Chloe came to us from a puppy mill situation. She was in a run in a barn in rural Ontario with no heat or hydro. The people who took her out of there believed that the dogs were never let outside the barn. She was around 4 ½ years old.
Wheatens need to be groomed as they have hair not fur. Chloe had never been cut and we were told that she looked like a dirty, smelly sheep. The mats pull at their skin and the whole mess needed to be cut off her. The foster told us that she was thrilled to be out from under it.
I met her the next day and I’ll never forget her little curious face peeking out from behind her big foster brother Logan. As I talked to the foster she kept coming back and leaning into my leg. She was so starved for gentle, loving contact. It was like she’d never experienced it before and she probably hadn’t. I remember thinking to myself this dog will be alright as she’s still more curious than afraid. A week later she came home with us.
She had so much to learn. Housebreaking, walking on a leash, elevators, stairs, coats and the dog park. And so many new things to experience. Fresh water always. More food than she could eat. Treats and belly rubs. Soft beds and sleeping with the people who loved her. The knowledge that people could be trusted. For seven glorious years she was ours. She was the sweetest, gentlest dog in the world.
We ended her suffering from a vicious cancer on August 30th. She died at home surrounded by the people who loved her. We will miss her forever.
Toronto, Canada
