About a month ago, Judi Sater noticed a call out to GPG’s fosters for help. Several small-breed dogs and puppies were rescued from a breeding situation, and GPG wanted to help, but they needed foster families to help care for the rescued dogs. Judi loves little dogs, and enjoys fostering them, so she immediately responded with a “yes” and welcomed a dog named Gidget into her home.
Gidget is a two-year-old Maltese. When Judi got her, her hair was shaved short. She had a yeast infection and fractured and rotted teeth. In fact, she had to have nine teeth removed last week. She was sad and scared, terrified of any touch. Judi explains: “It’s so sad to see her cowering away when someone wants to pet her. She still cowers when we go to pick her up and trembles for awhile, but never tries to bite. It’s just heartbreaking, but I know that she will learn that humans are not going to hurt her anymore.”
Gidget has warmed up a bit in the month she has lived with Judi, sitting on her lap and giving the occasional kiss. Judi says, “My favorite thing about fostering is to see these mistreated or abandoned dogs slowly turn the corner and learn to be companions and enjoy being loved and pampered. She has already made amazing strides since I got her, she is starting to play with (cat) toys and she catches on to routines quickly. I’m sure she will make someone a wonderful loving companion.” Judi says Gidget is just the sweetest dog. “When she looks at me with those big brown eyes, or licks me, I just melt. She wouldn’t even make eye contact when we first got her.”
Judi and Gidget have a long journey ahead of them as Gidget learns to love and be loved. Baby steps and small accomplishments will help Gidget overcome her fears. And eventually, Gidget will find her forever home, all thanks to the love and devotion of Judi. If you would like to help a dog like Gidget find her happily ever after, join our foster family! Visit www.gatewaypets.com/foster to learn more. And to learn more about Gidget and other dogs available for adoption, visit www.gatewaypets.com/adopt.