Rudi’s last week with me
This outing got Rudi adopted to his forever home.
A nice lady named Jennifer had spotted Rudi with me last week when we were in Home Goods store in Napa, Ca. Rudi has spent an overnight with Jennifer and her family and Rudi was approved by cats and people. He will be working and living in a very nice, dog friendly storage unit facility in Napa, CA. He has the run of the place with 3 cats. The owner brings his 2 dogs most days, and there are tons of people to interact with. Also Jennifer has a big family and they have all fallen in love with Rudi, so he will have an enriched life. I am thrilled.
Rudi on one of our last walks at Alston Dog Park in Napa, CA
I know many of you wanted me to keep him, but I am very happy with my decision to let him go. Having 3 dogs while working full time, keeping up a blog, dog travel club and Facebook group was feeling like a lot to do. Rudi was a great guest, but I know in my heart that 2 dogs is right at this time in my life.
Rudi loves the car now, amazing since he was terrified on his first ride.
People say what’s one more, I say it’s one more living, breathing, eating, intelligent, emotional being with individual needs. And those needs need to be met or you will have discord in your household.
Before I had met Rudi’s new Mom, I took him to the Napa Human Society Spay & Neuter clinic to get neutered and have a micro chip implanted. $111 for all, which is a good deal in this part of the country. He was recovered in 24 hours and we were walking at the dog park the next day. He did have to wear the cone of shame at night for 2 nights, not so bad.
Neutering, the good, bad and the ugly
I hemmed and hawed about neutering Rudi. There is a lot of information on this topic now that says that the early spay/neutering of our pets is causing great health problems such as cancer, dysplasia of the hips and many joint problems. I’m sure it’s true, but in the end having an un-neutered male dog is too much for most people and since I knew I wanted rehome him, it’s the right thing to do. There is also the behavioral component, which for me is other dogs giving him a lot of attention, most times too much attention. Then there are even dog parks that will not allow an unaltered dog. I understand, there are 4-5 million dogs euthanized a year, many are great dogs that are euthanized because there is not enough space. On top of that, Chihuahua mixes and Pitt Bull type dogs are the 2 types of breeds that fill the shelters of California and the Southwestern states. So after giving it much thought, I decided to have him neutered. He is around 2 years of age, so at least his growth platelets are closed and he is done growing.
Rudi sporting his cone and taking a little nap on top of Mick.
Rabies, it’s the law
Today I took Rudi for a mercury free Rabies shot and a heartworm test at a Napa Veterinary clinic. I had decided to not get all of the shots at the time of neuter, which was easy and cheap. But because I study and read about this topic weekly, I know that giving an animal or human a bunch of vaccines all together can overload the system and next thing you have is a dog that has auto immune issues such as chronic allergies, itching, ear infections and the lists goes on and on. Many holistic DVM’s notice an have noticed an occurrence of behavioral issues with the rabies vaccine. This makes me nervous. There are actually reported cases of aggression issues that follow the vaccine. So spreading out vaccines for dogs and babies over weeks or months is a really good idea. Let the immune system take each one in and deal with it.
Rudi with his new Mom
Rudi is off with his new family and it’s a happy ending for all. Thanks for being part of Rudi’s roadmap, it was super fun and rewarding and I hope I can save another dog along the way in the future. I have to admit, I do miss the little guy!
If you are interested in reading about some of the new studies on spay/neuter, here you go:
Dogs Naturally Magazine: Three Reasons to reconsider spay/neuter
Healthy Pets Mercola – Neutering & Spaying Effects
Healthy Pets Mercola – Age of spay/neuter
Rudi’s Roadmap Journey
#3 http://tailsfromtheroad.com/rudi-wonder-dog-week-3/
#2 http://tailsfromtheroad.com/rudis-first-week/
#1 http://tailsfromtheroad.com/rudis-roadmap-rv-travel-dog/
He was blessed to hang with you and the boys for a few weeks! Good on ya Juliet!!
I was the one truly blessed! Thanks Peg!
Great work with Rudy. You are a kind person.
Thanks so much Stephanie, sure appreciate the sweet words and for stopping by the blog.
Juliet, what you did to help Rudi was so awesome! He/you were in the right place at the right time! I am sure it was a bit bittersweet saying goodbye, but it looks like he couldn’t have asked for a better new home. I love the pics above and of he and his new owner. Thanks for all you do!
Yes, definitely timing was right for all of us. Thanks so much for your support of me, much appreciated!
Sound like a happy outcome. Wonderful that you were able to take the time to help him become more adaptable and thus find a loving home. Love the shopping cart picture!
Thanks Carolyn, it was a super fun and rewarding experience.