It is always wonderful to hear pet adoption stories, so many thanks today to guest blogger Patrizia a British ex-pat who lives near Como. This is Patrizia's adoption story...
When our beloved Greyhounds died, two within the year, I said "No more dogs." It was too much heartbreak. However, I am a glutton for punishment and couldn’t stop myself looking at the websites for dogs in trouble!
I spoke to a member of staff at the canile and was told there was a little dog who had been in the canile for three years (also aged three). He had arrived wild and terrified, however the staff had managed to get so far with him and he was now more sociable and affectionate. However he could not be picked up and was terrified at the sight of a collar and leash. His name was Kaden.
Kaden had been adopted once but had run away, luckily he was caught and put back in the same canile. I decided to try and help. I armed myself with a box of luscious treats and sat in his cage with him four times a week for three hours each time. Initially he was very suspicious of me and shot inside. However the lure of sausage was too great!!!!! Within two visits he had learned to "sit" before his treat was given and I realised I had a very intelligent little dog on my hands!
However when he saw the dreaded leash off he went, crawling belly on the floor style (you know the one)! I decided I had to do something positive. I made a soft ribbon collar and stitched velcro on to fasten it. I have to admit I cornered him and put it on. He didn’t seem to even notice. I left it on him (velcro in case it caught in anything, it would release).
After a couple more visits and allowing himself to be picked up, I decided as he was trusting me more I would try the next step. I bought a small collar and managed to get it on (taking it off every time I left). I continued to leave his ribbon collar on.
The next step was the leash. I attached it and left it dangling, allowing him to go inside if he was unsure, I continued to give him treats ( which I had used all through the other steps). Eventually I could hold the leash and we would stand together just watching the other dogs through the wire of his cage. Also walking (in a very small space) round his cage. I tried to take him into the main kennel area but with all the other dogs coming for a look it was to distracting. I knew I had to get him outside the gates into the field. I felt unsure with just the collar and leash so decided to try a harness. After a bit of wriggling (Kaden, not me) we got it on. I carried him outside the gates on his "maiden voyage". After a bit of stop, go, etc. we managed a kind of walk.
It had taken three weeks but I thought now was the time to take him home. The canile staff were delighted (he had become a bit of a favourite I think). I had an escort of three lovely ladies to the car, and a near-to-tears farewell.
Kaden is home now, after one week he is settling down, loves his walks three times a day, along the road and up the mountain. He has his little worried moments but not often. I won't let him out without his leash at the moment, but I think very soon I will be able to trust him enough to do so. He is a wonderful little dog, all it took was patience and to earn his trust.
If anyone has a little time on their hands, try going to the local canile and help a dog like Kaden to trust the leash. So many dogs can’t be re-homed here in Italy because they are not leash trained. There are some lovely dogs hidden away from sight because they cant go for walks.
I would like to mention the staff and volunteers at the Canile municipale in Erba. They are wonderful and do as much as they can with genuine affection to help the dogs in their care. They do not have enough time to spend however with individual dogs. So if you can help, please do.
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