Today was typical of many Mondays. Mass arrival of canines are all too common after a weekend, and although we are usually optimistic that at least some of them will be reclaimed, this is often not the case.
We will try and get photographs of the new arrivals tomorrow, things were way too busy for the employees to be able to do so today. I know that three female boxers arrived in a mistreatment case, and that a tiny pincher arrived too, but I don’t know about the others as yet.
Finding kennels for the seven new dogs was not easy in a refuge that is already overcrowded. Luckily one of the dogs was reclaimed, but that still left us with the problem of six new dogs. Each dog requires paperwork to be filled out, and as usual, Carole was the last to leave, 45 minutes after her scheduled time.
More bad news: Rocco was returned a mere four days after being adopted. You may recall that he was the big Pyrenean Mountain cross who went to live with two other dogs. It was emphasised to the family that wanted him that this was a big dog who was essentially a working breed, and that the right place for him was a farm, with plenty of land and outdoor activity. They were determined to make things work, though, and as it is SPA policy to give every dog its chance, Rocco went off to his new home.
The restraints on such a big, lively dog were too much, however, and he bit the family’s child. Of course once this has happened confidence is understandably lost, and the family brought Rocco straight back. We will be looking for a home with no young children and lots of outdoor space for this big lad next time. He deserves another chance.
There was one bit of good news, however. Big Tifly was reclaimed by his owner. I am very pleased, as this dog arrived wearing a muzzle and appeared very aggressive. Once he settled down after a couple of days, we realised that he was more scared than anything, and today he went back to his home.
Overall a very grim day, however.
Rocco – Better luck next time, lad
Tifly – RECLAIMED