Sometimes in Rescue the actual "rescue of a dog" is the easy part (unless its a Saluki who can out run, outwit and outclass you during the rescue). But for the majority of the time our rescue missions can often be pretty more straight forward. We then settle the dog in & start getting to know them in the hope that it won't take too long to find then their forever home. Sadly, for some dogs that home is harder to find for a variety of reasons and that's when we sometimes start to see the "change" in a dog. That's when the real work is needed.
How do stop this dog getting kennel stress? (pacing, barking) How do we fulfill this dogs needs whilst in our care? (some need extra stimulation) How can we be the best version of ourselves as a rescue to try and bring out the best version of that dog?
Take our beautiful girl Shea, for example. This fabulous 3.5 yr old GSD is having no luck at finding her forever home. She is starting to display all the signs of boredom and stress (we all know shepherds are a highly intelligent breed). So we have started to do some running with her and to ensure that we are fulfilling her love of running, our somewhat slightly bonkers Kennel Manager has signed some of our fitter kennel team up with Canicross Ireland and we will be attending their upcoming event March 7th/8th with a few of our rescue dogs. We have the human canicross harness (thanks to Katie who donated hers to our sanctuary and gave us the idea after taking it up with her ex GPSCA girl Maggie in the UK) and will obviously be purchasing the all important doggie harness version too.
We are so looking forward to attending their next event and with a variety of races available on the day, some may run whilst others will be taking part in the recreational race (a posh word for walking we hope). Whatever the results our team is doing this for our dogs. Not only giving them a purpose during their time with us but also doing their very best to give our dogs an outlet and to hopefully showcase just how amazing rescue dogs truly are given a chance. A small happy video of Shea and Alannah enjoying some time out together walking, running and jumping but, more importantly, having fun whilst Shea feels she has a role to play and went back into her kennel a lot more relaxed.
Big thanks to Rachael and the team at Canicross Ireland for helping us out and approving our membership.
*Sheas profile can be found on our website www.gspca.ie
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