One morning last February, a five-month old Italian Greyhound was surrendered by her owners to the local humane society with a severely injured leg. Degloved by a raccoon trap, her leg was virtually unrecognizable and she was traumatized. The doctors worked diligently to save her leg, but only time would tell if it would heal properly enough for her to use it. She spend four months in the hospital and by then all the staff knew that she was an amazing dog who just needed to find an owner who would give the love and attention that she deserved.
When Kimberly Hall, owner of The Haute Hound, a luxury pet boutique in Jupiter, met Mea, it was love at first site. Kimberly has worked closely with the humane society raising money for rescue and already owns two Italian Greyhounds, Romé and Sicily. The doctors wanted Mea to go to someone that knew the breed since she was special needs. Kimberly was an ideal choice. Her dogs go to work with her and are rarely left alone. This was exactly what Mea needed.
Kimberly came to meet Mea for the first time after she had been in the hospital for two months. It was heartbreaking to see her leg mangled and raw and her foot swollen three times it’s normal size. Mea was so timid and shy and hid her head on the staff member’s chest the whole time.
A month later, Kimberly brought her two dogs to meet Mea. She was just as shy as before; cowering and quite unsure what to do as Sicily and Romé gave her a thorough sniffing. After they both decided she was acceptable, they went on to sniffing other things. Only then did Mea move out to sniff them, finally a breakthrough.
One month later, Mea was ready to go home! Her leg was covered in scars and a 3-inch long section was missing fur and muscle that would never grow back. The leg doesn’t bend and one toe and the pad on the bottom were missing. Mea was a very lucky girl to still have use of this leg at all. The first time Kimberly took her to the dogpark, Mea never left her lap. Now six months later, Mea reigns supreme there. She runs around chasing all the other dogs and even gives her sisters a run for their money. She will then lounge contently on the grass, everything all right with the world.
Mea has learned to sit, loves all treats, and plays with her toys like they are going out of style. But her favorite pastimes are receiving kisses and cuddling with her mom. To get to her, Mea has no qualms about walking right over her sisters to do it. "She is quite a character! I’ve never had a dog make me laugh as much as Mea does," say Kimberly, "I never know what she’s going to do next, and she’s so smart!"
Sometimes, being that smart gets Mea into trouble. She steals toys out of the toy bin at Kimberly’s pet boutique. "If I see her sprinting off towards the backroom of the store, then I know something’s up." But when Mea gives her that sweet, beguiling look, Kimberly can never stay mad.
"Rescue dogs really do know that you’ve given them a second chance at life and they are forever expressing their appreciation for it. I love all my dogs madly, but when I look at Mea, my heart swells because I know she’s been through so much and yet is able to maintain her optimism and sheer enjoyment of life. We all could take a lesson from her. I’m so glad that she came into my life."
Sabtu, 22 September 2007
Greyhound Rescue
I have worked with dogs for most of my adult life, both in canine behaviour and in my capacity as a pet sitter. During that time many breeds have passed through my hands.
I currently walk two ex -racing Greyhounds. A male called Nero, and a female called Lisa. I recall fondly our first meeting when Nero gazed up at me with absolute trust, and the sweetness of Lisa once she had learned to trust me. It never ceases to amaze me whenever we venture out for our daily walk, how I get asked the same basic questions. “Are they vicious because they wear muzzles?” “I expect they need loads of exercise”? “I couldn’t have one because I have a cat”!
Let me assure you that Greyhounds make wonderful pets. They are loyal, intelligent, affectionate and so laid back! Contrary to popular belief, with care, they can also live quite happily with cats.
It is a common misconception that Greyhounds that race for a living, are treated well. Sadly, this is not always the case. Too many are confined in small cages, and never shown any affection. After brief careers when they are no longer profitable, and difficult to place as pets, they are often destroyed. Yet these beautiful creatures have an amazing capacity for forgiveness. I once trod on Nero’s foot by mistake and his eyes looked up at me as he nuzzled my hand, as if to say he understood that I meant him no harm.
What I found really heartbreaking was my recent visit to the RSPCA re-homing centre at Blackberry Farm I had gone there to make a short broadcast for BBC Three Counties Radio, and couldn’t help noticing the amount of Greyhounds up for re-homing. I asked one of the Kennel maids if I could take a photograph will a view to broadcasting their plight. A small brindle bitch was led mournfully out of her kennel and she looked up to me, her large brown eyes pleading me to take her home. Had I not got an insanely jealous GSD at home, I would have bundled her straight into my car!
I would ask anyone who is considering re-homing a dog in the foreseeable future, to please consider a Greyhound. All they crave is to be loved, and given the chance and they will reward you a thousand fold.
I currently walk two ex -racing Greyhounds. A male called Nero, and a female called Lisa. I recall fondly our first meeting when Nero gazed up at me with absolute trust, and the sweetness of Lisa once she had learned to trust me. It never ceases to amaze me whenever we venture out for our daily walk, how I get asked the same basic questions. “Are they vicious because they wear muzzles?” “I expect they need loads of exercise”? “I couldn’t have one because I have a cat”!
Let me assure you that Greyhounds make wonderful pets. They are loyal, intelligent, affectionate and so laid back! Contrary to popular belief, with care, they can also live quite happily with cats.
It is a common misconception that Greyhounds that race for a living, are treated well. Sadly, this is not always the case. Too many are confined in small cages, and never shown any affection. After brief careers when they are no longer profitable, and difficult to place as pets, they are often destroyed. Yet these beautiful creatures have an amazing capacity for forgiveness. I once trod on Nero’s foot by mistake and his eyes looked up at me as he nuzzled my hand, as if to say he understood that I meant him no harm.
What I found really heartbreaking was my recent visit to the RSPCA re-homing centre at Blackberry Farm I had gone there to make a short broadcast for BBC Three Counties Radio, and couldn’t help noticing the amount of Greyhounds up for re-homing. I asked one of the Kennel maids if I could take a photograph will a view to broadcasting their plight. A small brindle bitch was led mournfully out of her kennel and she looked up to me, her large brown eyes pleading me to take her home. Had I not got an insanely jealous GSD at home, I would have bundled her straight into my car!
I would ask anyone who is considering re-homing a dog in the foreseeable future, to please consider a Greyhound. All they crave is to be loved, and given the chance and they will reward you a thousand fold.
How To Test A Shelter Dog
It's hard to know how an unfamiliar dog will react to your attempts to become his leader; if you catch a very self-protective dog off guard, he may bite. It doesn't happen frequently, but don't take the chance, and make your assessments in other ways instead. He's going to be a little bit out of sorts when you first take him out of his cage. Give him some time to get used to you and to work out his excess energy. Don't make loud noises or sudden moves; just let him sniff and greet you, and then take him somewhere where you can really get acquainted.
Never grab an unfamiliar dog; he may interpret this as a threatening gesture and respond by snapping. If you've brought your kids with you to the shelter, ask them not to touch the dog until he's gotten accustomed to you and until you know that he is trustworthy.
Crouch down and pet him and play with him. Does he accept and enjoy your affection, or does he act suspicious of you or ignore you altogether? Does he trample and nip you, or does he avoid you? Look for a dog who plays and cuddles with you enthusiastically but not obnoxiously or fearfully. Take a walk around the room. Does he trot after you, or does he seem relieved to see you go? He should follow you happily without attacking your legs. If you have a toy, toss it for him. Does he show interest, or does he turn up him snout at your attempt at a game?
Keep petting, talking, and playing with him. If he growls or snaps at you or curls his lip, move on to another dog. Unless you're an experienced dog trainer, you don't want to mess with an aggressive dog. If he doesn't appear dangerous but is nevertheless very rough or mouthy, he still may be too dominant for you.
If he slinks around and avoids looking at you, he's probably a submissive dog who will need a lot of positive reinforcement. Some dogs may cower or shake when you try to pet them; many interpret this as a sign that the dog has been hit or beaten. However, adult dogs often shrink away from human hands simply because they were not properly socialized and have never gotten used to being touched and petted.
If a dog seems wary of your touch at first but begins to accept your affection after a few minutes, chances are that he'll be able to come out of his nervousness pretty quickly with good training and lots of love. Bur if he remains nervous and terrified, it's probably going to be a real challenge to turn him into a happy and comfortable pet, and he's better left to someone who's had lots of experience working with undersocialized or abused dogs. If he's lethargic and draggy, there's a good chance that poor health is to blame. Look elsewhere. You don't want to adopt a dog who may be sick. Be on the lookout for a dog who's cheerful, responsive, and confident.
Do you have fun playing with him and paying attention to him? Often, when owners who are having troubles with their adopted dogs, their biggest problem seems to be that they just don't like their dogs very much. Do not adopt a dog if you're not crazy about him! Spend as much time as you need to get to know as many dogs as you can; make more than one visit if necessary. But don't forget that a dog who catches your eye one day may be adopted by someone else or even euthanized the next, so you'll have to judge for yourself how long it's safe to wait.
Never grab an unfamiliar dog; he may interpret this as a threatening gesture and respond by snapping. If you've brought your kids with you to the shelter, ask them not to touch the dog until he's gotten accustomed to you and until you know that he is trustworthy.
Crouch down and pet him and play with him. Does he accept and enjoy your affection, or does he act suspicious of you or ignore you altogether? Does he trample and nip you, or does he avoid you? Look for a dog who plays and cuddles with you enthusiastically but not obnoxiously or fearfully. Take a walk around the room. Does he trot after you, or does he seem relieved to see you go? He should follow you happily without attacking your legs. If you have a toy, toss it for him. Does he show interest, or does he turn up him snout at your attempt at a game?
Keep petting, talking, and playing with him. If he growls or snaps at you or curls his lip, move on to another dog. Unless you're an experienced dog trainer, you don't want to mess with an aggressive dog. If he doesn't appear dangerous but is nevertheless very rough or mouthy, he still may be too dominant for you.
If he slinks around and avoids looking at you, he's probably a submissive dog who will need a lot of positive reinforcement. Some dogs may cower or shake when you try to pet them; many interpret this as a sign that the dog has been hit or beaten. However, adult dogs often shrink away from human hands simply because they were not properly socialized and have never gotten used to being touched and petted.
If a dog seems wary of your touch at first but begins to accept your affection after a few minutes, chances are that he'll be able to come out of his nervousness pretty quickly with good training and lots of love. Bur if he remains nervous and terrified, it's probably going to be a real challenge to turn him into a happy and comfortable pet, and he's better left to someone who's had lots of experience working with undersocialized or abused dogs. If he's lethargic and draggy, there's a good chance that poor health is to blame. Look elsewhere. You don't want to adopt a dog who may be sick. Be on the lookout for a dog who's cheerful, responsive, and confident.
Do you have fun playing with him and paying attention to him? Often, when owners who are having troubles with their adopted dogs, their biggest problem seems to be that they just don't like their dogs very much. Do not adopt a dog if you're not crazy about him! Spend as much time as you need to get to know as many dogs as you can; make more than one visit if necessary. But don't forget that a dog who catches your eye one day may be adopted by someone else or even euthanized the next, so you'll have to judge for yourself how long it's safe to wait.
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