Hostilities
Day one of Buddy's appearance on the scene, foster dog number three, through the kindly auspices of BARK, the dog rescue group, went fairly well. Buddy, the two-year-old Cocker Spaniel, a lovely looking dog, was full of nervous energy, but when approached appeared friendly and eager to be with everyone. The other dogs present, those who belonged to the household gave him wide berth, not taking to a newcomer with great warmth, not just yet. They were becoming accustomed to the introduction of strangers, given this was number three, but planned, obviously, to bide their time before issuing a complete welcome.
Jordy, the large, very large rescue originally from Iqaluit (as a puppy, now at 120 pounds, quite full-grown, older and wiser) let Buddy know in no uncertain terms that he was there on tolerance, that he was expected to behave civilly. But Buddy appeared to take little notice, other than to edge quickly away from Jordy, whose loud bass voice was certainly intimidating. Jordy had cause throughout the course of the day to remind Buddy a few more times that his behaviour was transgressing on the permissible. As, for example, when he expressed too obvious an interest in tiny Jakie, the smaller-than-toy Pomeranian.
Buddy seemed to take easily to the company of his new mistress and her daughter, evincing discomfort when either one entered the house, leaving him to his own devices, albeit temporarily, outside. He behaved very well during the course of his toilette, when he was bathed to remove the disgusting stink of the kennels where he was temporarily housed while a foster home was sought. He behaved rather less commendably during the ear-cleaning business, and even less so, resorting to attempts to bite, during the teeth-scraping process, and his new protector let him know in no uncertain terms that this type of behaviour would not be tolerated.
Over the course of the next week, there were occasions when Buddy was scolded, and when he was met on his own terms, in a wrestling operation with his new protector wearing thick leather gloves to handle him and introduce him to following through on instructions to sit down, lay down - on your back. In the process his new protector came away with some bruises, a few scratches and a superficial bite. After which Buddy no longer was quite so eager to challenge orders, and became noticeably more willing to behave.
Buddy has other habits besides resorting to snarling attacks when he is displeased or feels threatened. He is not averse to reaching up to a kitchen counter or a table top to reconnoitre, and remove tempting food items whether they are meant for him or not. He has, on occasion, breached boxes or plastic bags to remove food which he swiftly wolfs down before his misdemeanor is discovered. Buddy is learning to feel badly about being scolded, and that's progress.
He was first brought to BARK's attention as a stray, when he was 8 months old. He was later adopted and lived for a time with a family. That family, it would appear, had scant experience with training and living with animals and Buddy became difficult for them to live with. He became a biter. He was untrustworthy. He was a worry. His future looked anything but bright. Without someone having the patience to unteach his bad manners and vicious reactions he would be destined to die.
Buddy's behaviour is bad, he is a pain in the ass. He does have some endearing qualities. He deserves to live. His current caregiver/host is determined to teach him how to be an acceptably reasonable companion. In the hopes that in the not-too-distant future he may be adoptable. That he may live a good life and give people who take him under their care pleasure in companionship.
There is hope.
posted by Pieface @ Thursday, August 10, 2006
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