Katsu

Hi! My name is now Katsu, and I was one of the Missouri 8. My name means ‘victory’ in Japanese, and it symbolizes the freedom that me and my brothers and sisters have achieved. Very few dogs escape a puppy mill after they have outlived their usefulness, and for all 8 of us to be in homes now really is a major victory.

I still remember every cold night I spend cramped in a small wire cage. I remember every puppy I bore that was taken from me. I will never forget how much people have hurt me. But I am a Shiba. I am a lady. And I am proud. So I will forgive. I refuse to spend the rest of my life being angry and afraid.

I don’t say that easily. DC SIR and my foster parents have done a lot to ease my mind and try to make me comfortable. My foster mom feeds me yummy chicken and gives me treats! There are other kind, sweet Shibas in my foster home who welcomed me into their fold. My foster parents pet and stroke me with love, and I am slowly learning to trust again. When they come home from work, I can’t help it, I begin to feel… happy. I even noticed my tail wagging, which never happened back in the puppy mill. I’m allowed to run free in the backyard, and I love exploring the amazing new sights and smells there. I often think, “Is this what it is like to be loved? Why did I have to spend so much time in pain?” But I don’t want to look back. I want to look forward, and I can’t wait until I find my perfect home where I can be loved forever.

Adoption requirements/info: Katsu will need to be adopted by a home with other dogs, not tested with cats, and no small children (under 12). Adoption will require training contract. Potential adopters must be within driving distance of the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Please share Katsu’s story, or email adoption@dcsir.org and tell them you’d like to adopt Katsu!