This post was going to happen eventually. Both mom and I have been combing shelters and rescues for dogs since we lost Sebastian in July. I told my mom it’s her turn to be the primary owner of our shared dog. I have two cats and teenagers, so she needed a dog more than I did. She talks to every dog she sees on the streets, and it became a bit of a running joke during our trip in England and Italy. If we couldn’t find my mom, she had usually stopped to talk to a dog. I told her she needed to learn to say “Oh, you’re so cute!” in Italian, because that was her catchphrase whenever she spotted a dog.
We needed a dog who wasn’t too young or hyper, one who was good with cats and other dogs, and housetrained. Of course, we were looking for an Australian shepherd/collie mix like Sebastian, but we were open to different breeds and mixes. My mom even went through the lengthy application process for a lab rescue. What we quickly learned is that desirable breeds and dogs get snapped up from shelters fast. We kept missing out on dogs that appeared on paper like a good match.
Last Thursday, we both spotted a dog at my local SPCA. She was a young collie/shepherd mix that ticked most of the boxes of what we wanted in a dog. My mom called about her, and she had already been adopted. The woman at the SPCA suggested we take a look at another dog, a two-year-old white Dalmatian mix. She said the dog was sweet and gentle, and would be a good fit for a home without young kids since she was a little timid.
We decided to go to the shelter as soon as it opened the next morning to meet her.
Neither of us knew anything about Dalmatians, so we started doing some research. They can be very high energy, but so can shepherd/collie mixes, and Sebastian was very chill. He was as fast as the wind when he had open room to run, but he was never bouncing off the walls in our home. We checked in at the desk, and they said we could go back to meet her in her kennel. Dogs all around were barking and jumping up on the gates, but she was quiet, just wagging her tail excitedly at us. It was a good sign that in all of that commotion, she wasn’t adding to the noise.
A volunteer walked her out to the enclosure so we could interact with her. She knew sit, shake, and lay down, so clearly she had been given some training and attention. Sadly, though, she had to be removed from her home due to the conditions. The house was hoarded with animals who were dirty, underweight, and riddled with parasites. Animal Control removed our cats from a home with over 30 cats, so we had some experience adopting animals from a similar circumstance. This sweet girl’s white fur is stained from her previous living conditions, and she needs to gain another five pounds to reach her goal weight, but she was given the all-clear on parasites a few days ago.
Mom and I interacted with her and chatted with the volunteer. Since the shelter was at capacity, their adoption fee was reduced to $25. Mom could take her home, and if she wasn’t a good fit, could bring her back. At the very least, she would give this dog a break from the shelter and a weekend in a quiet, loving home. The truth is, you really don’t know if a dog is going to be a good match until you bring it home. While my parents have a heart for all dogs, they are in their mid-70s and need a dog they can handle, so getting her in their home was the best way to test that out.
My mom was already excitedly talking about names, though, so I was pretty sure we had found the right dog.
She was ready with a list of names and started rattling them off.
Melody (For music.)
Misty ( I shot that one down.)
Vaughan (Taken. That’s my middle name, mom.)
Rosa Jo…
While it’s an odd name for a dog, I got it. Her grandmother’s name was Rosa, and her grandfather’s name was Joe. As a little girl, she misunderstood the names since they were often coupled together and ended up calling them Rosa Joe and Joe Joe. I could see that even the utterance of the name made her giddy.
That’s the name, Mom. Rosa Jo.
And the dog nickname potential is endless. Rosie, Jo, Jojo, Rojo, RJ, Joie…
As mom filled out the adoption papers, I went to the car to get a collar and harness. I had bagged all of Sebastian’s accessories that might be good for another dog – his harnesses, booties from when we lived in Minnesota, raincoat, box of poop bags, toys, scarves, and his collar. The only thing that wouldn’t get reused was his leash and tags. Those have a special place on the hooks by our door and will always be his.
(For those who have asked, THIS is the tag I bought for Sebastian, and our name and number are engraved on the back.)
The collar, though, was the red nylon collar he was wearing when we adopted him. I always wanted to replace it with a handsome leather collar and just never did. I only learned after he died that red collars are typically used to indicate an aggressive dog. Of course, he was never aggressive, and I imagine he had a red collar because it looked nice on his black fur.
I got his harness and collar from the bag in the car and had a teary moment when I slid his bowtie from it. Mom already bought a nice leather leash similar to Sebastian’s in anticipation of adopting a dog, and she’ll order a collar just for Rosa Jo to replace the old red collar.
She hopped right in the car and lay down in the back seat. Sebastian was always very nervous in the car, but Rosa Jo seemed comfortable. We took her to our yard to get some water, go for a little walk to see if she would pee, and to meet Jeff and the boys. She’s clearly more comfortable with women than men, but she’s only a little timid, hesitant. I think that will change as she learns she’s loved, and our guys will treat her well.
I did a few image searches of the photos I took to see what she might be mixed with. Google suggests she’s a Dalmatian mixed with either Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog), Pointer, Whippet, Lurcher, and/or Jack Russel Terrier. We’re considering doing a DNA test to find out. Her ideal weight is about 40lbs; she has a lean build and body like a Pointer or Whippet, straight tail, narrow-to-medium snout, a white coat dappled with black and gray spots, soulful brown eyes, and pink skin showing around her eyes, muzzle, and ears. Her ears are relatively short, pointy, and flopped over. While most of her spots are small and faded, she has one large solid black spot on her back, left hind-end.
Any guesses?
The first day, mom took her on lots of walks, and they sat outside with her on a lead to give her plenty of fresh air and time to go to the bathroom outside. It was a major victory when she finally went. While she was likely housetrained, the conditions of the home indicated that the dogs weren’t always let outside to do their business, and she did go in her kennel at the shelter. We were hoping that once she was in a calm home with a predictable routine, she wouldn’t go in the house.
She started to relax throughout the day and eventually took a nap while my mom practiced her flute.
My parents had an event at night, so they had one of their adopted neighborhood grandkids (college-age) keep Rosa Jo company. She sacked out on her bed after a long day of meeting new people and seeing new places.
Mom took her out for a final pee before bed and decided to let her sleep in their room instead of closing her in a bathroom for the night. I warned my mom that she should expect some accidents at first, but Rosa Jo has a perfect record so far, even overnight, and when she was left at the house alone for a couple of hours. Over the weekend, she has become more relaxed and at home, and is enjoying peanut butter bones and belly scratches. And she loves having a bed. Maybe she’s never had one of her own. We also imagine it feels nice under her bony, slim body.
We knew Rosa Jo hit the jackpot when my parents adopted her. While my mom is the primary caretaker, my dad loved having Sebastian’s company when he tinkered in the garage. My mom will baby Rosa Jo and shower her with so much love and attention. They’re installing a fence so she has room to play and run free, and she’ll get daily walks, pets anytime she wants, and serenades with instruments. She’ll also get to make lots of new dog friends in their neighborhood since they all know my mom as the treat lady.
And yes, portraits of Rosa Jo will be painted. I’m already so thrilled that she has spotted fur since that’s my favorite to paint.
Once she is settled in her new life at their house, we’ll slowly introduce her to our home and cats. The shelter said there were cats in the home she was removed from, so we at least know she’s not likely to try to eat Esmé and Violet. My parents will be the primary owners, but she’ll be a frequent visitor, and we’ll keep her if they need support or reach a point where they can no longer care for her.
Time will tell, but I have a feeling my parents hit the jackpot with Rosa Jo, too.
68 Responses
This is beyond fabulous! So happy for all of you.
That is awesome! Rosa Jo has hit the jackpot with your parents and your family! She’ll be greatly loved!
I think Rosa Jo hit the lottery with your family! So happy for her.
She’s a beauty and lucky to go to such a loving home!
I’m not even a dog person and this brought me to tears. I’m so happy for everybody, but especially for Rosa Jo.
This made me teary eyed! Rosa Jo is a lucky girl. Having recently lost our 14 year old dog, I am so happy for you and your sweet family.
So happy this sweet baby found such a nice home!
Yea! Congratulations to all of you. Looking forward to seeing Rosa Jo adapt to her new home.
Can you please tell me where you got Sebastian’s name tag. I had one like that for our last dog but don’t know where I bought it. I’m sure it was an Etsy shop. Thank you
It was from Etsy and, actually, the shop is still in business and making those tags. Here is the link – https://bit.ly/3Lm7Bcp
Thank you so much! I love how heavy duty they are.
My big sis has a Blue Heeler Australian Catle Dog and I regognised her immidiately laying on her pillow. You got yourself an intelligent dog there! Big sis has her in the outback and treats her rescue animals just fine. It must be hard, Sebastian can not be replaced, but our heart has so much room for other animals. I love the name <3
Rescue dogs are the best. She’s lucky to have you but you’re so lucky to have her. She’s beautiful!
Wonderful good news story for a change of pace! It will be good to see Rosa Jo fill out and become one happy member of two families.
What a beautiful pup!! So happy she is in a loving fur-ever home
What a beautiful thing for the family and for Rosa Jo!
Makes my heart happy!!!
What a pretty girl! Both your parents and her are very lucky.
My son has a blue heeler and I totally see that in that pretty face of hers. Total win win. Funny how you set out looking for one type of dog and a door opens for another. Beautiful pup for sure
I’m so glad you found Rosa Jo and adopted her!! I think it’s a perfect name. And it looks like she already feels comfortable with your parents. She’ll have a good life now 🙂
Well, my heart just melted into a puddle reading the story of Rosa Jo. She is beautiful! I love her coat and her markings. Sounds like all parties involved have hit the jackpot. Thank you for sharing such a sweet story, with, what I just *know* will have a happy ending.
What a sweet and pretty girl she is! I am so happy for your mom and dad and for you and your family! I am sure she will be a wonderful addition to both households over the years.
So precious and I love the name! Very happy for all of you but especially Rosa Jo 🥹
M, a great story!! My $$ on the Jack Russell – the facial expression and the ears. So happy for Kim and Warren. And, for me, her name would be RJ, Rosie Jo when she has to sign something. Looking forward to meeting her when we are up that way.
Well, I’m sure you’ll get to meet her at some point! I like RJ, too.
This makes my heart happy! I’m so glad Rosa Jo found a forever home!
So awesome. She is beautiful and clearly is in the best home possible. Bless you and your parents for giving her the life she deserves. Want to see more of her as time goes on! Sebastian would be pleased with your choice and decision to fill your life with another furbaby. God Bless.
I am crying. I am so happy another shelter dog was folded into a family.
And of course, Sebastian. He is missed.
She is a lovely little dainty girl and the photo of her curled up just melts my heart.
Second happy story I heard today about a fur baby being adopted and loved. God bless your parents and Rosa Jo
This makes me so happy for all of you.
I just love a happy ending. I swear I see the gratitude on her face.
I believe her breed is a registered RosaJoDog, originally believed to be from Maryland, known for their calm demeanor and scattered spots, makes a fine family pet. 🙂
I am a huge proponet of adopting adult dogs and I wish you all years of love and companionship with Rosa Jo.
This makes me so happy!
Such a sweet tale with a very happy ending!
Congratulations! This is wonderful news. She’s beautiful. So happy for you, your parents and your family🐾🐾
So happy Rosa Jo has found a great home, and I know she will bring such joy to your parents and your family as well. Rosa was my great-grandmothers name so naturally I love the name choice. Can’t wait to see more photos of the newest addition in the future.
What a wonderful story about Rosa Jo and her new home with your parents. I’m so happy that it all worked out! She will be well loved and taken care of, I’m sure!
That makes me so happy. I get the Sebastian respect. I have a rescue after my Ruffles died, and he will never be her, She will always be the queen of my heart. He is him, and I adore him. He has made his own silly way into my heart and he makes me laugh out loud.
Rosa Jo is the perfect name for her. I am glad she will be safe and FEEL safe! That is more important than everything else. She will be loved so much, and I love all of you even more for that.
This made my heart feel so good reading this. Thank you for the way you share your life with us.
So happy for all of you!
So sweet! She sure is a lucky puppy… to have two wonderful homes with lots of lovin. Congratulations!!!!
So happy for Rosa Joe and your parents and you and your family. She’s a pretty girl and I bet she is loving her new home and family. Why did seeing Sebastian’s tags just bring me to tears. I’d say hormones, but I’m old and don’t think I have any left. Oh well, have fun with the new pup!
Sounds like a wonderful match for everyone involved. She is doing great, just remember the 3/3/3 guidelines for adopted dogs (please look it up if you are not familiar. As a foster and adoptive mom to many puppymill rescues, RosaJo is well on her way to her GREAT NEW LIFE.
She’s a beauty and sounds like a keeper!
She is adorable ( I’m very partial to spotted working dogs) sweet, and precious. A new heart for you ALL to love and smother with kisses. Congratulations to RosaJo, and congratulations to all you two legged onesas well!
Very sweet. She’s a lucky dog and very photogenic.
So sweet! You do a DNA test and you will probably be very surprised at the results!
What a delightful surprise to read this story! The story of Rosa Jo’s history breaks my heart, but I know it is quite common. Clearly, her spirit is lifted by the caring, patient and loving atmosphere in your parents home. So looking forward to the stories of Rosa Jo in the years to come. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. I wept when you shared with us that Sebastian had crossed the rainbow bridge, but this story brought happy tears.
Yes yes yes! You can tell by her eyes s that she’s a sweetie. So happy for you all and for Rosa Jo ❤️
This was hard for me to read. So happy for Rosa Jo… rescued pups are so special becasue they know they were saved.. and I’m sure she’ll be a spoiled baby in no time. I lost my Mddie on 9/20 and I’m still reeling from her loss… she was the center of my life for 19 years! It still hurts a lot, but I loved looking at Rosa Jo and reading about her as she gets settled in her new LOVING HOME. Tears all over again. God Bless you all!!!! And my sympathy for Sebastian… I’ll never have another. – it’s just too painful but like your Mom, I stop to talk to all the pups that I see. Just me and my love for doggies!!
🙁 🙂
What a happy story for RosaJo and your family!
I love happy endings and I can see that this is already one of those. I hope you and your family have many wonderful years and memories together. It melts my heart to see such a beautiful dog find a loving home after such a tough beginning. Kudos to all!
Very happy for Rosa Jo and all of you! She’s a beautiful girl and praying she has a very long and happy life!
😍
Bravo! to your parents and you for rescuing. Pure bred breeds tend to get adopted quickly, but I have always been a fan of the “mutt”. Rosa Jo has such a kind look in her eye and will have unconditional love for your entire family for the remainder of her days. I love the large black spot on her as well. I hope you include that in your rendition of her. Blessings to you all.
I have a Dalmatian. While a lot of people don’t think highly of them, it all comes down to a breeder who breeds for health and brains and not just spots. I love my boy. He is not in any way hyper unless he’s outside in his huge yard and then he runs like a crazy dog. Any other time, he’s sacked out flat on his side or curled in a ball (they get cold easy), asleep usually next to me on by my feet. They are a perfect family dog and will protect their people. They usually choose their one person, and that’s who will be their heart. RosaJo is adorable. They do have long haired Dalmatians and she might even be a full blooded Dalmatian. They can have large spots and patches even on their bodies. She does resemble a border collie/aussie/dal mix as well. I think once she knows she’s loved, safe, and not going anywhere, her true personality will shine and you might even get a “Dalmatian smile” from her. 🙂
Squueeee!!! Wonderful news! Congratulations and Happy Gotcha Day Rosa Jo!
YAY!!! Rosie Jo is a cutie…no matter what the breed. Life is so much more fun with a dog. I’ve got my Bill and he is such a lover boy!!! Rosie is a lucky girl!!! Have fun!!!
My family adopted from a local rescue in April. She was listed as a Shepard mix, but we did DNA testing to find out breed and if she might have any health conditions. She is 49% Husky and 26% Australian cattle dog (red heeler). She also has some pit bull, German shepherd, and golden retriever in her. So basically all high energy dogs. Her name is Winnie. She is high energy, but she is a very nice girl. She was crate trained when we adopted her and she sleeps all night. Which has been such a blessing.
Thank you for this sweet, sweet story. Every dog deserves the kind of life Rosa Jo will enjoy.
I can’t wait to see her portraits!
What a wonderful post. I am so happy for everyone. Rosa Jo will have a wonderful life. Seeing her laying on her bed so comfy made me smile.
Oh happy tears! So glad for you mom, dad, and pretty Rosa Jo.
This is wonderful! Reading about Rosa Jo makes my heart happy and brought a few tears at the mention of sweet Sebasian’s passing. I know your mom and dad will make great doggie parents.
Karen B.
She is just beautiful. I am in my later 70’s and have a 2 yo little girl. If something happens to me, my son will take her. She is so happy and gives me so much joy.
What a wonderful story Marian. I love that your parents found their dog in a shelter in which so many dogs need a loving home. Rosa Jo seems like a sweet dog who found herself the perfect home. 🙂
I can barely type thru my tears. What a beautiful, sweet story about your lovely family and precious Rosa Jo. My granddog is named Blu, a dear yellow Lab. We love him so much. He has allergies so we make his food & he is a happy boy now. I thank God for dogs and dear, kind people like you. God bless your family.
What a sweet girl, happy for all of you.
Rosa Jo is a perfect name! I’m thrilled you have another dog in your life even if it’s a shared situation; that’s the perfect solution I think.
Well done.😀
That is wonderful! Rosa Joe won the doggie lottery! I had a Dalmation/Collie mix many years ago and she looked quite similar to your Rosa Joe.
Your parents picked a sweet one.
We had a dalmation mix that was a rescue. He was raised with cats, which we realized when we came home and he was standing on the dining table. Right?
He had major spots, and black ears, sort of like the RCA Victor dog. He was named Oreo, and he has a special spot in our hearts.
Rosa Jo looks so much like our new rescue, who ended up being a lab, cattle dog, Australian shepherd and border collie.
We also had a border/aussie that we lost last winter at 16 🙁 She was the best dog and I still miss her terribly.
Good luck with Rosa Jo, she’s adorable!