Elsa

This will be a serious story about Elsa, a young dog that Linda hosted overnight last weekend, May 18th.  Elsa's story brings home how being mistreated or neglected can result in a dog who loses all sense of being a dog.  Elsa was sweet and freely gave kisses to Linda, but as you can see, Elsa was skinny, and one bundle of fear.  We have no idea if she thought she'd do something wrong and get punished, or thought she'd get beaten for no reason, or thought she'd get yelled at like she might have if she'd lived on the streets, homeless.

Elsa's history is unknown except for someone fostered her before she was put on the transport for Pennsylvania.  She was believed to have Demodex mange.  In her foster's care, her coat came back to about 90% after being given the right medicine.  The foster also had Elsa spayed, thankfully, but the vet x-rayed her and discovered she needed a full hip operation, so she had that surgery as well.

When Linda picked up Elsa at the transport point, Elsa was shaking and wouldn't move.  No potty break there.  When Linda arrived at her home, Elsa still wouldn't move, so Linda carried her upstairs, where Elsa remained cowering in her crate -- the place she felt safest, I'm sure.  The one positive was that Elsa ate and drank wolfishly.  When Linda would coax Elsa to come closer, Elsa would inch her way towards Linda on her belly.  Once Linda was able to pet her, Elsa responded with lots of kisses, and enjoyed Linda's attention.  Never did she threaten Linda in any way, so she has no aggression in her.  But terrified?  Yes.

Elsa did relax a bit and enjoyed the purple stuffed animal Linda gave her, but as far as Linda knows, Elsa never slept.  After spending the night in her crate, Linda carried Elsa downstairs in hopes that she'd do her business, especially knowing she'd eaten and drank so voraciously the night before.  As Linda reached the lawn and began lowering Elsa, Elsa could hold it no longer and began doing #1 and #2 before hitting the ground.

Fortunately, Elsa's future is looking much brighter.  She was on her way to Scranton on Sunday morning, where she will receive a lot of attention from people who are patient and knowledgeable on how to teach her to be a dog again.  She will be socialized with people and other dogs, and will learn that it's okay to be a happy, loving and trusting companion.  But it will take a lot of work, and a lot of time.  A lot of time.

We hope to follow Elsa's progress and will report it as soon as we hear anything.  In the meantime, please say a little prayer for her.  Elsa can use all your good thoughts sent her way!