Instead of the usual "A Girl and her Dog" monthly feature, I wanted to switch it up a bit and showcase this trio from New York City for the month of August.
This is Rick, Oscar and Tiki, and together they sort of take the Lower East Side by storm. Rick has such a beautiful way of telling his story of his rescue dogs, one with special needs, and I wanted to invite him to share on the blog. I'm very thankful and touched that he agreed to so.
Before we get more into their story, I wanted to give a quick mention of some hopeful news on Oscar's front that Rick talks a bit more about below. I have definitely donated and hope you'll take a moment to learn about his story, share with your family and friends and donate if you feel compelled to.
Here is all about Rick, Oscar and Tiki:
The guy: Rick Van BenschotenThe dogs: Both were full-grown adoptions so we're not really sure, but Oscar seems to have a good amount of dachshund and a healthy dose of chihuahua, with maybe some corgi or jack russell terrier thrown in. Tiki's even more mysterious, but her rescuers guessed chihuahua (which I see in her face) and beagle.
Rick's favorite snack: A good expresso. Mmmmm, expresso.
Oscar and Tiki's favorite snack: Grammy's Pot Pie Biscuits
From: Lower East Side, New York, NY
Find them on Instagram: @oxdad
My girlfriend, Christian, and I have always had rescue pets, but we never went looking for them, they always somehow came to us. We were bringing our elderly cat, Cassady, to the vet when we met Oscar. Our vet's rescue group, NY Pet-I-Care, had saved him from the NYACC euthanasia list after ACC picked him up off the street where he was abandoned, paralyzed.
When we met him he was playing with 7 or so other animals (I think it was recess for the boarders) and he was incredibly happy and high-spirited with that huge smile, totally unbothered by his limp little legs dragging behind him. We fell in love but weren't sure we were ready for a special-needs pet. Then a few days later we both realized we'd been Googling things like "dog wheelchair" behind each other's backs. Thank goodness we adopted him, because he turned out to be the most amazing, inspirational guy we've ever known. He's always happy and passionate to play, run, explore and socialize. His physical needs took a little time to adjust to, but it all quickly became second nature, and the truth is, we've had emotionally damaged animals with issues that were more challenging than Oscar's. Every day he's a joy to us and so many people that we meet. He's a heart-stealer. In September he travels with his mom to the Clinical Trial for Paralyzed Dogs. They'll be taking four weeklong trips to Ames, Iowa over 6 months and our great hope is that Oscar will be able to walk again.
We were wondering about adopting a second dog to join Oscar on walks and trips to the park, but before we could go looking I met Tiki, a rescue from a high-kill shelter in Kentucky. She was at an adoption event by In Our Hands Rescue, alone in a kennel next to a pen of puppies. Despite her overwhelming adorableness the puppies had a large crowd and she was being totally ignored. I looked at her and she flashed me the most powerful smile - I was dog-zapped. Her smile reminded me of Oscar's, only she was in a cage. After getting her name I kind of staggered away, trying hard to maintain my composure in public. I was a little unsure of committing to the additional responsibility since her needs and Oscar's would be different in a number of ways, but a friend asked me "What will you regret more, getting her or not getting her?" and it was all over. We've had many, many wonderful babies over the years, but more than any of them I feel Tiki thanking me every day for rescuing her. I've never regretted it for a second.
When we met him he was playing with 7 or so other animals (I think it was recess for the boarders) and he was incredibly happy and high-spirited with that huge smile, totally unbothered by his limp little legs dragging behind him. We fell in love but weren't sure we were ready for a special-needs pet. Then a few days later we both realized we'd been Googling things like "dog wheelchair" behind each other's backs. Thank goodness we adopted him, because he turned out to be the most amazing, inspirational guy we've ever known. He's always happy and passionate to play, run, explore and socialize. His physical needs took a little time to adjust to, but it all quickly became second nature, and the truth is, we've had emotionally damaged animals with issues that were more challenging than Oscar's. Every day he's a joy to us and so many people that we meet. He's a heart-stealer. In September he travels with his mom to the Clinical Trial for Paralyzed Dogs. They'll be taking four weeklong trips to Ames, Iowa over 6 months and our great hope is that Oscar will be able to walk again.
We were wondering about adopting a second dog to join Oscar on walks and trips to the park, but before we could go looking I met Tiki, a rescue from a high-kill shelter in Kentucky. She was at an adoption event by In Our Hands Rescue, alone in a kennel next to a pen of puppies. Despite her overwhelming adorableness the puppies had a large crowd and she was being totally ignored. I looked at her and she flashed me the most powerful smile - I was dog-zapped. Her smile reminded me of Oscar's, only she was in a cage. After getting her name I kind of staggered away, trying hard to maintain my composure in public. I was a little unsure of committing to the additional responsibility since her needs and Oscar's would be different in a number of ways, but a friend asked me "What will you regret more, getting her or not getting her?" and it was all over. We've had many, many wonderful babies over the years, but more than any of them I feel Tiki thanking me every day for rescuing her. I've never regretted it for a second.
Thank you so much Rick, Oscar & Tiki.
You can see more of the life they share on Instagram at @oxdad.
See more stories here.
what a kind-hearted man
ReplyDeletethanks for reading
DeleteOh those adorable, sweet faces!! Rick, you and your girlfriend have such incredible kindness and love in your heart to care for them. I can see they love you both right back ;)
ReplyDelete:) i kinda see that too. much love all around.
DeleteWhat a marvellous story, such kindness, its great to see in this world today. These dogs are soooo sweet, love them :) xx
ReplyDeletethanks for reading kizzy
DeleteI absolutely love this happy family. Both of them stole my heart. Mom and dad are wonderful parents!
ReplyDeleteyes i agree! thank you for reading!
DeleteBig hearts. Big smiles and eyes full of love. Wonderful people and I am so glad that I got to read their story x
ReplyDeletethanks for reading yasumi!
DeleteWhat an inspirational family. I loved the story of how they were googling ways to make Oscar comfortable behind each other's backs.
ReplyDeletei loved that part too! i must've read this story multiple times but every time i get to that part i smile :)
DeleteWhat a touching and beautiful story! Thanks for sharing. The world needs more people like them.
ReplyDelete:) thanks for reading jane!
Deletetake a wonderful set of people to be able to do this. what a great story to share. thank you for sharing their story!
ReplyDeletexo,
nancy
thank you for reading!
DeleteGood Morning from Japan; Oh how sweet this post is♡♡♡ I love their cute faces and the picture Rick (maybe) being kissed:-) Some People do have warm hearts!
ReplyDeleteSending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
thanks for reading! i must say that many dog stories that i love have come from japanese movies and dramas :)
DeleteSuch a sweet sweet story:) <3 They are all lucky to have each other.
ReplyDeletethey most certainly are lucky to all have each other!
DeleteOh my gosh, this is exactly what I want to do when I have a place and money to do it. Rescue dogs! These two are such a success story as to why it is so important to not overlook the "little" guys! Thank you so much for sharing this! Adore!!!!
ReplyDeletexo TJ
http://www.hislittlelady.com
thanks for reading TJ!
Deleteso lovely and thanks so much for sharing with us Jane :)
ReplyDeletethanks for taking a look!
DeleteWhat an amazing story. The world needs more people like Rick (and Oscar and Tiki). Thank you for sharing the story of this amazing trio. xx Kat
ReplyDeleteLove and Ace
thanks for reading kat!
DeleteI've seen a few pooches with these wheelie things lately, makes life easier for them so much.
ReplyDeleteBuckets & Spades
:) thanks for reading mat!
DeleteThis had me in tears! There are so many dogs out there that need help. It's a beautiful thing they are doing.
ReplyDelete