Whistle is my first, and probably last rescue. I first met him when he was loitering around the Robertson Quay area June last year. The sun was merciless that afternoon and the boy seemed a little lost. I whistled and he turned around. Quickly grabbed him some water and food, and he found his spot between my offices wooden and glass doors, lying on a little green mat and enjoying the cool air seeping through the door seams. I would have let him into the office if one of my colleagues wasnt extremely terrified. Anyhow, he went for a walk on his own and left around evening. Two weeks later, Whistled returned. This time, standing outside my office looking in. I intuitively knew he wanted food and water. Unlike the first time, I was better prepared with kibbles, canned food and treats. Whistle again took a rest in his corner till late evening. It was the same routine the third time he swung by, but Whistle was nearly knocked by a car when he left. Good thing I followed to find out which direction he mostly headed towards. The driver had no intention to stop but thankfully, he wasnt driving too fast and Whistle managed to avoid. I decided then to take Whistle back to the shelter. The founders were supportive and Mohan came by to pick Whistle. That evening, we managed to trap the boy in my office but it took Mohan some efforts to leash the sneaky boy. Whistle was first kept in his own kennel in our cattery. He wasnt happy, and I was doubting my decision. Did I rob him of his freedom? Was that why hes acting up and unhappy? He was a handful, struggling and trying to snap while at the clinic and pulling on the leash during walks - nothing like the calm stray I thought I knew. About a couple of months later, a fellow volunteer suggested shifting Whistle to the main area where all the dogs roam around freely. It was nerve-wrecking just thinking about it. I wasnt sure at all if he would get along with the alphas, or that it makes any difference. Luckily, the transition went pretty smoothly and Whistle now is slowly becoming a favorite among some dogs and volunteers. It turned out that Whistle loves to have friends! Who doesnt and what was I thinking, really. Our Whistle now is a happy, playful and calm member of the family. If Johnny Cash is our Casanova, Whistle must be Don Juan. Hes a gentleman to the girls and they love playing with him. We need to work on his walks still but its gradually improving. I get him treats every weekend and hes not at all a fussy eater. He went for his first adoption drive just a few weeks back, and was well behaved beyond my expectation. Whistle is estimated to be 4 years old and was microchipped previously. I really hope the decision to bring him back to the shelter is right but Ill never be sure until Whistle is happy in a home of his own. If you have female dogs at home and are looking at adding one more to your family, consider Whistle! Hes gradually becoming more and more affectionate and sometimes dances around when he sees his favorite volunteers. As usual, 9389 7263 or 9693 2850. Lastly, if you want to rescue a dog, please be ready to assume full responsibility. We sometimes get requests like, Can you please come to my home to pick up this stray I just rescued?. We love to be of help, but we may not always have the means (or space) to. If you will like to rescue a stray, please consider seriously the post-rescue duties to be fulfilled instead of dumping your rescue with an animal welfare group. Walks, weekly showers, treats, and lots of tender loving care is the minimum we can do for our rescues. Not to mention finding them a home eventually and the care & treatment required when they fall ill. As long as they are not adopted, we are responsible for them. Just a gentle reminder for everyone, and myself. Please adopt Whistle!
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:47:25 +0000
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