Rescues and Adoptions

Grendel

- by "GeDDeN"

So I have never been the sole caretaker of an animal before. I have led a very transient life for most of my adult life, always rushing off to some remote area to do my best to protect the wild and the animals. I recently decided to settle down a bit, work on getting that masters, and to have a bit more stability (for a little white anyway).

While I have a profound love for animals (12 years of veganism) I have been a bit apprehensive about the responsibility required to give an animal a good home. With the decision to become more stable I at last thought that I would be able to offer a companion animal a home. I started going to shelters and rescue groups meeting dogs that needed homes. I wanted to make sure that the dog I picked was a good match. About this same time my pal Allison was in the Galapagos and I received an e-mail simply stating that she found the perfect dog for me.

When I finally met Grendel (formerly Cristobal, formerly Lassie...) I knew that he was a special dog and I admit I felt a certain kinship as he ran around the gas station with an air of incredulousness that the people dared to keep him out of the store. He is by far the most brilliant dog I have ever meet. While his ingenuity and intelligence cause some problems for me, the rewards of hanging out with a dog smarter than most people can't be over stated. He is an amazing and incredibly loyal friend. I spend a good amount of time in the forest up in the trees for work and activism. I have never had to worry that Grendel would get lost or wonder to far away while I was dangling off a rope 200 feet off the ground. He goes and does his own thing exploring and experiencing the wonders of the cascades but always comes running back when I whistle.

While scholastic life limits time out in the forest, Grendel and I still got out on adventures. Come to Portland and you might see me on my bike with Grendel running behind (no need for a leash for a dog this smart and loyal) or perhaps he will be in his bike trailer with his doggels on if the distance is to great for him to run.