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German Shepherd Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin |
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| Aragon |
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5/3/06 A Foster Mom's side of the story... Aragon came to me one year ago this weekend - they said he was about 14 to 16 months old. He was filthy, undernourished and petrified of everything that moved or made noise. This poor guy was just 51lbs and obviously starved the day I picked him up - yet he never once was aggressive with food. His body was scarred from the life he had been dealt - possibly by the hand of a human or the reality of life on the street. He was with me for about 2.5 months in all, however I continue to see him almost weekly as my Aunt and Uncle adopted him and he now lives about 20 minutes away. This past weekend, my own GSD spent the weekend with them while we traveled up North for our Anniversary. We arrived Sunday evening to pick up our GSD and Aragon; this now loving, bright eyed and energetic white bundle of happiness, greeted me at the door. Upon bending down to scratch his breastbone - his favorite scratch spot, I got something from him that I never have before. A single lick and 'the look' - almost as if to say 'Thank you'. He even put his tennis ball down, so I know it was sincere. Silly as that sounds, you'd have to know this dog to understand. Aragon had no idea what a toy was, how to 'play' or that there were such things as 'treats'. If it crunched or moved, he would cower. It took 4 days before he would not pee on the floor every time a man walked into or near the house; including my boyfriend who lived there. He could not be left alone as he had a severe case of separation anxiety - and he hated to be kenneled. The destruction to kennels, carpet and objects too close in proximity is a whole other story! It took Aragon almost 3 weeks to realize that when I raised my voice, it wasn't because he had done something wrong and he was going to be beaten. It took another 3 weeks to show me his belly for the first time - something every dog does for a rub or to submit. Kisses weren't achieved for several weeks. I knew even then that we had a long road to travel, but his eyes showed me that it would be worth the turmoil. And it was. Upon realizing a sense of security - about 10 weeks - this little boy grew to trust. Something that is hard to regain for an animal that had been as severely mistreated as he was. Now a year later, you'd never know this beautiful, but quirky, animal was rescued. He's still a little cautious and somewhat territorial now that he has 'his' family, but, he's also become well adjusted: more obedient, trusting, loving and always playful. Stairs are still a sore spot as he will not go up or down more than 3 or 4 - he has yet to explore the upstairs of his 2-story home. Dogs just like Aragon are mistreated or thrown away everyday - left without the love and affection they need all the time. This is the reason I got involved in GSRAW. If I could help just one, than I would know I made a difference. Aragon was my first; his presence in my life impacted me just as much as I know it impacted him. It was hard to see him leave my home, but I know that I can see him anytime I want and that he is loved and cared for – the way he should be. |
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