Simon suffered severe separation anxiety. He was adopted but returned because it was disasterous. It became obvious that his worst fear was being moved to yet another home - he had been tossed around all his short life already and he was haunted at the thought of having to go to yet another new home. Simon appeared to have come from a pet store, being a puppy mill produced dog with emotional problems. We felt the kindest thing for Simon was to let him rest in peace and now, at long last, his demons no longer haunt him.
Simon's Story...
Simon is a very sweet black and rust Doberman Pinscher boy who was turned in to the Linden Animal Shelter because his owner no longer wanted him. Just imagine how traumatic it would be to have your whole life turned upside down at the whim of a human. Simon was taken straight to the vet where he was inoculated, wormed and given medicine for a cold he had caught. Simon was somewhat underweight at 51 pounds and is now well on his way to filling in the hollows in his lanky frame. We were told Simon was about 1 year old but the general concensus is that he is closer to 10 months of age. When you see those huge feet, that leggy "teenager" look, and that joyful puppy pouncing, you'll agree!
Simon has a docked tail. Fortunately, he was spared the pain of ear cropping and therefore still has the cute, natural, floppy ears that all Dobies are born with and meant to have.
It appears as though Simon is about 90% housebroken. The first day when he was very nervous and unsure of where he was, he had an accident indoors but that is to be expected. He does beautifully when the weather is dry and can go day after day with no accidents. On rainy days, however, he needs to be watched closely because he prefers not to go outside in the nasty wet grass! Simon is crate trained, is crated during the day when nobody is home, does not soil his crate, and goes all night uncrated with no accidents.
Simon does not like to be left in the yard alone and would rather be taken out on a leash to do his business. He would do fine in a home where there was no fenced yard but where he would be walked frequently. But he doesn't mind being in the yard with other dogs so he would also make a great addition to a multi-dog household with a fenced in yard.
Simon loves to play with stuffed toys and will enthusiastically run to retrieve them when they are thrown. He is just now learning how to catch a tennis ball. I usually hits him in the nose but once it ricochets, the chase is on and he bounces along with the ball until he finally catches it.
Simon tolerated a bath in the tub very well and is now fresh, clean, silky and shiny. Doberman Pinschers have such a short coat that shedding is barely noticeable. An occasional bath and quick brushing is all he needs.
Simon became attached to his foster mom very quickly and will certainly bond instantly with his new family. He likes to be close to people and would do best in a family where someone is home most of the day.
Simon had his first visit ever to Petsmart to go shopping. He was very frightened initially - obviously a whole new experience for him. But after a few moments he felt more at ease and made many new friends. Simon met a 3 year old girl who brought him stuffed toys to play with and he was wonderful with her. Everyone wanted to meet Simon and hear all about him. It took almost 2 hours to get out of Petsmart! But what a popular guy he was and he ended up loving his shopping experience. He is a wonderful passenger in the car also. As soon as the engine starts, he sprawls out in the back seat and goes to sleep.
The foster dog prior to Simon had started obedience school. After the first 2 classes, he was adopted so Simon has been taking his place. Simon's 1st class was everyone else's 3rd class and you would have thought Simon had been there all along. He listened very well and caught on quickly. If Simon is in foster care long enough to finish school, we have our sights set on valedictorian!