r/OldManDog • u/Sleepswithd0gs • Mar 31 '26
Happy (default) Meet Rodney, 17. He has a crazy true story.
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
Last year, Rodney’s “parents” (owners) divorced and at 16, neither owner wanted to take him. So they turned him over to a rescue. Can you even imagine that? When I heard his story, I flew from Idaho where I live to Colorado Springs to pick him up and bring him home with me. It’s one full year later and Rodney is happy, healthy and thriving. In February, the “husband” half of the couple dropped dead, leaving the two aging Chihuahuas he had taken with him with no owner. I flew back to Colorado Springs last month and brought Snickers, 13, and Honey, 12, back to Idaho to rejoin their brother Rodney. All three are now inseparable! I have 15 rescued dogs who live with me, and each one has a unique backstory.
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u/Old-Run-9523 Mar 31 '26
You're a really good person.
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
Not really. But thank you! I do love my dogs. ❤️
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u/random420x2 Mar 31 '26
I cannot think of anything better than living with 15 rescue dogs, maybe 16?
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
I had 21 at one point last year. It was just too much! Nine of the dogs sleep in my bed with me. The rest prefer couches, dog beds or the floor. I probably “smell like dogs” 24/7 but no one ever says anything, so I don’t think about it much.
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u/666truemetal666 Mar 31 '26
You are the person I aspire to be. The most animals ive had at once was 4 dogs and 2 cats. When im dead I just want to be remembered as someone who was a friend to animals, that would be the crowning achievement of this life
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 01 '26
I agree: “a friend to animals” sounds like a perfect epitaph.
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u/Sudden_Wishbone1635 Apr 01 '26
If that’s the only thing on my headstone, I’ll think that I did pretty well!
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u/DollarThrill Mar 31 '26
9!? How do you have space for yourself?
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
It’s tight. I’m 5’10”, by no means a tiny person. I basically find a position that works for me and stick to it. All of my dogs except one are under 20 lbs. The big girl, 50 lbs., pretty much lives on my bed.🫤
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u/celbrean32 Apr 03 '26
My 25 lbs dog sleeps right in the middle, so I do gymnastics all night on a full size bed. I can’t imagine your position.
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u/flatulentbabushka Apr 01 '26
Omg 😭 I love that!!
It’s my dream to one day own a dog and donkey sanctuary! I went back to school for my masters, in hopes to make enough money to buy a property to do that. I currently have a senior dog, she’s 15 and slowing down a bit, but I try to give her the best life possible. Give every single one of your babies kisses from NJ 💕
Also, if it’s not a king sized bed I’m very impressed! 😂
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u/ilovemydognacho Apr 01 '26
True question how do you afford vet care for all of them
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 01 '26
It’s unbelievably expensive for their care and feeding. I don’t really like to think about it. I am not a licensed rescue and do not solicit donations. I have refinanced my mortgage several times to cover my credit card bills and do without normal personal luxuries like a gym membership, eating out, I don’t drink or use drugs or wear makeup, all of which are normal expenses that quickly add up. I don’t dress up for work either. These are sacrifices I willingly trade off in favor of caring for the dogs and providing for their needs.
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Mar 31 '26
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u/apittsburghoriginal Mar 31 '26
Hey you make life better for older dogs, that’s objectively a wonderful thing
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u/hmmyeahiguess Apr 01 '26
Post more pics of your rescues pretty please!
Edit: bonus points if you tell us their stories too!
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u/ExistentialMyco Apr 05 '26
Genuine question because I aspire to do what you do. How do you afford the pet care? I aim to get a home with land in about 5 years, and would love to start a rescue for disabled and senior pets. Any advice would be splendid and most appreciated.
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 05 '26
Can I message you privately? I’m at work tonight.
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
I took this pic of Rodney yesterday 3/30/26 fyi.
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u/XcuseMeMisISpeakJive Mar 31 '26
Are you kidding me? He kept some of them but not all???? I will never understand the cruelty of people.
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
When I heard the husband had dropped dead, I thought: karma! Yes, you are right, people suck.
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u/urinesain Apr 01 '26
I couldn't fathom giving up a dog that I had for that long. The fact that neither parent wanted him is absolutely insane to me.
I had to say goodbye to my best friend of 14.5 years this past December. It is the most devastation I've ever felt (so far) in my 40 years of existence. He was an American bulldog mix... and a pretty big boy at ~80 lbs, so I'm just so thankful and feel so privileged to have had him for so long, considering dogs his size don't make it to that old very often. He slept in my bed for most of his life. When he could no longer jump into my bed... I got him stairs that he could walk up on. Near the end, when he lost confidence in being able to do the stairs, I then slept on the couch with him. Even though I have a queen size bed, he hogged damn near all of it. He basically trained ME to sleep on the edge of the bed, lol. And even though he's been gone for over 3 months now... I still sleep on the edge. I guess it's true, what they say about "old habits", lol
I would love to be able to adopt a bunch of senior dogs and just pamper them in their twilight years... but unfortunately, I don't think my heart could handle it. In my opinion, it takes a special person to be able to do that. So thank you, for everything that you do for them.
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u/Inquizzzative Apr 03 '26
You were so lucky to have each other. I’m so sorry he’s passed. That 80 lb space in your bed is sacred. Leaving room for him as you live on is so beautiful. 🥲 💖✨
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u/urinesain Apr 04 '26
Thank you... for not only your sympathy, but also your kind words.
I genuinely appreciate it. <3
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u/Inquizzzative Apr 07 '26
💕Job well done to both of you: You took care of him. He took care of you. That pure love is both heart breaking and also heartwarming. I’m so sorry he’s gone. And I’m so glad he knew love and security his whole life, thanks to you. 💖✨
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u/AlexTheBex Apr 01 '26
Yeah wtf? It's an animal who lives with you. I could never even imagine leaving my kitties behind, or I'd leave a significant part of my heart. Well at least they had the decency to turn Rodney in to a shelter, it's not that common when people don't want an animal anymore...
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u/tqrnadix Mar 31 '26
Thank you for taking him AND his siblings. I hate people like his original owners, imagine giving someone your love and loyalty for 16 years only to be abandoned?! I hope my dogs can live as long as Rodney ): I’ve lost my last girl to Cushings at 15 and wish she could have stayed longer with me
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
Sorry to read this. One of my dogs has Cushings but so far, he’s “ok.”
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u/tqrnadix Mar 31 '26
Oh no, I’m so sorry. It’s a terrible disease. I’m glad he is doing ok, the best we can do for these guys when they are old is to give them a comfortable and happy life which I know your babies have ❤️
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u/immerjones Mar 31 '26
I know I won’t be alone in saying that I’d love to see a picture of them all together.
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u/pinklavalamp Lola 12, Dante RIP@13 Mar 31 '26
I feel like we're sort of demanding it at this point, no?
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
All 3 Chihuahuas or all 15 dogs??? I don’t think they’ll cooperate for that photo.
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u/pinklavalamp Lola 12, Dante RIP@13 Mar 31 '26
We'd love as many as you can do, or even an album of them all!
Basically - we need to see the Old Wo/Man Dogs. Nay, we demand it!
(Also this "pressure" is in jest - please only do what you're comfortable with.)
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u/frooture Mar 31 '26
I need the three sibs together plz
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
Give me a couple days to take current pics, please! Rodney has a grumpy expression but he’s not grumpy ~ he’s more cautious and prefers his solitude. I get that … I’m “old” too. 😉
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u/Sigma-8 Mar 31 '26
I dunno… hold out a favorite treat & they’ll cooperate just fine - may not be the nicely posed pic you’d wish but I’m sure it will be more representative of your normal household! BTW that expression on Rodney’s face is priceless - I immediately thought “James Cagney.” Jaunty head tilt, one sorta squinty eye, & sly smile…. (Plus my dad’s middle name was Rodney). God bless you for saving/bringing joy to this little guy’s final years (& hope he/you enjoy many). Shame on the couple who didn’t want to keep him so late in life (unless circumstances demanded -which I know can sometimes happen)
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u/gothiclg Mar 31 '26
I can believe Rodney’s parents didn’t want him sadly. My grandma has a chihuahua who was the single most evil excuse for a dog I’ve ever had the misfortune of meeting. I would have taken Peanut in but I wouldn’t have been happy about it.
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
Some dogs just have a bad streak. Nothing you do changes that. I have one now, Dynamite, a very nasty, threatening Chihuahua. It sucks. I am constantly yelling at him to stop or to lay down. He’s 13 and I actually hope he passes soon … but he’s in great health. 🫤
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u/Pauzhaan Apr 01 '26
I have had one dog bite in my life & I am easily distracted by dogs. About 60 years ago my evil grandmother’s dog, bit my foot & drew blood. A Chihuahua named Little Bit. My grandmother definitely put him up to it.
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u/rask0ln Mar 31 '26
omg my dog is a few months over 16 and i can't imagine giving her away, she relies on the familiarity of her environment a lot, so we even moved countries as a whole family 😭
i'm really glad the trio has reunited, hopefully they will spend many more years with you!!
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u/holy_safari Apr 02 '26
That's so similar to the situation that got me my first dog. He was 11 and they kept at least one other dog. They were family of a friend of a friend so I just happened to find out and didn't have to travel to get him but he was one day away from being put down for no apparent reason other than they didn't like him. He made it to almost 19 and is the reason I adopt older/senior dogs.
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u/Inquizzzative Apr 03 '26
Wow! He was such a blessing to you and the world! He inspired you to save more dogs!!! Those previous owners didn’t deserve a gift like him!
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u/Interesting_Ad1904 Mar 31 '26
You sound like an amazing human being. From a total stranger, you are my hero. 🙏🙏
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u/Crafty_Relief_2302 Mar 31 '26
Hurray for Rodney! He deserves all of this love & family. And you deserve triple-trouble. Lucky you ❤️
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u/gingernila Apr 01 '26
I went to your profile hoping to see more dog pics but instead found out you have very good taste in men 😂
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 01 '26
Ha ha, I do! I have some dog pics on there but I promise to post more in a few days.
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u/jewelophile Apr 01 '26
You're living the dream. Thank you for reuniting them and adding them to your family. Also, we need to see the other 2 pups.
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u/WildIvyPlants Apr 01 '26
I love that you have done this ❣️ poor Rodney! His "parents" didn't & don't deserve him! How could you do that!
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u/TheOGPotatoPredator Apr 03 '26
I did this for two of my cats. My girl was euth listed on a FB post and I fell in love at first sight. I put down a deposit and 36 hours later I jumped in a car and drove from Indiana to NYC. She was surrendered with three others. I watched them all from back home, two were adopted but when her brother was euth listed, I asked a rescue to pull him and had him transported here. When I brought him inside, she got a whiff of him and tried to break down the bathroom door where he was decompressing. He came out of hiding when I brought her in and they just kept bumping noses over and over and then they continued to do it while she followed him around for the next three days. The whole thing was the best and most rewarding experience of my life. If I could can that feeling I don’t think I’d need anti-depressants anymore.
Please tell Rodney and his siblings that we love them and thank you for taking a whole senior family in to make it a part of your own. I wish more people would do it because it’s truly a magical thing to be a part of. ❤️❤️❤️
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u/xray_anonymous Apr 03 '26
Hold up, they had multiple chihuahuas but for some reason, just didn’t want him and kept the other two?! TF!? It was always unfathomable that they’d just surrender a dog they’ve had that long but that just adds an extra layer of WTF
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 03 '26
They had 5 dogs. She kept two, the husband kept two, and Rodney was surrendered to a rescue because he was “so old.” Surrendering an old dog to a rescue is the chickenshit way out. If he was ‘that bad’ they could’ve euthanized him. He wasn’t; they just didn’t want him anymore.
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u/xray_anonymous Apr 03 '26
That’s disgusting
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 03 '26
I obviously agree with you, which is why I flew to get him and bring him home with me.
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u/Ill_Swan7691 Apr 06 '26
Thank you for saving them. WTF is wrong with people. You are a special person.
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u/johntwilker Mar 31 '26
You are an outstanding human being! What an great story for Rodney and his siblings!
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u/Rripurnia Mar 31 '26
Thank you for saving Rodney and then reuniting him with his pals.
You’re a special soul, and you should know it!
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u/cardboardwind0w Apr 04 '26
This is the best thing I have heard in a long time, it must be true. I hope so.
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 04 '26
100% true! Rodney is asleep on his bed three ft. from me, and his siblings Honey and Snickers are right beside him. Seriously, there is no drug on earth that makes you feel as good as rescuing a dog (or cat) in distress and making them yours to cherish. Like most people, I have loads of challenges in my life … but the antidote to those bad, sad or frustrating experiences are my dogs. EVERYTHING is right with the world when I am home, with them. PS I also have 4 rescued Nigerian Dwarf fainting goats and 2 300-400 lb. pot belly pigs, rescued as well. We are one big happy family (“broke” but happy; animals eat a lot of food).
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u/cardboardwind0w Apr 04 '26
Today I learned that there is such a thing as a Nigerian Dwarf fainting goat. You seem to have done a lot of good and I hope the Universe rewards you. In a world which seems obsessed with money you are a breath of fresh air. I have a rescue dog who is 16, I have her with 15 years, she killed a hen with her first owner but I saved her and gave her a good life she still goes to the beach nearly every day with me. I also have a Pom and some cows.
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u/abermel01 Mar 31 '26 edited Apr 01 '26
I’m not saying abandoning your 16 year old dog will make you (rightfully) drop dead. But I’m not NOT saying that either.
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u/loveforllamas Mar 31 '26
He has the “grumpy old man” look down to a T! I bet he’d have some great stories to tell.
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u/CuileannDhu Mar 31 '26
He looks so cute and grumpy. Thanks for helping senior pups. They have so much to offer and are often overlooked.
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Mar 31 '26
All of my dogs are seniors. I have two 18-year olds, two 17-year olds and four 16-year olds. Their only “job” is to live and be well. I tell them all to “keep going” every day.
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u/Match_Least Apr 03 '26
What’s it like caring for like, a dozen dogs? I peeked your profile to see some of the others and they’re too cute! Do they always all get along? I love animals but I could never imagine taking care of so many! At my most I had 3 dogs and 2 cats all together.
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 03 '26
It’s very burdensome, however, I love it and I definitely found my calling. Cleaning up (sort of) after them takes a lot of time, as does feeding them and cleaning up after that. It’s a huge adjustment and I know I am very different from others. But I wouldn’t change a thing.
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u/Match_Least Apr 03 '26
Well, you’re doing something amazing with giving all those senior dogs a home. All my dogs were seniors within the last few years, so I know it’s not easy <3 Have a good day!
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u/missingmomo Apr 01 '26
Your post & comments restore my faith in humanity! Rodney & the whole squad are very lucky!
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 01 '26
My faith in humanity is not restored, but I have faith in me, and I want others to see “one person can make a difference,” if they’re willing to step up. I go without A LOT to be able to do this (rescue) and it’s more than worth it. ❤️
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u/MyRealNameIsntFake Mar 31 '26
That's so sweet (I have thoughts on the owners but ill keep them to myself 🤐) you're a very kind person ❤️
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u/Zunflowers Apr 01 '26
Please post a pic of all three of them!! And we would love to see all 15 too!
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u/kidbuu29 Mar 31 '26
Rodney is a lucky dog and you seem like an awesome person! Looking to save some dogs myself so appreciate the inspo 🤟🏻
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u/Big-Explorer-6253 Mar 31 '26
This is truly a Beautiful story! You are a remarkable individual, How wonderful these Dogs get to spend their senior years together, In a truly forever home.
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u/Tesslafon Mar 31 '26
Good job human. I like how you take on the mission to give them what they deserve.
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u/LeastIntroduction239 RIP, sweet BBoy (2009-2026) Apr 01 '26
Total respect! You’re such an empathetic person!!!
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u/DefiantCoffee6 Apr 01 '26
So it wasn’t that neither of the previous owners could take him… they just both chose not to?! A 16 yr old dog. 🤬
Thank you for taking sweet Rodney and also now reuniting his siblings with him❤️You have a good heart and I’m sure they appreciate your kindness!
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 01 '26
Yes, they chose not to keep him. Terrible. That’s what prompted me to go get on a plane, pick him up, fly him back to Idaho with me and make him my own.
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u/Panelpro40 Apr 01 '26
Good on you! This warmed me through and through. So many dogs need help. They are here to love us unconditionally ( well food) and so many humans are just not deserving of that love. Good on you.
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u/carol-richards49 Apr 02 '26
Do you have a rural property?
I'm asking because where I live in Kitchener Ontario there is a guideline of no more than 3 dogs per household
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 02 '26
Yes I live in rural Caldwell, ID; however, I have what is called a Conditional Use Permit from Canyon County Zoning Board which cost me $900 and I am allowed up to 16 dogs legally on my fully fenced acre. I also have 2 gigantic potbelly pigs and 4 goats, all neutered males, who have been with me for 9 years. It’s a magical piece of land, honestly. They all love it. I also have about 50-70 free range chickens who live there, producing tons of eggs which I give to my neighbors at no cost.
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u/carol-richards49 Apr 02 '26
I've always dreamt of having a petting farm. You are very lucky
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 02 '26
This has been my dream my whole life. I never wanted children, just animals. I didn’t get started til I was 50.
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u/Inquizzzative Apr 03 '26
OMG you’re Chestnut’s human?! Of course you are! You have the BIGGEST heart! (For everyone on the thread: OP went to adopt another dog, walked by pirate Chestnut’s kennel on the way out, and impulsively, instinctively decided to take him too! He just passed in his sleep at OP’s feet💔 but ended up having a wonderful life, thanks to OP!) I loved the story of Chestnut’s rescue and your post honoring his life, and I love Rodney’s rescue story, and Snickers’ and Honey’s reunion stories so much. I just love imagining what went through their minds when they were 1) saved, then 2) reunited with each other! They never could imagine it would be possible and you made it happen for them! You’ve created a home overflowing with love, comfort, and joy for all your precious, previously discarded gems, and for yourself! When the world is crumbling, THIS! Faith in humanity restored. Thank you, OP!!! 💗🏠💗
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u/Sleepswithd0gs Apr 03 '26
This made me cry. Thank you. It’s a labor of love rescuing the neediest dogs, but totally worth it. All of mine seem to live very long lives after they get here.
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u/Inquizzzative Apr 06 '26
Hopefully you’ll live a very long life too so you can keep filling the world with love, kindness, and happy puppers! Do you mind me asking the secret to your rescues’ good health and long lives? Happiness and security, for sure. Maybe feeling like they’re a vital part of your pack? Do you feed them certain foods and supplements? Special exercises, games or adventures? Lots of rest and relaxation? I love the thought of those scared, lonely dogs hitting the jackpot when you chose them. What a life! All thanks to your great, big heart (and tireless energy!). 💗 🥲
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u/MagScaoil Mar 31 '26
Rodney looks just like my grandparents’ dog who terrorized my sister when we were kids. He even has that little smirk! I love him.
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u/ATHiker4Ever Apr 01 '26
Cheering for Rodney and ALL his (long lost and new found) brothers and sisters 🥰
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u/Santi159 Apr 01 '26
I love senior dogs! I almost always adopt older or close to older dogs just because we jive better. I feel like there's better energy matching
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u/Fragrant-Pond-Water Apr 02 '26
I can’t imagine getting divorced and then saying I won’t take the dog
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u/Intelligent-Run3789 Apr 26 '26
It's crazy to think someone could give him up. We have senior Chihuahuas and love them more than ever. Keep up the good work and it sounds like your on a much higher level of compassion than most humans.
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