Some stories nestle right into your heart. Indy, a stray dog from Bulgaria, came to the Netherlands as a shy, sickly adolescent and in 16 months grew into a happy, loving housemate. This is the adoption story from distrust to trust, trial and error - and above all: moving forward together.
Are you also orienting to a sweet babysitter or babysitting address? Find a sitter near you through Petbnb.
Indy: from rescue to new beginning
Like many dogs in the West, Indy came from abroad - via a rescue organization from Bulgaria. Nine months old she arrived in the Netherlands: lonely, scared, sick and alone. Sixteen months later there is a world of difference: there was learning, watching, sometimes frustration and despair, but also laughter, perspective, joy and above all growing love and trust.
The first few weeks: new words, new rules
At first, everything was strange: people saying "Indy," rattling a tray, showing teeth (smile!) and a house with rules. Walking on a leash felt illogical; peeing inside seemed a better option - there were "hides" on the floor, right? With patience, humor and clear routines, pieces fell into place.
Stairway adventures & learning boundaries
A staircase Indy had never seen before. With practice, sometimes a jump halfway (oops!), and clear boundaries, the stairs eventually became "normal." Thus, each new stimulus became a mini-lesson in confidence - for both dog and human.
Social circle: visitors, Kimberly & dog friends
Visitors, visiting dogs and regular playmates (like Tango) were soon part of the equation. Step by step, Indy learned that "2-footers" are safe and that routines give hold: walk, play, rest - repeat, reward, repeat.
From the book: Indy speaking
Marcella de Wit wrote an autobiographical book about Indy: Indy tells how she sees the world from her arrival in Holland; after each piece, Marcella describes the training intention. Stories and training gradually grow together.
"I don't understand them. They keep saying the same thing 'Indy' and rattling a tray. Seeing teeth means 'beware' with me, but here they laugh. Strange! They want to touch me, but I keep my distance. They do give treats. And those stairs ... never seen them before! After a few times I got it. That jumping halfway up? Apparently not a good idea."
So much for an excerpt from the book "Indy tells, I was a stray dog".
Indy and her human are already working on book two. The proceeds from the first book will take them back to Bulgaria this summer, to the shelter that took Indy off the streets at the time.
"Indy tells, I was a stray dog" is also available through Boekscout or in bookstores (ISBN 9789402229219).
By: Marcella de Wit
English 
Nederlands