Nellie's Story

Nellie found her way into our home on December 8, 2001. We had agreed to accept her as a foster dog for Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue until a permanent home could be found for her. Having lost Chowder only six months before, we weren't ready to commit to bringing a new dog into our lives permanently.

Our decision was made even tougher by the fact that Nellie had already been in four homes since she was found stray during June, 2001, somewhere in Taylor. We wondered what was wrong with this dog that no one would keep her. Michelle told us that in one home, Nellie did not get along with another dog (a chow), in another, she was trying to dominate the family, who were not experienced with dogs at all, and in two other homes she was very much loved but for various reasons she was unable to stay. Because of Nellie's earlier attempts to run the household, Michelle wanted to place Nellie in a foster home where the family had experience with dogs.

We agreed to meet Nellie and take her for at least a few weeks. When Michelle and Nellie arrived at our house, we were a bit shocked. Even though Nellie had been with RR Rescue for several months already, Nellie was skin and bones. She looked more like an underweight greyhound than a Ridgeback! Although she had gained about 15 pounds since she was found stray, she weighed only 51 pounds.

Once we got over our initial surprise at her appearance, we realized that Nellie is a very affectionate dog. She came right up to us. Sniffed us, licked us, and went off to play with Jazzy. By the time Michelle left, she had explored most of our house and had made herself at home.

Despite some challenges, it was less than two weeks before we knew Nellie would remain part of our family. Aside from a few behavioral problems which we continue to work on, she is one of the most affectionate dogs I have had the fortune to be around.