Obi

UPDATE AT END: Obi started out as a personal rescue by a shelter worker in South Lake Tahoe. He had already lost one predecessor at his house due to an 'accident' when the garage door fell on him, and the rescuer persuaded the family that he would be much safer in another home. At nine months old he was just a bundle of energy. He needed to be neutered and vaccinated and the rescuer already had other dogs to care for and rehome, so she asked Golden Gate to take him. We paid for his medical treatment, and with the help of the rescuer and our own volunteers moved him down to the Bay Area, where, after a stay with one of our foster homes, the Stocksicks, he had the perfect family waiting for him. His energy while at his rescuer's home got him into deep trouble when he jumped up on the stove, turned the ring on and caused a minor fire... he needed training and consistency in a stable environment to turn him into the sweetheart lurking under the surface. He is now loved and cared for by Shannon Stack and her family. They are up to the challenge and loving every minute of it. The story of how he got his name is quite endearing - here is the email we got from Shannon: We have decided to name him Obi (like Obi Wan Kanobe). It's actually quite funny how we came about the name. We decided that we were going to let the dog pick his own name, and decided to call names and see what he responded too. We tried Waldo, and Fred, Sam, etc, and finally Michael had the "brilliant" idea to try Darth Vader. I said I'm not calling our dog Darth Vader, Chewbacca, or Obi Wan Kanobe. When I said Obi Wan Kanobe he responded to it, so I said it again, and he responded to it again. Rather than call him Obi Wan Kanobe we settled for Obi. I am also very happy to report that we have had no accidents thus far. He is a very mellow boy, and such a sweetheart. He sits every time I put a leash on him, and he has been going to the door when he wants to go outside. Three cheers for Obi and his new family!! HERE'S AN UPDATE ON JULY 14, 2009: I just read Obi's success story on the rescue site, and couldn't help but laugh. It is so hard to picture him as such a rambunctious little ball of energy. He has been nothing like that! Obi is doing very well, and is sometimes quite the lazy little thing. He does not like waking up in the morning, and I actually have to take him out of his bed, so that I can walk him! I really don't mind because we have had no potty accidents :-). He is doing very well on a leash, and is still a curious little fellow. He loves taking baths, other animals (except for the geese on Travis AFB, but I'm not even a huge fan of them either), any person he meets, and is even learning how to shake hands. While we have invested in a crate, we hardly ever have to use it, even when we aren't home. Obi really hasn't needed much discipline at all. We've learned that if we give him a long walk a few hours before bed, it tires him out, and he's usually the one to go to bed first. We are so happy that he is part of our family, and couldn't imagine not having him with us. We really can't thank you enough for making this happen. FURTHER UPDATE - November 26, 2009: Hello everyone! Thanksgiving time has really provided us with the opportunity to reflect on how grateful we are to have had the opportunity to be the adopters of our little Obi. It has been almost 5 months since we have had him, and it has been such an experience to watch him mold into the little dog he is today. We cannot find the words to thank you guys for all the hard work and dedication the members of Golden Gate Basset Rescue display in placing the dogs into their forever homes. On another note, I thought I'd give an Obi update! Michael is currently undergoing a military retraining, so while we wait for him and to find out our next destination, Obi and I are visiting with family in Connecticut. I must say, Obi has become quite the little traveler. He did excellent flying across country. The vet said that often at times dogs may defecate or throw up in the process, but Obi did nothing of the sort. He quickly made friends with my parents dogs, and does not like to be separated from them. He also has come into the nightly routine of grooming the other dogs before bed. It's actually quite funny to see little 40 lb Obi grooming a 100 lb German Shepherd. I have also taken him to several of my youngest brother's soccer games. At first I was hesitant, thinking he would want to play with all the kids, and chase the soccer ball, but he sat patiently at the side of the field and waited. I have gotten numerous compliments as to how well behaved he is for a young dog, and how beautiful he is. He frequently visits the dog park, and at first was kind of confused as to what to do. Once he realized he was allowed to run around he had a blast! I have also enrolled him in some dog classes, which he starts on Monday. I have attached some new pictures of him, and I hope you all enjoy them. We hope everyone has a happy healthy holiday season. Regards, Shannon, Mike, and Obi