlong journey of learning to trust and understand each other. Quinn instinctively is Steve's Velcro dog. He opened us to the idea of rescue in ways more active than just financially supporting the cause. Without our experience with him, we would probably never have adopted either of the "girls."

White Dog still, at times, struggles with having siblings but TOWD now knows that she is all talk and no threat. He has been a mentor and calming influence to Nuka and Puff as they continue to adjust to life within our "pack."

Parts of his story we will never know. His birthday. His birth name. Why he is SO afraid of cameras. Why he doesn't eat dog treats. What happened to put him on the streets of Los Angeles and why no one cared. It amazes us when we see how Quinn has blossomed with simple care, to think that someone threw him away. He is the gentlest, mellowest, most accepting pup we have ever met...and he is ours.

Happy Gotcha Day, Mighty Quinn. This first year has been rich and wonderful beyond words. We are all so glad that you are part of our lives and family. To quote Bob Dylan..."You ain't seen nothing like the Mighty Quinn...when Quinn the (R)Eskimo gets here, everybody's gonna jump for joy!"

With love and security forever,
White Dog, Momma, Steve, Michael, Nuka Angel, and Puff the Magical

As is our tradition, fifty cents will be donated to charity for every comment left. TOWD has chosen to donate his Gotcha Day funds to ERU (Eskie Rescuers United), BAD RAP, a pit bull rescue, and Sea Shepards. Please join us to celebrate...and spread the word!

40 comments:

Casper and pals said...

Happy Gotcha Day Quinn!

Sue, your video brought happy tears to my eyes. I'm so pleased that Quinn has settled in well with your wonderful family over this past year.

It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since I was visiting you in AZ. The year has gone by so fast and yet so much has happened.

I do hope that sometime in the next year I will be able to make another visit.

Love Gwyn & Casper, Buddy, Nikki & Cotton

Pepsi the Lazy Bum said...

Happy Gotcha Day Quinn!

The video choked me up with happy tears, and I am most happy that you're in the all mighty White Dog Army!

I'll be spreading the word at the pawty so efurryone can hear about it! Yayyyy

Woofs,
Pepsi

Pepsi the Lazy Bum said...

Hi Quinn! Happy Gotcha Day, hehehehe. If you like cheese, I'll share some with you!

PeeS: I'm gonna play some songs at my special performance at the pawty! Drop by, okay?

Nibbles,
Chubbs

Pepsi the Lazy Bum said...

Hi Quinn, Happy Gotcha Day! Chubbs told me about you, and I just want to say I know how it feels to be scared of the new furmaily and environment. I'm very glad that you've found the pawfect furmaily!

Love,
Fluffy~

The Daily Pip said...

Happy Gotcha Day Quinn!!! Hope you have a wonderful time!

Your pal, Pip

P.S: Thanks for participating the auction to help Richie~

ThePainterPack said...

Can't help but cry. What a wonderful story! Quinn was a true miracle and I am so glad he is yours!!! You can easily see the difference in the early photos and those of now. I never knew Quinn's Gotcha story. But I'm glad I do now.

Happy Gotcha Day Quinn!!!

Painter Pack

Brian's Home Blog said...

Happy Gotcha Day Quinn, love is always purrfect!

The Slimmer Pugs, Kitties, and Mama said...

Your story of Quinn is truly inspriational and gives you hope that all is not lost with humanity. Happy Gotcha day Quinn! May you soon get used to the camera flash so we can see more of you beauty on the blog.
Much hugs and licks!
Your friends,
The Slimmer Puggums
George, Gracie, Toby, Lily, and Mimi

Stella said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Mighty Quinn!

We love rescue here and your story is a wonderful one.

Kisses,
Stella

Stella said...

Good Gotcha Day to you Quinn:

I am a rescue too, so I know what those first scary days are like. But you and your family have overcome that and proudly so. I don't usually write to dogs, (I am a CAT) but even I can be touched by a good story.

Meow, meow,

Ali Zophia

Stella said...

All good wishes for a happy gotcha celebration, Mighty Quinn!

There are three of us at our house and we are allll rescues. This is coming from the Mom who was adopted as a small girl and spent a lot of time hiding under the bed. (I can recommend that if you need it, and its not too dusty) Although it seems like you don't need hiding places so much anymore.


All blessings,
Jo, Stella and Ali Z's Mom

TwoSpecialWires said...

Are we late? Oh, I hope not!

It is so hard to realize it has been one year! We remember those frantic emails that were breezing across the nation as you tried to reach Quinn. And we are sooo happy that it all has ended the way it has. To the extent, even, that we've had the pleasure of wrapping our arms around that mighty boy (and his Family), sharing love face to face, fur to skin.

Who's the Luckiest? It would be impossible to say. But what we DO know is that we are happy beyond words that you are all a Family ... and that Quinn so amazingly started the Rescue and Adoption Journey in your lives. It is so wonderful. Just as he is.

We'll be thinking of you all day today ... in so many ways.

With much love
Jake and Fergi and OurFamily

Cappy the Eskie said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Quinn.

What a beautiful tribute to you in pictures and music!

Hugs and yips,
Cappy and Ollie

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Notes by Nina said...

Happy Gotcha day Quinn!! It was so nice to meet you when you came to visit! =) Hope you have a fantastic day!

Swimflyaway said...

Happy Gotcha Day!!!!!!!!!!!

TimberLove said...

Happy gotcha day Quinn!! Woo have come a long way baybee!! happy huskerboo woooos!

RA & Isis

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Quinn. You have found a wonderful and loving home, and we believe your arrival so close to the arrival of Michael was meant to be. Hugs to all of your family for their spirit of love and compassion.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Remington said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Quinn! ENJOY! BTW -- great post!

Coffee Talk with Shar said...

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY MIGHTY QUINN!!! We are so thrilled that you, the White Dog Army and your mommy and daddy all have each other. And we are happy as punch that you are part of the Heart Family. You have brought so much joy to all of us.

Sagira said...

Happy Gotcha Day Quinn! You have found a great furever home. :)

Suka said...

hey Mighty Quinn,

Happy Gotcha Day!!!!

What an amazing story! Your are such a miracle pup! Surviving the streets of LA, being a big city doggy, you must have stories to tell. I would love to learn some street smarts from you!

You are very blessed to have had so many Angels working for you to get you to the place you are today. You are beautiful, strong, sensitive, sweet, caring - a super pup! So glad we met and so very happy we are friends! I cannot wait for the day when we meet for real!

Your video was beautiful and my favorite picture was you with your paws crossed. You are so lovely! Have an blast on your Gotcha Day!

Suka and K

p.s. Siku Marie, you are one amazing sister!

Pepsi the Lazy Bum said...

Hi Quinn! Check out my latest post! Got a song fur you in honor of your Big gotcha Day! I'm spreading the word to all the pups on the dance floor, I hope you won't mind a little late comments, HEHHEHE.

Woofs,
Pepsi

Lacy said...

woofs, happy gotcha day Mighty Quinn...Me was skeered to when me comed here, but its nice and me lovesss it...me even likes me sister Jodee now too..hope u gotted sum ice cream and u had a wonderful day....

b safe,
rocky

D.K. Wall said...

Happy Gotcha Day. You know we love the stories of us finding our forever homes.

Asta said...

Happy Gotcha Day Quinn!!!!!!
What a wondewful and loving stowy. So many hoomans and woofies coming togethew to open theiw heawts
Thank you!!!!

I know Quinn has bwought you as much love as you have given him
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Lacy said...

hey hey hey, me is jodee, me comed to wish u a happy gitcha day, Quinn...Me hopes u had a day filled wiff love and lots of treats..

puppy fun,
Jodee

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

A very happy Gotcha Day to you Quinn! You are adorable!!
Smooches,
BabyRocketDog & Hootie

ps-We're in Phoenix right now ourselves!

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Mum made sure she was able to come by today and wish our woofie friend a happy gotcha day. We are not getting to visit many blogs just yet as mum is still quite off colour but will get there slowly. Happy gotcha day sweet Quinn and we are so pleased to have you as a friend.. HUgs GJ xx

Jacqueline said...

Happy Gotcha Day, handsome Quinn!!...We are so happy you found your wonderful, loving home and know you all were meant for each other!...Wishing you a long lifetime of health and happiness with your lovely family, precious boy...Sending you big smoochies, sweet friend...Calle, Halle, Sukki

Kari in Alaska said...

HAPPY HAPPY GOTCHA DAY!!!! so glad we could be a part of your rescue :)

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

Scooter said...

Jazzi here, Nice to meet you! Time sure goes fast, huh??
Happy Gotcha Day!!!

wags
Jazzi

rottrover said...

Happy Got'cha day, Quinn!! Asta sent us over, and we're glad we came!! You are inspiratonal!!

-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby

KB said...

A lovely story. It's wonderful to know more about Quinn and how he came to be part of your pack. I'm so glad that he was saved and ended up in a house of love!

Happy Gotcha Day, Quinn!

Ozark Mountain Cats said...

Wow, I can't believe it's already been a year. Happy Happy Gotcha day!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Oh how we hate being behind in our visits!

WOW - it just seems like yesterday and not an entire year!

Khongrats to Quinn -

AND KHONGRATS TO THE WHITE DOG ARMY!

Woo so know RESKHUES ROKHK!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

meowmeowmans said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Quinn! What an amazing story about how you came to live in your wonderful and loving forever home. :)

Teddy Bear said...

HI Quinn,

Happy, Happy Gotcha Day to you!!! We're so sorry we're wishing you a belated Gotcha Day. Has it already been one year? We're so glad to call you Friend and we're so thankful for you and your amazing furever family.:)

We love you lots,
Teddy Bear

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