Scruffy was brought to the Humane Society Of Redmond Oregon in such bad shape his future and outlook was not very good. His hair was matted and his skin was inflamed from neglect. Scruffy would not allow anyone to handle him and had to be brought in on a catch pole. During his transfer he bit one of the shelter staff. Needless to say Scruffy was not very popular at the shelter and the staff was recommending him put down. the Shelter Manager asked my wife if I could evaulate Scruffy as she thought he was salvageable. Scruffy had never been outside for a walk and was very agitated when any attempts were made to touch his neck. He would bark and go to the back of his cage so he pretty much remained in the kennell because the staff did not trust him not to bite. the kennel could not be cleaned so Scruffy was not a very happy camper. I introduced myself to Scruffy and realized right away I was dealing with a very scared but sweet dog. I went into the kennell with scruffy and spent a few days getting him to accept a harness. I applied a ttouch body wrap and used specific ttouches that help with fearful behavior. This was day one. Day two was a bit more interesting as scruffy needed to be shaved to get the mats out of his coat and he was also to be neutered. Getting the harness on him was a long process but this allowed the staff to move him more freely. He still did not want to leave his kennell as this was his comfort zone. I tought him a game where he would earn treats by coming out of the kennell to see other dogs, he actually seemed to enjoy the game. We got to the point where he actually made it outside probably for the first time in his life on a walk. We only went a few steps but I felt it was a great accomplishment for Scruffy.
Scruffy was later shaved and neutered and looked much better than he did when he first came to the shelter. I started working with him again a few days later and was able to take him for his first walk around the block. He was very tentative and nervous but we took it slow at his pace. I always gave Scruffy the choice of going back to the kennell where he felt safe. He made it albeit slow but made it. This was the turning point in his rehabilitation. In the next few days he became more and more comfortable with his daily walks so I introduced my dog Beau to him. Beau has been a blessing to me and many dogs with his calm nature and wise ways. Myself my wife Pam, Scruffy and Beau walked around the block, towards the end of the walk I looked at Scruffy and said " Hey you made it" he looked at me and licked my hand and his little tail was in high wag mode. I knew right there and then that this dog was going to make it. Scruffy now is walked everyday by my wife Pam and other senior walkers and has made such great progress he is up for adoption .Scruffy is a very good example of how patience and positive training can and does make a very big difference in the lives of dogs that in the past with traditional harsh training methods would not have worked as well. You are well on your way Scruffy to finding your forever home.
