CTCNC

Tails Of Success #4

Tail 4 -  “Polly”

   (click for a larger picture)

Polly came in from a lady who loved this young girl.  She had come through a kennel in the Midwest.  Her problem was the she refused to share her house with another female dog.  All laps belonged to her and she refused to acknowledge that any other female dog had lap rights.  It turned into serious squabbles and after 3 years of trying, her owner simply had enough and needed help from Rescue.

She dropped her off.  Poly was extremely well cared for, everything possible was done for her with Vet care, toys, etc..  I introduced her to my 3 boys, and they welcomed her to the pack.  No real issues but I must admit that when she hit my lap, I kept a close eye on her as the boys ventured to join us on my lap.  There were a couple of tentative noises but I corrected her immediately and saw no other problems with private ownership of my lap.  Polly was definitely a "I want to be with you, inside" type of dog.  Still, she got no special privileges and stayed out with the boys, except for evenings.

A request to adopt her came in.  I had some small concerns because the lady had a male Border terrier and there was a possibility of the "lap envy" rearing it's head.  After several phone calls, I reluctantly agreed to place her. Since the lady had a terrier already, I assumed she was able to deal with another one.  After several follow up calls, it was apparent the the "evil Polly" had come out and the new owner was not able to deal with her and the old "lap envy".  Talked to her, and then agreed that Polly really needed to be in an "only dog" home.  This is not uncommon but the return of Polly was hard on the lady who had adopted her.

So, Polly came back, again under watchful and experienced eyes, "evil Polly" did not surface.  Still she was not going to be placed in a home with another dog.  Other than the "dark side of lap envy", she was a great dog, loving, attentive, well mannered.  I just had to find the right home.

When the call came it, it was a surprise. The call was from Idaho. After a couple of conversations, Polly was on her way there.   After a new crate, a vet visit for a Health Certificate, a flight to Seattle, and a 6 hour round trip, each way, for the adopter, Polly had a new home.

Here is the call on my answering machine, that just came in from Idaho, one week after placement: 

"Just wanted to let you know we are going camping.  Polly has a home here for life. Don't worry, I will  never send this great little girl back.  She is loving life on the farm.  She is a great dog.  Thank you very much."  She lives on a ranch, rides horses, and goes camping.