I just got back from a trip out to the North Central shelter, where I went to visit Teddy and see how he was doing. I was shocked to find that the sweet, playful guy that I saw 3 weeks ago is now withdrawn and wary of people. He even growled at me, initially. I knelt down in front of his cage for several minutes and tried to coax him out of the back, but he refused. It broke my heart.
I imagine that shelter life must have this effect on many dogs, where the lack of interaction and stressful conditions break the spirit of those who are the slightest bit sensitive. Teddy seemed so happy and well-adjusted, I wasn't expecting this kind of turnaround in such a short time. The fact that he has survived this long - he was impounded on December 5 - makes me think that the staff at North Central knows that he really is a sweet dog, and hope that a potential adopter or rescue group will recognize that and have the time to spend to bring him back around.
I can't give up on him, but I don't quite know what to do. I stayed a little longer at the shelter and took a few more pictures of other dogs, but I had to leave. Sometimes, it's really, really hard to be there.
Come back to us, Teddy!
December 21
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