November 2010
Since last month’s report we have not had any new dogs in rescue. There have been several dogs reported to us that we have watched or asked about, but none that showed a need for our help. There was, however, a past dog who came back to us and her name is Tara.
Tara first came to us last December after her family moved and left her behind. Neighbors kept her fed while the house was being foreclosed, and eventually called us for help. Since we need legal ownership to take a dog into rescue, we worked it out with the Lewis County shelter that she would go there and we would pick her up immediately after her 72 hour hold. In the meantime the neighbors left a note on the door of the home saying where she was. During her time at the shelter the note was removed, so we believe the former owners chose to leave her there.
When we brought her home we found a thoroughly dispirited dog, but after a few hours in the house and a little attention she began to respond. In only two days she was a different dog, glad to be with us and happy to be an inside dog. It was obvious she had a weakness in a rear leg, and our vet diagnosed a broken ACL. That meant she definitely had a lot of pain, so we found a specialist and Tara went for surgery. Recovery was several months long, and she patiently bore leash walking for most of it. Most of the time she spent dozing at our sides, enjoying that she didn’t have to live outside in the winter.
In June we had an inquiry about Tara from a family and they seemed just right for her. They took a lot of time researching and deciding, and in August Tara went home with them. Until recently we didn’t hear anything from them, until suddenly the first week of November we were asked to take her back. Apparently the first week with them Tara had snapped at their young daughter. Her father, a first time dog owner, didn’t understand that taking a bone out of her mouth would get that result with just about any dog, let alone one in a new situation. Since then he hasn’t been willing to trust her, and the situation never got any better. Tara tolerated the child, but other children visiting the house seemed to make her uncomfortable, so we agreed she should come back.
We will keep Tara here for a few weeks to assess whether her temperament has changed, then look for a more appropriate home. She has always been a super sweet girl, and we’re sure another home will work for her.