wallflower

I walk down the narrow, dark walkway. Kennel after kennel on one side, concrete wall on the other. A few dim lights reveal the boarders that look up at me hopeful that it's their turn to go home. At this point, Chai doesn't get a turn.


Almost 2 months since Chai has been at the boarding kennel. Two months that no one can touch her, play with her, walk her. She is strategically placed so that her kennel door can be open for her to run to the play yard and run back inside without an issue. It's good management on their part. They ask if there are any interests in her and I sadly shake my head.


Chai has been a wallflower since she was born. She was originally named Shy. Dogs born fearful and timid can make great strides in gaining confidence and getting used to new things, especially when they are puppies. Chai, like so many other dogs out there, missed out on socialization at that critical time in her life. That's not to say that she can't get more confident, it just won't be as quick. Anytime you are dealing with a shy, fearful dog, the most important thing to remember is that trust must be earned. Earning it can take time and is different for every dog. Chai hasn't had much opportunity to learn to trust, which is what she needs.

I enjoy our short time together, even though it breaks my heart to leave her there.

A Visit with Chai

As I waited for the kennel worker to put dogs away and clean the play yard for Chai and I, I spotted her. She was bouncing off the ground to see over the kennel to where I was standing. She had heard my voice and was jumping in excitement. She is such an athletic girl. I was excited to see her too!

She ran into the play yard and I followed. She play bowed and bounced around with made me so happy. In my bag was her favorite treat - cheese! And not just any cheese, mozzarella and monterey jack. I sat in the shade and she happily joined me for some lovin'. It was apparent she had not been touched since the last time I saw her. She immediately turned her body into me to rub her back and leaned in. A quick kiss on the chin and she sat down beside me. Her fur was flying off her body and I could see dandruff in her coat, all signs of stress. We sat for awhile and just enjoyed each other's company.

Kennel workers with hoses walked by and she quickly moved away from me, keeping a keen eye on the hose. I think she has experience with that hose. To see her move away from the workers each time they come near the outside run only reiterates to me the fact that she needs out of here. The kennel is wonderful to keep her for us and to care for her, but she needs to be in a home. She doesn't deserve this.

Chai is such a doll; a sweet, misunderstood girl. She trusts me, but that's because we have built a relationship over the last year. She just needs a chance. Someone that understands her for who she is, lets her move at her own pace and that she can trust to love her forever. That is my sincere hope for Chai.

As my visit went on, her shedding decreased and the dandruff went away. She was calming down and enjoying herself. We played, trained, but mostly sat together as I rubbed her back. Chai gave me lots of kisses throughout the visit, her gratitude for my visit reinforced the fact that I need to be there for her. When it was time to leave, I gave her a bull stick to chew on and said good-bye to her sad face as I walked away from her kennel.

As I drove away, tears filled my eyes. I hate to have to leave her. I can't take her into my home, but there are things I can do for her. So I decided to start this blog. I'm determined to find a home and not just a home, but a great home, for Chai.