Rescued Sheltie's background

[celloyogi]

Originally Posted by dblock

I do wonder, how his previous owners could not have loved him, I just think they didn't understand or appreciate the precious gem they were given, but I do and I make sure I tell Beau that every day

I can't tell you how perfect a statement that is for so many rescued pets that find their way to forever homes.

Sometimes pets are surrendered as a last resort, for valid reasons like a family tragedy or financial disaster, but all too many pets find their way to animal controls, shelters, and rescues because of selfish, uncaring owners. They deserve to live in a safe place, to be part of a family that loves them. I always love to hear from the families of dogs and cats I've helped to place, and to read stories on this board also is just such a joy. Beau is a lucky boy!

[celloyogi]

Originally Posted by marnie

I don't know why I'm so obsessive about the backgrounds of these dogs. I put together little clues but I know there will never be a big reveal about any of my dogs. Duff, the sheltie, dances on the stairs so he obviously lived inside in a two story house. He wants to sleep on the bed so I assume he is used to that. He was crate trained at sometime. He is comfortable being around other dogs and cats so he probably lived with both. He was well groomed and well fed. All these add up to a good home but then why was he a stray running in the parking lot of a baseball stadium. Most of the purebred strays picked up around here are dogs that escaped a fenced yard. It just doesn't add up that his former owner never claimed him. I wonder if something happened to the owner, and since I'll never know, why am I always obsessing?

Having read and considered your posts, I'd suggest dropping your search, as far as actually asking people and driving around. It's highly unlikely you'll come up with any useful information, and it is possible you might get yourself into a situation that is unsafe for you and/or your dog. I can understand wanting to know the reasons behind the surrender of your dog, but you don't know what was going on and whether hard feelings existed.

Get to know your dog and go forward from where the two of you are now.

[marnie]

Originally Posted by celloyogi

Having read and considered your posts, I'd suggest dropping your search, as far as actually asking people and driving around. It's highly unlikely you'll come up with any useful information, and it is possible you might get yourself into a situation that is unsafe for you and/or your dog. I can understand wanting to know the reasons behind the surrender of your dog, but you don't know what was going on and whether hard feelings existed.

Get to know your dog and go forward from where the two of you are now.

Your post sounds very sinister. I can't imagine what you are thinking.

[Chris]

If information comes kind of naturally, that's one thing. But I agree -- I wouldn't press it.

Still, I was so amazed to learn that the husband in the family that gave up Annie Laurie thought she was "stupid." Annie is the smartest of our entire bunch -- what a clever mind and sensitive soul she has. And shrewd? You should watch her suddenly life her head, prick her ears, rush toward the dog door, and start barking when she notices one of the humans bring food into the room. All the other Shelties race through the dog door to get whatever Annie hollered was out there -- leaving brilliant Annie alone to cadge a secret treat out of her hoomans!

[Jaynie]

Originally Posted by marnie

You and Bela are so lucky to have found each other. You can give yourself a lot of credit for working with her to help her get past her fear and trust you. I see a lot of puppy mill dogs come into rescue and they are so emotionally damaged.

I am grateful that none of my dogs came from such a terrible background. It makes me so angry to see these puppy mills doing so much damage and all for profit.

Marnie, I did some border collie rescue about 10 years ago or so, but never had one with any kind of behavioral issues (they were just being border collies - people just don't understand that they MUST have a job). So Bela was a real challenge to me. I am disabled and spend most of my time at home, so I was able to make Bela my #1 job since she got here. After six months of no barking, no tail wagging and no smiling, I was at my wits' end. Then my hubby brought home a feisty little JRT mix. It took Bela exactly six minutes after Gracie got home to start getting excited and barking her head off! It was amazing, and of course, I cried. Her eyes within days had lost their frightened, feral look, and that tail started to swing all over the place. Then about two weeks later, I called her name and she came straight to me with a great big Sheltie smile! All that time and love invested has been really worth it!