Rescued from the woods in Travis back in February, Jenny starts her "people" journey with a wicked case of heartworm and a few months in the hospital generously provided by Maddie's Fund. Discovered with her pup, who was rescued first, Jenny was coaxed out of the woods after a few weeks.
Forest, Jenny's pup was only a few months old and was so afraid- she curled up into a ball and wouldn't look at any of us during her first adoption event at Petco. It didn't take long for me to realize that my house was her foster destination-Kids, dogs and plenty of laps to snuggle up in were just what this pup needed. Within weeks Forest was part of the crew and ready for her forever home ( which is conveniently located next door to me with my BFF). We waited to hear about the Momma dog who was still out there in the cold wet woods.
When Jenny was found she needed urgent treatment for her heartworm infestation, and finally on May 15th she was returned to P.L.U.T.O. in good physical health, although this '"feral" dog was scared beyond belief. Just a slight movement or glance in her direction would send her scurrying to the farthest corner of her crate. It was time for Jenny to see just how good it is to live in a warm home filled with regular feedings and lots of love and company.
Getting Jenny into my car from the vet meant Mary, her rescuer, crawling into the crate while Jenny backed up wild eyed, panting and drooling with fear, lifting her and carrying her to my car. If her feet were to touch the ground, even for a moment, Jenny was prepared to run for the hills, and she wasn't having any part of coming with me- and definitely not on a leash!
In order to really appreciate Jenny, you just need to look at her soft dark brown eyes and see how much she just simply wants to be safe. From the moment she was rescued, she has never shown one ounce of aggression. Despite her fear, Jenny holds herself proudly and has established her place in my pack. My dogs treat her with respect and they accepted her right away as having a presence of her own. She expects no bullying from her new siblings (a 100 lb Rhodesian Ridgeback and a slightly nutty Doberman) and they get the message.
We think Jenny is about 6-8 years old though it is difficult to tell precisely- we can only guess if she was on her own in the woods for all of her past, or if at one time she had a home. I couldn't wait to get Jenny and her pup (now known as Savannah) together for the reunion that would help Jenny start her path of recovery- I had the video camera ready so I could share the moment that they ran to be together with the whole P.L.U.T.O. crew..........no reaction from either one of them- could they have already forgotten?
So from May 15th until today, and until she finds the perfect forever home, Jenny lives with us. Every day there is another step forward in the process of rehabilitation and socialization. I asked Lisa for this blog space so I could share what is my sheer delight with every little bit of progress we make. Over the past few weeks Jenny has completely crate trained (which is not to say she is house trained-grass outside or my area rugs inside are all good places to pee-no?) and will bark to get out of the crate to potty. She poops outside everytime. She is beginning to take food from my hand, and look me in the eye (actually it is more like peeking at me) and walks sort of nicely on a leash. I feel so lucky to be part of Jenny's days, and I am thrilled to have a spot to document her accomplishments!
