Bruce and Leslie Gaulf have been connected to NCAL since the very start of our organization. The couple adopted their first NCAL dog in 1995, and have given three more NCAL dogs forever homes since then. Their most recent adoptee came into their lives this year when Riley, a black and brown spotted puppy, arrived with her two siblings and seven other dogs on a transport from the South.
Recently retired, Bruce had just started volunteering weekly in a customer care role in our Pet Adoption Center. When he met the newly arrived pups, it was Riley who caught his attention with her warm energy and dazzling eyes, one deep brown and one crystal blue. “We knew the minute we met Riley that she was the one,” says Leslie. “She was so sweet and full of kisses. She fit in the moment we took her home. She adapted so easily.”
Unfortunately right after that, canine distemper was detected in our dog wing. Riley and her two siblings tested positive for distemper, as well as two other puppies from their transport. Our entire dog wing had to be closed down and quarantined for nearly five months, upon consultation with the Cornell School of Veterinary Medicine. This caused a delay in Riley’s adoption becoming official, but after two consecutive negative PCR tests this summer, she was cleared from her quarantine. Since then, Riley has enjoyed being home with her forever family and exploring the world beyond her backyard!
Leslie says, “Riley brings us great joy every day. She’s a fun, happy girl who loves everything outside. We call her our nature girl. We love to take her on walks, and she loves to run, swim in the river, and play with other dogs – she’s very friendly with people and other animals. We wouldn’t go anywhere else to find a dog – it’s always been a wonderful and supportive experience, and all four dogs have been the best.”
