Pete and Tinker were found as strays in Arkansas. They were both thought to have Sarcoptic and Demodectic Mange by the shelter workers. Because Sarcoptic Mange is highly contageous, the shelter workers had no choice but to euthanize these pups if they could not get them into a rescue. Many caring people from the shelter and the local humane society helped bring these pups to our attention. A transport train was organized with many kind people who helped these pups get the chance they deserved.
Update 6/11/2009 from the pups' foster mom:
Tinker is a sweet docile girl who LOVES other dogs...she is afraid of people that she does not know right now. We are working on socializing her. Because they were strays as teeny tiny puppies, they are skittish when new, scary or sudden events take place around them. Their first instinct is to run and hide. They usually recover quickly and are not too afraid to check out the situation after the fact. Tinker hid in the pantry when the first couple came by to meet the pups. That is the first time I realized she was afraid of people which was a shock since she did so well when she got her puppy shots at Care-a-Lot and was perfect at all her vet appointments. I‘m confident this is a passing phase and she can be worked with. She is treat driven and is the first to catch on to new expectations.
Her true love is other dogs. She loves me well enough but is ga ga over all other dogs. She cannot sit close enough to them...she tries to put her face on their face, which they hate but she insists on. She likes to lick their faces and will wait and wiggle until they are close enough for approach. She lays down in other dogs paths trying to get noticed and doesn‘t falter if she is growled at in response...her resolve just stiffens if anything. She greets all of my dogs each morning at the baby gate and falls on the floor just aching for attention. She followed my cat and fell down in front of her waiting for approval. You can imagine what the cat was thinking...“have some pride man” is the way I read the exchange. Tinker is GREAT at chasing a ball and brings it back eagerly. She would prefer a bone or a ball to a stuffed toy. She is the dominant one over her brother and doesn‘t hesitate to remind him that although he may be slightly heavier and slightly bigger, she is still the boss. Tinker has not done well with kids, but I don‘t have any and our outside attempts to meet them have not been successful yet. Slow and steady will win the race with her.
Read our journal!
