Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Emma's update

This was Emma...or actually, this was Sylvan about to become Charlotte who later became Emma. This was at rescue, when the SPCA and Beagle Paws came into all of our lives...that is a skin infection on her nose, it made her skin peel off...her ears were so infected that she scratched them to tatters herself. That is blood there making them so dark in these photos. She scratched them so long that now it is simply a nervous habit of hers. Whenever she is uncomfortable in a situation, her back foot rises up and moves slowly to her ears like it has it's own mind. At night, that is how she puts herself to sleep, scratching her poor ears. We may not be able to overcome that habit but I am not giving up hope yet.
She was used to make puppies...that was her whole life...making puppies. She is three years old. She looks ten in these photos, if she looks a day. There is no light in her eyes. The man who did this to her escaped prosecution on animal neglect and cruelty charges by signing her over to the SPCA...they took care of her skin, her ears, tried to put some weight on her and then sent her along to Beaglepaws. When her previous owner found out she was healthy again, but not yet spayed, he went to get her back!!! Can you believe that?!? And when the Beaglepaws volunteer would not give her back, her previous owner assaulted him. So, he will, in fact, be serving a little time, I hope. Beaglepaws thought she needed to be shipped out of St. John's immediately. Michael and I are the richer for it.
She is always busy here...it is hard to take a photo that is not blurry, but I think in some way it adds to the photos...because, honestly, this is what she looks like all day. I am SURE she is a Jack Russel Terrier in a Beagle suit. Yes, she is most definitely a terrier/beagle mix...playing here with Yuko, whom our very good friends rescued. In fact, all of her new friends here are "second-hand dogs," so to speak. Her personality is coming out now. She is still timid somewhat, but a clown-like exuberance sends her spinning around the house, bouncing off every surface, tail wagging fast and hard when she is happiest. I will try to make a digital film of it for you. She seems to like camping alright, loves our long hikes in the day, and even the quickie strolls through the 'hood make her snuffling nose happy. She is learning to sit when she meets someone, and not jump up.
She finds the sunny spots throughout the day...when she actually quits moving. Training is slow and steady. Socialization with other dogs is hit or miss. At least she isn't immediately on the attack anymore...she'll give it at least a minute now! Ha ha. She has moments of off leash freedoms now, and yesterday a whole afternoon playtime with Viggo and Duke off leash. Wow. She slept all night! Whew...and that's about it. Neighbourhood updates tomorrow. What, leaving already?

8 comments:

Michael Colvin said...

She looks so sweet. To think that she could be treated so badly makes me mad. We have too many animal cruelty problems here to. I wish animal ownership could somehow be controlled more. I don't know what the answer is. I hate it when people get a cat then just ignore it and say it's a loner. HELLO! If you give affection you get it back!

Anonymous said...

Your before and after photos are proof positive that a loving, caring and stimulating home will bring out a dog's true nature, even if it's been crushed and stifled for years. It may have taken her three years to find you, but she started on that journey the day she was born and you are all the more richer for it.

Crafty Missus said...

sweet emma. such a cutie, it is so sad that it wasn't realized sooner in her life...
she is a bay dog, though. i can see it in her eyes...

Heidi the Hick said...

God bless! She really is blooming under your care.

The thing I find most disturbing is that her original owner really believed that he had every right to use her that way. I sometimes think it's a mental illness, this delusional thinking that animal abusers have. They just don't get it.

I'm so glad you're all together now. She looks so good!

ldbug said...

Oh, what a doll! She's so lucky to have a loving family.

If she keeps at her ears maybe you could try puting one of those neck-funnel-things that dogs wear when they break a leg to keep them from chewing on the cast...maybe if she wore it for a week or so, she might break the habit?

Anyway, I love 'second hand' dogs. I'd never pay for a pet, well, except maybe a goldfish, those are hard to 'rescue.' They're are just so many animals out there to help!

Biddie said...

Most of our dogs have been second hand. Well, except for Ruby...
Emma looks so content,I am so glad that you found each other.
Animal abusers are scum. I 've seen it too many times. Our Poodle came from a family that hit her with a broom, kicked her, she wasn't walked for MONTHS at a time..It breaks my heart. Thank God Emma is home with you and far away from the puppy mill guy. I hope that he does get what coming to him..

.:.KC.:. the brown eyed girl said...

In the second picture she looks like a little puppy. She's so cute.

craigcooknf said...

Hello!!! Emma!!! I hope you are doing well! Chyna say's hi! She's on beaglebuddynf 's blogspot, lounging with her pink hippo. My oh my, the trials poor beagles must face when rescued by Beale Paws! Fresh food, water, companionship - what every pet should have!