Rescue Tails / Majorie meets her perfect match

It’s sometimes assumed that anyone who gives up an animal to a shelter doesn’t love, doesn’t care, and is irresponsible. We see that rarely. More often life has handed someone a challenge that is more than they can deal with at that moment in time for many varied reasons.

Marjorie, often called Margie, was a perfect example. She was brought to the shelter when her owner found herself in a no-win situation. She LOVED Marjorie! But not only had she developed allergies to her young dog, but her infant child was at risk, also because of allergies. She was heartbroken and even tried a second time to make it work. The allergies became non-negotiable and with her owner’s eyes full of tears, Margie became ours.

Margie was an adolescent, an age that can be challenging for both dogs and people for so many reasons. She was full of life, full of promise, but also very full of unrestrained energy. While that might have been manageable in a home, at the shelter with the added stress, Margie became a major challenge. She was so stress-reactive to other dogs, constantly barking and lunging at them, that we had to maintain her in an isolated area where she could actually settle. We even added medication to help her relax. She was sweet and smart but bulldog-determined. She was going to need a home that could cope with her energy and also be willing to work with her. Her time with us began to stretch out with no takers.

Then one day we received an application for another female dog in the shelter. It was from a great couple who had adopted from us before. Their dog Bear was a big Rottweiler who came with his own challenges early on. But Brittney and Brian had gone the distance and worked with him. He had become a great companion and was now ready for a girlfriend. They came out to meet the dog they applied for, but she made it clear the chemistry just wasn’t there.

Dogs, depending on breed-type and experience, have different play styles. Some dogs love to wrestle, body-slam, and play full on like football players. Others are more tea-party types, preferring less physical play with more bouncy lighter play. Often these two types of dogs aren’t the best of playmates and individual boundaries get crossed, causing problems. When the first meet didn’t go well, we decided it was worth introducing Margie to Bear. She was a young female and Bear was an adult male, increasing the chances of success. But what made it more hopeful was her playstyle. She was strong and very physical in all her interactions. We thought Bear might be able to handle her “enthusiasm.”

We were right, and it didn’t take long before the two were playing, and playing, and playing… Eventually we could see that Bear was getting a bit over it. We were getting ready to give him break, but Brian said, “Don’t worry, when he’s had enough, he’ll just sit on her.” We were a bit worried and a little skeptical, but sure enough, Bear called a time-out by plopping his butt down on top of Margie. She wiggled and squirmed at first but eventually just looked up at him in wonderment. He then got up and both went about their day, none the worse for wear. Perfect canine communication: calm, clear, and understood. They were a great match!

Updates have confirmed that they are the best of housemates. Margie still can give him a run for his money when it comes to endurance. She is relentless but when Bear’s had enough, if she doesn’t respond to his other signals, he just sits on her. Brittney says Margie’s learning, but it’s a work in progress. Fortunately, big brother Bear is a very kind but consistent teacher. We are SO grateful to this family. Thanks to Brian, Brittney, and Bear, Marjorie (now Ashe)  is now coming in to her own and living a very happy life!