Sea Monster

It's only been three weeks since Zeus died. Zeus was my 17 lb Yorkie.

I decided to take my first foggie (foster doggie). Maybe helping a homeless dog find a home would make me feel better.

Smath lay under the desk at the rescue organization's office while the other dogs who were also waiting for their fosters played.

His name was Smath. He was a stray from Missouri. A Bearded Collie mix they thought. When I picked him up from the rescue organization's office, it was full of dogs running around waiting for their foster humans. But Smath was under the desk, away from the chaos. He made very little eye contact and moved very slowly.

I immediately nicknamed him Sea Monster because his shaggy, unkept fur gave the illusion of seaweed draped over his body. The volunteers had trimmed the hair from around his eyes so he could see.

Over the next two weeks, Sea Monster received royal treatment at Wag 'N Woofs doggy salon.  His coat was in such horrendous condition it took 2.5 days to remove the mats, many of which had grown into his skin. They worked slowly because of the pain. Sea Monster got lots of breaks and treats.

After his first session at Wag 'N Woofs. He already looks more dapper!

Gene Simmons of Kiss or Smath of MO?

During the transformation he likened everything from a Gene Simmons Bobblehead to a lion with a crazy mane and poof at the end of his tail. In the end they had to almost completely shave him. But WOW is he going to have an awesome coat!

With his new looks, Sea Monster tripped the life fantastic. He joined one of the owners of Wag 'n Woofs, Ashley, on Twin Cities Live for their Dog Makeover spot.

The crowd fell in love with him - so did the staff and executives. In fact, the Sales Director for Hubbard Broadcasting, Ray Mirabella, spotted him, filled out an adoption application and now Sea Monster is living it up in Woodbury with Ray, his wife and their other dog. His forever name is Amigo.

Smath with his new haircut and ready for his new family.

During his time with me, Sea Monster learned not to be scared to walk through doorways or up and down stairs. He learned very quickly to be a cuddly little guy. It didn't take him long to invite himself up to sleep by my head. Sea Monster knew instinctively he could get my attention by taking my spot on the couch or in bed before I got there.

His wise, haunting eyes told me from the beginning that although it might feel like I was teaching him, they held a lifetime of knowledge of which I would be lucky to take a small chunk.

Thank you, Sea Monster, for sharing your healing process with me.

And thanks for letting me tap on your bottom canine tooth!