The Super Awesome Blog of Dogventuring: Shelter Journal 6/18/13

I didn't go to the shelter last Thursday, the 13th, because my friends dropped off their dog to stay with us for the weekend. He has separation anxiety and has injured himself and caused damage when left alone. It's a work in progress, but for now he cannot ever be left alone. He had a great time wrestling with Denali and Kaytu, and slept a lot after all that hard play!

A few days ago I got an email from friends at church, and they are interested in fostering Sugar with potential to adopt! They are meeting her Thursday, so I will be able to introduce them and explain what I've been working on and since they are friends I will be able follow them home to help Sug settle in. Woohoo!! They think they will know in about a week after having her if they want to adopt or not. If they don't want to adopt, they will foster as long as they are willing and able.

I started today with Sugar. We played a bit and took a walk. She was REALLY wound up today but after some frantic running and fetch she settled down pretty well and got lots of petting. She was also moved into a regular kennel today and out of her double-wide as two dogs came in together and the double was needed. It's ok, just a couple more days Sug, hang in there!

Sugar's new photo from SSDAC

After Sugar I went to get Misty [Petfinder link] but after putting the leash on noticed she had a gash on her right side by her hip. I filled out a medical form and instead gave her a big frozen Kong. Later a different volunteer decided to get her out. She really needed it, she hadn't been out since I last did on the 11th.

Photo from SDDAC

Across from Misty is Lita, a bluenose pittie that was really begging to be let out [Petfinder link]. Ok, let's do it! She was fun, chased toys, was more interested in sniffing and meandering and didn't really "connect" well with me even when we took a walk because she has to stop and smell the ~~roses~~ everything. Was really good on leash! She's a sweet girlie with a gorgeous face. Photo doesn't do her justice at all!

Photo from SDDAC

Then I went to see the "shepherd mix" that had no name last week, the one that walked out of the kennel fine then panicked and ducked into an empty kennel and refused to come out, and screaming like he was dying when any pressure was put on the leash. His name is now Buster [Petfinder link] and he was much better today. I think a bit shell-shocked last time I saw him. He's still timid and I didn't take him out of the kennel but turns out he knows how to sit, and he was being playful and goofy in the kennel.

He may look "happy" and like he's smiling, but this is a very stressed face.
Furrowed brow, panting hard, ears not relaxed.

I peered into a kennel across from Buster and saw a puppy with the most fantastic ears peering up at me. His name is Enzo [Petfinder link]. He's listed as being 4 months old but he has adult teeth so I think 5 months, but he may have lost them early. He's a great lil puppy! Walks well on leash though weaves back and forth in front of my legs. Knows sit and shake. Loved bouncing around and chasing toys. A bit jumpy and mouthy but hey, all puppies are. And really, just look at those EARS!! Look at them!

Spot on his rump!

Photo from SDDAC

I had time for two more dogs so got another new one, Kayla [Petfinder link]. Listed as a pitbull mix but I really see Bull Terrier in her too. She is simply amazing. Calm, sweet, playful, good on leash, excellent manners, and definitely housebroken as she peed and pooped several times. Her obedience cues are either rusty or haven't been worked on at all; she kind of knew sit but didn't know down or anything else. Any dog can learn that stuff, but a personality like hers can't be taught. Lovely, lovely dog.

Gorgeous markings! Really faint brindle.

Photo from SDDAC

For the last dog I got Bugsy [no link], but as soon as the leash was on he sneezed. I looked more closely and his eyes and nose were all gunky. Kennel cough! Sorry dude.

Photo from SDDAC

I ran around for a couple minutes getting a few Kongs for dogs that needed them, and then turned in the medical form for Bugsy. A staff member- the same one who aimed me toward Cricket- said if I was looking for a dog to go to kennel 88. Dog is timid, needs some positive attention and confidence, she looks like a mini Doberman. I asked if I should sit in the kennel with her or take her out, and was told taking her out was fine. After the experience with Buster panicking I didn't want a repeat! The dog's name is Tess, and she sure was timid. Tucked herself at the back of the kennel. I tossed her treats and let her approach on her own before slipping the leash around her neck. I lead her out to a yard, took the leash off, and let her be. I sat on the bench at first. When she finally approached I touched her and started massaging her neck with one hand and brushing her with the other. All over her back, sides, and back legs looks like a sunburn peeling. Big flakes of dry, peeling skin. I "scrubbed" her with the brush to itch and rub off the loose stuff and she seemed to really appreciate it. After brushing I sat on the ground with her and kept massaging. She moved more and more into my lap as I went. It took about 10 minutes to get to the point where I was on the ground, and I spent another 10 minutes with her in my lap while I massaged her face, neck, shoulders, and down her spine. She leaned into me and was really loving it, though was definitely still scared because she was shaking. The shaking lessened as time went on.

Dry skin, patchy fur.

As I turned in my keys I asked what had happened with Davy. Other than Sugar, he was my favorite. Last time I noticed he wasn't on the dog list, and he wasn't the time before that either but I had forgotten to ask. I was told he was euthanized, due to kennel stress. He had been at the shelter a long time and that takes a toll on a dog's mental and emotional state. She said sorry. I held it together. In the car I started crying quietly. Once home I started sobbing. I completely broke when I went upstairs to let Denali and Kaytu out. I was on my hands and knees in front of Denali's crate. When I was able to open her crate door, still crying, she tucked right under me. I held her and continued crying. Many of the dogs I've posted about have been euthanized due to kennel stress or aggressive/unsafe behaviors. I don't mention it. It's a hard fact that not all dogs have a happily ever after. I do what I can, but I alone cannot save a dog and even with the help and attention of many volunteers and staff members not every dog leaves the shelter alive. I want to help as much as I can, and I try to avoid making emotional attachments. Even dogs that are adopted I will likely never see again. But I was attached to Davy. He is the first I've cried about. He had such a loveable personality, was always so happy and playful, and was a joy to play with. I don't think "I wish.." or "Maybe I could have.." because it's not my fault and there is only so much that can be done. Instead I'd much rather remember how much fun I had with him and know that I helped make his shelter days enjoyable. Love you, Davy Jones!