In July 2024, just three months into my role as a foster home for the Edmonton Humane Society, I received an email from the foster coordinator: a mother dog with a litter of puppies needed a place to stay. I was tempted, so I consulted with my housemates but by the time I emailed back, they had found a foster for her. Instead, they had a group of pointers in dire need of help due to severe neglect. Without hesitation, I said yes.
The one who came to us was called Monkey. She weighed only 18 kgs and was so emaciated that the Humane Society couldn’t safely spay her. She was malnourished, scared of everything, not house trained, and yet, she was desperately craving love. I was prepared for her appearance, thanks to my background at the vet clinic, but my housemates were not. Her body was so thin that petting her anywhere but her head was uncomfortable because she had no fat on her. She was literally skin and bones.
When she arrived at our home, she was wary of Jäger and his confidence. It was obvious by the scars she had throughout her body that bolder dogs didn't treat her well in the past. But Jäger, being the incredible dog he is, respected her need for space and gently showed her what life in a safe home is like.
At first, she looked at Jäger as if he were crazy when he played with toys. She had no idea what to do with them, and when he’d try to encourage her, she’d sometimes run away, frightened by his playful energy. It was heartbreaking to see her afraid and being unable to help her understand that she was safe and loved here. I remember the first toy she ever picked up on her own and played with was one that said "I love mom" and it almost made me cry.
Meals were another challenge. She ate like she believed every bite might be her last, gulping so quickly that we had to use a slow feeder to keep her from choking. Once, she even got into the bag of food, stuffing her mouth so fast she actually did start to choke. Mealtime was a juggling act, managing her anxiety and keeping her off counters. While she’s made huge strides since, this is still something she continues to struggle with.
Despite the chaos she brought with her, Tikka quickly won our hearts. She’s a cuddle bug and always seeks warmth and coziness. When she was finally healthy enough to be spayed and cleared for adoption, we didn’t hesitate to sign her adoption papers and officially changed her name to Tikka.
Despite everything she’s been through, Tikka is pure sweetness. She craves attention and will go to any lengths to get it, even if it means causing a little mischief. All she wants is love, and now she has it. We decided her color would be purple, a symbol of going from rags to riches, from a life of neglect to one of 'royalty' and care.
Each day, we work on building her confidence and helping her feel secure. She’s now a healthy weight, her coat is soft and shiny, and every bit of progress fills me with pride. One day, she may just be as incredible as Jäger.
I’m not sure if you believe in fate, but part of me can’t help but feel that Tikka was meant to find her way to us.
Until next time,
Amanda
Commentaires