Underdog

I love the underdog. The one who is destined to fail. The one who is unpopular. Or funny looking. Or whatever cliche you want insert here. I will rally behind the underdog because I have faith that the underdog can, and will, kick a little ass. And when that happens, I will be there with tissue box in one hand, pom pom in the other, and will cheer like the high school cheerleader that I am was.

My husband also shares in my love for the underdog. The first time I fully realized this was the day he brought home a Christmas tree. Picture Charlie Brown's tree. Or as our neighbor put it, a 2x4 with lights wrapped around it. It was the saddest tree on the lot and Gary knew he had to bring it home. So it came to our house to live out it's Christmas tree destiny. Displayed in our front window, the tree (and Gary) was mocked endlessly. But it didn't matter all that much to us.

A year and a half ago, I met a dog named Chloe at the shelter. I wrote a blog about her, which you can read here. This is how she looked the first day that I met her:

The shelter did a great job nursing her back to health and putting some meat on her bones. She found a home with a sweet young woman who took very good care of her for a year and a half. Unfortunately, life has thrown a curve ball and she is no longer able to keep Chloe (who is now named Jozy). Through no fault of her own, Jozy has found her way back to the shelter where she is hoping that the third time is the charm.

Some friends at the shelter let me know that Jozy was coming back today. I wanted to stop by and say hi and to get some new photos of my old friend. You see, I sort of fell in love with her the first time I met her.

A year and a half later, I found myself in the familiar place of taking her portrait, hoping that it will find her a new Forever Home. I was able to spend some quality time with her today and am so glad that I did. Would you like to see how Jozy is doing now? I thought you might.

HI!!!!! I'm Jozy!!!!!

I have a bad habit of examining animals when I first meet them.

My exams always start with the head and the first thing I noticed about Jozy?

Sparkling white teeth. None of my animals have teeth this nice.

None.

And of course there is the obvious scarring, the result of injury and neglect from her previous, previous owner.

My daughter pointed out that she has a constellation on her side.

Which looks much better now than when I first saw her:

Jozy had just been placed in her habitat when I came in to photograph her. She was a little anxious and liked to look out the window to see what was going on. 

I tried to break the ice by telling her a joke. She thinks I'm hilarious.

Not really.

Sorry to bore you, Joz.

Thanks for the smile.

 And for pricking up your cute little ears.

And for this lovely profile shot

(again, notice the sparkly teeth!).

But promise to not look at her toes, as she could use a pedicure.

I have tried to paint my dogs' toenails. It didn't go so well.

Our photography time was briefly interrupted by a group of kids who were on a tour.

I think Jozy enjoyed their company.

She was kinda sick of me anyway.

I wanted to stay with Jozy all day. She sat in my lap and licked my face. 

For the record, I am thoroughly disgusted by saliva. Especially dog saliva. 

Which has to do with the fact that my dogs like to find snacks in the litter box. 

But I digress.

Seriously, look at this adorable face!

Eventually, I packed up my things and headed out. But not before saying goodbye to Jozy one last time.

She may be an underdog, but she is a survivor.

I have faith that her perfect Forever Home is out there.

And I also have a box of tissues. Just in case...

*UPDATE* On July 29, 2012, Jozy was adopted by a most wonderful couple. I will be stalking am hoping that I can follow up with Jozy in her new home and bring you photos of her life in her Forever Home. Congratulations Jozy!!!