The Dog Liberatorâ„¢

The Dog Liberator rescues abandoned dogs throughout the Southeast. Based in Central Florida, this non-profit organization fosters all of their dogs in a home environment. Founded in 2009, all dogs are fully vetted, spayed or neutered prior to adoption. The Dog Liberator focuses in rescuing the herding breed, which consists of Border Collies, Shepherds, Sheepdogs, Aussies, Collies, and Deaf/Blind Dogs.

China, the little Aussie Girl, Takes Down Dah House-Adopted

China, the little Aussie Girl, Takes Down Dah House-Adopted

I don’t know where to start, but here is her photo album and all of the comments on Facebook, more details to come, and I’m sorry, but I’m too busy observing her to post! Everybody wants her! China has met the pack, she enjoys Ozzie, and Lady Di has already established “how to play”. China enjoys chase around the trampoline, and is settling in very nicely!

08/17/10: I suspected it, but had to confirm, her left eye is blind as well. When knocking on my daughter’s door this morning, China lay still asleep and no noise that I made would wake her up. She only feels safe with my children… she has a 2 foot rule, she won’t leave them for more than 2 feet!

Today, my children are at school, their first day back, and China went to my daughter’s bedroom, retrieved a tshirt and a sock, and brought it into her crate. She does not leave her crate, even though the door is wide open. Her crate is her safety place. It’s underneath a large computer desk. Every once and a while, when I am far enough away, she darts out of the crate, and stares out by the front door… waiting for their return. Considering she has been shall we say, abused by adults, she does not care for men or women, I’m astonished with her good temperament. She is housebroken, great with the other dogs, she is just afraid of me, which breaks my heart. She did let me pet her, after of course I gave her steak bites from last night’s dinner, and she eased her nose to mine.
I was hoping for a kiss, but I’m not pushing it! When Holly and I discussed what we were going to name her, I guess I didn’t realize then, during her first 10 minutes with me, how fragile she really is, fragile emotionally. I’m usually not the type to write with emotion, I am a technical writer, and truly it’s Holly that writes with her heart, with flair and with humor. This dog has captured my heart, hook, line, and sinker, and I thank God that Amber thought to call me that morning. I will never forget the panic in her voice, for she knew that China was not considered “adoptable”.
When a shelter is full, they’re full, and there are no exceptions. Many of my close friends work for shelters, and I see what it does to them, and how happy they are when just ONE gets out. China was the lucky one. I will wait for as long as it takes until I can find her the perfect home, and this time, it will be for as long as forever lasts for her. ~Gisele
China Update 08/28/10: Random thoughts about this delicate little girl. She has a strong herding eye. She is still fearful of adults, but wants to soooo bad to trust them. She retreats to her crate if I move too quickly. Last night, I decided to start taking her to a new level. Here’s what happened, in her own words. “Uh oh, she’s putting a leash on me. Here comes the gentle tug, but I’d rather stay in my crate. Oh well, okay, I’ll follow you, but where are we going? In your bedroom? No, No, No, you don’t understand, I only sleep with children, I don’t like adults. I am not comfortable here, and I don’t want to be next to you. What? You want me to jump in bed with you? Well… I feel that tug on the leash, and as much as I’m terrified of you, I do want to comply, so I’ll jump up, but I’m not getting too close. Okay, I’m up, you pet me, now… I’m outta here… Woops, I feel that tug again. I guess I’ll stay for a minute or two. Ahhhh, I love having my ears rubbed, let me get a little closer. Kiss my nose? Are you crazy lady, that’s way too close for me. Well, okay, just this one time. Let me accidentally roll over on my back so you can rub my belly. Wow! You have finger nails, that really feels good. Okay, I guess I can kiss you back. This is fun!”
China rolled over and fell asleep, pressing her back against mine, and maintained close contact with me until about 4:00 AM, when she tried to jump off the bed again. I held the leash, and she settled back down at my feet.
At 5:00 AM, I decided she had done well, and I opened my bedroom door, and off she bolted into Sarah’s room.

We will continue this game of trust, and I’m confident that the progress will be swift. We must be strong pack leaders, but at the same time show the dogs that they are safe. The affection is their reward. In the meantime, China has created quite a collection of stolen items in her crate. It started with Sarah’s t-shirt and a sock, but yesterday, she found a rather large wicker basket and put it in her crate. She is collecting balls, blankets, towels, and dog toys. And by the way, she loves the tennis balls! I think playing ball with her might help her get out of her shell. Ryan is anxious to do a video of her playing outside with the pack, she is quite impressive. Maybe that’ll be on my list of things to do this weekend. ~Gisele

Update 09/21/10: China, China, China. You have fallen madly deeply in love with the ball! You are sniffing strangers, even allowing them to pet you sometimes, but you need time to evaluate before you jump right in. You’ve learned that when I walk to the kitchen, I just might open the fridge and give you a chicken hot dog! And to be honest, I think you’re starting to like me! Last week, I stretched out on my bed (suffering from a cold) while my Sarah was in the tub… you sneaked into my room and peeked up at me. I tapped on the bed, and much to my surprise, you jumped up and cuddled… for only a minute, before something told you to be afraid, and you bolted. Oh well, I’ll take that 60 seconds! It’s almost time for you to be brave my dear, and go to the vet to be spayed and completely vetted. You are such a flight risk, I wonder if the vet can give you two micro-chips!!! You’re not ready to be adopted yet, as as much as I’d love to keep you, I’m painting a picture in my mind right now, of what your forever home will look like. Don’t worry dear, I won’t settle for anything but the best for you. And when that family comes, I’ll know it.

12/27/10 Update: I waited and waited for China’s family to show up. Some were interested but the home wasn’t suitable for China’s quirks. China appears to use Ozzie as her compass, not wanting to move into new situations without him, and using Sarah as her comfort zone, we have decided to keep her. On Christmas morning, after all the presents were opened, I told Sarah that China was hers to keep. Sarah didn’t believe me at first, and questioned me, but I assured her that China is NOT available for adoption any longer. Here are the Facebook comments that were posted on Christmas morning.

So China is home, and I am a foster failure!

 

 

 

 

2019:  At the age of 7 1/2, China passed away suddenly, after she was ravaged by cancer.

10 thoughts on “China, the little Aussie Girl, Takes Down Dah House-Adopted

  1. May I ask if you know how long China has been Blind????
    We adopted an 8 yr old JackRT. She was missing an eye, the became blind in the other, the last few years of her life her hearing went. But she adapted so well its amazing.She always had nose to ground, and was quite capable of getting around untill her death at 18…..

  2. That made me cry, This little Angel deserves the best life has to offer.And she is the best place she can be now! Love around her 24-7. Thank God you and Amber saved this wonderful amazing baby.. God Bless..

  3. It makes me so sad to think of what China has been through. I am furious with her previous owners for their complete ignorance with China's situation. I hope they never think to get another living thing. China was such an angel during her transport and I am so lucky to have spent that time with her. I am just thrilled that she is somewhere now that is safe and happy for her. The t-shirt and sock story made me cry!

  4. I love reading about the progress that you are making with China. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her and the incredible work that you do. I only spent 3 hours with her but she is forever imprinted on my heart!

  5. China is such a special sweetie that I am virtually fostering her in Save A Dog until she gets adopted. She is such a beauty and I can see how she can pull at anyone's heartstrings!
    Kisses & Hugs to that baby from a fan in Oviedo,FL!

  6. I met China today and I absolutely adore her. If I could I would adopt her in a heartbeat. She adores Sara, Gisele's daughter. China is very happy and healthy and smart as an Aussie! Sweet and gentle as well. Absolutely stunning dog.

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