Where Are They Now? A Hoarding Case Re-Visited, Part Four: The Story of Gypsy Paloma

A little more than two years ago, HSTJ responded to a hoarding case, a man was found to be hoarding 157 dogs in two locations of Tijuana. (a link to the article is below). As a result of mass publicity and the help of rescue groups, 80% of these animals were adopted out. However, the conditions of the animals that remained were horrible. HSTJ arrived to conduct a street clinic on these remaining animals, but as volunteers started processing the animals and treating them, we slowly realized that we could not just leave them there, we had to do something. Within an hour, we had found a property where we could temporarily house the remaining dogs, a huge undertaking for an organization of such meager resources, but the volunteers were strong, resourceful and determined. I don't think we realized how much work would have to be put into this project but in the end it was well worth the blood, sweat and tears.

Read the full story here
http://friendsofhumanesocietydetijuana.blogspot.com/2009/02/hstj-responds-to-needs-of-animals-of.html

I have decided to re-visit this story and follow up with as many of the owners of the rescued hoarding dogs, so that their amazing stories can be shared and live on forever.
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The Story of Paloma, Now called Gypsy

Paloma was her name. I saw her picture on the Friends of HSTJ website, back in 2009. She was from the hoarding case. Out of all the dogs I looked at, I kept going back to Paloma.

I already had a rescue pit bull mix, but since I lived alone, worked a lot, I felt my dog, Frigga needed a companion.

I finally broke down and emailed Michelle about Paloma. I told her my situation, not knowing if my dog would get along with another dog.

Michelle was very good about giving me details about Paloma and since I had interest, Michelle wanted to take Paloma from Tijuana and bring her to Solana Beach at the Muttropollis adoption event. I told my son, his girlfriend, my coworker, plus I had been putting up photos of adoptable animals at work, hoping they could all get adopted.

I brought Frigga to this event, so she could meet Paloma. Fortunately, it went very well, like they had already known each other. I took them both for a walk and they were so in sync together. I was told by one of the volunteers that they are going to be just fine. That was all I needed to hear, so Paloma was mine!

On the same day, my son and his girlfriend also adopted Honey, which they now call Canela. Later on, my co worker adopted a dog, now called Sami. Michelle said it was a great adoption event.

It took me over a week to find another name for Paloma. I decided on Gypsy. It just fit her carefree, fearless, personality. Her play fullness, smarts and such a love bug. Therefore, Gypsy Paloma is her name.

I have a regular camping get away on Palomar Mountain, where now, I have 2 dogs that can run free, together. This was all new to Gypsy and I learned that she loves to hunt and she goes off into her own world of just being free and so very happy. Like all animals should be.

Gypsy is a quick learner, very well behaved. She makes me laugh, because she is so smart and the cutest. She is very protective of me, which is a plus, when I am alone. She loves people and other dogs. She has a mind of her own, which makes her quite special. She likes to lick Frigga's face, at times, like that's Momma.

Gypsy is just a rad dog! I toss her treats and she catches them! Who knew?

I can't express enough, how happy and satisfied, Gypsy has made me feel. She keeps Frigga and myself on our toes, in a good way. Gypsy is an exceptional dog and I love her to death. Honestly, I never thought I would adopt such a dog, but thankful I did.

She now has a warm, happy, forever, loving home. Thanks to HSTJ and Michelle.

Please adopt, even if you are not expecting to. It will change your life and save another. There are homeless animals waiting for someone just like you!