34 Comments
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KnockKnockGreenpeace's avatar

I see that Maura is helping to rehome Gabi, and my experience shows that this can be a defining positive step in a dog's life. When someone is savvy enough to know that they can't provide what their dog needs to be happy, whether by circumstances beyond control or because a dog isn't meshing with a household of people or pets, they are giving that animal a wonderful, selfless gift.

A miniature poodle named Teddy came into our lives because he was fighting with the other male poodles at his home. He then lived to a long, wonderful 14 years, with a sweet Irish setter for a "sister" and all the adventures he could handle. In return? It's almost like he knew that good fortune allowed us to improve his lot. Thanks to Maura for offering a happy ending to Gabi--who, you have to admit, is stone-cold CUTE.

Cherae Stone's avatar

Stone-cold ADORBS!!!! My life does not lend itself to pets, I’m sad to say. BUT in my retirement I’m getting my snuggles out by sitting with other people’s pets!! This one will find a fam super quickly, I’m guessing!

What a good baby you are, Gabi!!!! 😘💋

Miriam Schwartz's avatar

That may be in the top three cutest dogs I’ve ever seen. ❤️

patricia's avatar

not sure if Maura is rehoming or if she is fostering...

Maura McDonough's avatar

Hi Patricia, I should've clarified upfront but confirming I'm fostering Gabi through a rescue organization!

patricia's avatar

You actually did refer to yourself as a foster, when I reread the piece I saw it . It's a great thing to do. Be hard to give this one up I bet ! He really is one of the cutest dogs.

KnockKnockGreenpeace's avatar

Either way, she's giving that dog a paw up :) I revised to leave Maura's role open; thanks, Patricia.

Stephanie Leveene's avatar

It sounds like she's fostering, because she refers to herself as Gabi's foster mother.

Robyn Russell's avatar

OMG, those whiskers! So adorable.

Pat Woodruff's avatar

Start posting the dog's location!!! That is essential information.

Maura McDonough's avatar

Gabi and I are in Washington, DC!

Kathy J's avatar

Maura's location under the company website indicates she is in DC.

patricia's avatar

OMG cutest dog yet !

should be easy to find this fellow a home

ROSE B RINDER's avatar

Gabi is a darling pup! We Contrarians want to remind you to be very careful who Gabi goes to, even though we bet that you already know to do this. It's just a fact of the world we live in that there are people in it who wouldn't love Gabi the way that he deserves to be loved. There, I said my piece. I didn't want to be a downer, but I'll do it if I have to. Thank you for taking such good care of him until he finds his new family.

Maura McDonough's avatar

Thank you, Rose, and that is a great point - I added a comment to clarify that I foster Gabi through a rescue organization called City Dogs and City Kitties in DC. They thoroughly vet every applicant to make sure each pup gets their perfect forever home! https://www.citydogsrescuedc.org/

ROSE B RINDER's avatar

Hi Maura, Thank you so much for the clarification! I spend some significant time donating to and visiting rescue organizantions, so it is a focus in my life. It introduces one to the giant spectrum of human behavior towards non-human animals, and lots of people are unaware that giving away pets - even if you have to as a result of circumstances - is a tricky business. Kudos to you for your wonderful work.

Myvesa's avatar

So cute! Gabi should have no trouble finding his forever home. Would be great to know if he found it.

LHS's avatar

Adorable! Love the fur!

Susan Stone's avatar

Gabi sounds like a fun dog. I have never adopted a dog, and would not because at this point in my life I don't have the energy to take care of one, or any pet. I hope he is able to find a permanent home.

Kathy J's avatar

I think I am in love with Gabi. He is adorable. I haven't seriously considered getting another dog since my precious Cairn Terrier passed away at the age of 17 several years ago. She had a great and long life, and I grieved for so long. I'm not sure the grieving really ends, though it does reach a different level. I don't think going to DC to pick up a dog will work, as I am sure several excellent homes in the area will offer a wonderful forever home for this sweet pup. Ah, a lady can dream, though.

Ann Rock's avatar

What a doll. Wishing him the perfect home!

Noorillah's avatar

This little bearded burst of energy needs someone with a sense of humor, an appreciation of doggy perspective, and a fair amount of tolerance. Too bad he can't stay with Maura, who seems to have all of the above. Since he's relatively small, young and very cute, there will be lots of people who would adopt him, but it's important to find the one(s) who will KEEP him, when the charm and novelty have worn a bit thin and there are "issues" -- as there nearly always are -- that must be worked out. Like each dog, Gabi is "born to be his own kind of wonderful," and i wish him the good fortune of finding the humans for whom he is a keeper. Thanks for helping him along, Maura.

Maura McDonough's avatar

I'm so thrilled at the interest in Gabi and wanted to add some additional information!

- Gabi and I are based in Washington, DC.

- I always intended to just foster Gabi, as fostering dogs in general (keeping them out of overcrowded shelters until they find their forever homes) works better for me than adopting at the moment. He's an amazing dog and I'd love to keep him if I could, but I live in a very busy downtown area and like many rescue dogs from rural areas, he would do better in a more quiet/suburban area long-term.

- I foster him through City Dogs and City Kitties in DC. They thoroughly vet every applicant and make sure to find the best fit for each pup. I don't have any role in the adoption process, just work on getting the word out about him while he stays with me! If you would like to learn more about Gabi (Gabbana is his given name), including how to apply to adopt him, here's his profile! https://www.citydogsrescuedc.org/adopt-foster/adopt-a-dog/#sl_embed&page=shelterluv_wrap_1665197452565%2Fembed%2Fanimal%2FCDCK-A-63412

- While we're based in DC, anyone can adopt if they can arrange transportation to pick him up. The rescue is best equipped to handle logistic considerations/questions like those so feel free to reach out to them through the website listed above!

patricia's avatar

I reread the piece Maura is fostering

Marcie E Weiler's avatar

Where is "Dewey Square Group"?

Kathy J's avatar

I looked up the website, and Maura is located in DC.

Leah's avatar

If we didn't already have two dogs I would apply to adopt Gabi in a heartbeat!

Therese Chan's avatar

As a veterinarian, I see lots of different dogs every day. Gabi is quite unique looking, and super cute! Sadly two dogs are enough for now for us.