Little Piece of Heaven

There is a legend that dogs with two colors of eyes have one eye on earth and one eye in heaven.

That was the introduction to Zack’s profile on the Cochrane and Area Humane Society (CAHS) website when he was finally ready to be put up for adoption after a one-year stay with CAHS. Zack is now heading into year-three of his new life.

Zack came into the shelter, when he was about 4, in February of 2017 with an injury that required emergency surgery and a long road of rehabilitation.  One year later, his new family, who saw something special in this beautiful boy, took him home.

The journey of healing was a difficult one for Zack, but he was fortunate to be cared for in the loving foster home of Alana, while in the care of CAHS, who to this day his new parents Kevin and Shelley have much gratitude for – and still keep in contact with.

“We have had Zack almost one year and he has fit into our family like he has always been with us,” says Shelley.  

Now that Kevin and Shelley understand Zack they are able to prepare for situations that make him uncomfortable and make environmental adjustments when needed.  He does not like assertive behaviour from other dogs and still doesn’t like going to the vet, but that the little piece of heaven that can be see through his eyes has come out many times when Zack displays his warm and gentle nature especially around little girls.  

Shelley shares a story.

“Kevin was just completing his walk and almost back to the car when Zack saw a lady with a small 5-year-old girl.  Zack immediately left Kevin to say hello.  Zack knew the little girl was a bit shy so he sat beside her until she began to stroke Zack. Kevin caught up to mom and child to reassure all that Zack loves little girls when he noticed that the child was a special needs and that Zack had it all under control.  He could have stayed with her all afternoon. Other dogs were dashing about and playing but Zack knew that his place was a gentle visit with a special little girl.  Both Kevin and her mom were crying.”

Foster mom, Shelley, says that the “rule of the first threes” that was taught to them by CAHS’s Dawnita Gillman, CPDT - KSA, who spent time with the family in private classes, was something they have thought about many times during the past year.  Gillman says that this rule is a reminder to the adoptees that it takes time for new animal members to get used to their new homes and to build trust.

“Having compassion and seeing it from the dog’s perspective,” says Gillman.

These rules are taught by Dr. Patricia McConnell and Dr. Karen B. London.  

Thank you Shelley and Kevin for seeing that little piece of heaven in Zack and giving him a second chance to show his true self. We wish you all the best in this third-year of Zack’s new and wonderful life. 

CAHS offers various group classes and private consultations for families who have added a new animal member.  For more information please contact us at 403-932-2072 or visit our website.