Name/Age: Cappy - 2.5 y/o
Family Members: Ashley
How long has Cappy been in the family? One Year
Profession: Life Sciences Data Privacy Officer
Location: West Midtown, Atlanta, GA.
Nicknames: N/A
5 words/phrases that best describe Cappy?
Quirky
Energetic
Living his Best Life
Hates Squirrels
Loves all people
What makes Cappy unique? He is a tripod who can still hop a five foot fence with ease especially if there is a squirrel to chase. He once made it over five fences in my old neighborhood in the dead of winter and by the time I got boots on to chase him he was already back waiting at my front door to be let in. He does not want to run away, he just wants to catch all the squirrels!
Is that a bunny or a Cappy?
Rescue Story: Cappy came to me through a rescue called Rebel Dogs Detroit, where we previously lived. When COVID hit the US, and started spiking in Michigan, resulting in a shutdown, I was living alone and working from home. I decided to spend time fostering dogs but never intended to adopt. My first two pibbles stayed with me for a couple of weeks each but were quickly adopted. The rescue then asked if I would be willing to foster a dog who had just had surgery. Cappy had come to Rebel Dogs as a owner surrender, with a broken leg he had lived with for over a year, and chewed down to the bone because of the pain. Given the extent of the injury there was no way to save his leg and they performed an amputation. I picked him up from the rescue and brought him home and given his past trauma from neglect and mistrust of humans, he refused to come into my house. Not wanting to put any pressure on him, I blew up an air mattress, grabbed a bunch of blankets and we laid down in my back yard to give him time to get comfortable. It took several hours, but he eventually got up and walked over to the door, looked at me, and let me know it was time to go inside. A couple of weeks later, there was a ton of interest from potential adopters, but I knew I had found my best friend, and called the rescue in tears and said I could not give him up and formally adopted him.
What a difference a forever home makes.
What is your favorite pastime as a family? Swimming! Shortly after adopting Cappy I met with a rehab specialist who recommended swimming as a low impact form of exercise that is very good for tripods. Cappy also had a dog sitter (and doggy best friend) who loved going to a dog park with a dog beach and dock for diving. It took a while, but Cappy eventually jumped in. To get him more comfortable and ensure he would be as safe as possible in water, we also went to swimming lessons together. He is still a little bit nervous until he gets into the water, but loves swimming and chasing animals in the water!
What is life like since you rescued Cappy? Cappy went from living in pain and fear of humans, to enjoying a “life of luxury” with unlimited walks, all the toys he could ever want, and lots of human and dog friends. I went from being a single young adult who only had to take care of myself, to learning how to be responsible for, and share my life with my best three-legged friend. Our lives are infinitely better together! Despite Cappy’s past trauma, he is sweet, and one of the most empathetic creatures I have ever met. He knows when I’ve had a bad day and doesn’t leave my side.
Social Media: Mine is @sozzzzzle on Instagram and it’s pretty much all pictures of our adventures together. I have been meaning to make him his own! Now might be a good opportunity as I want to help break down the negative stereotypes of his breed, but also show that just because a dog is missing a leg, that it doesn’t mean they can’t have a long happy and healthy life just the same!
Photographers Note: Cappy is truly an amazing guy. There is nothing I love more seeing a tripod dog living their best life and racing around like any other 4-legged pup out there. I also love that he hails from my home state and just like me made the trek to warmer climates!! ; ) Not only did we get to feature this handsome boy but from Ashely volunteering it also led to the saving of another pittie. It took a village but Ashley texted me & asked if I knew of anyway to help a dog that was adopted from Rebel Dogs in Detroit but had been dumped in Georgia. The rescue was desperate to get her back but would have been fine if we could find a local rescue that would take her. Of course as seems to always be the case down here rescues were overwhelmed and shelters were packed. The shelter was going to euthanize her in a few days due to space. I quickly made a decision, I told Ashley I didn’t know of a rescue but I would drive her back to Detroit. I called my sister who lives there and asked if she would meet me half way. Without a hesitation she said sure and a plan was created. Because this dog had to be an only dog, Ashely had a friend watch Cappy while she pulled her from the shelter and spent the night with Ashley until I could take her. This dog’s name was Bubble’s and she is now safely back with Rebel Dogs in a Foster home. My hope is that when I do my Detroit round of SALA dogs (hopefully 2022), Bubbles will be in her forever home and those owners will volunteer! :)