RESCUE TAILS / SAWYER

BY Tammy Fox, Executive Director, Florida Keys SPCA

He was there by himself, which didn’t seem right to the kind, observant person who found Sawyer at the dog park one morning.  No owner in sight, just a little black and white dog alone. Why he was there and how he got there we’ll never know. Different scenarios ran through our mind, but no matter how he ended up at the dog park, he was now badly in need of a friend.

He was very nervous when he was brought to us that morning, and remained that way for days.  His default behavior was to instantly roll onto his back as we would approach him. When this behavior is exhibited by a nervous or shy/submissive dog, it is often seen as a request for a belly rub. The reality can be something very different. What Sawyer was attempting to do by rolling onto his back was to offer an appeasement gesture, a  canine signal designed to keep him safe from danger. Dogs have developed signals designed to communicate, “Please back off and give me more space; I am no threat, don’t hurt me.” This particular behavior is sometimes called a “tap out” or a cut-off signal which serves to avoid aggression between dogs.  Sometimes, when an anxious or stressed dog offers this behavior and we attempt to reach in to give that belly rub, the dog perceives it as a threat and becomes defensive, which makes no sense to us since we we’re trying to be nice. To the dog, however, we were doing exactly the opposite! We can tell the difference between a tap-out and a true solicitation for belly rubs by how the dog’s body looks. Is it loose and relaxed with soft eyes and open mouth? Or is there tension, closed mouth, and worry? 

We took our time with Sawyer and his nervous little body began to relax.  As he began to feel safe, a lap became his favorite spot and real belly rubs were being requested. When he went up for adoption, people looked at him but his initial nervousness and barking towards strangers was a concern to potential adopters. But one woman came to meet him and fell in love.  Maresa’s heart became totally taken with him and she began waging a campaign with her family to bring him home. She had a birthday coming and thought that might be the ticket to convince her parents that they should take on a third dog.  They had already adopted one from us. But Maresa’s birthday came and went without Sawyer.  The amazing thing about this young woman was that didn’t stop her from coming in simply to spend time with him. She had the most generous heart and wanted to give him some attention every day that she could. As soon as we saw her coming through the door, we’d head towards Sawyer’s kennel to get him.   She even paid for his adoption to increase his chances of finding a good home. Maresa was totally selfless when it came to this little dog. She just wanted him to be happy!

But in the end, the Dog Angels were looking out for Sawyer.  One day Maresa convinced her mother to meet him. He sold himself instantly and since it was now both Maresa AND her mother campaigning to adopt him, the tides turned and it wasn’t long before Sawyer went home with the one person he was meant to be with!  He has fit in perfectly.    Maresa wrote us: “We are doing well! Sawyer has met the whole family. And is enjoying my brother and father! Didn’t think that would be so easy. But he’s right at home. We are all in love with him.” Thanks to Maresa for never giving up on Sawyer and to her family for welcoming him into their home and hearts!

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