A Mellow Interlude: Meet Lady
After the adventure of having Star for a few months, my friends at the shelter were hoping to give me a little break by setting me up with a nice mellow foster dog. Maybe one with a bit of shyness that needed to be worked on, someone who needed socialization or was stressed at the shelter.
Enter Lady.
Lady was surrendered
to the shelter with another dog, by someone who wanted both dogs to be
euthanized because of "extreme human aggression." The shelter will only
come to a property to pick up a dog in cases where the person making the
call is requesting euthanasia, but fortunately the shelter staff can do
something else with the dog if they decide euthanasia is not called
for.
Neither
Lady nor her companion really seemed to fit the bill of "extreme human
aggression," so both were spared. Lady was an "office dog" at the
shelter for a week or so, since staff didn't think that at her
age--probably around 7--and with her calm demeanor, she would enjoy
being out on the shelter floor with all the wild young adolescents
bouncing around.
So they gave her to me.
First step, a bath.
Then some cuddling and relaxing.
And not too much food. Poor Lady has a bit of a weight problem, and has difficulty moving. When I first saw her at the shelter and saw her struggling to get up, I asked if she had hip dysplasia. But now that I've gotten a good look, I'm pretty sure it is just a case of incredibly long nails.
I tried to cut them right after her bath, but she wasn't having any of it. So we've been doing some slow desensitization with the clippers. I am hoping that when she gets spayed, her nails can be clipped way down while she is under.
And as for her extreme human aggression?
People say the darnedest things. Suffice it to say that we're not too worried.
So they gave her to me. 
I know I've said this before - but thank goodness for you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweetheart. Looks like someone had a case of pants of fire to avoid a charge at the vet's office.
ReplyDeleteI can see the aggression! BOL! What a cutie. Hope she can find a forever home soon.
ReplyDeleteWe wouldn't mind that kind of aggression! BOL
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
She looks so sweet! I always love the older (and pudgier!) ones. Looking forward to seeing more of her!
ReplyDeleteI'll never understand someone giving up a 7 year old dog and asking for euthanasia. Thank god for you Kirsten!!
ReplyDeleteI think my comment disappeared...I don't think Florian is a good test subject for "human aggression." Was there ever a dog that didn't adore Florian? Lady looks like a perfect little lady. I can't wait to read your stories about her.
ReplyDeleteSo glad she found you. I see no indication of "aggression" either. If she let you work on her nails, not liking it, but still not aggressive, someone needs to read the definition!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other comments - no aggression there! So glad that she has a chance at a loving home and first, a wonderful foster home. Can't wait to learn about her.
ReplyDeleteI hope it just is her nails, she sounds lovely :)
ReplyDeleteLady looks like and is a very nice dog.
ReplyDeleteWhat awful people to label Lady and her friend as aggressive. If she's aggressive, she's doing a darn good job of hiding it behind a very gentle demeanour. Makes me boil to think she could have been euthanised. Is her friend doing ok too?
ReplyDeleteShe looks so sweet! I'll bet she'll find her match with no problem:)
ReplyDeletePeople are clueless! That's how 80% of owner-turn-in cases really read!
ReplyDeletePretty little sweetheart, who knows, but my guess is you won't have her too long!