Thursday, January 21, 2010

SMOKEY BEAR

Smokey Bear has a past, and a past that is heart wrenching. He was severely abused by his original owners, beaten into compliance. So the sight of a stick or anything resembling that used to bring out major rage.

The trainers at the ranch have worked relentlessly to desensitize him but the scars remain.
Smokey is completely trained on leash and knows his commands well. He loves to go out on walks and enjoys agility training as well. It is such a sight to watch him jump over fences and actually enjoy himself for a little while. Once he gets to know you and bonds with you he is truly a gentle giant and a perfect gentleman. Cuddly and loving, he will finally let his guard down and relax. But that takes time. His first instinct with any stranger is fear, understandably.


Smokey would only go to a very experienced owner, a gentle leader but a leader nonetheless. He needs leadership as much as he needs love and understanding. Psychological scars are the hardest ones to heal because even though they may be invisible, they run deep. Time will be of the essence in establishing your relationship with Smokey Bear, but once it is established, it is impossible to describe in words what that relationship will bring you.

As someone who went through this myself with the incomparable SACHI (hence Sachi Animal Rescue), I can promise you that nothing, absolutely nothing in this world has been more fulfilling emotionally than the relationship I had with that one of a kind “damaged” dog.
 

Raphaele Brilliant
(President of Sachi Animal Rescue)


Monday, January 18, 2010

ROCKO

Rocko came to us as a frightened and unsocialized pup. It has been heartwarming to watch him blossom into a fun, outgoing, friendly boy. While still in training, he is being socialized with other dogs up at the ranch and is going through his basic obedience. Under the watchful eyes and guidance of his trainers, his self confidence and sense of worth has shot through the roof. Upon graduation, he will be a happy go lucky young buck, ready to start a life full of fun, love and play.

Rocko is a 2.5 yr old American Bulldog/Boxer mix, at least this is what we see in him. For all we know he could be a combination of 200+ breeds but who cares?

The anticipation is building among the SAR volunteers to watch this dog embrace his full potential and become the pup he was always meant to be.

More importantly, we cannot wait for that special day when he will finally leave the ranch forever and embark on his new life with his own family, head hanging out the car window, looking straight ahead, with one thought on his mind: ”Thanks for the memories and so long SAR people, but on to bigger and better things!” And that is the way it should and will be!