Good With Dogs: Yes
Good With Cats: unknown
Good With Kids: unknown
Kennel Trained: Yes
Age: Approx. 1-2 Years
Adoption Fee: $ 350
Fee Includes: Current vaccinations, microchip
If you want to be considered for adoption, fill out an application at emotionalrescuedogs.org

Irene of Hastings is ready for adoption.  Shes a local celebrity, known for her Houdini ability to escape situations she feels are confining and remain on the run while being cleverly visible yet elusive. 

Were looking for an incredibly special adopter for Irene.  Shes an incredibly special dog.  Irene came to rescue with an injured eye...and jumped the fence 12 hours after arriving, just hours before her vet appointment.  In her previous life, she must have been a street dog.  She knows all about finding scraps of human food at Fast Food joints but nothing about eating dog food.  That worked to our advantage though as more than 500 calls poured in, reporting sightings near Culvers, Arbys and Burger King.  The problem is, Irene had learned not to trust humans and she wasnt about to be grabbed.  One citizen was able to snap a pic of Irene next to her own Lost Dog sign.  The girls got a sense of humor.

On day 10, she discovered a live, humane trap that had been set for her.  On day 11, she went in and thats how she managed to get emergency surgery to remove her badly injured and infected eye.

Since her return, Irene has engaged in a ton of "training".  Really, for the most part, shes been training her foster mom.  For weeks, Irene was walked outside on a leash.  Even in the fenced back yard.  Bonding with her foster mom and learning that the house and farm was her new "home base" was top priority.  Because Irene escapes: through screened windows, through open doors as people come in and out.  If she had thumbs, shed open the door herself.
But.  The bulk of those escapes were so Irene could be at the side of her foster mom.  Thats much better than having her run off.  Her new adopter is going to have to take GREAT care to establish a bond and new home base.  Youll never feel so rewarded as when youve earned her trust.

I dont want to sugar coat the issue here.  Having said that, Irene is remarkable.  Shes learning that men, women and teenagers are ok.  Her days of hurt are over.  Shes dog friendly too.  And she likes hugs.

Adopters need to have a fenced back yard and at least 1 other dog.  Please be close to Hastings.  Shes going to escape and her foster mom will come running to help.  Plan on the possibility of coming to meet Irene more than once.  No doubt, youll fall instantly in love.  Lets give Irene some time to think about it.  Were not in a rush.  Were gonna do this right.

Irene is a 1 to 2 year old Shepherd mix.  To meet her, apply at emotionalrescuedogs.org.