brandi's corner
How one owner handled
his super high-energy dog
Some dogs can tire you out just looking at them!
A fellow adoptee, Sailor, is like that – and more.
His human dad Miche says of this Pitbull, “Sailor has two speeds: Off and Turbo. He may have a form of Canine Asperger's Syndrome. He was a definite challenge when he arrived two Octobers ago.”
Sailor had been first adopted by a couple who had a female pit bull. But it soon became clear that she was going to be on constant defense, and so back went Sailor to PAWS New England.
Then Sailor got his second chance. Lucky dog.
Miche says, “It was tough at first. He was SO active.”
Sailor doesn’t read and respond to other dogs’ body language. He does his own thing, climbing on top of or body checking the four other dogs in his new home. Luckily again, his four brothers adjusted. They now run, play and snuggle with him.
A work in progress, rigorous exercise (two-hour hikes, sprinting after toys and jogging with Miche) has kept Sailor balanced between off and turbo. He has also begun professional training sessions.
Miche says, “He can be calm and relaxed all day (after our long walk), but when we settle in for some Netflix at night, he‘ll get antsy and bark at us until I go out in the backyard and throw the ball. Five minutes is all it takes. Then he’ll curl up next to us on the couch and be good all night.”
Difficult for sure. But he is so sweet and snuggly most of the time that his owners take pleasure in figuring him out and making their five-dog pack function well.
Miche says, “Every day of living with Sailor is worth its weight in gold.”
See you next month in Brandi’s corner. In the meantime, get the latest tips, rescue stories, and more, by following me on Facebook: facebook.com/thebrandiproject
Happy tails!
Brandi
