If you follow my dog blog at Silverwalk, you may have read "Feeling At Home." Please click
here if not. What I am trying to share is the time, space, discipline, assessment, good food, and lots of love needed to help dogs adjust to new environments. Many of the dogs who come to
Silverwalk not only are from varied backgrounds but unaccustomed to living in a pack environment. Kisses is an excellent example. She was returned to the Humane Society of Southeast MO when her owner was no longer able to care for her. Silverwalk was contacted, thus she came here. In her previous home, she was much loved and the only dog. Oy vey! First in the din at HSSEMO, then in the often wild numerous hounds here at Silverwalk. Kisses has had a trying time being able to relax and fit in.
She is finally getting there. I had tried several times to have her in my lap but she would not stay....till Wednesday. I was going to sit down and read
A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron on my Nook; I wanted Kisses with me. I scooped her up and laid her across my lap, being sure to stroke her on her chest and between her eyes up her forehead. She stayed. She relaxed. I was able to read and pet her (with the company of others) for a couple hours. Finished the book - please read it but do have Kleenex available.
As I noted with Betty Boop in the other post, I try to give dogs the time and space to first be dogs, then to be themselves, then to be sure to know I am the benevolent dictator and yes, what I say goes. All dogs here are expected to sit for meals and treats - some are better than others. Two goals for this next year are to 1) walk at least one dog every day - for their health and training as well as mine and 2) to more regularly train and shape the behaviors of the dogs who are here, some of whom may never leave :(.
Why is it hard to do this? Too many dogs needing help - too many people needing help. While I know I cannot be all things, I need to be as rationale and careful in this dog rescue world so those here in sanctuary maintain a high quality of life - knowing discipline, love and exercise. Kisses has a solid start thanks to her previous owner and giving her space to be herself. She is house trained - anyone willing to foster her for Silverwalk so she can have an even better experience?
Have a wonderful New Year's eve and day. Look forward to 2011 with fresh eyes and heart.
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