IRIS
(A02440046/formerly 1453)
A letter to Santa-please
come back for me
"Santa-I’m
still waiting.
This is Iris. Santa, do you think you could make a special trip
just for me? I waited and waited for you at Christmas, but you
never came. And Santa, I really need for someone to help me if
I am ever to have my very own home. I was so happy when I was
rescued and brought to BROOD. I could hear people say that I
was special and I was very excited-being special means everybody
wants to take you home. But Santa, soon it will be a year and
nobody wants to take me home forever. I’ve been waiting
in a kennel where the people are nice and my bowl is full and
my space is warm. Every day I wait. There are other Bassets here
but nobody has waited as long as me. People come to look at us
and I know that every time they come, one of us is going to a
real home. It may not be a forever home (that comes later) but
it is a real home. I try so hard when they come, to get their
attention and hope that they will look at me. But it’s always
someone else. And it does not seem to be fair because no one
has waited as long as me. And no one wags their tail as hard
as I do, and tries so hard to look pretty, to be noticed. But
it’s always the new hounds, the “classics” and
the younger ones who proudly waddle past my kennel as they go
home. And sometimes I have to hang my head because it hurts so
bad to never be the chosen one. If only someone, would just kneel
down and look into my eyes so they could see everything I am
trying to tell them. If only someone would put their arms around
me, just for a minute so they could feel how much love is beating
in my heart. Maybe, just maybe someone would then ask to hear
my story.
I am 6 years old**.
Last year I became homeless. I never thought that I would have
to leave my first home. I don’t understand why I was no
longer wanted there. I’ve always been a good girl. I listen
to everything said to me and I’ve always tried to do exactly
what my family wanted me to do. I’m very smart. I know how
to walk nicely on a lead because I want to be close to my people
and enjoy those wonderful outside smells together. I want to
do everything just right and if someone will be patient as I
learn, they will see just how smart I really am. I love kitties,
they smell so interesting. I love dogs but I do get worried when
they are in the same space with me and the people that I really
like. I need to be reassured that there is enough love for me
too when I am not the only dog. I am so afraid that people I
like, will forget about me when there is another dog because
it is not often that I get attention all to myself and it feels
so good to think that I am special. I almost forgot-I have also
learned that there is another kind of special. And maybe that
is why it is so hard to convince someone that I can love them
forever. When I heard people say I was special, I did not know
that it was different to be a special needs dog. I have special
food so that my bladder will not develop stones. I like this
food so it isn’t a problem. And I have medication that I
take nicely. When there is a doggie door, everything is so perfect
because I can go when I need to. But I don’t have to have
a door if someone will make sure that I don’t have to wait
a loooooong time for a potty break. I’ll try so hard to
be the most perfect basset there ever was if someone will just
look at me and listen to my heart. And Santa, it would be so
wonderful if someone would play with me. I love to play with
people. I am strong for a little girl so when I play, I need
to be reminded to do so gently so that no one gets knocked over.
I get so excited because I love to play and it doesn’t happen
very often.
So please come back for me Santa. I am trying so hard to be brave
and to believe that there is someone out there who is looking
for someone just like me to love them. I’ll be waiting.
Please remember my name-it’s Iris."
Adoption fee for Iris:
$175.***
updated
02/19/08
photos 02/06/08
**The age of many BROOD dogs is unknown, as very few come with official records. The estimate on the dog's age is usually the initial estimate given by the receiving shelter, which may be different from that given at the time of initial checkup. Different veterinarians may also give different ages, and those different opinions are sometimes reflected on the records.
***BROOD's adoption fees are determined based on age of the dog. Individual adoption fees are shown with each dog's listing.
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