The story of Sprite

I hate going to the Humane Society.  I hate the feeling of walking away from all the animals needing a home.  So when I found a 5k in Ohio that was through the local animal shelter where they were bringing along dogs up for adoption...my first thought should have been "very, very bad idea for you."  But instead I thought "great idea sign up right now!"  So I signed up for the Dog Jog 5k in Columbus and looked forward to doing an out of town run...with dogs involved. 

I showed up to the run and found the scenery really pretty and all was going smooth.  I picked up my bib and packet and wandered around...admiring the dogs that people brought along (that they actually owned) and wondered if the information on the website was incorrect when it said there would be dogs there that were up for adoption as there were none in sight.  Until the van pulled up.  And it was like a scene from 101 Dalmatians.  Dogs start jumping out left and right.  But one caught my eye right away.  I went up to her and knew she was the one I wanted to run with.  The lady there told me she was a puppy so would need to walk.  I was willing to sacrifice the running part to hang out with her.  Her name was Sprite and she was adorable and super excited. 

She seemed to click with me right away.  I hurried up and made my donation and filled out the form so I could make it official that I was walking Sprite.  She was VERY popular and several people came up to me and had hoped for the chance to walk her.  She was like a little celebrity.  Everyone wanted photos with her.  I let them have their photo op but then started feeling a little possessive like "ok, ok give her some room here people." 

I don't blame them though.  I took dozens of pictures too. 

We loved our walk.  Although 3.1 miles on a hot day was rough for her.  We took several breaks.  At one point I thought I may end up carrying her a bit but she toughed it out. 

We made a lot of friends along the way.  The dog behind us here in this photo is Lucky.  The owner named her Lucky because they were lucky to find her.  How sweet is that?  I've ran in a lot of 5ks but this was the first one where so many strangers talked to me.  They wanted to tell me all about their dogs and talk about how cute Sprite was and would ask me if I was adopting her.  I would go into my story about being out of town and here for work but would love to take her home.  One woman started calling me Missouri and the last thing she said to me towards the end was "I hope you get her Missouri." 

Sprite was flat worn out after crossing the finish line.  I was trying to get her to pose for our finish line photo when all she wanted to do was crash on my lap. 

But I finally got the medal on her...she does take good pictures!

She's going to be a big girl.  Her paws were huge. 

I mean stop it.  The dog takes awesome selfies. 

We sat at the finish line after we were done and watched the rest of the walkers and dogs finish.  We were both content to sit and hang out in the shade.  After spending a good couple hours with Sprite it was time for her to go back to the shelter.  I hated saying goodbye! 

The volunteer told me they were open on Sunday until 4.  I went back to my hotel and took a shower and couldn't stop thinking about that dog.  So...off I went to find the shelter.  With as popular as she was I didn't think she'd even still be there.  There seemed to be several people who were interested in her. 

After we played for a bit she curled up on my lap and went right to sleep, snoring and all.  She straight up crashed really.  In order to get her back to her area I had to stand up with her, curled up and sleeping, and carry her back there.  It was not easy but she was OUT.  I wasn't sure of all the logistics but I filled out the application to adopt her.  My hotel was pet friendly.  I had a rental car that I figured I could drive her home in.  I thought I could figure the rest out later.  So that was Sunday.  All day Monday I didn't hear anything.  I called Monday night and was told my application was approved...but someone else was there looking at adopting her.  Honestly, I was shocked I was approved given I was from out of state and had 2 dogs at home that wouldn't be able to do a meet and greet.  So the verdict was if she was still there on Tuesday I was approved to take her.  I called Tuesday and she was still there.  I found a doggy day care place that was willing to take her in right away that was super close to work.  After work that day I ran to Wal-Mart and bought everything I would need.  I drove to the shelter hell bent on adopting Sprite.  I got to the shelter right when they opened up at 6:30.  The volunteer went over my application with me and let me play with Sprite a bit before making things final.  This was the first time her muzzle had been completely removed.  This was the first time I experienced her true energy!  She was just doing puppy stuff but was super energetic and biting a lot.  I started to worry how Magnus would handle her.  She would jump and knock him over pretty easily.  But I wasn't willing to just walk away from her.  It was then I was sitting there and heard a couple come in and say they were there for Sprite.  I heard another volunteer say she was taken and they both let out a disappointed sigh.  Then I saw the wife peek in the window.  They went to look at the other dogs and it hit me that this seemed to be some sort of perfect timing.  I took Sprite out to the couple and said "you were here for Sprite?"  The wife said they were and were super disappointed I beat them by 15 minutes.  I explained Sprite would need a lot of attention and training and I just didn't think she would mesh with my older dog...BUT I wouldn't hand over that leash unless I knew she was going to a good home.  They were so excited and basically went into why they would be a good home for her.  I had a good feeling about them.  I was sad to leave her but I felt confident she was going to a good home and was happy to have met her new family.  As I left I gave Sprite a kiss and left the treats and toys I had in the car at the front desk and asked the volunteer to send them home with Sprite when they adopted her. 

Here she is with her new family.  They all look pretty happy to me!  A few days later I received this email: 
Hi Shyla-
The couple that adopted Sprite (now Rudy) wanted us to pass along their appreciation for your kindness and generosity last week. They did take her home that night and we gave them the toy and treats you brought for her. They said she is doing great so far. Just wanted to pass that along. Thanks so much for supporting the dog jog while you were in town! I hope you had a safe trip home.
My first thought was if the couple was willing to let me know how she is doing it confirms for me that they were a good choice.  My second thought was it is funny they named her Rudy because I had decided on Ruby as her name.  So it just all seemed to work out like it was supposed to.  Sprite/Rudy went to a home that is happy to have her...I am happy to know she is in good hands and my dogs are content that I came home to them....with no new brothers or sisters.