3 strikes you're out

[MacPack]

I am posting as a last hope for a local dog I don't own! S (names are changed to protect the innocent) was adopted as an older pup from a shelter and raised with a young couple (going to grad school) who ran with him and thought it was a hoot that he could climb over a 6 ft wood or chain fence in a heartbeat, and climb trees. About 2 years ago they also adopted a female, E, (who had been part of our dog park group) whose separation issues overwhelmed her family (new baby, ya know). The 2 dogs bonded and have been great together. Couple and dogs moved to Ga for a year or so, then back to Tampa area, we ran into them at the park occasionally. Woman e-mailed me a couple of months ago about needing to re-home both immediately. Seems S continues to climb fences and escape, no longer fun, and last month killed a cat while out. He also has bitten 3 times: Owner as she tried to take garbage away from him, owner's mother reaching into crate, and mother in law moving sleeping boy.

I suggested he be tested for thyroid, and recommended some behavior books, but she was 'over him' and not interested. Their life has changed, both working, no time for dogs and not interested in doing the work to help him.

S was evaluated by an excellent basenji rescue person who found him to be a very nice boy, never ruffed up with anything she did and didn't startle, just sat at her feet and enjoyed being petted. A nicer boy than many she has seen, but the organization has refused him due to the 3 bites. The rescue org. is willing to place E, the female but unless we can find a home for S (either alone or with E) the owner will put him to sleep.

He is around 4 or 5, neutered nice red boy. My limited interactions with him at dog park were fine, he was a happy boy who wanted a quick pet then off to run with other dogs.

So here is a very nice boy who needs a dog-savy owner, preferably one without a yard who walks a lot or runs to burn energy. No kids, even though he has never shown any aggression around kids, still with his "situational" biting one needs to be careful.

So, if there are any joggers/runners in an apartment or condo who are good at 'reading' a dog and willing to work a bit on situational issues, here is a great free boy. I am willing to drive a good way to save him.

The fence thing is a huge issue for us or I would help, but we have dog door and short chain link fence, as does most everyone I know (short fence that is) and this boy can really jump and climb fast!

If you are at all interested, no matter where you are, let me know please. The rescue Org. person is trying to plead his case with the Org. but I understand abut liability issues. Her words were, he seems a very nice boy, nicer than many we have had, I hate to see this happen to him.

Here is a running buddy, crate trained, boy who needs some time and attention, maybe a thyroid test (problems are recent, after multiple moves). Not a dog park boy for awhile (jumps fences) but great with other dogs.

Thanks, please forward if you know anyone who might be this perfect owner for a nice boy who has 3 bites on his record.

[DebraDownSouth]

There are anti-jumping harnesses and other options for a jumper, so even if someone had a shorter fence, it could work.

Sadly, I am aware of the dog. On the one hand, I hate when people are not truthful about their dog biting when placing into rescue and we find out later. But this is why… they don't want to put in the work to turn things around, and they know rescues usually won't take biters.

I wish I had anyone willing to take him, or both of them. I briefly thought of taking him for rehab training. But the problem is, what then? I can't risk placing him either, and since the family doesn't want dogs now, he would have no where to go. I hope after these dogs are out of the home someone distributes those folks info on ever adoption list to never let them have another dog.

[Kipawa]

@DebraDownSouth:

I hope after these dogs are out of the home someone distributes those folks info on ever adoption list to never let them have another dog.

Well said. Animals are not throw-aways when times get challenging! Would you do that with a child?

[tlish]

^unfortunately, that would only drive them to a BYB or pet shop to get a dog if they ever wanted one again. at least a rescue would be able help them to better analyze their situation and see if they are realistically able to make lifetime commitment.

i'm more disturbed lately by stories of vets being so readily willing to put healthy animals to sleep. i would not be able to do that.

[DebraDownSouth]

If the dog has a bite history, most vets consider it for a good reason. Most vets see so many dogs needing homes they would rather focus on the many sweet temperament ones who get put down for lack of homes than try to save every animal. And I understand that. it is just hard when it is a dog like this who would probably be super in a home with a family with one working brain cell.

[MacPack]

I wish they were willing to work a bit on re-training, or just get his thyroid tested, but they reached the breaking point. Rescue is willing to place the female, who is a very sweet dog and should do well in a home with other dogs .
The human's routine changed, many moves, much less time for the dogs. Behavioral changes in the dog…ya think????? And no behavior-focused health testing. Very frustrating, but I'm not willing to upset my dogs lives. S was adopted from a shelter and has had 3 or 4 years of enjoying a good life, that's a lot less than many shelter dogs get. Like Debra says, a dog that has bitten 3 people qualifies for the needle as they are just not adoptable to most folks. Sad. I know dogs that have lost their life over one snap toward someone, S got 3 'strikes'.

I posted hoping that someone out there was up to a potentially great dog with the right handling and circumstances. But we all understand that it will be a rare person.

[Shaye's Mom]

Sorry to hear about "S" - it must be very challenging for his owner - hope they both find homes - the fear of liability is a very large one to overcome when a dog tends to bite.

[MacPack]

Someone (from Forum) is working on a potential home in SC for S, and rescue will take the female E. So at least she will wind up in a great new home.

And though we hate to not save them all, in this economy there are really great dogs, with no 'baggage', who are in need as well so it makes no sense to place a risky dog when there are great ones out there in need.

[dcmclcm4]

I would not only get a complete thyroid test done but also an eye exam.

Jennifer

[sharronhurlbut]

The reality is that there are a lot of nice b's that are having touble finding homes.
Why, cause there are more dogs than homes for them.
I am sad for this boy, but have been the one who used to take the biters in, I know how much work it can be.
I would be interested in what happens to this boy.

[agilebasenji]

@MacPack:

I am posting as a last hope for a local dog I don't own! S (names are changed to protect the innocent) was adopted as an older pup from a shelter and raised with a young couple (going to grad school) who ran with him and thought it was a hoot that he could climb over a 6 ft wood or chain fence in a heartbeat, and climb trees. . . .Woman e-mailed me a couple of months ago about needing to re-home both immediately. Seems S continues to climb fences and escape, no longer fun, and last month killed a cat while out.

Ann-
I find this so heartbreakingly sad as it points to owners who did not have the foresight to see that "cute" behaviors in puppies can be problematic in adult dogs. And now the dog is not longer "fun" so they want to dump him. I hope they have learned something and it will be a long, long time before they get another cute puppy. I hope this dog finds a better life - either on this side of the bridge or the other.

[MacPack]

Sadly I'm afraid it will be on the other side. But, he was pulled from a shelter and has had 3 or 4 good years in a nice home, many dogs don't even have that much of a good life. It is sad but I am philosophical, as others have said, there are lots of really nice dogs needing homes, why risk putting a known biter in a home that could go to a very nice dog.
His escaping is too much for us to deal with, were it not for that I might be willing to work with the biting, but I won't put my neighborhood cats in peril.

[MacPack]

Looks like S & E are going to a foster home tomorrow, hooray to our main local rescue person who reached out and found a foster for them, at least temporarily. Gives time to evaluate S in another setting. Thanks for all who were interested. A reprieve, at least for now.

[tanza]

@MacPack:

Looks like S & E are going to a foster home tomorrow, hooray to our main local rescue person who reached out and found a foster for them, at least temporarily. Gives time to evaluate S in another setting. Thanks for all who were interested. A reprieve, at least for now.

That is great news,…. I hope that they work out OK and the biting problems can be resolved...

[agilebasenji]

thanks for the happy update. i hope he can bloom in a more structured environment.

[Kipawa]

Sometimes all that is needed is just another chance. :|

[wizard]

Here's hoping he will behave himself and stay in a nice home.

[DebraDownSouth]

WOW, that makes me very happy to hear!