Meeting Lisa

While fostering Penny, I was able to finally pick up Lisa. She had been at the SPCA for nearly 2 weeks since I found out she was there. Apparently, Beardie Rescue had never been an "approved" rescue group with the shelter so we needed to fill out paperwork. The SPCA also did a site visit to my house to see where I foster my dogs, etc. While it seemed like red tape, I'm glad they actually take these precautions. Who knows I could have been a hoarder! LOL

With all the appropriate boxes checked, Beardie Rescue was able to spring Lisa. The day I went to pick her up was a dismal day. It was raining heavily with some fantastic thunderstorms in the area. Not exactly the best conditions for meeting a dog, but Lisa took it all in stride. I quickly found out she did not like the rain and wanted no parts of it as she firmly planted all four feet and wouldn't budge. I picked her up and carried her to my car; I don't like standing in the rain either. :-)

Lisa's condition was far worse than Penny's. Lisa only had 5 or 6 teeth, which were in bad shape, and these lumps all along her gums where her other teeth used to be. Other issues included a skin infection, ear infection, and rectal polyps. Like Penny, she had been shaved down and was underweight. It was obvious poor Lisa had been bred several times, her rib cage was distorted from carrying litter after litter. We believe Lisa to be around 11 years old. However, this estimate is largely based on her teeth. Given their poor condition, she may be closer to 10. While Lisa's age is a major factor, the untreated ear infections are more than likely the cause of Lisa's hearing loss. Additionally, Lisa's vision is compromised due to her cloudy eyes. From her years of living in nothing but a small metal cage, Lisa has no muscle tone in her legs and very little coordination. Consequently, her balance suffers as she attempts to move around. When she's confident in her footing, look out! She takes off trotting!

Like Penny, she, too is an explorer always on the move. However, while Penny is adventurous, Lisa is not. Lisa is extremely cautious about any new environments. Again, this behavior is not surprising coming from a mill dog. Lisa tends to freeze and stand absolutely motionless until she's sure it's safe to move. Same goes for any examination of her. She stands absolutely still. As I would find out through my own research into the rehabilitation of mill dogs, this behavior and others is commonplace. To understand it, you need to see things through the eyes of the dog. I found this site extremely helpful in understanding where a puppy mill dog comes from in their approach to life on the outside.

Lisa has a sweet spirit about her: an old soul. You can tell by looking in her eyes that she's lived a life harder than some people, but yet she doesn't harbor any ill feelings against humans. In fact, it's just the opposite. She seeks them out and all she wants is for you to pet her. And don't you dare stop!