We are committed to showing Harpo what the good life is all about. It is obvious that he left behind a very hard life and we can only imagine how grateful he will be when someone finally show him what love is all about.
|
|
|
| In just a few weeks, Harpo has already gone through quite a transformation. This is what he looked like when he first came to us... |
|
UPDATE December 2008: Harpo has received his heartworm treatment and it was a success. He is on his way to recovery. Not only is Harpo doing much better physically, but his smile is brighter every day too.
He is starting to realize that he will never suffer at the hands of cruel individuals again and he couldn't be anymore relieved. This is what rescue is all about! |
Foster Situation: Harpo is in a home with two other dogs. He has not been introduced yet, due the heartworm treatment. From what I have observed, and given time, I believe he could live in a home with a friendly female.
As much as he has been messed with, poked, or pinched, no matter how scared or nervous he was, he has never shown any sign of human aggression. He is doing very well in foster care and makes little improvements everyday! He is still shy, but within ten minutes or less of meeting new people he will walk up to them and sniff them and let them pet him. His shy personality is something we are going to work on better when he is clear of the heartworm!
We do have a fenced in yard, but due to the heartworm treatment he hasn't been able to run and play in it yet. Every time he is taken out to do his business he tries to get me to play by jumping around in front of me, so I have the feeling he will LOVE the fenced yard.
We live in town right by the highway and the traffic and loud noises never seem to bother him! I get the feeling in time he will be very brave and headstrong.
So far the only outings he has gotten have been to the vet for neutering and his heartworm treatment. He does great in the car! Just hangs out in the back seat and watches other cars go by.
He does pretty well on the leash. He is beginning to learn that if he pulls we stop. It will take more time but I know he will learn to walk on the leash like a champ! He gets to cuddle up every night in his crate on a big soft blankie and never makes a mess or a sound (other than a few snores)! I think he is just happy to have a soft and warm place to rest.
The ideal home for Harpo would be someone that has some knowledge about timid dogs. Someone that is willing to take the time to earn his trust and see that he continues to be socialized so he can learn that people are good!
Training: Harpo has only had one accident in the house, when we first got him. He was marking (it was before he was fixed.) But other than that, no problems! He does not know any tricks yet, but we will try that soon.
He seems eager to please. He just doesn't really know HOW to please yet. I am pretty sure that given time he will be a happy, bouncy, and playful boy! He just needs to recover from the heartworm so then he can prove it to the world!
Personality: He is shy until you earn his trust. Then he is silly, loving, playful, and sweet. He is pretty well behaved but tends to be a little bit of a chewer. He LOVES pig ears, nylabones, and anything rawhide! He doesn't know what to do with other toys. So far he seems calm, but the heartworm may play a part in that! He doesn't seem to be dominant. So far he is pretty lazy. He takes lots of naps and gets more comfortable everyday. He is interested in the squirrels outside and likes to watch but hasn't tried to run after anything so far. One of his new favorite things to do is to put his two front paws on the window and watch the outside world go by!
He enjoys being outdoors sniffing around and checking out what's going on. He likes to stretch out and take naps by my feet. I think he, and the rest of us, are very excited to see how the rest of his story unfolds! This survey may change a bunch after the heartworm is gone and he is cleared to start the next chapter of his life!
Best Attribute: That's so hard to answer! There is so much to love about him! The way he rests his head in your hand while you scratch behind his ears or between his eyes is adorable. He has very sweet eyes.... He looks up at me and just seems to say "Love on me, if only for a little while! I promise to make it worth your time!"
He is very handsome and sweet. To me it seems like he is almost a "clean slate". He just needs to be shown what it takes to be a good dog! He really had no idea what it was to be spoiled, or have a warm place to sleep, or a good meal two to three times a day, but he's learning! Its almost like having a puppy! You get to teach him all about everything he needs to know to be a great dog. Minus the messes of a pup! :)
Once you earn this red boy's trust I have the feeling he will never let you down! He deserves a loving home that will give him the chance to prove it!
|
