Memory: Our First Family Dog from the Animal Shelter

The Path to Tiffy

Looking back at our family history, dogs have always played a special role. My grandparents initially had a German Shepherd, and after his passing, a small mixed-breed named Paco came to them. Over the course of his life, Paco became a father, and my grandparents adopted a puppy from his litter named Nacho. I often walked Nacho. Unfortunately, he was kicked in the rear by a very animal-unfriendly person, which led to paralysis. He had to be put down afterward. It was a very distressing story.

Meine Brüder und ich hatten oft den Wunsch, einen eigenen Hund in unserer Familie zu haben. Meine Eltern versuchten uns zu erklären, dass der Zeitpunkt möglicherweise nicht der richtige sei, da wir noch zur Schule gingen. Uns war nicht bewusst, dass der Wunsch nach einem Hund zwar da war, aber die Verantwortung eher bei meinen Eltern lag. Sie waren jedoch nicht gänzlich abgeneigt, und eines Tages kam meine Mutter mit einer erfreulichen Nachricht auf uns zu. Sie hatte ein Tierheim besucht und dort eine kleine Hündin namens „Tiffy“ gesehen. Meine Mutter sagte, dass Tiffy sehr schüchtern sei und wir uns nicht wundern sollten, wenn sie sich im Tierheim zurückhaltend verhielt. Wir besuchten Tiffy im Tierheim, und sie kam mit sehr vorsichtigen und langsamen Schritten ans Gitter, um uns zu begrüßen. Ihre Körperhaltung war ängstlich, und sie zitterte.

Tiffy's Story

Tiffy’s story was that shelter staff had found her by the roadside. She had been tied to a lamppost and left alone. Based on her physical and emotional state, the staff could tell that Tiffy had been abused and was now fundamentally fearful. We understood Tiffy's sensitivity and decided to take her in.

 

I observed her anxiety initially through the following examples: She never went into the bathroom, was afraid of stairs, and had a panic attack passing through the kitchen, which led to the garden terrace. She was even afraid of my rabbit, who was in a cage.

Tiffy's Development

We gave her lots of love, and nearby, we had a forest where she could socialize anew. Gradually, she trusted us more and more. She eventually became the guardian of the house, keeping watch from the hallway rug. At some point, shelter staff came by to check on Tiffy’s condition. I believe they were relieved to see how confident she had become. We loved Tiffy dearly, and she loved us just as much. Her little soul was able to smile again, and I hope she still does in doggy heaven.

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