Charlie Is Safe

Charlie

Charlie is one lucky dog. He ended up at the shelter after biting his owner. Under normal circumstances, this would mean the death penalty. Charlie, after a standard holding period, would be euthanized. Luckily, this was not the case, and as you may know by now, there is more to Charlie's story.

During the time Charlie was held at the shelter, Animal Control had no issues with him. He was well behaved and showed no signs of any aggression. He displayed all the likable qualities loved in German Shorthaired Pointers. As we all know, any dog is capable of biting under the right conditions. What could have provoked a seemingly good natured dog to bite his owner?

Charlie wasn't relinquished to the shelter because he bit his owner. A good samaritan had called Animal Control because they witnessed someone abusing their dog. When Animal Control responded, the owner claimed his dog had bitten him. The dog was confiscated and quarantined. Quarantined because of the bite, and seized because of the claim of abuse. Later, during the investigation, the owner would surrender Charlie to the shelter.

After being surrendered and not exhibiting any aggression, the shelter looked to a rescue to assist. Unfortunately, in California, a bite is a bite, regardless of why, and Charlie will forever bear the label of a biter. Animal Control reached out to California GSP Rescue to see if they could assist. While California GSP Rescue rescues dogs that they feel they can place into homes that can manage the breed and their needs, finding a home that can handle a dog with a bite history can be challenging. However, after reviewing the shelter notes on Charlie, California GSP Rescue felt confident in finding Charlie a home.

Early the following day, Volunteer Greg headed for the shelter with a plastic crate in the back of his car. Arriving at the shelter before it was open, he waited outside for an attendant to acknowledge he was there. A few minutes after confirming he was from the rescue, the Animal Control Officer brought Charlie out. Charlie was full of excitement - like most young GSP’s getting out the first time in the morning. He immediately came up to Volunteer Greg, not in a threatening manner but desiring attention. Within a few minutes, Volunteer Greg, while still cautious, realized Charlie was another amazing GSP.

California GSP Rescue will continue evaluating Charlie. As for now, everything is looking good for Charlie. He has behaved well with different individuals handling him, and hasn't shown any signs of aggression. Because of his history, he'll need to go to a home without any children. He does well near other dogs, but we're unsure he would be a candidate for a multi-dog home. Anyone interested in meeting Charlie should complete an Adoption Application.

A big thanks to the Rescue Heroes, whose monthly giving helps support our efforts. The monthly donations help feed all the dogs, and dogs like Charlie will have an opportunity to be rescued from the shelter. If you are interested in becoming a Rescue Hero, please click here.