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Jun 23, 2023
Valentine’s Day 2023 will at all times be particular for Jeni Gossard, a volunteer with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), because it marks the day her adoption of Sylvester, a Chihuahua with a variety of love to provide, grew to become official. The journey thus far wasn’t a straightforward one on account of belief and nervousness points the pup had, however endurance, persistence, and APA!’s professional Canine Habits Program made this “completely happy starting” potential.
Typically 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 observe 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 dwelling for “sleepovers” as a part of the conduct program in order that she might observe and assess his conduct.
“He was an excellent 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 troublesome to take care of a pet full time.
In the meantime, Sylvester was adopted right into a loving dwelling, however 10 months later, he was returned to on account of 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, nonetheless, the final time Sylvester got here again.
“When he was returned from the fourth dwelling, I made a decision he was “dwelling”, she mentioned. “Lengthy story quick, Sylvester knew I used to be his “mother” manner earlier than I spotted it.”
Gossard knew she and Sylvester would want steerage and assist from the APA! Canine Habits Program after his adoption to efficiently deal with his belief and nervousness points. By this system she was capable of safe a stable staff of “APA! aunties” who had been integral in assuaging the pup’s belief points by way of socialization, perseverance, and endurance.
“Evidently, I’ve a variety of assist by way of APA!’s conduct staff, employees and volunteers. I’m frequently texting/speaking with all of his APA! aunties,” Gossard mentioned.
With out APA’s Canine Habits Program, the end result might need been very totally 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 individuals”, and the longer he’s in her dwelling his nervousness has lessened and his belief has elevated.
“I really like him for who he’s,” Gossard mentioned, “and can proceed to work with him so he stays a peaceful, loving, trusting and a contented little boy.”
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