Rainer's Story Border Collie Kiowa, OK

To My Former Owner,

I don't even know where to start.

You were my everything. I am already 7 years old. I really didn't think that we would ever be a part. I thought that I would spend the rest of my life with you. The thought that I might not live my life out with you never crossed my mind.

When you loaded me into the car, I thought we were just going on another car ride. I was so excited. I didn't know where we were going but I was ready. Trips with you were always my favorite! When we ended up somewhere I didn't recognize...I didn't pay much attention. Looking back I probably should have, but I trusted you so much. I never expected that you had taken me to the animal shelter. When we walked in, you started doing some paperwork and I was looking around. At first, I was just curious about everything. Then, suddenly I heard them. The animals. Oh, the cries. The pleas. I heard the dogs barking. Begging to be let out of their kennels. Begging to be adopted. Begging for a second chance. That is when I looked at you and things started to click. It was at that point I tried to run to the door. You didn't let me though and then a shelter volunteer came up and took my leash. This couldn't possibly be happening! You couldn't be leaving me here. Not after 7 years together. This wasn't right!

It didn't matter how I felt about it though. I had to watch you walk away. I had to watch my whole life walk away and I felt broken. I didn't understand. How could this happen? Where did you go? Why did you leave me here?
I would soon find out that the reason I was surrendered was that "I just wasn't fit". Whatever that means. I thought we were doing wonderful together?

I was pretty depressed once they put me in a kennel and closed the door. Just like that the door shut to my past life. I knew things would never be the same. I also knew that being an older dog my chances of being adopted were probably low. Imagine my surprise when I ended up being adopted though! I couldn't believe it. Another family wanted me and I was getting out of the shelter! I was so excited. This was going to be a new start for me. I was going to make this new chance I had been given count and be the best boy possible. I thought for sure this would be my true forever home now. That I was going to spend the rest of my life with this family. Finally, I could relax again.

I am starting to wonder if I am just that naive? That maybe forever truly doesn't exist? Because when my new family loaded me up in the car, I was ready for a road trip. This was going to be our first real trip together and I was so excited to see where we were going. I kept looking at my people, then out the window, then back to my family. This was going to be such a great day. At least it was until I recognized the building we had finally pulled up to. I knew that scent. I knew those cries for help. This time I didn't want to go in. I tried my best to not be brought back inside but it was no use. It was like deja vu. Here I was looking around while my owners signed the surrender paperwork. And just like that my leash was being handed over again and I watched yet another family leave me behind. What was happening? How was this my life now?
I guess the reason for my surrender this time was because I kept getting into the kid's faces. I thought I was just giving them kisses and being lovey-dovey. How was I to know that was a no-no?

Now, I was back in a kennel and I was once again homeless. In the back of my head, I figured if I got adopted once I could get adopted again. Hopefully, I would be out of here in no time again and this time my new family would stick. I was wrong yet again though. I was in the shelter for over a month this time. No one adopted me. No one came for me. Not until the day a PPFT representative walked by my kennel. She looked at me and she just knew how broken I felt. She ended up pulling me and just like that I was being bailed out of doggie jail and starting a new leash on life!

I am now in a loving foster home and life is so good. This may not be my forever family but it is still pretty awesome. And getting to hang out here until my family does find me....that is a pretty good deal if you ask me.

I wonder if you knew everything that I would go through when you decided to surrender me if you still would have done it. I am sure you had your reasons but you were MY person. You were supposed to make sure I was always taken care of and instead, I have been bounced around several times at 7 years of age. How is that fair?

Life isn't always fair I guess though. I have come to accept that and that was the whole reason for my letter. I want you to know that I forgive you. I don't have it in me to be bitter. However, I wanted to share my story with you in hopes that you will do better in the future.....
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To My Future Family,

I cannot even tell you how ready I am to find you. I have been passed around quite a bit lately, and I am so ready to finally be able to settle down with you. I know that I am probably being naive again but I do believe in forever. Even after all of this, I refuse to believe that forever isn't possible. I know that out there somewhere there is a family that is going to love me and never let me go. I know that to them I will be family, and you don't leave family behind.

Now that I have my declaration out of the way, I should probably introduce myself, right? My name is Rainer and I am a 7-year-old, 53lb male Border Collie. I am being fostered around other dogs and do well with them. I love getting to meet new people and will greet them with a wagging tail and kisses.

I am a pretty chill guy. I find pleasure in the simple things such as being in the same room as my people or cuddling up to them. I haven't shown much interest in playing with toys. It has been too hot to go on any walks but I think I would enjoy them. I would be happy probably doing just about anything with my family. I enjoy spending quality time with them and would be up for going on adventures with them or even just chilling at the house. Don't forget that I am older though and on the calmer side, so don't expect me to be able to constantly be on the go. However, I would still try my best just because that is the boy I am. I never want to disappoint you.

I am potty trained and can be trusted to free-roam the house when my foster family is away. I am pretty mellow so would probably do fine in an apartment setting.

I think that about sums up everything that you should know about me. If you are interested in learning be sure to submit an application for me and then you will also get to review the evaluation form my foster mom filled out for me! I bet you can find some other details there about me!
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Application to adopt Rainer
https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/hx000BP7nbQvjHX49Uur80FV3

Location: McAlester, OK
-Adopters must be able to pick up their new dog, with no exceptions.

Adoption Fee: $150 Includes: DHLPP, Rabies, Bordetella, Fecal, Deworming, Micro-Chip, Heartworm Test, Neuter, and he will be current heartworm and flea/tick prevention.

FROM HIS FOSTER MOM ?

Rainer is a sweet boy with a long, soft, black and white coat. He is the kind of dog that you just want to cuddle with and he will want to be in your lap. He's a velcro dog and will never be far away. He has great house manners and he will be a great dog for someone looking for an easygoing companion.

Rainer's ideal home would be a somewhat quiet home where he gets lots of attention. He hasn't shown much interest in the other dogs in his foster home so he would be fine as an only dog. He doesn't mind other dogs in the home as long as they don't jump all over him.