Rescue Tails / Sensei

Contributed by FKSPCA Staff

We see lots of scared dogs; coming to a shelter is never easy. Their ability to adapt to such a sudden life change can depend on age, history, health, breed type, and individual temperament. Usually within a week though, we begin to see some progress.

But Sensei continued to live in survival mode. Fear trumps every other emotion, and finding safety is all that matters. Whatever trauma this stray terrier mix had experienced, the emotional toll was a heavy one. The desperation in his eyes was proof. He drew his line in the sand and made it crystal clear he didn’t want anyone coming close and would defend himself if pushed. Not wanting to create more fear, we respected his boundaries and allowed the time and space he needed.

It took a few weeks before he approached the kennel door for hot dogs. Eventually, we could take him from his kennel and later for a walk. On walks, he pulled desperately at the end of the leash. A longline leash gave him a greater sense of safety and choice, and soon he began to sniff, explore, and slow down. Then one day while walking with his staff friend, he unexpectedly stopped, looked back, and trotted back to her. When she kneeled, he looked up at her and pressed his body into hers. Moments like that always tip the scales in favor of continuing shelter work!  Sensei soon warmed up to other staff members, and we began to prepare him for adoption. Given his history and sensitivity, we hoped for just the right home.

Meanwhile, Charles had been wanting a dog since he moved to the Keys. He had a terrier-type in mind, similar to his previous family dogs. He had been visiting our website regularly and was getting discouraged by not seeing what he was looking for. He wanted to adopt but also was set on a terrier. As we’ve witnessed before, the universe seemed to be working on a dog’s behalf. On the day they were to fly out, Charles’s family who had been visiting and knew how much he wanted a dog, suggested they all stop by the shelter on their way to the airport. At first Charles resisted, thinking it would be a waste of time since he’d been checking the website, but then agreed. He later told us, “I walked down the hallway, looking in the kennels. Then I saw Sensei and felt immediately – that’s my dog.” At the time, he had no way of knowing that Sensei had just been put up for adoption!

We fell in love with Charles and so did Sensei. Charles’ sensitivity, calmness, and kindness were exactly the qualities this dog needed. Sensei gave Charles a huge “paws up” from the start, immediately climbing on his lap during the meet and greet and then leaping into his truck as soon as the door opened. He made it clear to everyone that he and Charles would be leaving the shelter together, and they did. A recent update from Charles included the following, “He’s a great dog. It couldn’t be a better match!” We think so too!

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