After a too-long vacation from volunteering at the shelter, I wandered in the other day to find almost all new dogs. Every time I am away for a long stretch and then go back in, I wonder why I waited so long to go back.
It was far too hot to take any of the dogs on a normal-length walk, so I spent most of my time indoors looking at all the new faces and rubbing chins. One face wasn't new, but I hadn't gotten to know him when he was new a few weeks ago.
The little Norwich terrier had been very scared of everybody when he first came in and apparently he hasn't change too much. I got a leash to take him outside and several volunteers warned me, "He nips, be careful," and "You're better off just putting him in the yard." But with such a sweet wiry face, I had to give him a chance. I'm all about the chances.
So I let him sniff me. He saw the boo-boo on my thumb and started to lick my bandage. He either knew I had a cut, or liked the taste of antibiotic cream.
Then he nudged me to pet him on the head and behind the ears.
Each time I tried to get the leash on his harness, he shied away. I wasn't going to push it, that'd just make things worse for him. So I knelt there in his cage and we became buddies. This so called little nipper ended up semi-snuggling with me and giving me kisses all over. I managed to get the leash on and only after the fact did he notice and put his mouth around my hand, barely pressing down.
I wasn't able to coax him out of his cage enough to get him outside, but the other volunteers were impressed that I got the leash on him. I took the leash off (no nips at all) and stayed with him a few more minutes. I felt guilty about leaving him and he looked so eager every time I passed his cage.
Later I looked him up on the shelter website and in his story it does mention that with patience he'll cuddle and love you, so I know I'm not the only one who has given him a go and that reassures me.
If I could, I'd snatch him up in an instant. I've said that about plenty of dogs, though. I hope he finds a good home, soon.
It's little victories like this that make volunteering at an animal shelter so wonderful. With time, that little guy is going to be a great companion for somebody. It's all about understanding and patience.
Then again, it's bittersweet because I can't have him for my own!
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