With thousands of unwanted and abandoned animals filling shelters all over the country, many pet parents make the admirable decision to adopt a furry family member. This is not always a simple task, as adopted pets may require special care and consideration to help them adjust to new people, environments and existing pets. With most challenges however, the rewards are often unparalleled, demonstrated beautifully by the stories of Meeka, Bindi and Brolloks.
Megan and Meeka
Megan, how did Meeka become part of your family?
I started a new job at a veterinary practice when I met Meeka for the first time. She had been surrendered by her family following an accident, and her first trial adoptive home fell through. She was staying at the practice awaiting a surgical procedure, so I enquired about her story. Following this, all I could think about was how she deserved better, and it wasn’t her fault that her previous two homes were unsuitable. After speaking with my parents about her, we decided to bring her home for the weekend. It was a daunting task, as I didn’t know what to expect or how she would interact with our other dogs at home. She also had special needs given her leg injury and post operative recovery requirements, so she could not engage freely in an open area- she needed to be confined. At the outset I would say she did not have a distinct personality; she was apprehensive about everything having spent much time in a cage or alone. Upon meeting my dogs, I saw her tail wagging for the first time, and I knew I made the right choice.
She was scared constantly at the beginning and teaching her to trust me took patience. She also acted out when she was left alone in her enclosed area during the day, chewing everything and surely wondering why she had to be confined when the other dogs could run freely. This was hard for us as well, but we had to prioritize her post-op recovery over play time at the start. We learnt to play carefully on a lead, involving the other dogs as well and slowly they started to bond. Eventually they would come to the confined area to lay still with Meeka whilst she rested, instead of playing by themselves.
After recovering from her third and final surgery, I opened the car door for her to run into the yard, but instead she sat frozen and confused on the seat. She needed some encouragement to get going, but once she did, I witnessed her act like the puppy she was, for the first time in 7 months. Running, jumping and playing with the other dogs, we saw her confidence and sense of security blossom.
What has been the best part about adopting Meeka?
Meeka gave me a sense of purpose and direction when I didn’t have any. Nurturing her physical and emotional needs has been a special journey for both of us, filled with endless lessons and joy. When Meeka came into my life, I was not looking for a new pet, but I do believe God brought us together for a reason. She offered me a new perspective through her unbreakable spirit, rescuing me as much I have rescued her.
Did you face any challenges with Meeka and how did you overcome them?
Meeka was scared and distrusting at the start, in contrast to other happy-go-lucky four-month-old puppies. Aside from working through this, we also had to work with her doing physiotherapy and exercises to strengthen her broken leg. Slowly, her true nature began to emerge, and she now has the brightest personality, full of love and trust. This process took tears, time and patience, but now that she is fully recovered it was worth it.
The responsibility associated with rescuing a dog is immense, and my parents have supported and guided me through it every step of the way. I have been reminded that this is not an overnight endeavour to ‘fix’ something, but rather a commitment to giving a dog a better life.
