#13-083 Ember, age ~1.5 years

70 lbs.

Heartworm Positive

Available TBD

Updated: 08/13/13

“As one life ends, another begins.” Or so the saying goes.  But when a young woman, taking her first steps towards independence, gives her life in sacrifice to her country, how can anyone possibly understand the meaning behind this tragedy?  And for those of us who choose not to serve, how do we express the fullness of gratitude?

A recent graduate from a nearby Central Texas High School was among four soldiers who died in June from wounds suffered during an enemy attack near an United States Air Force Base in Afghanistan.  

Described nothing short of “heroic,” “courageous,” “inspiring,” and “selfless,” the young soldier clearly left her mark on her country and her community.

So when current GRR volunteer and former U.S. Army member Pat Capin learned of a young golden needing rescue from a local shelter, she insisted that #13-083 would pay homage to this sacrificial soldier.

And this docile redhead has quite the legacy to live up to.  Though he never met the beloved U.S. servicewoman, it’s almost as if this golden boy understands that he’s got a job to do, just as the young soldier understood as well.

After being in foster care for a few weeks, Ember seems to be all duty and little play; he acts as his foster mom’s shadow, following her around the house as she goes from room to room; and when his foster mom’s three year old grandson came for a visit, it’s as if Ember feels the most safe around this little boy, never letting him out of his sight.  His foster mom says, “The first time I ever saw him wag his tail was around my grandson.”

The feeling is mutually shared between both foster mom and foster dog, though Ember may show his affection a bit differently than his human counterpart. While his foster mom gives Ember lots of head pats (which he adores), he loves to sneak her clothes out of her hampers and lay his head on them.  He’s not destructive in any way, but it’s as if her smell brings him comfort when she’s gone.

His foster mom even says that Ember may have developed a bit of a crush on her resident golden gal Jasmine.  She says, “When he isn’t following me, he’s is following her EVERYWHERE.”

From the moment Ember was brought in from the shelter, two things were clear: 1) his lovable and gentle personality meant an amazing companion to a lucky family; and 2) before GRR could adopt him out, he needed to learn what it means to be an indoor dog.

And it’s taking him some time to get used to this new life: Chewies?  What are those? Stuffies?  Hmm…I’m not sure.  Doggie treats? You mean I get a treat?  Even his foster mom feels that he’s a bit wary of “indoor living”—it’s as if he’s waiting to be thrust back out on his own.

But once a GRR dog, always a GRR dog; and he’ll never have to worry about being alone again.

His foster mom has developed quite the attachment to him, so potential adopters, beware: he may go off the market just as quickly as he came in.  She says, “I just love the way he sleeps.  I swear he is a human as he just lays with his front legs spread wide, as if he’s ready to give you a hug at a moment’s notice.”

Because his life was spared, Ember’s duty is now to pass on the soldier's lasting qualities to his forever family.  It’ll only be a matter of time before Ember’s earned his stripes.