09/06/2020
Long post but worth reading:
Ellie is our latest trainee, to our boarding and training school. Her story is not the greatest and we are pretty much her last chance.
Ellie came to us with a lot of issues. She previously attended, a 5 weeks boarding and training program, at another facility...with not much success. And her report card was very concerning to us. Ellie's family described her as a very unpredictable dog, with biting issues and being very reactive. And if overstimulated, Ellie can redirect on the owner.
This is not an attack on anybody, they all did what they thought it was best to keep everyone safe.
The owners decided to surrender Ellie to a Friends of Oconee but to foster her until a better solution was found. Props to them.
Saskia Thompson, her advocate asked me to meet Ellie a month ago.
I personally didn't see what everyone else was seeing.
Ellie looked to me, like a very misunderstood dog with no outlet and chance to be a real dog!
Her previous schedule under the instructions of the trainer, was to crate Ellie 20hrs per day. And when out of the kennel, to be on a leash at all times because she was considered unpredictable and possibly dangerous.
Ellie has been with us for 4 days now. During the past 4 days, she showed us a willingness to please, and a desperate need for affection.
She tries to play-bite when excited but easy to correct and stop.
We also have her getting used to seeing other dogs. And after her initial barking, she is now tolerant through the fence.
We can not promise a full turn around but we will try our best. I believe in this girl. So send some good vibes. We're in for a good challenge, that's for sure.
We will be posting her progress. If anyone is interested in adopting Ellie, after her training camp. You can reach the amazing people at the Humane Society of Morgan County