Welcome home; Frodo and Sam

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

When an animal makes it into the newspaper, it is usually for one of a few reasons: The animal has performed in a spectacular way, whether by means of a competition, surprise act of valor or performing an exemplary duty associated with their job. Alternatively, the animal could have been lost or found, and may find its way into the classifieds section of the paper by a well-meaning samaritan who hopes to find its rightful owner. Most frequently, animals end up in the paper because they are desperately seeking a new home, and are featured alongside a fervent plea for someone to consider adopting them.
Today, however, two Monticello canines have found their way into a feature in the Monticello News for the best reason of all: they have found their forever home!
Meet Frodo and Sam, the newest additions to the Gray household. Monticello business owners and residents, Rosemary and Ray, fell in love with the pair after seeing them both posted on the local Animal Control social media page. The couple had been considering adopting a new dog after their old dog, Twinkie, passed away. While they were in no major rush to immediately bring in a new pet, they knew that no matter where their new dog came from, that they wanted a rescue.
“I've always had a soft spot for the dogs no one wants,” mentioned Rosemary weeks before the adoption, while looking at photos of dogs on the Animal Control site. “You know, the crusty dogs with deformities, or the ones you see in videos who are missing half their jaw from some past injury... I love those little guys!”
Initially, Rosemary and her husband were planning to adopt just one dog, and had their eye on a couple different dogs at Animal Control. Eventually, the decision was narrowed down to two dogs, both appearing to be Basset Hound/Shepherd mixes. It was a hard toss-up; both dogs were uniquely cute, with the long, recognizable shepherd faces and the adorable, stubby legs indicative of a Basset Hound or other low-riding breed. Given their short-stature, Rosemary and Ray were contemplating the name “Frodo” for the dog they would eventually pick, in reference to a famous fantasy series involving hobbits. Even with a name picked out, choosing which dog would be the best fit for their home proved to be quite a challenge.
Each dog reportedly had a good disposition, and were approximately the same age and weight. They were tested with cats, and both did well. It became known to Rosemary and Ray that these two good boys had actually once belonged to the same household, and were not only familiar with one another, but were siblings. In line with the fantasy series, the Grays thought, 'well, every Frodo needs a Samwise,' referring to the inseparable bond between fantasy characters within the series. And just like that, the decision was made that both “Frodo” and “Sam” would come home to stay.
The boys have been in their new home for two weeks, and Rosemary is happy to report that things have so far been great!
“They've been awesome,” she exclaimed, adding that she was surprised at how well they seemed to adjust to just about everything. “We are working on crate training them for when we go back to school, and they have really picked it up no problem. Around the house they seem totally relaxed and at home.”
Like with any new pet, there have been some learning curves, and “the hobbits” are no exception. They seem to have taken a liking to chewing on wood and paper objects, and particularly favor books and the edges of furniture. There was one incident with the trash can and a laptop cord that shall go strictly off the record, but the family plans on working closely with the boys to establish a good understanding of household rules, most of which the two obey with zero hesitation.
Other than a few naughty impulses, Frodo and Sam are making themselves right at home in all the best ways. They are friendly and interested in the resident cats, although only one, dog-enthusiast Dobby, has welcomed them as graciously into his life. According to their new owners, Frodo and Sam bark remarkably little, and only in friendly response to the neighbor's three Bernese Mountain Dogs. They love being outside in the yard, but also enjoy coming back in and turning into potatoes on the couch. They love all the attention, toys and treats they are getting with their new family.
The relationship may be new, but it already looks like a Middle Earth match made in Heaven!
While the ending is a happy one for these two, not all dogs are so fortunate. Indeed, Sam and Frodo have a sister still at Animal Control, a fawn-colored shepherd mix named Lulu that is currently up for adoption. She may not be as squat as her two brothers, but she is plenty adorable, and is eagerly awaiting a family for her very own. For a chance to meet Lulu, or any of the other dogs currently waiting for their chance at “Happily Ever After,” please contact Animal Control at (850) 342-0184.