How do you stay gentle and joyous when your body betrays you and your world turns upside down? Ask Max. Life has not been fair to Max, yet he remains one of the happiest boys you could imagine. We agree with his receiving shelter that his frequent submissive peeing puts him at very high risk of being a shelter-repeater; we are so glad Max was directed to us before that dangerous cycle was allowed to begin. Many thanks to those who sheltered and worked to find this special needs boy the best chance possible of finding happily-ever-after. He is showing himself to be the gentlest of souls, loving everyone, young and old, as well as his newest poodle friends, though he's quick to vanish if anyone gets rough or loud. He knows his basic commands--a little too well--and walks very carefully on a leash. He is completely housebroken and doesn't mind his bellyband for the submissive peeing (which is always small amounts). Max is liking chillaxing in his kennel, strolls down the lane, and treats, of course. But, mostly, he loves his new foster family, soaking in the attention--and loves to smile. Such a happy boy. | Max's background doesn't have a lot of information. He was born to a notoriously bad breeder. After being bought, he received minimal vetting, no "luxuries" like neutering and preventatives, and someone obviously made it very clear to him that obedience was of terribly great importance. The rest of the story tells itself: care of the body--food and grooming--was given but little care for the soul of the dog. Now this otherwise perfect boy, desperate to please, is a terrible worrier and submissive pee'er. Since settling in at his foster family, Max has been neutered and given a thorough work-up to look for any physical cause for his peeing (none was found). His recovery has had some minor bumps and he's spending these first days post-op enjoying some R&R. There will be time for the work to begin soon enough. We are waiting, watching, and hoping that the clearing of his testosterone, a trial of some meds, the low-pressure security he's learning to enjoy, and some confidence training will give Max his best chances for being the best he can be. His rehab is sure to be an interesting one...stay tuned! |
One of the Max's heroes who helped get him ready to transition to us had this to say the morning we picked him up; a lot is packed into three paragraphs that say so much about what a great boy he is:
"Max and I spent a little time this morning ....I had not had him on a clip leash before, only on a slip lead, and I had not taken him outside. What a sweetie! While I always caution...that the dog [you're] SURE was beaten or kicked or otherwise abused may just be a congenital cringer...this boy's on-leash manners smack to me of an overly-heavy hand.... he is SO concerned about dropping his butt for an automatic sit... he walks some of the time with himself in a semi-circle, trying so hard to watch you and know exactly what you want. Breaks my heart. But he is good on leash! I opened the door to the car and he scrambled in. He was excited about the car ride, but sat down and grinned. I think he would have liked to come into the front seat to sit, but, otherwise, he was visibly excited...but not a problem in any way, especially remarkable given my two boys were in crates behind his seat, muttering some not very nice things to him. He looked at them and said, "hi, I'd be your friend!" then ignored them, and they pretty much left off. No peeing at any time entering, exiting or during the car ride. He has peed on the back of his front legs since his bath on Monday, though, so is a bit redolent. As we returned to [the shelter], Max earnestly explained to me that he really would rather just keep going in the car, no need to return, because, just between him and me, he doesn't belong in that place. It was okay, although the food is pretty bland, and the people are nice enough, but he needs to go home because he is a dog who loves being a good dog and a good dog has a home. And, as I could see, he would be no trouble at all, but, please, could he go home now. Yup, totally bawling and what kind of idiot wears mascara on a day like this anyway? Adore this boy. Thank you so, so, so, so much for taking him." |
Two year old, white Standard Poodle, owner surrendered. This special-needs boy is coming to us for medical and behavioral assessment, stabilization, and help in finding his FOREVER home.
Help Max!We are a small, non-profit with limited resources.
If you can help with the costs for this boy's rehabilitation it will make such a difference! Archives |