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| ♥ Holstein ♥ |
When we took Holstein out of his kennel, he was pretty shy and skittish...his ears back, his tail between his legs. He took a piece of chicken from me and let me put his harness on just fine, but he was clearly scared. Even when we got out in front of the shelter, he still was pretty worried.
The car seemed like a safe place to him; he settled right in, sitting against me in the backseat, my arm around him. At River Bend park, he was willing to walk with us and to explore and to take treats, but still wasn't the happy dog I was hoping to see. But sweet, oh yes, a complete love. And his shyness only made me love him more. Did I mention that velvety muzzle of his, with the adorable spots?
Back at the shelter, Delyse had us hang out for a bit in an outdoor play area and we quickly saw a different dog emerge. This Holstein was prancing. His tail was up high, his ears perky, his mouth open and smiling, He ran along the fence when people walked by and greeted other dogs with his friendly nose.
And then, best of all, Holstein got to join in playgroups. There, running, frolicking, climbing into the wading pool, greeting Delyse and wanting attention, he shone.
Playgroups are magic. They are a place where the shelter dogs can just be dogs, can play with their friends and learn confidence. A place where they can have fun. Holstein is a perfect example. He's able to feel comfortable and learn that people are safe, that it's totally okay to be happy and have a good time. It gives him a chance to open up, and best of all, a chance for people to see him for the dog he really is.
Tomorrow, I am so excited to be starting a three day training on playgroups with Aimee Sadler, of Dogs Playing for Life. She's coming to the Bradshaw shelter to share her knowledge with the staff and volunteers. Delyse already has implemented playgroups for the dogs, and it's made a world of difference. Instead of volunteers having to walk one dog a time, now multiple dogs can play together, develop social skills and get their energy out. They learn to behave in ways that make them appealing to potential adopters, and they have such a great time. There is nothing like a group of dogs running and wrestling, tongues out, with big happy grins on their faces.
That's what Holstein got to do today, and that's where I get to be tomorrow. How lucky am I?
This boy really is something special and he's going to make someone a wonderful best friend.
(Updated: Holstein has been adopted!)
xx
Chandra
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