by Hope
Opie’s Backstory
Opie is one of two dogs that I adopted on my last day at my dream job. I was completely devastated and my confidence shattered when I was given from that job. I remember that day clearly. I’m feeling sorry for myself, scrolling Facebook, and our local shelter posts a we are over capacity and are going to have to make room kind of post. I grabbed Gymnast and said, let’s go.
We came home with two dogs, Opie, and puppy Syza. Terrible, terrible decision making on my part. I know this. (And not the first time I went overboard. When I went to get a dog after we moved into this rental home and got permission from the landlord, I came home with 3.) I truly do think I have learned now.
Back to Opie. He is a German Shepherd mix, about 50 lbs, was about 1 1/2 years old at the time, and heartworm positive. And he was/is scared of everything. But he is crazy smart and super trainable when you are consistent.
(Before I go on, my sister actually came through a year-ish or so ago and took Syza. She had to put down her first fur baby due to old age, and so she wanted a playmate for her other dog. Syza was the perfect temperament and size for her home. And we had house broken and and done basic training. They are living happily ever after together.)
The Now
As I have faced the very reality of not having a home for a while, I knew Opie would need a new home. He’s a very active dog. He prefers to be outdoors no matter the weather. And long periods in the car, anticipating car camping and living for several months at a time. It would just not be a good fit for him.
So the kids and I put it out there to our friends and family networks about Opie wanting a new home. When Beauty and her fiancee moved into their new rental home after Thanksgiving, they decided they wanted him. They literally showed up Christmas Day and said, we want Opie and they took him home. (They already have one outside dog.)
It wasn’t a good fit for whatever reason, and he was back in a week. (No fault of his own.) So we just kept asking.
Lo and behold, a family at our church with two middle school aged boys have been looking for this exact dog – outside, houesebroken, well trained, no aggression, etc. They have a fenced yard. And a strong desire for an active dog. And the mama wanted a beautiful dog. Opie fits the bill to a T.
We’ve been slowly transitioning him. I went over the first day and spent a whole afternoon with the family and him in the backyard. Then again, the next day I stayed about an hour, then left him with them, picking him up at dark. Again and again as he got more comfortable. And they learned about how to handle a dog. He is their first.
Making it official
And tonight (well, as I’m writing this), he will go for a sleep over. Their mama has even come around to letting him sleep in the boys’ room with them. She’s been amazed at how “clean” he is. And no, I haven’t bathed him between visits.
We have already planned a few more visits next week, even taking my two girl dogs over to hang out with them. We want to make sure he is secure and happy. But they literally live a mile from me. I could not have asked for a better family for him…even better than me.
But after tonight, I believe he will stay there full time. However, we are both committed (the family and me, that is) to making this transition as stress free and as easy on him as possible. But it is so clear how much they already love this dog. And as he settles, I know he will love them too. Especially with two boys to grow up with.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
