Stumpy was REALLY quiet, too quiet. I could see she was making herself as small as possible; she was trembling, and her eyes were bugging out and she was skinny … poor girl…she was so scared. It was dark when I met the transporter, so it wasn’t until I got home that I began to realize how traumatized this little dog was.
The next morning more issues became obvious. As time went by poor little Stumpy’s story began to unfold. Although I can only speculate about her experiences, I don’t think I am far off on any of them.
Stumpy wasn’t exactly a bag of bones, but she wasn’t a healthy weight, either. She was HUNGRY!!! And she had no muscle tone. Of course, I was vigilant about not letting her over eat, but basically I allowed her to eat small amounts throughout the days that followed.
I learned right away that all noises sent her into hiding. Turning on the television, a door opening or closing, the creak of a chair moving, the rattling of paper and the clatter of dishes being washed; all this and more would send this poor girl into hiding…for hours, under furniture, behind the refrigerator, in a cabinet, and if all else failed in her kennel. My German shepherd was beginning to lose his hearing, when Stumpy came home. When I spoke to him, loud enough for him to hear, it was clear Stumpy thought she was in trouble; deep, pain-inducing trouble.
Stumpy had a love/hate relationship with her kennel. When put in her kennel she protested orally and physically. If she went into her kennel to hide she would make herself as small as possible in the back corner and coaxing her out was a lengthy process with all kinds of rewards being employed. This was the one time food held no attraction for her.
She was scared of everything under her feet, except for carpet and tile. When I saw her walking on grass, dirt, sand and other outdoor element it appeared as if she was tip toeing, and again, she trembled like a leaf. One tiny step at a time, she looked like she was afraid she was going to be swallowed up.
Stumpy doesn’t like to be held or restrained in any way, shape or form. Holding her by her collar sent her into hysterics. An attempt to pick her up would induce a state of panic. A leash would cause a frenzied fight with the leash and whoever was holding the other end.
I think what I found most surprising was that she was deathly afraid of women. That would be me. I know, of course, that there are women who abuse animals, but all my experience had been with dogs that, more likely, had been abused by men. Stumpy fell in love with my son, hard and fast. The difference between Stumpy reacted to men and women were like night and day.
The next morning more issues became obvious. As time went by poor little Stumpy’s story began to unfold. Although I can only speculate about her experiences, I don’t think I am far off on any of them.
Stumpy wasn’t exactly a bag of bones, but she wasn’t a healthy weight, either. She was HUNGRY!!! And she had no muscle tone. Of course, I was vigilant about not letting her over eat, but basically I allowed her to eat small amounts throughout the days that followed.
I learned right away that all noises sent her into hiding. Turning on the television, a door opening or closing, the creak of a chair moving, the rattling of paper and the clatter of dishes being washed; all this and more would send this poor girl into hiding…for hours, under furniture, behind the refrigerator, in a cabinet, and if all else failed in her kennel. My German shepherd was beginning to lose his hearing, when Stumpy came home. When I spoke to him, loud enough for him to hear, it was clear Stumpy thought she was in trouble; deep, pain-inducing trouble.
Stumpy had a love/hate relationship with her kennel. When put in her kennel she protested orally and physically. If she went into her kennel to hide she would make herself as small as possible in the back corner and coaxing her out was a lengthy process with all kinds of rewards being employed. This was the one time food held no attraction for her.
She was scared of everything under her feet, except for carpet and tile. When I saw her walking on grass, dirt, sand and other outdoor element it appeared as if she was tip toeing, and again, she trembled like a leaf. One tiny step at a time, she looked like she was afraid she was going to be swallowed up.
Stumpy doesn’t like to be held or restrained in any way, shape or form. Holding her by her collar sent her into hysterics. An attempt to pick her up would induce a state of panic. A leash would cause a frenzied fight with the leash and whoever was holding the other end.
I think what I found most surprising was that she was deathly afraid of women. That would be me. I know, of course, that there are women who abuse animals, but all my experience had been with dogs that, more likely, had been abused by men. Stumpy fell in love with my son, hard and fast. The difference between Stumpy reacted to men and women were like night and day.
3 comments:
OH Stumpy we love you all ready. We are sure that you will soon warm up to Mom. It just takes a bit of time. Mom's are the bestest. Hang in there Mom Stumpy and you will hit it off in no time. Come on over and we will teach you to chase sticks in the water.. We may even show you how to herd sheep..
Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie
Stumpy- no need to be afraid. it does take a bit of time. You are very cute. After you visit the happy heelers.. come see me. I am a good friend and like to play.
Norwood
Not to Worry!!! Stumpy has come along way!!! It's been over 2 years since we adopted each other,and although she will always have issues, they are more like quirks. I love all things a little quirky, I may even be considered a little quirky, myself.
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