Maggie and Baby, though, are local dogs and came into TAS together almost a month ago, the day before the CNE started. They were both shy with Maggie, the Australian Cattle Dog mix, being especially so. Back then, even when I just looked at her, she backed away and crawled behind a chair.
Four weeks later, though, Maggie's doing much better. She still backs off to any sudden moves and takes a few moments before approaching calm strangers but she's learned to accept affection and treats from people.
These two dogs are bonded but will be adopted out separately. Their bonding, while strong, also makes them behave badly. When they're around each other, Baby, a Rottie mix gets snarly around other dogs while Maggie becomes quite protective and will start to growl and nip at people. It's unfortunate they need to be re-homed apart but the risks are too high keeping them together.
Still, it's sad. As I was taking out Maggie, I walked her by Baby in her kennel and Maggie immediately stopped and pulled over and they touched noses through the wire mesh door and she gave Baby a whole bunch of I-miss-you kisses.
Baby
MaggieUpdate on Maggie here.
For adoption information on these and other dogs (and cats and other animals), please visit Toronto Animal Services.
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4 comments:
Nice looking dogs.
Too bad they can`t go together.
I`m sure they`ll have no problem finding homes.
I just can`t fathom dumping dogs.
Perhaps there are some legitimate reasons(?) but I always feel so sad for them.
I always wonder what`s going on in their heads?
They must be so confused.
I'm always wondering what goes through their heads. I wonder if they experience something similar to the stages of grief like we do. There's definitely some sort of transition period where the initial shock eases out and is replaced by what? Low level anxiety? Resignation?
I'm fairly positive now that the majority of time, a dog's real personality doesn't reveal itself in the shelter. I've heard too many adoption stories, like every adoption story pretty much, about how a dog's personality blossoms after a few weeks in a real home.
How can the personality of any mammal blossom in a place where they are under constant strain and anxiety? I know my personality doesn't "blossom" when I feel as though I am constantly in imminent danger of an attack, when I'm confused and feeling helpless and vulnerable. Anxiety pretty much doesn't do anything good for anyone.
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers is a very interesting look into the way long term stress and anxiety affects mammals' biology and behaviour.
Maggie is really cute. I'm sure she's very smart and hard working.
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