Introducing Tanner! Plus, Bosco update!

Shy, timid dogs can be among the hardest to adopt. We often get shy dogs in at BCAS and if they don't readily interact with people voluntarily, people often overlook them because they want a dog who is playful, attentive and people-loving. Most of the time the shyness is a product of the dog's history--abandonment, being dumped because they are unwanted, etc. We try to put time into these dogs and teach them that humans can be loving and that it is okay to trust them.

A couple of weeks ago I was walking through an area of the shelter known as "Receiving." This is where we keep stray dogs during their mandatory holding period, aggressive dogs, etc. Usually, this kennel is merely a stopover for dogs who will soon be up for adoption. As I walked down the row of kennels I was greeted enthusiastically by most of the dogs there. I got to the end of the row and was about to leave when I noticed Tanner, huddled in the floor as far away from the front of the kennel (and me) as he could get. I checked the card on the front of his kennel and saw that he had just come in. This timid reaction isn't abnormal when a dog first arrives and I will usually give them a little time to settle down and realize that they aren't in any danger before I start to be concerned about their temperament.

Over the course of the next few days I realized that Tanner wasn't warming up to any of us. When I opened the door to the outdoor part of his kennel I couldn't even coax him back in. All of our dogs get thick blankets to lay on, but Tanner wouldn't lay on his. He chose to lay on the cold floor of his kennel because he was so frightened. I decided that I needed to take action if Tanner was to have a chance at getting adopted. I began trying to teach Tanner that people=good things. I worked to teach Tanner that people are good by giving him good things, like treats. I didn't press the issue and tried to make sure that Tanner never felt pressure or anxiety due to my presence. When I had a little extra time, I would give him his food personally...at first rolling bits of kibble toward him and eventually hand feeding him once he felt more comfortable with me. He soon began to wag his tail when he saw me, though it was a few more days before he would actively come to the front of his kennel to greet me.

This past Friday my coworker Kelly and I discovered that we each had an interest in helping Tanner in any way we could. We decided to try to get him out of the kennel because we wanted to get him out onto the adoption floor. At first, he was very scared so we took it slow, stopping often as we walked down the hall for treats and affection. Loud noises were scary for Tanner so we gave him plenty of time to adjust to the hustle and bustle of the shelter.

I'm pleased to say that in a very short time, Tanner is like a totally different dog. He is responsive, affectionate, attentive and happy. We actually got him to play with a toy on Friday night as well! This guy is going to be wonderful in a home and I hope that someone might read this and decide to give Tanner a second chance. He seems so grateful to those who help him, and I still can't believe that the happy, playful boy is the same scared dog huddled in the back of his kennel. We think Tanner is around a year old, definitely a shepherd mix, but he is a smaller boy. He needs to put a little weight on but other than that, this guy is perfect! Come check him out!

Also, I am pleased to announce that Bosco went to a Rescue on Friday! Adore-A-Bull Rescue is currently fostering the Bosco Boy and I couldn't be happier! Check out Adore-A-Bull here!

Update: Bosco has found his furever home thru the wonderful efforts of Adore-A-Bull rescue! Tanner is also doing well in his new home, according to his mom.