Thankful for a Second Chance, and a Third

Chip wandered into a country home, along a busy highway. He stayed there four weeks, living outside the entire time. He was not entirely welcome, but the couple did not want to send him to the county pound. They knew his chances there weren't good. So they contacted the local group of "rescue ladies," who then found ESRA. It took awhile to get Chip's tranport arranged.

Chip found the trip north to Cleveland quite stressful, and he had a rough first night in care. Then he wasn't feeling very well, and, frankly, he got kicked out of Stautzenberger College on Monday morning because he did not like being handled. He was picked up from there with the expectation that he was not a nice boy and was going to need to be euthanized.

Fortunately, he better nature started to come through. He was nice and gentle during the immunizations, and he handled the transfer to West Park Animal Hospital very well. We were able to identify some reasons that he might not be feeling well, and Chip was a very cooperative patient at West Park Animal Hospital.

When he was released, we visited a professional trainer to get a good assessment of Chip's temperament, and Chip did very, very well. Yes, he lacks manners. But he is not a bad tempered dog. It took a lot to get Chip's goat. So Chip came home to foster care.

Well, Chip is pretty "uncouth" in the house. Mouthing. Counter surfing. Jumping up. It was a very rough first day. But the second day, the bad behaviors were less, and the good behaviors were more. And on Wednesday, still more good behaviors. By Thursday, he's pretty great. Very little undesirable behavior. Sit and down pretty well mastered. Come is wonderful. Stay... that's tough. And he is a pretty nice boy on a leash.

Grandma just brought by a Senior friend- a very elderly lady who loves dogs dearly- and who wanted to meet Chip. What a test for Mr. Uncouth! But wouldn't you know- he was a Rock Star! Gentle, loving, affectionate-- kisses, not mouthing. Gave paw. What a nice dog! How did he know?

Chip has been a good lesson for me about jumping to conclusions.