Timber & Wookie

Timber

   Today presented some surprises. Oh, it started out as planned; I caught up on the newspaper from last week while I enjoyed my coffee, did FOUR loads of laundry (turns out that cold-weather vacations require a lot of clothes!), and I even disassembled the fallen gazebo on the deck. The frame and legs are still there, but the torn canvas canopy and supports are gone. And it was no surprise that all of the above was absolutely killing my shoulder. I was anticipating a restful afternoon on the couch creating some artwork for a couple of different humane societies: the Dog-n-Jog t-shirt and the Paws & Pawsta logo...

embellished by the House Industries app

   Right after lunch, I received an urgent email from a fellow volunteer of MSIR (Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue); I was in for a different type of volunteer work today! She needed someone to drive to Lee's Summit to rescue a 9-year-old Shiba named Timber. His family's home was foreclosed, and they had vanished, abandoning Timber in the backyard. But at least they emailed us to tell us about him.

   With bad weather on the way tomorrow (cold + rain + sleet), we needed to get him out of there. We didn't know if he had food, water, or shelter. Feeling especially sorry for him since he's 9 years old, I volunteered to pick him up. I called Kelly and fortunately he was willing to go with me—I was right to suspect that I wouldn't have been able to do this myself. Plus, in an abandonment situation, who knew what I'd walk into. Would the neighbors think I was stealing the dog? I needed a witness.

   We arrived at the house and I walked to the back fence... to see a mini Australian Shepherd/giant long-haired chihuahua staring at me. This was no Shiba! The little dog raced out of view. And then I heard a mistrustful warning bark as the real Shiba came around the house. TWO dogs?! That wasn't planned. I called my MSIR contact to see what to do, and was instructed to rescue both. Good thing the one crate I'd brought was large.

   Neither dog would come to me. They darted around the yard like wild-eyed greyhounds, utterly terrified. I attempted to corner them, but it was no use—they were too fast. A neighbor spotted us and came over to see what was going on. She was so relieved when she heard that the owner had contacted rescue and asked us to get them. They had been outside, alone, for three weeks. She even helped me catch the panicked pooches. We had to use all our ingenuity—and had to be cautious so we would end up with all our fingers: the dogs were snapping out of fear.

   Once we managed to get a leash around each, they instantly became calmer. We were able to lead them into the crate together, and carried them to the car. They never made another peep after that: the car ride was silent, and as I write this several hours after the event, they still haven't talked.

THANK YOU, KELLY!!!

   At my house, Kelly helped me carry them to the backyard and we managed to gently and slowly put harnesses on them (this was a miracle for sure). Within a few minutes, the dogs were following us, becoming a little clingy. Timber even wagged his tail. I was shocked at how quickly they transformed after being cornered, caught, and removed from their home by strangers, and brought to a strange house.

   I set up crates for them in my living room, and gave Timber his pillow from his old dog house. It comforted him, and he slept peacefully. Little Wookie, as I'm calling him, desperately needed a bath. He was terribly matted, and his rear end was completely impacted with feces. I couldn't bear the smell—the risk of handling him was worth it. He took the brushing in stride, even though it was uncomfortable. I wouldn't have blamed him if he bit me, and I honestly expected him to try. But he didn't. In the bathtub he was patient and still. It was a piece of cake! He is the more nervous of the two, but after getting cleaned up, I could sense relief from him. I pointed the heater at his crate and he, too, slept peacefully.

   Another surprise: Aki doesn't like intruders in her house. At all. Ever. But she was completely cool with these boys, and they with her. The whole menagerie, including the cat, were entirely non-reactive to each other. Wow.
   Over these last several hours, just having these grateful dogs in my home has made me grateful too. It would be very easy to judge the family who abandoned them. These are clearly house dogs who were loved—they were well-fed, too—how could anyone leave them in such a horrible situation? What if no one had rescued them? But the more I think about it, the more humbled I am.
   I am very blessed. I have a great job, earn a good income, and live in a nice home. I've always been able to feed and clothe myself. And although my shoulder injury is annoying, I got it because I had the means to travel, and to participate in a sport that I love—a luxury for sure. I've never had to contemplate the possibility of being homeless—far from it. And though I can't possibly imagine a situation in which I'd choose to abandon my pets, I've never HAD to. I have great empathy for this family, but I can't say that I understand how they feel. It must be heart-wrenching to leave their beloved pets. That's what I choose to believe.
   My Aki had been abandoned by her original owner, much like these dogs were, and rescued by an MSIR volunteer. She was  fearful for a while. But in time, and with love and patience, she has blossomed into a perfect companion. If her owner hadn't dumped her, I wouldn't have her. It was wrong, but it turned out right. These dogs surely have a happier future ahead of them, too. I'm confident MSIR will ensure that.
   I'm sitting in my warm living room with Taylor sleeping at my feet, Aki sleeping on the rug, Kismet sleeping on the back of the couch, and Timber and Wookie sleeping in their crates. And I'm smiling.
   I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you have the resources, the talents, or the time, please find an organization you care about and support them however you can. I promise you'll get back more than you could ever give. You may even encounter some wonderful surprises... Updates forthcoming...