Shy dog group at Mackenzie’s!
Some dogs need a little extra confidence to find their ‘Forever Home!’
Say hello to Wren, Isis, Sarge, Beauregard and Serena! Great group!
Happy Friday! We are excited to share with you a current program we are working on at Mackenzie’s. We are known for our enrichment and the many ways we help each dog to be better once they arrive at Mackenzie’s. So many of our dogs come in ‘broken’ and we work really hard to heal the pieces. Confidence and that ‘safe’ feeling seems to be a common trait with some rescue dogs. We have started a Shy dog group at the Sanctuary to support these dogs and develop their confidence. Christina, a Sanctuary Kennel Attendant, leads this amazing group. “With so many puppy mill dogs and timid dogs here at the Sanctuary, we saw a need and decided to start a group,” says Christina.
How does it work?
We carefully choose multiple dogs to round out the group because we have found them to be more calming for most of the shy dog participants. We try to get as many people (usually Volunteers ) into the group to get the dogs used to different types of people and new people as well. We welcome people to come in and out of the room when they can to further help with this.
Why do we do it?
This is all part of our efforts to help them overcome their fear of new things and experiences. We try to take the dogs to different buildings and into cars for off sites to increase their opportunities for new experiences. The off sites really make a huge difference in getting them used to new places, experiences and people. The dogs are usually nervous the first few times but we see some relaxing after a few more Shy dog group meetings. Anytime we add a new person, dog or experience there is a bit of anxiety and nervousness but once they get used to it, they are fine. “The ultimate goal is to get these dogs to not be so scared when experiencing new things and when they have an adoption visit to not be so shy with the prospective adopters,” shares Christina. “Thanks also to all the people involved: Carol Darby, Diana Sherburn, Amber Pontius, Jan Reed-Smith and myself (Christina). We also have other Volunteers and Staff that come in and out as they can. We have two groups right now. The other one includes Carley and Dot.”
Wren is blossoming!
We are so excited about the cool stuff we do at the Sanctuary everyday! Our Shy dog group is just one of the extra steps we take to ensure our dogs are ready to meet you! It’s also a lot of fun and rewarding to see them bloom! Great job Christina and all our Volunteers that help support these awesome efforts every day!
PUPDATE: Wesley’s been home since 2010
Wesley came to the Sanctuary in June of 2010 and was adopted in December of 2010!
“Wes fit right in quick. He didn’t have any problems. I believe it was 3 Christmas’s ago he came to be with us?? He does look like he is getting a little older – and acts like it. He seems calmer when home with the family and tends to nap more than he used to. He still has his times though – chasing Dylan (4 years old) around the house and over the couches, or out rolling in the grass when weather is good. I’m not sure he has a favorite, though. He is content with anybody, even strangers. He will bark when someone arrives, but the minute he smells them with his tail wagging, he turns his back and sits, waiting to be petted. Wes is very patient. Dylan used to “hug” him and hang on him and he would just look at us as if he was asking for help. He sleeps with Ashleigh (12 years old) or Dylan, but mostly Dylan because Dylan won’t go to sleep without him there. When grandpa or uncle Dennis comes over, then they are his favorite because he knows they will give him ALL of their attention! Ashleigh has taught him some new tricks. He knew sit and down when he came here, but now does speak, crawl and will even give the treat back on command without issues. In the end though, he is rewarded!
Wesley does get to go for rides, but not as often as he would like. It’s usually when we go pick the kids up from school or when I go see the guys at work (the fire station). He likes to run around there too and shed on everybody’s dark blue pants.
I find myself looking at your web site often. Wondering how Wes would do with a friend. But I’m pretty sure Denise is not ready for 2 dogs in the house. I see you have some senior dogs available and have thought maybe adopting one for Denise’s dad. He loves dogs and I think a mellow senior would fit in well with him.
I wish I could have gotten you some better pictures, but when the camera phone comes out, he tends to look away.”
Ken
Thanks for the update Ken! So happy to hear Wes is doing so well in his forever home!
Kristi on Fox 17 today!
Adopt Kristi during Senior Dog Month at Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary!
Show some love for another Sanctuary Senior – Kristi! Her story starts out sad but you wouldn’t know it after meeting this wonderful gal! Kristi was dropped off at a shelter with Heart worm and several other ailments. Her D.O.B. is 4/07/04. Kristi battled heartworm like a trouper, and now acts like she has a new “leash on life”. She has done very well with all staff and volunteers and just wants to hang out with you. Because of her age, may be best with older and calmer children. She would make a great companion to read to, or tell your troubles to, and she will always listen. She just wants to curl up next to a cozy fire and be with you. Please come and see her today!
“Kristi enjoyed meeting all the people at Fox 17 this morning. She loved all of the attention.” – with Cindy in the green room
Check Kristi out from her live debut on Fox17 this morning at:
We love our Senior dogs, mellow and ready for their second chance! Are you looking for a ‘what you see is what you get’ kind of relationship this Valentine’s Day? Come meet a senior at the Sanctuary today!
Would you like a donation box at your place of work? If so, please call the office today at: 616-693-2490 Ext. 3
