Four years ago I received an email about a 10 month old fawn male IG named Vinnie, available for adoption from the IGCA. I didn't know much about this pup other than his age, color, a broken leg and two failed stays with previous families. However, Mary Ellen, a rescue rep for the IGCA & the IGSA in Atlanta, helped ease my fears and told me exactly what to expect and how to handle my future IG. After meeting with her I knew everything would work out just fine, and I was sooooo excited!

I contacted Vinny's foster mom in Kansas City, Ester Ryan, also with the IGCA. I learned that he was still available and immediately purchased an air ticket to KC. Everything was moving so fast! When I arrived at Ester's house, Vinnie welcomed me at the gate and showed me the way to their house. Once inside, I was greeted by 8 more IGs and a cat! It was amazing! They were all so sweet and seemed the best of friends. I felt sorry to be taking Vinny away from his happy family, friends and foster mom.

After spending half a day at Esters, it was time for Vinnie& I to fly back to Atlanta. Vinnie sat next to me in a soft carrier and didn't make a sound during the entire flight. He must had been scared to death not knowing where he was going or who he was with...

We touched down the evening of July 3, 1999, and Vinnie's new life in Atlanta had started. He now lives on the top floor of an Atlanta midrise, uses an elevator to go outside, comes to both of his parent's tennis practices, runs around the park for 3~5 miles a few times during the week, and on the weekends enjoys a fenced-in doggie park and visits to his grandma's. Although he is quite particular about his likes and dislikes, and let's us know when he is excited about doing something or otherwise, he is very easy going by nature :-)

Vinnie brings us so much joy and love, and I wanted to share some of this love w/other IG families. I know there must be tons of LOVE out there among other families. With this positive energy, I believe we can create a fun and safe community for our wonderful IGs together!

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