@TheNewBarkerDogMagazine
Our Actively Interactive Social Media Community Inspires Adoption by Heather Schulman
Michelle Lambo learned about Fitz on July 29, 2020 when her dog walker sent her a message on Instagram with a copy of a post about Fitz from The New Barker dog magazine. Her dog walker Katie said “I think you should go get this dog. Look at him he is so freaking cute.” When Michelle read The New Barker post with Fitz’s pic- ture, she immediately knew he was meant to be part of her family with Wonder (dog) and Maximo (cat). While 2020 has been a year like
no other, Michelle was ready to tackle adopting a dog and prepared to be patient every step of the way. The adoption process initially
began with emailing Meaghan at the Citrus County Animal Services, where Fitz was available for adoption. Meaghan is the shelter’s veterinarian and she was fostering Fitz. She explained to Michelle that it would take multiple visits with Fitz at the shelter. Michelle lived 75 minutes away from the shelter but was pre- pared whatever was necessary, includ- ing making the trips to the shelter. She was told that another dog would be present during the first few visits. Fitz was fear reactive and having the other dog present made him more comfortable. Unless one was in his circle of trust, Fitz didn’t like eye contact, nor did he want anyone to touch him. Michelle headed to the Citrus County Animal Services to
meet Fitz three different times. On her last visit to meet Fitz, she brought Katie, her dog walker. Michelle actually didn’t pet
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Fitz until her third visit. Finally Michelle was able to bring Fitz home for an initial visit to meet Wonder and Maximo and a possible two-week sleepover. “Fitz and Wonder immediately bonded,” said Michelle. “They played and wrestled, and I knew then we would be adopting Fitz. Wonder is blind (but you’d never know) and now more confident with Fitz around. Where Fitz has weaknesses, Wonder has strengths. Where Wonder has weaknesses, Fitz has strengths. I have loved watching Fitz come out of his shell.” Fritz is still scared at times, but is set-
tling into the family dynamics well. Patience has been the most important and consistent factor with helping him overcome his fears and becoming more confident in being a dog. “It takes a minimum of six months
Fitz, adopted from Citrus County Animal Services, and his new BFF, Wonder. Citrus County Animal Services, 4030 S. Airport Rd., Inverness. 352.746.8400.
for your new dog’s true personality to come out,” said Michelle. “Beyond that, it takes patience. It takes time for everyone to get into a rhythm with one another, but it is so worth the wait.”
Not a day goes by where Michelle
isn’t laughing, watching Fitz and Wonder continue to develop their
strong bond. Adopting Fitz has been such an amazing experi- ence for Michelle and Wonder. “Fitz really was the missing piece for both of us. Thanks to The New Barker for posting the picture and bio of Fitz on July 28 because of that post, I was able to find my missing baby and Wonder’s missing brother,” said Michelle.
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