Friday, March 28, 2008
A long way home
Just a few short months ago, Shy Girl was living in a hole. She was one of 145 dogs who were stranded outside of Gabbs, Nevada when their caretaker passed away. The dogs lived in outdoors pens in pairs or small groups, and had limited contact with people. Some were outgoing and friendly, some were nervous and barky, and some were scared of everything. Shy Girl was one of the scared ones - she didn't get her name for nothing.Shy Girl spent most of her time hiding in hole she'd dug in her pen, and when rescuers came to remove her from the property, they had to climb into her hole and pull her out. I can only imagine how terrifying that moment must have been for her. Luckily, things would soon get better for this sweet dog.
The East Bay SPCA was part of a collaborative effort to rescue the Gabbs dogs, and in January seven of the dogs came to our Oakland shelter after a long truck ride from Nevada. Frank, Fred, Jacob, Oopsie, Argonaut, Pinny and Shy Girl were all so scared that they wouldn't move on their own, and had to be carried to their kennels. It was days, or in some cases weeks, before they would leave their kennels on their own. Something as simple as going for a walk around the shelter grounds was a major accomplishment for these dogs - they simply had no idea how to live with people.
Staff and volunteers worked patiently and diligently to bring the dogs out of there shells. The dogs were assessed on a regular basis to determine what progress they were making, and whether they could ever be placed in homes. One by one, they passed their temperament evaluations and were made available for adoption.
Two weeks ago, a woman named Theresa came to the shelter looking for a companion, and found Shy Girl. After a trial adoption period, Theresa knew that Shy Girl was the one for her, and offered this special girl a permanent home.
Four dogs are still looking for their forever homes. Oopsie is the most outgoing. She bonds with people quickly, and loves to go for walks.
Frank takes more time to warm up to new people, but once he bonds with you, you've got a friend for life. Frank doesn't like to be separated from those he's bonded with, and would do best with someone who can spend lots of time with him.
Argonaut is very shy, and prefers to spend much of his time resting in his crate. He wouldn't mind staying home alone while his owner goes to work.
Fred is quiet, but curious and hopeful. He is learning to enjoy walks and play time with other dogs.If you think you might be able to provide a home to one of these special dogs, please give us a call or visit them at the shelter. Frank and Argonaut are at our Tri-Valley adoption center, and Fred and Oopsie are at our Oakland adoption center.
