From Rescue Dog to Foster Sister, Cat Magnet

 

"Misty-Rough Collie" was what I had printed on her name tag, as so many people nowadays (in California) have only heard of Border Collies. I didn't want her to be misidentified, if she were ever lost.

Misty was two years old when I adopted her. She'd had a bad start in life; abandoned by the breeder, one of only nine surviving dogs. Misty was placed on a feeding tube as she was too weak to eat. She was afraid of everyone and everything at first.

I've always greeted everyone we meet on walks. It gives a dog confidence that humans are potential friends and helps allay the fears of our multicultural neighbors, who have not all grown up with exposure to safe, polite Dogs.

Asking the dog to sit and rewarding them with a treat doubles the sense of security of both dog and human and reinforces the positive encounter.

Many times, people with children said that this was their first time having the courage to approach and touch a dog. In this way, Misty was a great Ambassador and I was proud of her.

Misty's other role in life was as Foster-Sister to a parade of dogs in transition from old lives to new ones. Some stayed for a few days and some for several months.

Misty was also a magnet for cats. She integrated easily into a tolerant relaitionship with our resident feline and other cats we saw on our walks didn't run from her when we crossed paths.

Our bossy outdoor feral cat, Winnie, took a liking to Misty and would rub up against her. If Misty tried to walk away Winnie would swipe at her with a paw. Misty would sigh and put up with her.

Winnie began following Misty into the house through the doggie-door and would often be asleep on Misty's bed in the morning.

Misty with Sadie & Feral Cat, Winnie

Misty had degenerative myelopathy; a nerve disease similar to ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease). Initially diagnosed by our vet who noticed she had a slight drag to a back foot. Anti-inflammatories helped for quite a while, until her deterioration accelerated. She collapsed at 3am April 20th and couldn't get up. 

It was time to let her go ahead.

Misty was only seven and I feel lucky to have shared five of those years. She was my Heart-Dog and I was her Person.