WE’RE ALL DUNROAMIN’

Posted On August 29, 2012

MANLEY

Call me fickle, but I have to tell you about my newest favourite dog, Manley. He was removed from terrible living conditions by a strong DunRoamin’ supporter who deals in rental properties. He’s a six- or seven-month old possible Great Dane mix, black and tan with a little white with feet the size of dinner plates. He was given into her care as the owner “didn’t want to be evicted because of the dog.” He had it wrong – he was going to be evicted because of his lack of care and cleanliness for the dog and its living area.
 
Manley has fit in well here, and I find it hard to remember that he is a very inexperienced puppy. He’s bigger than everyone here except Dreyfus (well, and me). His first trip to run in the field almost brought tears to my eyes. His gait was so loose that he fell several times while trying to run. Still, he had that happy “Look at me!” expression on his face and was happily exhausted when he climbed into my lap for a hug that night. A week’s worth of exercise has tightened his muscles and his gait is much stronger now – and faster! Again, Hogan the Border collie is getting a taste of his own medicine. Now Manley can catch him occasionally and latches on to Hogan’s tail. I hope the neighbours haven’t heard the language Hogan is using lately.
 
This is the first time that I have fostered a pup who can grab the spiders from my hanging spider plant without climbing on a chair first. He is tall enough to get his own food from the counter – although I resent his attempts to do so. “Four on the floor!” I constantly tell him.
 
He’s starting to be able to concentrate better now, too. Previously, he was so over-stimulated by all the activity that he couldn’t hear me ask him to do things. With persistence and large treat offerings, the little “Man” can now sit, lie down and go to bed on command. Oh, and he’s very sure what “NO!” means. I needed new shoes anyway.
 
With help, we will find this great pup the home he needs, and help him to catch up on his development and training so that he can become the great friend that he was intended to be. I always feel so sad when we need to rehabilitate pups, no matter what the size. Still, Manley is just happy, now, to be clean, to have stimulation, to be able to run and play and to have a good hug now and then. He’s also quite proud of his accomplishments in his understanding of language – the more he knows, the more treats he gets. I’m having a hard time to keep that kid’s stomach full!