“I’ve been wanting to adopt a Singapore special for a very long time but didn’t have the courage to do so. But the will of wanting a furkid got stronger, so I went to look at SOSD’s FB page. That was how I got to know about Dusty.
As a first-time dog owner, Dusty’s character and behaviour seemed most suited for our family’s lifestyle. So we made an appointment with Lynn to visit him at his foster home with May. When we first saw him, he was afraid of us strangers but was very gentle. As time passed, he got curious and started to come nearer to us, so we went for a walk with him. He did really well for his walk but started to go on ‘strike’ (where he just stopped and laid on the ground), so we had to carry him back. The first interaction with him went really well.
After much consideration, we decided to bring him back for a homestay. Well, on the first day, the walk didn’t go as well as when we were with May, where he followed her and did not resist as much. I was stuck for 3 hours on the morning walk as he was resisting so much and was terrified with the new environment. (taking into consideration that he was shifting from home to home in just 1 month.) Also, as a first timer, I didn’t know what to do but to follow him as he didn’t allow me to carry him. Feeling helpless, I reached out to Lynn and Kieran, and they came over to help get him home. Later in the afternoon, Ilysaa (volunteer who has walked him for 4 years) came over to help set a routine for his walk and it went really well.
Later in the evening, we went for the 2nd walk. Again it was not what I had expected. He started to resist and did not allow me to carry him, so I had to turn to Lynn and Kieran again for help. And at last, we got him home. For the next few weeks, with the help of Lynn, Kieran, May, Ilysaa, Maureen and Hannah, who took turns coming over to help walk Dusty, we have seen drastic improvements with the walks. To be honest it wasn’t very pleasant for a start, but we gave our very best trying ways to make walks better. Seeing the efforts from each and everyone of them, sacrificing their time after work and during the weekends just for a mere 30 mins walk, has made me realised how much love and patience they have for them and trying their best to rehome each and every dog. This has made me even more worried that I couldn’t handle Dusty on my own.
After 3 weeks and 2 days (17/8/19) and seeing so much improvement with the walks and having already bonded with him, I couldn’t bear to see him leave. You just gotta give them more time to bond and get used to the new environment. Now, he has been officially adopted!
Special thanks to Lynn, Kieran, May, Ilysaa, Hannah and Maureen for giving so much love to Dusty and taking care of him. Also taking time out to help and support us in any ways you guys could have for the past one month. Thank you!”
— Deslyn
We’re truly heartened that this story has a happy ending. Adopting a street dog isn’t easy as some of them come with difficult backgrounds, behavioural or health issues. But the unconditional love and joy they bring to our lives are really worth the bumps (if you’re patient enough to ride it out!)
We try our best to find a forever loving home for all our doggies and if you’re keen to adopt, write to us at bit.ly/sosdadoptform or foster at bit.ly/sosdfosterform
