Opa’s foster Mom and Dad knew he would become part of their permanent family the moment he curled up on Mom’s lap on the drive home from Dulles Airport. He heaved a great big sigh and settled in, with his chin resting in the crook of her elbow, all the way back home to the Eastern Shore. He is a happy and spirited boy. They renamed him Opa (he had been named Muffin), an expression the Greek people use to indicate joy and symbolizes the celebration of his wonderful new life in the USA. His family says he jumps up and does an adorable little shimmy thing when of his humans walk into the room.
It was obvious that Opa had never lived in a house before because he cringed at various sounds, such as the hand-mixer. But Opa is smart and he learned very quickly that the hand-mixer was not such a bad thing after he was offered a sample of the mashed potatoes his Mom was preparing. At first, he didn’t realize that his family’s bed was more comfy than the floor, so they bought him a dog cushion and allowed him to discover this in his own time. Sure enough, one morning they woke up and there he was, snoozing and snuggling with his two fur siblings. Now when he hears, “it’s bedtime”, he sprints upstairs and jumps on the bed to secure his favorite spot.
Opa adores his fur-siblings. He energizes his nine-year old Brittany sister, chasing her in the backyard and nosing the tennis ball toward her. He has also developed an endearing habit of propping his front legs across her back while they are waiting for a treat. She loves that! Opa plays tug ‘o war with his brother, a feisty Maltese, always remaining ultra-gentle and sometimes allowing the little guy to win.
Opa’s family is proud to report that he has graduated obedience school and will continue to ‘higher education’ in a few weeks. Opa loves being part of the family’s routine in everything from attending dog-related fundraisers to beach walks to camping trips in their motor home. His family says, “We love our sweet boy and we are grateful to ABR for allowing us to adopt him.”