Famous lyrics brings home how true this will be for a dog. Especially a re-homed four-pawed pet! There is a deal which is 3×3! No, not an off-roader.
Three days may seem a quick jetting over for a quick visit. For a canine pal, three days will involve jetlag from travelling. A short or long haul is tiring. The newcomer may go off its food … may have an accident. All the rules and timings from the shelter or someone else’s home, for that matter, have altered dramatically. Patience.
Usually after three weeks or so, the friendly friend has adapted to the new routine. The timings, the exercising, lights out … whatever! During this time, a bond will or may start to develop. Trust. Suddenly there are new horizons for both the newcomer and the foster home. Lifestyle, re-training, habitation, tastebuds … Yup! All the hard work will eventually pay off.
Some will say: “You can take the dog out of the street. But not the street out of the dog…” Disagree? No. Not entirely. We all are creatures of our universe and culture. There will be a moment when cuddly-buddly decides to leg it off into the wild countryside, returning later, tongue hanging out and looking very sheepish. After a while, the wild will cease to beckon. Temptation may still linger so be on guard at that gate!
If you are considering re-homing a dog, check him or her out. Spend time talking and getting a ‘feel’ for the ‘fit’. Make sure, as far as possible, to make the journey as relaxed as possible. Bed, comfortable, changeable and, above all, somewhere discreet. TV may not be on furry friend’s comfort list – yet. Sizing up the food bowl. Check the instructions on the labelling. Tinned food versus ready-made meal? Mix? Scraps? Check out small quantities at a time, rice, meat scraps, fish flesh. Not bones.
A new collar makes a dog feel special. Lots of training tips on the internet. If the dog already has a name, continue with using it. A lot of people develop pet names which the dog will readily recognise.
Jenny Clarke, APAA’s president, has had several re-homed dogs over many years. “Most of the association’s members are re-homers. You get amazing love and loyalty from them.” The dogs. “It’s a bit like starting a new job.” For humans. “The first thing is learning the new route, then fellow colleagues getting into a routine. Feeling one of the family.” Check list. If you are stuck, the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve is ‘Here to Help’, which is its motto. Vets are listed under each of the area on the internet as are canine behaviourists. Patience.
info.appaportugal@gmail.com | www.apaaportugal.com
Gail Skinner, canine behaviourist: keyawesomedogs@gmail.com
By APAA
