Spike Is Turned Into Teddy
The morning with my new foster dog, Spike began with taking him from his night kennel, carrying him outside where he immediately eased himself. He didn't sniff the wind or take any interest in the bird songs. Nor did he walk about to examine the yard. He is blind, but even so, it would be good to see him shuffle around a bit.
He is a nice looking dog. A Japanese Chin, he's getting on in years. Like most dogs who end up in foster care, he needs help in order to be placed with someone who will cherish him. This little dog seems to be in a deep depression. He came to be named 'Spike' at a foster home. I didn't think it suited him at all, so decided to give him a new name. Sitting in front of him I trolled out a string of dog names hoping he would react to one. Jasper came over dragging his 10 pound teddy bear with him. On a hunch I said, "Teddy, how about the name Teddy." He actually made one small wag of his tail. Teddy is a name that suits him to a 'T'.
I've discovered he likes to be groomed. He leans into the brush with every stroke. His coat is long, black and white, with both eyes surrounded by black that carries over to his ears. He has a large white ruff, but its that little face that is so cute. His muzzle is short and wide, with black whisker pads, making it appear as if the lower part of his face is sprinkled with whiskers.
He is nervous when picked up, but if I sit on the floor, gradually pulling him onto my lap so that his feet never really lose contact with the floor, he'll relax. Once in my lap, if I stroke him, he'll push his body into my hand. I can't touch anywhere around his head. He probably has memories about the pain he went through while his eyes were being treated. I wonder why he isn't tattooed or microchiped as Japanese Chin dogs aren't that common in the area he was found.
"It does no good to wonder. Deal with the here and now." Those words spoken by my grandmother seem to make more sense each day. When it was time for the dog's dinner, Teddy ate, but as yesterday didn't show any of the bowl polishing actions of a dog who has enjoyed his meal. When it was my turn to eat, I plopped down in front of him making a huge to-do about what was on my plate. Jasper was there in a flash. I had cooked carrots. Jasper had a piece. I offered a bite to Teddy, holding it where he could smell it. As yesterday, I held it where he had to lean to get it. The next bite, I held it where he had to turn his head a bit. It worked! Food, glorious food, it works every time. This time instead of holding a water dish under his nose, I placed the bowl on the floor, splashing one finger in the water. It seemed to take hours but he finally stood up, walked one step then leaned down to take a long drink. I felt as if I had won the lottery!
It's almost bedtime at the time I'm writing this. The last trip outside is over. Miss kitty has decided the bathroom sink makes the perfect bed. Jasper has been brushed. I have to marvel over his short coat, it feels like rabbit fur. Teddy was brushed as well, then I held him on my lap while listening to music. One second he was stiff with anxiety, the next he had slumped against me, sound asleep.
He has taken huge steps since his arrival. He's showing that he's a fighter. Over the next weeks, perhaps months I hope he will let his guard down until he's comfortable in his world. We'll just have to take baby steps. Teddy will make it. He's one brave wee dog!
