Charley

Charley is a 12 year old beagle/dachshund who came to ODH when his lifelong owner was moving out of the country. Because of his significant anxiety disorder no one wanted to adopt him. Charley is an example of a dog that needs ODH not because of serious medical problems but because of serious emotional issues making him unadoptable.  According to his owner, Charley had always suffered from some anxiety but it became serious when babies joined the family.  The unpredictable sounds and actions of small children were very hard for Charley.  So his owner (who loved him very much) made the hard decision that maybe it was best for Charley to move to a quieter home.

After space for another dog became available in their home, an experienced ODH family said “We’ll take him.”  It was hard to watch Charley mourn for his owner but gradually he started adjusting to his new home and attaching to his new mom.  New people, other dogs, strange places, car rides, and commotion would have him barking or shaking, but with quieter days he was able to start tapering off the anxiety medication.  He went to Reactive Dog classes to build his confidence and will be trying out Nose Work classes next.  He is doing better and now takes his pill only for times like going to the vet or to a class.

Charley’s foster family are SO glad he came to live with them. Beyond the anxiety he is such a great little dog.  He is the best behaved dog and had learned many words, commands, and tricks from his owner.  It has been fun figuring out the words he knows for the things he does.  What is the command for his spinning for a treat? Not “circle”, not “spin”, it is “around”.  Charley is a super smart dog who needs challenges and a job.  He watches over the very old dog in his pack who can’t hear and doesn’t see well to be sure she gets where she wants to be and his family knows what she needs.

Charley shows that, just like with people, emotional conditions can be just as disabling as medical.  Fortunately, ODH recognized that and found him a home. Not that he doesn’t have medical concerns to address, he’s a senior dog after all (but don’t tell him that).  Back pain, allergies, dental, they are starting to add up as we get to know him.  In spite of all the work yet to come to teach Charley to feel safe in his world, his foster family are very happy they got to be his forever home and very grateful to Old Dog Haven and its supporters who have given Charley the chance to learn he is safe.

Update: Today, Charley’s foster mom had to say goodbye to her best little buddy.  They had such good times together and he is already sorely missed.