Rescue Me ...

Back in February 2008 I had attended a conference in San Antonio, TX for work.  The conference ended early afternoon and I had plans to go shopping with my Sister-In-Law.  I had a few hours to kill so I decided to do a bit of exploring.  Who knew what an adventure it would turn out to be.

Most people have heard of the Alamo.  What many don't know is that there are four other Mission Churches in San Antonio.  I am a life-long Texan and had never been to the other 4, so I decided that it was a great day to explore some Texas history and hopefully capture some really cool pictures.  I first went to Mission San José and was on my way to Mission Espada when I took a detour.

As I was making my way down a winding back Texas road, something caught my eye.  In the middle of the road (it split off to the right) was a small puppy wearing an oversized collar.  Turning left in the direction of said puppy was a large truck.  Luckily the truck saw the dog and slowed down.  I slammed on my brakes and ran out to the puppy.  He ran from me (but luckily ran into the grass).  I stayed on the side of the road, squatted down and waited.  Slowly, hesitantly, this little guy approached from behind.  When he was close enough I quickly snagged him by that too-big collar.  Ever hear a dog hiss?  This one did.  I didn't hesitate, just cuddled him up close to my chest and talked softly to him.  He went still and I could feel him relax his weight against me.

And then his tail slowly started to wag.

That was it.  My very first "official" rescue.  After that I noticed he had oozing sores on his hind legs, his head was bald, and he wouldn't stop scratching.  Mange.  His tummy was way to distended for a dog who was on his own at that age.  Worms.  He wasn't the best looking, fluffy kind of puppy.  Didn't matter - he was mine.

 

As I read descriptions of dogs in shelters (now that I seem to be deeply involved in dog rescue) I realize that had my Otis ended up in a shelter, he most likely never would have made it out.  He had mange and bad case of worms so he wasn't "cute".  Had someone taken pity on him and saved him as a puppy, they most likely would have returned him to a shelter or simply abandoned him.  Otis has many socialization problems (with dogs and people).  As Butch Cappel says, Otis need re-wiring.  Otis never learned to process his feelings (fear, excitement, anxiety, happiness, etc).  All of it comes out as "worked up" or anxious.  He does show "happy" when he is around people he trusts, but he is easily riled up and anxiety kicks in.  He has a strong fear-aggression behavior that we are working on.  He can't be easily introduced to new people - it takes patience and time on their part (and long pants, and walking out of a room backward, and not making eye contact).  The ones who have taken the time are rewarded with Otis' undying loyalty and his silly waggy tail and grin.  He does make me laugh. :)

The thought that my sweet Otis might not have made it to see his 4th birthday (this November) is why I work so hard to save all the other Otises (Oti??) out there.  The ones that are overlooked because they are not the cute, fluffy puppy.  The ones who seem shy in their cages, but who would blossom if just given a chance.  The ones who embody the term "underdog".  I've always been a sucker for the underdog and root hardest for them to win/succeed.

I love you Otis!