Brownie Is Safe

Brownie

Brownie showed up at the shelter the week after July 4th. The first notification that we received stated his owners had dumped him there! Who takes their dog to the animal shelter the week after The Fourth of July when most are filling up with strays?!? The owner then stated he was dog aggressive, which prompted him to be labeled "rescue only." Dog aggressive, rescue only, and at a shelter that would be full any day. Brownie's future didn't look good, but it could worsen if there weren't a rescue willing to save him.

While California GSP Rescue attempts to help as many German Shorthaired Pointers, as well as GSP Mixes, that we are able, we are a little more diligent when we are notified about dogs in shelters with behavioral issues. Assessing the rescue-only dogs, we attempt to determine one of two things. Is the problem stemming from a lack of training, or does the dog need to be better managed? Or is it a combination of both?

As the Volunteer headed toward the shelter, he was reminded of another rescue-only dog that California GSP Rescue saved from the same animal shelter. Banksy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2TYvX9jsEs) was a GSP Mix that had been rescued six years prior and turned out to be a fantastic dog. Brownie was in the last kennel at the end of the row. To the Volunteer's surprise, the same kennel that Banksy had been kept. However, their introduction was quite different.

Brownie approached the front of the kennel, looking at his visitor with his nose working. A few moments later, he let out a bark as if to say, "what took you so long?" He gently took the first dog treat offered, and then sat for the second. This big boy wanted to please. He had potential. Who dumps a dog like Brownie at the animal shelter the week after The Fourth of July?

Brownie was lucky. California GSP Rescue felt confident they could find him a forever home. The Volunteer made his way to the front desk to let them know the rescue-only dog wouldn't be staying. He would be taking a ride. Brownie was safe.

Update on Brownie. Brownie has interacted well when introduced to a couple of good-natured dogs. Not what we expected from the information the original owner had relayed to the Animal Shelter. Surprisingly, it's not unusual for owners to give shelters incorrect information to ease their consciousness. We'll continue to work at socializing Brownie with other dogs but are already pleasantly surprised.

When Brownie was neutered, it was discovered he was a cryptorchid - only one testicle had descended. The cost of neutering would be significantly more. We want to thank the Rescue Heroes whose monthly donations help cover the cost of expenses like this. Thank you! Click here if you are interested in becoming a Rescue Hero.