Royce and Becky

Royce and Becky have a few things in common: they are both pit mixes, (he's pit/mastiff, she's pit/retriever) both about a year old and both rather timid about coming out of their kennels. Becky is so afraid she has to be carried outside and being on a leash makes her very nervous. Royce gets so anxious about going outside he'll just lay down on the ground or try to bolt back inside. But today when we brought them together, they gave each other courage and a sense of belonging that was heartwarming to witness. They are also both incredibly sweet and gentle dogs, eager for a loving pet or to be allowed to give kisses, which they do with wild abandon.

Becky came in with a leg injury, possibly a pulled muscle or tendon. She seems to be fine now although she does walk high up on her toes. When I have her on a leash, she sits down or pulls away. Off of a leash (but still inside the shelter) she keeps close and follows much more confidently. She seems to be comfortable around other dogs and shows absolutely no aggression toward anyone or anything so far.

Royce has that same even temperament. We thought that bringing these two kids together could be an interesting experiment. Both seem so very submissive and shy. We took Becky out of her kennel first-- off-leash since she wouldn't follow along otherwise-- and went to Royce's kennel and got him. They greeted each other politely, then (and she had to wear the leash at this point) we headed as a group toward the back door. Royce hesitated at the threshold but his desire to follow another dog was too strong and he eventually came outside on his own. Then Becky got intimidated but seeing Royce with us made her want to keep up with this strange new pack and she went along with us to the play yard.

Once inside, they sniffed each other, did a brief bit of "climbing" one over the other and there was only one brief moment of tension-- a single growl-- and then everything was fine. From two little dogs too timid to walk outside to a pair of romping, jumping, chasing puppies, Becky and Royce transformed in just a matter of minutes. It was amazing.

I think that either dog would do well in a home with another dog who is not overly aggressive or bossy. They've made a huge stride toward overcoming their shyness and insecurity. (Both are owner surrenders.) Given a stable, loving home, these will be some of the best dogs anyone could ask for. They just want to know they belong. These are very special dogs and they deserve a chance to prove it.

UPDATE 9/15: Royce is still there and now on the "urgent" list. He also seems a little bit sneezy, and it looks pretty bleak for him. We're still holding on to hope that he gets adopted or rescued tonight.

Becky, on the other hand, has been adopted. BY US! :) Yup, she's our girl now and we've renamed her "Amelia," (Emmy for short).

Although she's also feeling a bit under the weather and is a bit stiff in her back legs - both she and Royce may have been handled a little too roughly by their previous owner - she'll have a futon to sleep on, a thorough check-up, and Rufus to keep her entertained (and largely sleepless, at present).

UPDATE 9/17: Royce was one of a handful of dogs put to sleep today. He had become quite ill (as has Becky/Amelia) and the shelter is crowded again. I guess the rain makes people resent their dogs or something. :( Before Tim took Amelia home, he brought her by Royce's kennel so he could see she was okay. It seemed to cheer him up. He was a great dog.

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