In 2020, a large golden Rottweiler cross was taken into Christchurch’s Dogwatch Sanctuary shelter. Over two years and eight months later, he was still there. Although Boss, a big solid boy, appeared tough on the outside, he suffered from crippling anxiety and a suitable adoptive family could not be found.
But despite its epic length, Boss’s story appears to have ended happily ever after. His new human mum, Lisa, spent 16 weeks working with Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust to ensure she and Boss were prepared to cohabitate. This involved introducing Boss to her existing dog and making sure he was ready to live alongside a feline friend, too.
Lisa also worked hard to ready herself for any situation Boss might face, including vet visits and unexpected encounters with other dogs and people. Perhaps most importantly, she gained Boss’s trust.
In spite of his anxious temperament (and who wouldn’t be anxious after being picked up by the pound and spending over 14 dog years at the shelter) as well as some health issues caused by allergies, Boss is now happily home, snuggling in his soft bed fireside with Lisa and her fur family.
The success of Boss’s adoption is full credit to the Dogwatch team, who helped him deal with everything from salt baths and creams for his allergic reactions to sensitivity training to address his intense fear of moving traffic – which likely played a part in his history prior to landing in his pen at Dogwatch. They also helped to reduce his fear of new people and to reassure him that his resources, such as his food bowl and toys, didn’t require such intense protection.
After spending so many months working with Boss at the shelter, the Dogwatch crew miss his goofy ways, but they are so pleased that all their hard work and effort in helping him to learn to trust has meant he is able to settle into his forever home with ease. Good boy, Boss!
If you’re interested in adopting a dog from the Christchurch area, Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust has a number of dogs looking for a forever home. We love their thorough match-making process that makes sure dogs like Boss find a home where their unique needs are met and they can enjoy the happy, stable, love-filled life all dogs deserve.
As Boss’s story illustrates, a huge amount of resources goes into finding suitable homes for rescued dogs. You can support the Trust’s work by volunteering or donating. Find more information on the Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust website.
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