Willie!
in the left hind limb. He was a very sweet dog, and we couldn't bear the thought of putting him to sleep. His fracture would have required a specialist to repair the leg, so we amputated his back leg. He has been with us ever since. Except for a 6-day stint in the desert. Willie went on walkabout. He escaped from an adoptive owner, and we searched for him in the vicinity where he was lost. On several occasions, he was seen crossing Pecos into the reservation. We thought he was lost forever, but on the 6th morning, Willie showed up at Dr. Beyer's back door, and was anxious to be with people again! Willie (a.k.a. Wilbur, Wilson, and O.D [office dog]) can be seen at the clinic with us most days. He has issues with anxiety, and doesn't do very well when left alone. He's getting better, but still comes to the office much of the time. It seems as though Wilson will be a long-time resident (much to the dismay of Dr. B's two cats!), so feel free to visit him any time. He is sometimes shy with men and teenagers, but bring him a cat to admire, and you'll be his best friend forever! He is very strange about treats - he'll often try one once, but then never again. This may get better as he gets more comfortable in his new life. He does seem to consistently like jerky-type treats. And you will be his buddy forever if you happen to have a Kong stuffed with liverwurst! |
| Willie - looking adorable as always! |
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| Willie likes to chill in the creek - this was taken at Kelley's mom's house. |
| Julie Mae (Dr. Beyer's 5-year old niece) meets Willie in his crate, and then climbs in for a hug! Willie reaches over and kisses her little hand! |
| Willie's friends at home (if you can call it that). He loves to chase them. They love to run away, and if they can get a hiss or a swat in, it's even better! Taylor (the Monkey) is on the left. Penelope is on the right. They're easiest to photograph when they're groggy! |
| He went to visit Dr. Kelly Moffat, veterinary behaviorist at VCA Mesa Animal Hospital. He is working on his separation anxiety issues as well as basic training. Willie is working on learning independence (so that someday, he can be left alone without risking a panic attack and destructive behaviors). He recently stayed home alone for twelve whole minutes! He is also working on his shyness. If you want to say hi to Willie in the office, just ask the staff, but we want to avoid increasing his fear level, so we usually ask that you wait until he approaches you. And if he doesn't, please don't be offended! He's still in training, and it can take months. He really is a very sweet boy, once he overcomes his fear. Willie has also been going for some good runs - he loves to run, and is surprisingly fast! He bounds over bushes and looks for birds, lizards & bunnies to chase. He has been doing very well for off-leash runs in the desert! He also got a DNA test done to determine his breed. Mostly it was indeterminate, but he does have some miniature schnauzer in him, which we thought all along! While he still doesn't know how to play, he has been getting more dog-like every day. |