Traveler

October 2001

Traveler has had some hard luck in his short life so far. His owner died (man) and Traveler and his buddy (a female Shih Tzu mix) were then put in the barn by the man's wife.   They kept escaping the barn and were picked up by animal control.   She told them to keep the two dogs and try to find homes for them because she was not able to care for them.  The spayed female was adopted and Traveler (not neutered) was left for several weeks in the pound.  The shelter volunteers felt that he was very adoptable and kept him from being euthanized.  Then he was adopted locally, but after a few days they brought him back to the pound!  One of the shelter volunteers said that the reason given was that he had snapped at one of their children.  This is very hard for me to understand (I have had him here now for 3 months), and one of the shelter volunteers is of the same opinion because this dog is very timid and submissive.   When he was returned by the adopters he was even more submissive, would submissive "pee" when approached.  The volunteer told me that Traveler had not done this before.  It is very likely that Traveler was not treated well by the people who adopted him and perhaps if he snapped at one of the children he did it in defense.   Knowing this, I would not recommend Traveler be adopted into a family with small children because I think his experience with children was a negative one.  Cats:   He was fine with my two adult cats, but was too rough with some half-grown kittens and had to be kept away from cats/kittens after that.

Traveler came into foster care at Save Just One on July 24, 2001.  He was very thin and you could feel every backbone and rib.  He had some digestive problems the first few weeks (bloody loose stools) and tests were done at the vet clinic.   He had a bowel infection and was treated with antibiotics.  The vet also said that stress can make this condition worse.  After this cleared up, Traveler was neutered and he is now up-to-date on all vaccinations, on Heartgard and Frontline.   He has gained some weight, but he is not very large-boned under all that fur.   The shelter listed him as a Shih Tzu mix.  Traveler weighs about 20 pounds and has a silky black and white coat.  He will need brushing routinely, but he really does not mat badly.  He behaves very well during a bath.

Traveler probably would do best in a quiet adult only (or older children - over 12) home.  No cats.  He is o.k. with dogs that are about his own size, tends to be food aggressive.  He wants lots of love and attention, does well on a leash but needs some work. Frequent access to a fenced yard would be the ideal for him.  

Update:  Nov. 29: Traveler has been adopted!  His new "mom and dad" drove to the foster home in Jonesville, Va. on Thursday, Nov. 29 to get him.  His new home is in Gate City, Va. which is only about 35 minutes away and the foster mom was given a standing invitation to visit Traveler.  (This will be convenient to do because Gate City is on the route between Jonesville and Kingsport, Tennessee where any serious shopping is done. <grin>) 

Traveler's new dad is a retired dentist and they have a travel home which they use often.  They remarked that his name was perfect!  Happy traveling Traveler!    As a bonus, they even have a vet in the family!  Their last dog, a Peke-a-Poo, lived to be 20 years old.

 I was sent a picure of Traveler being led on a leash by their 3 year old grandson.   As soon as I can get my scanner operating with my new computer, I will add it.