In my adult life, I have been blessed with adopting four dogs that the ASPCA rescued. Two of those dogs, Dakota and Stout, have long since passed, and after them, we had two Shiloh Shepherds that we purchased from breeders, but it’s our last two dogs, Ursula and Miracle, that are part of my blog today.
In 2020 we invited Ursula into our home. She had a fascinating story. Ursula was rescued from a meat farm in South Korea. She was one of over a hundred dogs rescued and shipped to the United States to find forever homes. Ursula is, of course, the scared one in the front, and the big dog is my boy Garda.
Ursula lived almost three years in a small, filthy cage crammed full of many other dogs. They said she was a Jindo Mix and was about three and a half years old when we adopted her in December of 2020. She had no idea what a toy was or how to be loved by a human. To her, we were dangerous.
When we first got her, she was scared to death of us, although she never showed any violence toward us. She only bared her teeth when we picked her up to put her in the car, but never bit us. She cowered when we were near and paced relentlessly. Especially if a stranger was in the house with us.
When we adopted her, one of Shiloh’s was still alive. Garda did his best to show her that she could trust us, but because he was older and not as active, she didn’t truly get the experience. She slowly warmed up to us and wouldn’t jump up and run if we came near. After about a year, we introduced her to a canine behavioral therapist who has since helped us adjust medication for her, giving her a completely new life.
On December 24, 2021, Miracle, or Mira as we usually call her, joined our family. She had been rescued from Virginia, and we believe that she received her name because she had survived an extreme situation that allowed her to live. Pictured below is Ursula, not quite sure what to think of this, along with Mira and Garda out.
Mira and Ursula have become fast friends, and since Mira joined our family, Ursula has learned what life is like to be a doggy. She plays with toys, wags her tail when she sees us, barks excitedly when we get up, and loves, loves, loves pets now. She also loves treats and will lay her chin on our leg while we eat in hopes of getting a tasty treat.
We also learned through DNA tests that Ursula is 29% West Siberian Laika, 22% Russian-European Laika, 12% American Pit Bull Terrier, 11% Kishu Ken, 7% Belgian Malinois, 4% German Shepherd, and 4% Jindo. She has a few other strands, which are lower than 4%.
We also learned that Mira, who they called a shepherd mix, is 46% Great Pyrenees, 43% German Shepherd Dog, 6% Anatolian Shepherd Dog, 3% White Swiss Shepherd, 2% Bohemian Shepherd Dog.
Our puppies are now well acquainted, happy and active doggies, and true blessings to our family. We were lucky to be able to give them both good, safe homes where they will get years of love.
In the season where we should be thankful for everything, we are especially thankful for all the doggies we have had. Happy Holidays to you all.
Stacy Eaton is a USA Today Best Selling author and began her writing career in October of 2010. Stacy took an early retirement from law enforcement after over fifteen years of service in 2016, with her last three years in investigations and crime scene investigation to write full time.
Stacy is very involved in Domestic Violence Awareness and served on the Board of Directors for her local Domestic Violence Center for three years.
