And we’re back for another dose of Rescue Confessions. I have to say, this new series makes me laugh and cry when I get to read submissions. It’s so cool to read everyone’s story and learn a little bit more about the people and pets that I only know through social media. I also have found so many of you face similar obstacles but found your own unique way to work through it. I’m so inspired by so many of you!
So this week I have someone super special, Courtney and her pup Pippen. I “met” Courtney when she won the Treat Dreams giveaway I hosted awhile back. She ended up being the Social Media Director of Wags & Walks, a rescue I knew of through LaurenConrad.com. Sometimes the world is just so flipping small. Courtney and I talked for hours about everything from adoption to hockey to weddings. Our connection was instant and has since only grown. I’m still working to get out to LA to meet her and her cutest sidekick Pippen.
So, let’s get this confessional started.
Courtney’s Turn:
Tell us about your rescue! Name, age, breed, species??
Meet Pippen! She is approximately 2.5 years old and we think she’s some sort of Poodle, Chihuahua and Terrier mix. Regardless, we think she’s the cutest! Before we adopted her, she was named Pepita through our Los Angeles rescue, Wags and Walks. My sport-loving fiancé agreed we could keep her if we named her after an athlete. She was named Pippen after Chicago Bulls great, Scottie Pippen! Her middle name is Mae, so we call her Pippen Mae and Miss Mae too.
Where did you two first meet?
Throughout my childhood, dogs had always been a huge part of my life. After graduating and moving to Los Angeles, I started traveling a lot for work so didn’t feel like it was the right time to commit to adopting. So I decided that fostering would be the perfect solution! I had heard of Wags and Walks and knew I wanted to start fostering for them as soon as possible.
I started fostering puppies, senior dogs and everything in between. Eventually, I met Pepita. She was only 10 months at the time and the cutest puppy. She was incredibly nervous around new people, and especially men, but we instantly connected. I was starting to fall in love but the timing was wrong because I was heading out of town for two weeks for work and knew she would be adopted by the time I got back. I took a few days to think about it and realized I would regret saying goodbye to her. We just had to convince my fiancé. Hehad hardly spent time with her and when they did, she was terrified of him. After lots of begging and crying, he realized she would bring so much joy to my life even if it took some time for them to bond. Now they are inseparable!
Why did you decide to pursue adoption?
Throughout my childhood, some of my favorite dogs were ones we adopted at the local humane society. In Los Angeles, there are thousands of animals in the shelter. Buying a dog didn’t even feel like an option to me. I knew I wanted to rescue and I’m so glad I did.
How did you know they were “the one” (or two, or three!)?
As crazy as it sounds, Pippen is my soul mate. Our personalities are identical and we have the ability to understand each other through every mood. She fits my lifestyle in every way — whether we are feeling active or super lazy. She is the best foster sister and has helped over 40 pups find their forever homes by letting them into our home. Not all dogs can handle that, but we are so lucky she loves having visitors.
What advice do you have for someone who is deciding whether or not to adopt?
It’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll do. Rescue dogs have an appreciation and gratitude when they realize they are safe forever. There’s nothing like it. If you’re not ready to commit to adopting, consider fostering! There are so many pets are in desperate need of a home – even when it’s just a short stay!
Anything else you’d like to share (favorite dates/stories/lessons learned)?
For me, rescuing opened up a new community that I consider my family now. Even though we just fostered to start, we became involved in the Wags and Walks alumni community and then as volunteers! Rescue turned into a passion and it led me to get more involved behind the scenes. Now, I’m the Social Media Director for Wags and Walks and continue to foster regularly! There are so many incredible, like-minded people that work in the rescue world. Los Angeles is a big place, but getting involved has made it so much smaller. If you can find an organization that you love, don’t be scared to get involved. You won’t regret it.
Pippen’s Turn:
Favorite toy:
My top three are my hedgehog, carrot, and lamb. And duh… socks! They are the best and stealing them from the humans is easy.
Most impressive trick:
We’ve been working on a lot of new tricks lately! One of my favorites is sitting pretty or as my mom says my “meerkat pose”. Whenever I really want a treat, I’ll stand up on my hind legs and “walk” like a human. Oh, and of course the classic “drop to the ground for belly rubs”. That counts as a trick, right? I’m a pro.
Least impressive trick:
I still haven’t figured out “shake”. I know I’m supposed to raise my paw, but won’t do anything else once it’s barely off the ground. One of these days we’ll get it!
I will do anything for:
Treats from Real Pet Food. I will do any trick for one! They are seriously one of our best finds and my addiction.
Squirrels or tennis balls:
Squirrels and birds! Could there be anything better than chasing those pesky little things?
My favorite park in Chicago:
I love the beach! We love walking down to the strand for people watching or sneaking onto the sand for some zoomies. The sunsets in California are pretty great too!
It drives my mother the most crazy when…
I won’t stop making out with them. It’s a good problem, right?
Like to dress up? (Prove it!):
YES!
Okay, honestly, can you even with this little potato?? How cute is little Pippen! Have a fantastic weekend and we’ll see you back here next week for another round of Rescue Confessions.
