The Little Guy

Again a fast post rather than trying to answer your wonderful comments, support and caring. I promise to do you a good post and good replies when I'm home.

I little more of the saga of the dogs. Barbie told me that there was a puppy mill, and when the owner(s) found out they was going to be busted, they apparently gathered up dogs and dropped them out all over the county. There were Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and poodles everywhere! They were at every shelter in the area! No wonder these babies are so terrified!

This morning at about 7:00 I heard a scratching and "yip, yip" at my door. I looked out and saw .... a Shih Tzu!!! I thought "Oh, my god, it if it's one of the strays, I'll take it home, too!!" I opened the door, and it was trotting off, but it came back when I called. I saw it had on a collar, so knew it was likely not a stray. It trotted toward the street, which scared me. I called the manager and she said yes, it was hers. OK. Whew! She had just been out to potty at the back of the building and was returning to her home.

I picked up "Little Boy" and took him to a groomer, thanks to the help of the motel manager. He is being washed and cleaned up. I don't think I could have stood having him in the closed car for 8+ hours. She and I agreed that the easiest thing to do is shave him down. I was able to assess his coloring a little better this morning, and he is brindle over most of his body with kind of tan feet. He has the sweetest little face, but then, IMO, what Shih Tzu does not?

He is terrified, poor little guy. I brought a kennel, just in case, but I will be putting him in a harness and letting him begin to be normal in the car, not in a kennel or pen or whatever he has been confined to all his little life. I'm picking him up in about 45 minutes, and we will being our trip home. I have dog food and water in the traveling feeder, I have treats to give them all frequently while we travel, and with any luck, by the time we reach home, he may be settling down somewhat. I've brought feral cats home, and after 8-12 hours in a car with you, they have decided that this is their new life so just give in. I hope dogs are similar.

I need to go and pack the car, make it friendly for the new little guy. I'm beginning to formulate a few possible names for him, but I still need to see what his real personality is, not his kennel personality. I haven't taken pictures yet. He looked too awful, and I didn't want to traumatize him any further than I have to. We'll get some at home. Stay tuned!

Caroline, I will be leaving here about 11:30 CDT, so after that you can try to reach me.