Monday, August 08, 2005
So good.
A couple weeks ago, we took in a dog from a city shelter who was at risk for euthanasia. Due to the distance to the shelter and other logistical issues, we did not test the dog before we took him in. He was dropped off by a volunteer and we took him knowing there was a chance he would not pass out tests, but also knowing he was going to be euthanized if we did not take him. So we took the 8 pound poodle mix that we named Rollo.Rollo was not happy. He had mats all over his body and he was filthy. We cleaned him up, but during that process, we found out just how unhappy he was. He tried to bite anyone that tried to reach for him. He growled, he snapped, he curled his lips. It was scary. Did I mention he was an 8 pound poodle mix?
It didn't look good for Rollo. Not good at all. But then, out of the blue, he started to 'like' a few people. VT, LL, and me. He would wag his tail, come over to us and even let VT and LL pick him up. He was still angry at others that tried to approach, but his changed demeanor made us think twice. Perhaps he was just terrified in the kennel. Perhaps he was just so uncomfortable from him mats and past situation, that he didn't know how to be nice. Perhaps he was just a weird little dog.
To be honest, we really don't know what his deal is. We do know that we can't put him in a kennel for volunteers and clients to try to take out. That would be bad. But we know that he can be a sweet little dog; quite cute and lovely. So, SS decided to let LL do a behavioral foster with Rollo. LL would take him home, work with him and report back how he was in a real home situation. We still aren't sure what will be the final outcome, but tonight when I left work, LL was playing in the yard with him, her own dog and two other employees and their dogs. I doubt little Rollo ever had it so good.
