Pet Corner
Gutman Family finds their
Captain America through TVAR By Lynne Menon, Marketing Communications Director Tri Valley Animal Rescue
J
oAnna and Mila Gutman were introduced to TVAR through their NCL volunteer work, having helped out at some local adoption events. They worried about becoming fosters however, figuring they would fall in love with the animals and turn them all into pets. As it happened, they were friends with the foster mom of little “Max,” who had been returned when his adopted family suddenly had to move. Their friend asked the Gutman family to foster Max and sure enough, they fell in love and adopted the little guy after only a week. They changed his name to “Captain America,” as it suited the German Shepherd/Shiba inu mix much better. Initially, little “Cap” was very timid and protective, but he assimilated into the Gutman family quite well. “He’s become very sweet,” said JoAnna. And this writer can certainly attest to that. Cap is very friendly and affectionate and loves for you to pet his soft fur. “Cap is very human-like and so easy to train,” says JoAnna. “He’ll cuddle on the couch with Mila and even lets her play dress-up and hold him like a baby. We call him our super model dog. He’s so photogenic that a friend of Mila’s put Cap’s photo on stickers and magnets.“ The Gutman family enjoys playing fetch with Cap with tennis balls in the backyard, or he’ll have fun chasing after the tail on a flirt pole. When he’s not playing or being trained, Cap likes to just sit and watch. “He’s like a little old soul pondering life.” JoAnna and Mila are thankful for TVAR and their foster and adoption program; “Cap was the perfect fit for our family.”
BLACKHAWK LIVING 21
