It's really weird that new little Buster had so many homes because the original Buster Times Seven, a little dog who had 7 homes, was the inspiration for me to slow down on rescue and focus on giving forever homes to dogs and cats who were 'unadoptable'. and become a sanctuary. I rescued Buster Times Seven back in 1997 from in front of Washington elementary school where he followed a child to school. The janitor there beat him with a hose, right in front of the children, trying to get rid of him. I took him home with me and tried to find his owners but nothing. So I doctored him up, got him healthy and decided to adopt him out. They brought him back a week later, said he was 'too wild' or similar crap. I adopted him out again, then discovered they gave him to someone else! And that family disliked him and set him loose. I found him living in a parking lot. I was stunned to rescue him TWICE. I thought I wouldn't adopt out out again, but a lady begged for him. Grudgingly, I sent him home with her. A month later I got a call from the pound saying they had some death row dogs and could I please save one or two? So I rushed up to get the dogs before they were put down and THERE WAS BUSTER. The woman begged for him and then gave him to the pound because who knows? I was livid. Buster almost died. And I vowed right then he would never leave my side. He lived to be 15, he was the best dog you could ever ask for. He had gone full circle...
Original mystery home
me
adopted out then returned
adopted out
Given away
adopted out sent to pound
me
So I changed his name from Buster, to Buster Times Seven, to remind me of how many times he was passed around. I only had one thing I asked of people when they adopted out animals from me... if they couldn't keep them, to please bring them back or call me and I'd come get them. I realized people couldn't be trusted half the time so I stopped adopting out and kept the dogs no one wanted.
I laughed when I got the call about New Little Buster. He'd had so many homes already. He was obviously meant for me. He's nothing like Buster Times Seven (who was a shaggy little sandy brown mutt) but their story is the same. They passed through many hands. Imagine the stories they have to tell in Dog Valhalla. Heh. I hope I have the new Buster 15 years. Maybe more, if I'm lucky.
Man, rescues bleed money. But it's good work. I certainly recommend it. When I am at my lowest, I remember I have to keep going for them. They keep me alive.
I wanna donkey too. Someone should buy us donkeys!