Shortstop
Status:
In Foster Care
Available:
TBD
(Click to Enlarge)
Description:
WRNT has recently taken into the program an elderly Westie named Shortstop. He comes to us from a local animal shelter and promises to be one of our more heartbreaking Rescues to date.
Emails between WRNT volunteers say it best:
Email from Kelly Thu, Jul 20, 2006
FYI. Here are a few photos of Shortstop (what a name!) in action. He fits right in like one of the gang. In the one photo, he is the one looking out the glass door. He is like every other Westie that has been in this house - he loves to look out the window.
I was observing him for a couple hours last night, and I think he is an old guy. He has alot of mannerisms of an older guy - I'm comparing him to Scrappy who was almost 16 when we lost him, and Frankie who was estimated to be 15-17. He gets around well, but extremely slow. He startles easily if you approach him to pet him, or when the other dogs ran by him outside. He does not nip or make any other gestures, you can just tell that he was startled. He also was very confused for a couple of hours last night, younger dogs seem to relax alot quicker in a new home. He walked around the back yard for a long time, just like Scrappy and Frankie used to do. His hearing and sight aren't so hot, but he does respond well to me and to Mark. He allows us to pick him up at will, and last night he was nudging Mark to pet him and pick him up. Smart guy. He let me cut his toenails with out so much as even noticing. He also was not happy being kenneled last night. But, he eventually settled down and slept until I had to wake him up this morning (another sign of an old guy.)
He ate amongst the others with absolutely no problems. He eats well, too. He is pretty skinny so I am sure we can help him out and get a little more weight on him.
Oh, yeah, he has sufficiently marked the backyard as well!
Kelly
Email from Marvin, Fri Jul 21, 2006
Cheryl had discussed Shortstop with Kelly, who has been able to observe his behavior for two days now. They have agreed that he should not be placed from our program unless we happen to encounter an unusual home that fully understands, and is willing to cope with, his problems. Kelly has discussed the situation with her husband, Mark, and they are willing to "walk him home", which is probably a matter of months.
The vet estimate that Shortstop may be only 8 or 9 was apparently too optimistic. He behaves as though he is at least 12, or older -- possibly as old as 15. His movements tend to be slower, possibly arthritic, and he sleeps a lot. Both eyesight and hearing are impaired, which results in his being easily startled. When startled, he gets very agitated, and may bite. He is not naturally aggressive, but can be unpredictable due to his hearing and eyesight impairment.
I am very familar with this syndrome, having had "Altus" for nearly a year before his quality of life became so bad that it was a kindness to put him down.
This is one of those very unfortunate situations that sometimes arises in rescue work -- a dog who has reached the point where placement is inadvisable, but who is not yet bad enough that immediate euthanasia seems justifiable. Kelly and Mark are wonderful people to have stepped forward to provide Shortstop with an understanding home for his remaining time.
Marvin
Email from Kelly, Sun, Jul 23, 2006
Just a quick update on Shortstop. By the way, he does not respond to "Shortstop", but does respond when I call "hey buddy" so now his name is Buddy.
Poor little guy - I feel he has some dementia and some behavior issues that were never addressed earlier in life. He is like a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde dog. I move very slowly and with extreme caution and he does great with me. I have been working with him the last couple of days and so far no one has gotten hurt. I did go buy a muzzle today - the first time in 20 years. But in order to handle, brush or bathe him I will have to keep safe. He will let me pick him up sometimes. I can't quite make out a pattern yet of when it is safe. Right now, if he growls I back away. If I put my hand down, he will come to me and let me pet him. It is odd. If you pet too long, he will most likely start the bad growling and teeth baring.
As of now, he growls when touched, startled, or you get near his food. However, he gently takes food from you and loves people food. (What Westie doesn't?) He will actually stand on his hind legs and beg with his front paws when I am preparing dinner - it's so cute.
He does not growl or attack the other dogs. He actually perks up when he sees them. Whew! They are all managing well. I do crate him at night so everyone is safe and can get rest. He sleeps hard - I have to wake him in the morning. He loves to walk and thinks he is a sled dog. He will shut down on different times during the walk, but if I call him and let up on the leash, eventually he starts moving again.
He loves to look out the windows - as you can see in the photo - and often cries like he is wanting out. He uses the doggie door with ease and wanders all over the back yard.
So, for now, we are getting along. He follows me around, comes when I call him, and working around his problems, is actually doing okay. He definitely cannot be placed anywhere. I can't even imagine him around children, or adults for that matter. He is definitely high maintenance and a possible liability. He has a home, lots of love and care here and I am working with him constantly.
Kelly
Restrictions
Other Dogs: Unknown
Cats: Unknown
Children: Unknown
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