Everyone Loves Chamois

I had come to accept the fact that we would be a one-dog family. When we adopted Nugget two years ago, Jody told us about all the wonderful qualities Nugget possessed, but recommended she be an only dog. That was fine with us because we hadn't had a dog during our ten years of marriage - and a golden to go along with our two cats would round out our household just fine.

Yes, it was true, Nugget (now 9 years old) did have all the wonderful qualities Jody told us about - great with people, gentle, good-natured but Jody was right, she was not comfortable around other dogs. Because Nugget came from a shelter, we did not know her background, but we could only guess she was not properly socialized in her earlier years. We tried taking Nugget to dog parks, inviting friends over with their dogs, and attending dog-training classes to expose her to as many dogs as possible. But still, Nugget made it very clear that she did not like or need canine companionship. The only dog she didn't mind being around was my sister's 14-year-old sheltie, Captain.

While volunteering at the Homeward Bound booth at Bradshaw's Annual Care Fair in May 2000, Chamois, a beautiful 9 year-old golden oldie was relinquished to us from a kind-hearted lady who rescued her from a shelter in Northern California. Chamois had lived in several different homes during her lifetime before being taken back to the shelter once again. Chamois's only known 'issue' was her separation anxiety. I offered to take Chamois home overnight to foster, knowing I would take her to Petco the next day for adoption. I knew I could keep Nugget 'in check' for the 16 hours that Chamois would be with us. I fell in love with Chamois even before leaving the Care Fair that day, but at no time did the thought of adopting her cross my mind because of our 'Nugget' situation at home.

When Nugget met Chamois, she did her usual bark routine, but Chamois completely ignored her and went about her business checking out the back yard. Nugget followed her like a shadow, but Chamois seemed oblivious to her presence. From that moment on, Nugget seemed completely comfortable with Chamois being around. Nugget's usual routine of guarding every toy, every ball, and defensive outbursts when other dogs were around just didn't exist this time. I attributed this unusual behavior to the long hike my husband had taken Nugget on just hours before I brought Chamois home. That evening, our household was peaceful - even with two dogs.
  
All evening Chamois was SO sweet, and wanted nothing more than to be loved. I kept thinking how lucky someone would be to adopt her the next day at Petco. When my husband commented the next morning that he couldn't believe how well Nugget was getting along with Chamois (even full of spunk after a good night’s sleep) I think he knew something was different this time. At that moment a light bulb went off in my head and I asked, "Are you thinking we should adopt her?" With a big smile, he replied, "it's up to you". My heart was racing because after 2 years I had ALMOST convinced myself that I was perfectly content with just one dog, but now I had to think of the pros and cons of having two. We headed out to breakfast on our way to Petco, and discussed the matter further. By the end of breakfast, I had our adoption check made out to Homeward Bound, and we headed over to Petco to let Jody know this girl was going home with us!

With the exception of Nugget having words with Chamois on two occasions during the first week, they get along great. They also look so much alike that people ask if they are sisters or mother and daughter, and are surprised to learn they did not grow up together. Nugget actually seems like a happier dog with Chamois around. It still amazes me how she has genuinely accepted, and by her behavior, whole-heartedly welcomed Chamois into her home and life. Sometimes I walk into the room and catch Nugget and Chamois standing nose-to-nose just sniffing each other, and it makes me wonder - did Nugget somehow know how desperately Chamois needed a home -- a place where she would spend her golden years knowing she was loved?

It’s been 3 months now, and we are one big happy family. When I think back on the day I brought Chamois home, little did I know that WE would be the lucky ones to adopt her! Chamois is THE happiest, sweetest, and most loving golden! It’s no wonder that everyone who meets her falls in love with her -- even Nugget!

The Graham Family,
Chamois's Forever Family