Sherman, the Nanny Dog~Adopted

Last Friday Marjie Wolfe called me in the morning, explaining that two male Shelties had been left in an overnight drop box at a shelter in Titusville.  I asked her to send me a photo.  Instantly, she sent two photos to my Blackberry, and I was in love.

The little Sheltie, couldn’t be older than 8 weeks, and very emaciated.  The adult Sheltie was estimated at between 4-5 years old.  The owners indicated that they simply had too many dogs.  But were these dogs siblings, or was father/son?  We’ll never know.

When Marjie arrived, the first thing she told me was that the two dogs were very close… one never leaving the other’s side.  It was true!

You can read details about the Sheltie pup named Timmy are on his own page.

As I watched the two Shelties interact, it was obvious that poor Sherman had no life.  He interacted with the pup as if he was the Mommy.  Every move he made, the pup was literally under him.  Sherman was protective over his pup, growling at dogs who walked by.  When I took them to Val-U-Vet to meet Dr. Oliver, they put the pups in the same crate together, and employees there enjoyed watching the two of them loving on each other.  While the relationship between them was wonderful to see, it was not good for Sherman.  There was no joy in his eyes, and no bounce in his step.  Sherman had accepted the fact that he was saddled by this pup.

Saturday, Cyndy Doty arrived to take Timmy home with her.  Cyndy Doty, is fostering Timmy and will adopt him once he is well enough to be neutered.

That evening was Sherman’s first opportunity to be himself.  I introduced him to the pack, but there was no initiation made by any of the dogs to play.  Sarah, however, got Sherman interested in toys; first the soccer ball, the frisbee, and the ball.  I was happy to see him run around with joy, and barking with excitement.  He’s probably one of the easiest dogs I’ve ever fostered, and he minds me a lot of Logan, a sheltie that I fostered last year.

Even though Sherman is fully trained on leash, goes into his crate without being asked, housebroken, quiet and a real joy to foster, I’m giving him a chance every day to play.

 

You can see more photos of Sherman in his photo album on Facebook.  If you would like to adopt Sherman, please review “How to Adopt from Us” and email your information to theDogLiberator@gmail.com

 

Update 09/11/11:  Sherman is doing great here!  He loves routine and he’s starting to relax since little Timmy isn’t hanging onto him like an earring!  He actually talked to me!  He barked a bit, jumped up on my lap, and had a very long conversation with me, telling me all about it.  A few little groans, a bark, and other various noises… just to make sure I understood what he was saying.  It was cute!  Oh, and when he wants to go out, he paws at the door, that’s a plus… wonder if he can teach Ozzie to do that before he leaves!

Update:  09/12/11:  My My My… what a difference a day makes, and the joke is on me!  This little guy has spent a day in the house with the pack, and much to my surprise, he has incredible ball drive.  We started with a soccer ball, and that got him all excited, then… the tennis ball.  The boy leaps in the air for it, and I think he would play for hours.  He has incredible focus, and this is what Andrea Rigler calls “drivey!”  So, this sheds new light doesn’t it?  A dog with focus and ball drive can be taught to be just about anything.  Oh, and one more thing… someone has been giving him people food!  He is very food motivated, and that’s just a real bonus.  With just a motion of my hand and soft verbal suggestion, he does whatever I ask… on a dime.  Someone really trained this boy, he’s a real gem!

09/14/11 Update: Guess who decided to play this morning? Sherman couldn’t resist China’s bounce, and they played around the house. Then, Lady Di and Ozzie joined in and he was a puppy again!

09/16/11 Update:  Sherman is a joy to foster.  I caught him again playing with Lady Di and China, but how can he resist two gorgeous females doing the play bow and teasing him to chase!!!  He lays at my feet all day while I work on the computer, and follows me from room to room.  What’s important to Sherman is his kibble!  He lets me know when he’s hungry, and food is his priority.   Having a food-motivated dog is a plus!  I think Sherman could be taught a ton of tricks.  He’s smart, willing to please, food-motivated and focused!  What more could you want in a dog?  Again, Sherman is completely housebroken, barks only when necessary, and he’s falling in love with my daughter Sarah!

 

09/17/11 Update: Sherman has been adopted by the Powers Family!  For updates, please visit his photo album on Facebook