Austin Pets Alive! | APA! Offers Conduct Canine a Second Lease on Life:…

Jun 23, 2023

Valentine’s Day 2023 will at all times be particular for Jeni Gossard, a volunteer with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), because it marks the day her adoption of Sylvester, a Chihuahua with a whole lot of love to provide, turned official. The journey thus far wasn’t a simple one as a consequence of belief and anxiousness points the pup had, however persistence, persistence, and APA!’s professional Canine Conduct Program made this “pleased starting” attainable.

Typically perceived behaviors and points can create limitations to adoption. APA!’s program makes use of a three-part method to make adoptions profitable by assessing and treating the entire canine – thoughts, physique, and spirit – utilizing play teams, obedience coaching and adoption observe up help 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 anxiousness, so she volunteered to take him house 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 stated. She instantly thought of adopting him, however her profession and private life made it troublesome to look after a pet full time.

In the meantime, Sylvester was adopted right into a loving house, however 10 months later, he was returned to as a consequence of anxiousness and belief points. This sample of adoption and return would proceed a number of extra instances, 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 house, I made a decision he was “house”, she stated. “Lengthy story brief, Sylvester knew I used to be his “mother” manner earlier than I noticed it.”

Gossard knew she and Sylvester would want steering and help from the APA! Canine Conduct Program after his adoption to efficiently deal with his belief and anxiousness points. By way of this system she was in a position to safe a stable group of “APA! aunties” who have been integral in assuaging the pup’s belief points via socialization, perseverance, and persistence.

“For sure, I’ve a whole lot of help via APA!’s conduct group, employees and volunteers. I’m regularly texting/speaking with all of his APA! aunties,” Gossard stated.

With out APA’s Canine Conduct Program, the end result might need been very completely different. Gossard stated 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 individuals”, and the longer he’s in her house his anxiousness has lessened and his belief has elevated.

“I like him for who he’s,” Gossard stated, “and can proceed to work with him so he stays a relaxed, loving, trusting and a cheerful little boy.”