Zeta, 11 weeks in foster

Our little snuggle bug is still hanging around the house, waiting for that perfect family.

Looks like I never got around to mentioning a few things. One is that, surprise!, she's actually closer to 2 years old that 7 years old. Looking back at her first photos, it's easy to see how they would give her a higher age, considering the terrible condition she was in. But with just some good ol' dry kibble and chew toys (Nylabones and antlers), that tartar has come right off and she doesn't seem to have any damage or dental disease indicative of an older dog. She's now a healthy weight, and her skin infection and ear infections are gone. Her ears will need to be kept clean by her new family (we clean them once a week), but she's an easy girl and just loves the attention.

The other thing I wanted to share was my idea of her history. When dealing with shelter dogs, it's often best to just let the past stay in the past and not worry about it. Going forward with a positive attitude is usually the best way to ensure a happy life for a dog, whether they came from a difficult or easy beginning.

Sometimes, though, knowing where a dog came from is helpful in figuring out their current behaviors and how to help them. I believe that Zeta was kept as breeder and didn't see people except at mealtime. She was underfed and fed garbage, based on the condition of her teeth and the ease with which her tartar was gotten under control, as well as her weight and the fact that her nails were white with malnutrition. Her lack of socialization was obvious based on how she reacted to me when I first met her: Open stare, no move for attention, no reaction to voice or touch. It's also obvious she was bred because of the state of her nipples- she may not have been bred as much as Honey, but it was pretty significant and definitely at least three litters, probably many more.

It makes me feel better knowing that animal control stepped up to save her and her former owner will never hurt her again. He is also banned from adopting animals at WCAC.

We've taken care of her skin, her ears, her teeth and her weight. The white in her nails are growing out and some of them are downright pink and healthy. Now we're just dealing with those socialization issues and her resultant fear of strangers. She also fiercely protects her home and her family, which is something we can help by assuring her that she is safe and we are in control- there is no need to protect us because we'll protect her.

We've spoken with professional behaviorists as well as experienced dog handlers and have been assured that she isn't "broken"- her issues can be resolved with leadership, consistency and assertiveness. Now all that's left is for us to follow through and/or find a family willing to take her down that road.