Jun 23, 2023
Valentine’s Day 2023 will all the time be particular for Jeni Gossard, a volunteer with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), because it marks the day her adoption of Sylvester, a Chihuahua with loads of love to present, turned official. The journey thus far wasn’t a straightforward one attributable to belief and nervousness points the pup had, however endurance, persistence, and APA!’s skilled Canine Conduct Program made this “glad starting” potential.
Generally perceived behaviors and points can create limitations to adoption. APA!’s program makes use of a three-part method to make adoptions profitable by assessing and treating the entire canine – thoughts, physique, and spirit – utilizing play teams, obedience coaching and adoption comply with up assist to assist .
Gossard remembers the primary time she met Sylvester 4 years in the past. She says she instantly noticed how shelter life elevated his nervousness, so she volunteered to take him house for “sleepovers” as a part of the conduct program in order that she may observe and assess his conduct.
“He was a terrific home visitor. My first encounters with him had been constructive and there have been no conduct points,” she mentioned. She instantly thought of adopting him, however her profession and private life made it tough to look after a pet full time.
In the meantime, Sylvester was adopted right into a loving house, however 10 months later, he was returned to attributable to nervousness and belief points. This sample of adoption and return would proceed a number of extra instances, with Gossard working with him for weeks every time. One thing magical occurred, nevertheless, the final time Sylvester got here again.
“When he was returned from the fourth house, I made a decision he was “house”, she mentioned. “Lengthy story quick, Sylvester knew I used to be his “mother” means earlier than I noticed it.”
Gossard knew she and Sylvester would want steering and assist from the APA! Canine Conduct Program after his adoption to efficiently deal with his belief and nervousness points. By way of this system she was capable of safe a stable workforce of “APA! aunties” who had been integral in assuaging the pup’s belief points by means of socialization, perseverance, and endurance.
“Evidently, I’ve loads of assist by means of APA!’s conduct workforce, employees and volunteers. I’m frequently texting/speaking with all of his APA! aunties,” Gossard mentioned.
With out APA’s Canine Conduct Program, the end result may need been very completely different. Gossard mentioned she has taken him to work and he loves her co-workers as a result of they respect his boundaries and he is aware of they’re the “deal with folks”, and the longer he’s in her house his nervousness has lessened and his belief has elevated.
“I like him for who he’s,” Gossard mentioned, “and can proceed to work with him so he stays a relaxed, loving, trusting and a contented little boy.”
