Saturday, December 14, 2013

Mosey, a shy dog on the move

We met her at Hayward Animal Services. We were in shopping mode because we had several great applications in hand from folks who wanted well socialized, easy-ish dogs. Our hope was to find a good match for one or more of the apps and help everybody out. That grand plan shifted when we met Mosey.

She was trying her best to pretend she didn't exist and was so frightened that she could barely move her body. We cooed and massaged and whispered to her, but she was checked out. She stood frozen: wouldn't make eye contact or take treats or ask for a connection. We were with shelter staff from New Mexico who were participating in our 'Pit Ed Camp' workshops. We talked about the special needs of shy dogs, then left the shelter - all feeling pretty crummy. None of our applicants would want her, and she would not make it to the adoption floor, so she was a goner.


As we drove home, Tim and I looked at each other and said, "What are we doing?" We made plans to go back and get her the following Monday.

She was no less catatonic when she came home. It was as if she thought she'd stay safe if she just pretended she wasn't alive. "I don't know about this one," I said to Tim, "She's pretty far gone." In his usual we-can-do-it style, he reminded me to give her time. Even so, I warned the Barn Crew team not to get attached. I explained what a compassion case was to our newest team members and watched them roll the concept around in their minds.

In the meantime, some of our applicants went away, determined to find their easy-ish dogs somewhere else. We shrugged it off - Good applications will come again. Mosey just stared off into space - our adoption game meant nothing to her.

The one thing that Mosey perked up for was Elliot. She wouldn't move a muscle unless he was there to lure her. So every time we needed to take her outside, we shouted for Elliot. He was happy to oblige.

Eventually, she started skipping alongside him and asking to play. And then, she started lying next to Tim when he was at his computer. She was still scared of everything, but she'd found a couple of things that gave her comfort and a few happy moments to finally be alive.


We decided to move her out of Tim's carving studio and into the barn. She was clearly thrilled to be around so many dogs but she was very shy around the team. When people came to visit, we asked them to ignore Mosey and call Beetle onto the sofa for cuddles. Within seconds, Mosey would be at their side too. Later, during her second vet visit, our vet discovered a large foxtail that had been in her ear for a very long time. It had gone deep and ruptured her ear drum. We have no idea how long she lived with that incredible pain. Our vet dug it out and put it in a plastic specimen tube for us to take home and amaze over. It's such a good reminder that troubled dogs may have fixable problems we can't see right away.

She was at her happiest when she was in the yard with dog friends. One morning when the sun was particularly warm and cheerful, and Elliot and Beetle were romping nearby, I offered Mosey a tug toy. I nearly fell over when she grabbed it and asked for a tug. "Shy dogs don't tug," I told Mosey. For a minute, Mosey told me, "But I'm not shy."

As she got comfortable, she started grumbling and barking in a very weird Ewok voice whenever anyone walked into the barn. It wasn't a warning growl. She was starting to demand attention - the sign of a dog who expects more from life. "We need to teach her another way to ask for what she wants, and then the grumbling will go away." Easier said then done. Mosey wouldn't offer a sit, so trying to capture it with a quick reward was feeling impossible. And when we lured the treat over her head, she'd follow it with huge, pleading eyes - all four feet firmly committed to standing steady. We skipped the lesson and gave her ample treats for the warm eye contact instead.

Over Thanksgiving a little miracle happened when barn crew member Anita Joe finally convinced Mosey that she'd get a treat if she sat her butt on the ground. Once the lightbulb was on, Mosey proudly offered a 'Sit' again and again and again. This was a milestone in her recovery. Finally, she had some control over here Universe. Whenever she sat, we offered a treat. Hundreds of treats. She was so proud of herself and walked much taller with this skill in her pocket. And yes, the grumbling/barking went away and was replaced by a quick 'Sit' at the kennel door and wide saucer eye contact.

During this time, a WA-based family came by to meet our dogs. They had a gorgeous young daughter named Elliot, a senior chihuahua and a small farm filled with slaughterhouse rescues. We showed them Puddles, who would do well with so many creatures in his home. And Darla, who had lived with a cat in her past, and Elfie - who wanted to curl into their arms. They loved them all, but zoomed in on -- Mosey. "Tell me about the shy one," Shama asked. Shama had adopted a timid dog named Twyla from BR years ago, and she'd recently passed on. It made sense that she'd be attracted to Mosey. "She's just starting to come around," we told them. They left for home with a promise to mull the big decision over.

A few days later, I picked up their email while out on errands and cheered to Tim. "Mosey! They want Mosey!" They said they thought she had something special. Tim plays in a band so would be back in the bay area practicing for a big show. He made arrangements to come collect her after his work was done, and Shama stayed home, eager to welcome their new dog. Excited emails flew back and forth as we confirmed the arrangements. Photo above: Mosey's last play session with BFF Elliot, showing off that newly trademarked Mosey grin.

Photos from her departure below.

Her get-acquainted walk with new dad Tim. Frightened of traffic, we kept her on a quiet street with Elliot there as her training wheels, of course.


It took two human coaches, a big soft dog bed, a bag of treats and an oversized husky to help her want to investigate the car before her big road trip north. "You can do it, girl."


Finally, all settled in, she and new dad Tim get ready to hit the road. My camera caught her worried face, looking out to Elliot, no doubt. She'll be home and with her new chihuahua friend in no time and we all look forward to hearing about her progress as it starts to sink in that she's home.

Fare-thee-well Mosey. You are one brave girl. With many thanks to Tim and Shama for recognizing her potential and opening your hearts and home.


32 comments:

  1. What a great story!! Thank you all for saving such a wonderful girl and I hope to hear more good news as she gets used-to her new family and home.

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  2. Tim & Shama, please keep us posted on her progress with lots of pictures! :) Thank you.

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  3. What a wonderful story. Bless you for your faith in her. Would love to hear how she settled in with her family.

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  4. the shy ones sometimes break your heart with their inability to accept your love and comfort...so happy for Mosey. Thank you for not giving up on her.

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  5. I spent my whole day happily not sobbing and then I had to go and read this.

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  6. Hoping Elliot gets to visit Mosey.... at least once, for Mosey's sake.

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  7. Oh that story brought tears to my eyes! I hope Mosey has a wonderful life, and bless the family who made her one of their own!

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  8. wonderful story brought a tear to my eye......thanx to all who saw her for her sweetness I hope her new family will update from time to time

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  9. My dad told me several times "There's somebody for everyone". I think that applies to dogs too. They really hold a deep place in our hearts. Yay for Mosey and her new forever family!

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  10. I love stories like this. I was always the one "nobody wanted". The last one chosen for a team. Only one in my class not invited to a birthday party (true!). Never knew why...only figured out late in life it was because of my home-life and mentally ill mother. So you can imagine why I cheer the the underdog each and every time. And work for pit-bull rescue and offer free transport. This story brought tears down my face in happiness and cannot wait to hear updates on Mosey!

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  11. There's something about them having a daughter named Elliot that just makes it seem magical! What a great story and a little bit of a Christmas miracle! Cheers to Mosey and her new family and here's to hoping a great friendship blossoms with her new Elliot! :)

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  12. So glad Mosey is home for the holidays. Just love these happy beginnings for such great dogs. Thank you for standing by Mosey.

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  13. Okay, I'd been holding out on not getting the Elliot calendar because I don't use a wall calendar, but now I'm heading over to buy one. That guy is my hero. As are you guys. A beautiful story about a dog finding not just her potential, but her home. So sweet!

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    1. Thank you for enabling my stage mother-side by buying his calendar. :-) He really is a special guy. We wouldn't get nearly as much done without him and the other mentor dogs.

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  14. It was pure pleasure to read this text. I hope it will reach a lot of people. And to you above me...there really isn't any explanation as to why some are left out. So instead of finding an answer let it be.

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  15. SanFran-Tastic work, all of you! Love really can conquer all, when accompanied by faith and a healthy dose of perserverence!

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  16. Wonderful story - shows what the commitment of such wonderful people can accomplish! Thanks for all you do...

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  17. Will we get an update on her? I hate it when they get comfortable & happy then have to move on again. They don't know what rescue is, even we know it's a good thing. I hope she'll get a more training w/her new family too. xoxo

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    1. You're so right - It's always hard to see them shy-down when they transition, but Mosey showed us that she can get beyond her fears. Of course her new family is ready for the challenge or we wouldn't have let her go. ;-)

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  18. That worried look...I've known it on some of mine, especially the 15 yr old pocket pittie who had been bred nearly to death. You'd like to be able to tell her where she's going so she'll understand it will all be good. But, she will know soon enough! Thanks to all for this wonderful story. I love how very careful you are about it all.

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  19. I love this! Thank you for never giving up on dogs that the world has long decided to forget about. Hope you have the best life, Mosey!

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  20. what a wonderful story. but sad I wouldn't be able to let her go. have a happy holiday.

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  21. Awe...Sweet awesome story. Any chance Mosey and Elliott can visit one another? That is the part that tugged my heart...when she had to leave Elliott....but great story and thankful to the Angels that took her in and will love her always.

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  22. Awesome story and she really is a beautiful girl!! I wish Elliot could go with her.

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  23. love, love, love! What lovely tale..tears of joy for Mosey!

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  24. Just what I needed this morning.

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  25. Awesome! Thank you to everyone involved. We sure hope to hear more about Mosey as she settles in to her new life!

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  26. What a great story. The work you guys do is so inspirational.

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  27. That Elliot is such a special dog. He knows just what to do. Thanks, Elliot, for being there for the ones who need your unique kind of support.

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  28. I read this blog post three times and cried happy tears every single time. Good luck, Mosey!

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