Ringo is outside with Hershey (yesterday's post). He's still standing in the same spot where he'd been set down a couple of minutes ago. He's shivering even though the sun is shining and it's not really that cold out.
When I pet him, he freezes up a bit but then relaxes but doesn't really relax. The snacks don't break the tension. The squeaky toy doesn't break the tension.
Another dog walks by and that gets him moving. He scrambles over and suddenly all is well and he's forgotten whatever anxieties he's had and is checking out the other dog. The other dog eventually continues on its way with his person and Ringo is anxious again but not as much as before. Ringo moves around a bit now. He tries to stay close to Hershey but Hershey wants to be near me so there's that little problem for Ringo.
Eventually, I just pick Ringo up. Hershey gets immediately jealous and wants to be picked up too but right now it's Ringo's turn so I leave Hershey on the ground. Ringo settles into my arms - sort of. He's still not fully relaxed but that's okay. I understand trust is sometimes harder for some dogs. We've only been together a few minutes and he's already come a long way.
I think Ringo will be fine too.
The best way to check on the adoption status of this dog (and other dogs and cats and other small domestic animals) is to visit Toronto Animal Services adoption website or call 416 338 6668 for the Toronto Animal Services South shelter. If the dog is no longer on the TAS adoption website, it's probably because it's been adopted already.
ooooh what adorable little dogs! I hope they find a home that wipes away all their fears and brings them comfort at last