Friday, April 1, 2011

Meet Shiloh

Shiloh is a very sweet and pretty Finnish Spitz. Her owners allow her to run all over the mountain.

For a long time they kept putting a choke chain collar on her, no tags. For a long time I kept removing it when she visited us, worried she would get herself stuck on something, assuming no cars or trucks hit her first. Shiloh now wears a purple nylon collar with a tag on it. At least a stranger can identify her after she's been hit. Everyone who lives on the mountain already knows her. Shiloh likes to chase my goats on occasion. Nick likes to chase Shiloh. The goats are usually safe once they scoot into the horse pasture although I doubt Shiloh would do anything other than chase them anyway.

Yesterday afternoon Gene got a call about a dog crying in the woods from one of our elderly neighbors. She could hear the cries but was unable to go trudging through the deep snows still left. Gene grabbed me, I grabbed treats, a leash, a large towel, a soft long piece of old T shirt to make a simple muzzle if needed and gloves. This is what we found.


Miss Shiloh, with her leg completely wrapped up in a fence wire. Thankfully it wasn't barbed wire. Just run of the mill smooth hard wire that no doubt after hours would have cut and injured just as insidiously, assuming an opportunistic predator didn't happen along before hand. . Shiloh is small, less than 30 pounds. I know, I picked her up and gave her a hug and kiss when it was all over. She returned the love. We know each other well. She was a good girl while I gently unwrapped her leg and freed it.
It was the top wire she got stuck on, then trying to free herself, it twisted around her leg a number of times, tighter and tighter. She got her treats. We didn't need the muzzle or the gloves even though it must have hurt.

It was with heavy hearts we drove her the mile back up to her house. No one was home, it was probably a good thing. There is a sad overhead cable and a dog house too far away to reach. I didn't have the heart to tie her up. Dogs on ties left alone just aren't a good idea. I have no problem with using them under supervision. The dog goes out, does his business, gets some fresh air and if there is trouble can be rescued. I've used a similar set up myself when I had only a couple and no fenced yard or pen. I have no problem with dogs being loose on their property, or even sneaking over to the neighbors to leave a present or two. Many dogs stay close to home, avoiding roads and cross country travel and it's fine. But I hate to see sweet little Shiloh, who has a wandering spirit, left to her own devices. She was peacefully waiting in the late afternoon sun, watchful eyes on the driveway for her owners when we left. She was very lucky someone heard her. One of these days her luck will run out. And it will all be so so stupid and avoidable.

11 comments:

LA said...

My heart goes out to Shiloh. But, I'm thankful you and G were there to free her from the latest misadventure.

Bonnie said...

Poor little Shilo. Good thing you were there to help her and the elderly neighbor could hear her.

Michelle said...

I think I would find it impossible to leave her there. I would probably call the owners, explain my concerns, and offer to buy her. That's what I did with the neighbor's chickens, and they just gave them to us. I know, chickens are dogs, but I would sure give it a try. For Shiloh.

Anonymous said...

Theresa, thank goodness you were there to rescue Miss Shiloh! In my opinion her owners don't deserve a dog, shame on them for letting her run loose, shame on them for not properly caring for her and shame on them for what I view as abuse. You and Gene are good souls for taking care of not only yours but others animals. If only all of us were as kind and loving to our animals. My heart aches for Shiloh. Please give your bunch a hug and kiss for me. All the best, Martha in Utah

Theresa said...

Michelle,
We've discussed it, but the reality is, I have 8 dogs, 4 of those geriatric at 12 or above. The vet expenses for these 4 are high plus bringing in a dog that is almost double their weights and feisty in her own right could be a real problem. My younger dogs back down when one of the oldsters
insists, mostly because they are smaller or have grown up with them in their younger more dominate years. They have the bark and attitude of younger dogs, but sadly not the chops to follow through and Shiloh is around 2, maybe 3 and in her prime. I have spent a little time today gathering resources and information about Finnish Spitz rescue and also local possibilities. I can't take her but if I can talk them into an owner surrender I would be happy to facilitate it in any way possible. It is the best I can do
although I realize it falls far short.

Michelle said...

Oh Theresa, it doesn't fall short at ALL. It is far more than most would do, and comes from a heart of compassion for not only Shiloh, but your own dogs (I didn't realize there are EIGHT!). I hope Shiloh's owners are willing to surrender her.

Anonymous said...

Hope Shiloh finds a new home, people like that shouldn't be allowed to have pets.

Life Looms Large said...

When I read the subject I thought, "Did Theresa get a new loom or a new dog?"

Such a sad story. I hope there will be a good outcome for Shiloh. Some of our beloved dogs have been rescues, so I have my fingers crossed that her owners decide she needs another home.

We got big snow yesterday for April Fool's. I'm trying to ignore it until it melts!!!

Sue

Sharon said...

I don't like this story. We too are at full capacity after our neighbors abandoned their lab to live with us. Sorry.

Leigh said...

This is so heartbreaking. It is so fortunate you and Gene were able to do at least something. Do you think her owners will ever learn?

Two Guys and a Loom said...

Thank goodness you were there for Shiloh when she needed you!