Biscuit

Meet Biscuit - found as a stray, Biscuit was eventually captured by Animal Control and then transferred to HIHS. His past had unfortunately convinced him that strangers, mainly men, were not to be trusted. So, he was transferred to a foster home with two older women and three small dogs. While he did just fine in this foster home, we eventually realized that it might be good for Biscuit to spend some time with our pack and get to know what it's like to be loved on by the thing he feared most. We took Biscuit in as a foster for an extended weekend. It was evident that at first, he wanted nothing to do with Chris - staring cautiously, intentionally avoiding him. But, after a calm and slow walk around the yard together, not asking anything of Biscuit except to be present, he started to sense a bit of safety. We followed that up with some hand feeding for dinner, and then let Biscuit rest up. By the end of the first night, he moved in for his first pet from Chris - a huge step. The next morning Biscuit was a different dog. He woke with excitement and an eagerness to be involved. It didn't take long before he was romping with the pack and sitting right beside Chris on the couch with a big smile on his face. We thought we'd build off of that momentum and took Biscuit to our friend's farm where he watched sheep roam about the pasture, met a few other dogs, and was greeted happily by our friends and neighbors. We were so excited about his quick adjustment that we decided to try something big the next day. It was March in Hilo, which meant the Big Island International Marathon would be happening. What Biscuit didn't know was that we had signed up to participate in the "fun walk" portion of the race, where we would join other groups of families and community members. At first, Biscuit was a little timid and frightened by all of the activity. But as the day went on, his confidence built to an all-time high. After finishing the race together, we posed for pictures, wondered around the afterparty, and Biscuit even started sniffing and approaching strangers on his own. Then, the most amazing thing took place. As if he knew already, Biscuit wondered into a corner where two post-race participants were resting their legs. Calmy and confidently, Biscuit approached them and allowed them to give him love and attention. We watched in awe as the dog who just two days ago would cower and avoid a stranger at all costs, was now searching for engagement. The participants must have felt the same feeling, because that night we got a message from HIHS that Biscuit had received an adoption application. The very next day Biscuit had a meet and greet with his new potential family. With our help out in the play yard, every member of his new family was able to take the leash and walk Biscuit around - a task that only a few days before seemed impossible. And then, Biscuit went home for good. We ran into Biscuit (now Weasley) a few months later at the park and the smile he put on when he saw us melted our hearts. Not only did he remember us, but he leaned in enthusiastically as if to say "Thanks". He now lives in Hilo with his big "brother" Apollo.