We have a friend's dog, Nick, staying with us this week. He was a rescue dog from somewhere in Virginia and was found with a pack that had two pregnant dogs it it. I'm not sure how he found his way to the Northeast, but I think a lot of digs in areas with high-kill shelters are relocated. He is a very submissive dog, prefers women to men (barely), but is good around other dogs. I guess our friends spent a weekend with other friends and their dog. After that weekend, Nick started responding to his name finally. He does not ask to go out; he does not move from his pillow or the couch when he's in our apartment; when you walk him, he doesn't sniff around and jumps at normal traffic noises; he has not moved to eat or drink (sorta). I put his wet food and water closer to where he is parked himself when he is alone, and the wet food is always gone when I get back. Check out the restraint of this dog:
That is a plate of cannoli on the table in the right hand corner and the dog all curled up on the couch. How many dogs are that nervous that they are not tempted by fresh cannoli? How many people can resist the temptation of fresh cannoli?
He is warming up to us though. Last night, my roommate pet him the whole time she was on the couch while we watched 2 hours of TV and he eventually relaxed enough to show his belly...a little. Even though I planned to work today, I'm not feeling spectacular. I decided I would stay home and bond with Nick. I just sat next to him with my soup and toast and he was totally sniffing. I may have bribed him with a piece of chicken from my soup.
Oh, yeah - I have some windows open to get some fresh air in the apartment because it is 60 degrees out today?!
That is a plate of cannoli on the table in the right hand corner and the dog all curled up on the couch. How many dogs are that nervous that they are not tempted by fresh cannoli? How many people can resist the temptation of fresh cannoli?
6 comments:
Aww, poor little guy. I'm glad he's getting love and attention now.
(BTW, we have those exact plates.)
Wow, that dog must have some stories to tell. Keep on giving him lots of love; I'm sure he appreciates it.
Ern & Aurora, my goal is to have him appear happy to see me. Of course this is completely subjective and he lifts his head when we come home now, so it's lookin' good...
Ern, I especially love those square ones in the set!
I feel sorry for Nick that he has had such a rough life that it is hard for him to trust new people and be relaxed. But it sounds good that he is with you guys during this dog-sitting period.
It is too bad that you are sick! I hope staying home helps you feel better.
I once babysat a dog who had been abused, and he was similar: spent most of the day lying curled up on the sofa in the basement. He was a big dog- part Rhodesian Ridgeback. Once I was over there during a thunderstorm, and this dog that weighed more than me was shaking like a leaf. Poor guy. I gave him as much caring as I could.
Danielle, he's also used to a quiet house with Dr. MVM from my old lab and her husband. :)
Spark, it is sad seeing a dog so scared! I hope he didn't end up in your lab during the storm. :) Growing up, our neighbor's 70 pound mutt managed to wedge himself under our very low deck during a thunderstorm. That was fun trying to get him out!
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