Name: Howard - 11 y/o
Family Members: Kelly, Tony & Oscar the Cat
How long has Howard been in the family? Howard came to us on October 19, 2014. So, it will be 4 years in October.
Professions: Kelly - CPA, Tony - Handyman
Location: Alpharetta, GA.
Nicknames: Meathead, Fathead, Fat Boy, Little Nugget
5 words/phrases that describe Howard?
Sweet
Sensitive
Gentle
Affectionate
Quirky
What makes Howard unique? Howard is a funny guy! He has personality for days (when he’s not sleeping)! “What a weirdo!” is a phrase often uttered in our house. Howard is also a world class snuggler and takes his duties very seriously.
Striking a Pose!
Rescue Story: Howard was found abandoned in the parking lot of a dog park by Amanda, who is a friend of Bullseye Rescue. We don’t know how long he was there on his own, but by the time Amanda found him, he had collapsed. She contacted Carla (co-founder) at Bullseye and they were able to get him straight to the vet. Howard then lived in boarding for about 3 ½ months. During that time, Amanda was his constant friend, bringing him toys, taking him for walks and to adoption events. Tony and I were still reeling from the recent loss of our senior lab, Sunny, but for us, a house is not a home without a dog in it. So, we decided that we would give fostering a try (ha!). Howard’s adorable mug popped up in my news feed, and I knew that he was the one. I contacted Carla on a Friday night, we met Howard on Saturday and by Sunday morning he was home. It wasn’t long before we knew that there was no way we were letting him go.
From when he was found in the parking lot.
What is your favorite pastime as a family? Howard loves to go for walks, as long as they are of the short, slow variety. He loves to snuggle! He is happiest when we are all just hanging out relaxing together.
What is life like since you rescued Howard? Life with Howard is wonderful! Once we got him home, we found that Howard brought with him a little emotional baggage. While Howard has always been the sweetest, most gentle guy, it soon became clear that he was not always treated with kindness, and was fearful that we would do the same. We got him into training, which really was more people training then dog training, and the whole process was a great bonding experience for all three of us. Howard showed us just how resilient he is and that baggage is now just a blip in the past. I think my favorite part of the day is when Howard sits down in front of Tony’s chair at night and stares at him until Tony gets on the floor and lays with him for their evening snuggles. He’s not pushy or rude, and doesn’t make a sound. He just stares, and Tony can’t resist his charm. Howard is the most amazing dog, and I can’t imagine our life without him.
Photographers Note: What to say about Howard?? I mean this dog is just sweet perfection. I think I fell in love with that handsome frosty face as soon as I walked in the door and he looked up at me with an expression as if to say, “Are you my new friend?” Even at 11 years old, this boy is still full of spunk, don’t let that white face fool ya! He was chasing his ball around his beautiful backyard, showing off a little. Then he was also quite happy to be done with the hot sun and hang out in the shade. Who can blame him?
I will say photographing older dogs is a special treat and a privileged for me. Whether a dog has been with their family their entire life or they came into their home later in life like Howard, you just see a quiet wisdom in their eyes. They have experienced a lot, figured some things out and seem pretty content. If you’re Howard, you add that adorable pittie smile and it’s just magic!