ara's Story

Not surprisingly, she has some problems. Sara is extremely shy. She used to be afraid of everything, people, cats, dogs, firehydrants, the wind, mailboxes, poles, tree branches, motorcycles, bikes, rollerbladers, children, and, quite literally, her own shadow. In addition, she is very submissive, and she would submissively urinate if anyone so much as looked in her direction.

Sara has come a long way since she came to live with us. She almost never submissively urinates, and she is learning that the world is not such a terrible place. She is still afraid of strange people; she will not allow strangers to approach her. She is terrified of children. But she no longer is afraid mailboxes, cats, other dogs, and most stationary objects. A pole, however, must be treated with caution.

I have hope that, someday, Sara will be able to approach new stimuli and new situations with caution instead of fear.

The people on the shy-k9s mailing list have been an invaluable resource. I cannot thank them enough for the support and advice that they have given. To subscribe to shy-k9s, send mail to shy-k9s-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit shy-k9s at Yahoo!Groups Shaman was another dog on shy-k9s. His page is sad, so have a tissue handy.

The shy dogs links page has more shy dogs homepages and links to other useful information for helping your baby. Check out the shy-k9s FAQ and this article on building confidence in a shy dog. I wrote the 12 step program for shy dogs tongue-in-cheek, but there is a lot of truth in the program.

Sara 2 and 1/2 years later. More mastiff information. Pictures of Henrey.

Sara's page is a Junction on The Canine Line.

Ride the Canine Line

That island of England breeds very valiant creatures; their mastiffs are of unmatchable courage.

It is cruel and unfair to breed dogs that are fearful. Sara was a beautiful mastiff. Her lines were great. Her coloring was wonderful. Her head was perfect. None of that was worth her being afraid of her own shadow, and she certainly wasn't showable with a fearful temperment. A cowering, submissively urinating dog makes a very poor impression on a judge. Much as I loved Sara, she never should have been bred.

If It Should Be (Author unknown) If it should be that I grow weak, And pain should keep me from my sleep, Than you must do what must be done, For this last battle cannot be won. You will be sad, I understand; Don't let your grief then stay your hand. For this day more than all the rest, Your love for me must stand the test. We've had so many happy years - What is to come can hold no fears. You'd not want me to suffer so; The time has come, so let me go. Take me where my needs they'll tend And please stay with me until the end. Hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time that you will see The kindness that you did for me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I've been saved. Please do not grieve - it must be you Who had this painful thing to do. We've been so close, we two, these years - Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

This Waiting for us at Rainbow Bridge webring site is owned by Neefer in memory of Sara. Previous Next Previous 5 Sites Next 5 Sites Random Site List Sites Do you want to join the ring?

Jennifer

-- Duir Table of Contents -- Jen's Homepage Wearable Art Quilts Sara, the shy mastiff Henrey, the happy mastiff Mastiff Information Isabel Tony Garden Pond Stream Adoration of Jen! Fitness Graphics Wedding Stuff

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This page was last modified Wednesday, 22-Mar-2006 12:39:58 PST

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