GIVING THANKS
by Anita Y. Tsuchiya
Linus & Molly
I asked Linus’ foster mom Suzie about his rescue, and the tale was an especially unpleasant one. After getting evicted, the original owners left Linus’ mom and her litter to fend for themselves in the empty house. It was several weeks before neighbors called animal control services. By this time, the mother was so disturbed that she could not be handled and was put down. One of the pups had perished and been partially devoured by the survivors. Linus’ face was covered with bite scars. Still only a few months old, the abused pup languished in the shelter until No More Homeless Pets in Utah rescued him from the euthanasia list.
In the beginning, the terrified puppy greeted everyone with bared teeth and snarls. After months of Suzie’s loving care, Linus got along well with his foster dog-mates but he was still a “special needs” pup. He was a destructive chewer. He could be dog aggressive. He was afraid of men and rough with children. And he barked, a lot. In fact, his adoption agreement began with a two-week trial period.
When we got home, our work began. It was easy to see the hardships Linus had endured. He spent the first week nervously slinking around the house, acting more like a cat than a dog. He was easily startled. His muscles were so tense that even when lying on his side, he curled up into a tight, little ball. He reminded me of a hedgehog. During his physical exam with Molly’s favorite vet, Linus cowered under the exam table. The doctor deemed my new puppy to be healthy in body but fragile in spirit.
Thankfully, my eight-year old rescue Molly was the ideal mentor, calm and gentle. From day one, the two dogs have never fought. By day three Linus had become Molly’s black and white shadow, watching her every move. To nurture his growing trust, I provided boatloads of physical affection—body rubs, coat brushing, chin strokes, ear massages. I also massaged the muscles in his back and legs, and moved his legs in range-of-motion circles.
To give him a more balanced perspective on life as a “good boy,” I introduced Linus to as many new experiences as possible, always watching carefully for signs of distress. With Molly as my wing-dog, we met new dogs and people, went for car rides, visited our favorite pet store, and played in the backyard. I caught glimpses of a goofy personality, as befits a one-year-old puppy. I hired a trainer who believes obedience training is the key to a healthy dog-owner bond. Armed with our homework assignments, we’d gear up for our morning practice sessions.
The tipping point came during our first visit to the Parley’s Canyon off-leash dog park. I kept Linus leashed until we reached a broad, grassy meadow. I removed his leash and the two dogs started their usual game of chase. Linus circled Molly closely at first, as if they were still playing in our fenced yard. Then suddenly, he bolted straight as an arrow across the open space. He was ran hard, ears folded back, feet flying over the earth. After about 100 feet, he made a huge curving turn and came blazing back towards Molly and me. I felt as though I was witnessing the emancipation of a once-imprisoned spirit. I could hear the clanging of chains being broken and flung aside. I could feel the vibrancy of a heart soaring and swooping with joy. He ran nonstop for a full 10 minutes until I finally called him back. After returning to the car and before we’d driven even a block, I glanced back to see him sprawled out, dead asleep. And I swear he was smiling. A life renewed, a puppy reborn.
It’s been two months since Linus joined our mixed-species family. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine our lives without him. At Thanksgiving dinner, one of my guests was a boy just over two years old who absolutely fell in love with my black and white pointer mix. As we adults chatted over desert, boy and puppy dozed quietly under the table. When I tell people about Linus’ remarkable transition from troubled pup to sweet companion, many have commented that he is a very lucky dog. Actually, I believe it’s the other way around. Thank you Linus, I feel blessed that you found us.
Happy Linus
Bio: As a child, Anita preferred curling up with the family dog to sleeping in her own bed. Over the years, she has been a veterinary assistant, ranch hand, mule skinner, carriage driver and wildlife rehabilitator. Nowadays, she is a freelance writer who spends quality time with dogs Molly and Linus, and a resident covey of California Quail.
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