Jun 23, 2023
Valentine’s Day 2023 will all the time be particular for Jeni Gossard, a volunteer with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), because it marks the day her adoption of Sylvester, a Chihuahua with numerous love to offer, turned official. The journey up to now wasn’t a simple one resulting from belief and nervousness points the pup had, however persistence, persistence, and APA!’s skilled Canine Habits Program made this “completely satisfied starting” potential.
Typically perceived behaviors and points can create obstacles to adoption. APA!’s program makes use of a three-part strategy to make adoptions profitable by assessing and treating the entire canine – thoughts, physique, and spirit – utilizing play teams, obedience coaching and adoption comply with up assist to assist .
Gossard remembers the primary time she met Sylvester 4 years in the past. She says she instantly noticed how shelter life elevated his nervousness, so she volunteered to take him dwelling for “sleepovers” as a part of the conduct program in order that she might observe and assess his conduct.
“He was an incredible home visitor. My first encounters with him have been optimistic and there have been no conduct points,” she mentioned. She instantly thought of adopting him, however her profession and private life made it tough to take care of a pet full time.
In the meantime, Sylvester was adopted right into a loving dwelling, however 10 months later, he was returned to resulting from nervousness and belief points. This sample of adoption and return would proceed a number of extra occasions, with Gossard working with him for weeks every time. One thing magical occurred, nonetheless, the final time Sylvester got here again.
“When he was returned from the fourth dwelling, I made a decision he was “dwelling”, she mentioned. “Lengthy story brief, Sylvester knew I used to be his “mother” method earlier than I spotted it.”
Gossard knew she and Sylvester would wish steering and assist from the APA! Canine Habits Program after his adoption to efficiently deal with his belief and nervousness points. By means of this system she was in a position to safe a stable staff of “APA! aunties” who have been integral in assuaging the pup’s belief points via socialization, perseverance, and persistence.
“For sure, I’ve numerous assist via APA!’s conduct staff, employees and volunteers. I’m regularly texting/speaking with all of his APA! aunties,” Gossard mentioned.
With out APA’s Canine Habits Program, the result might need been very totally different. Gossard mentioned she has taken him to work and he loves her co-workers as a result of they respect his boundaries and he is aware of they’re the “deal with folks”, and the longer he’s in her dwelling his nervousness has lessened and his belief has elevated.
“I like him for who he’s,” Gossard mentioned, “and can proceed to work with him so he stays a peaceful, loving, trusting and a cheerful little boy.”
