News & Entertainment Sitting With Dogs
Behind The Scenes with a Frightened Terrier In a Shelter’s Off Limit Zone
Rocky Kanaka
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“Hi, you scared?” That’s how my day began at Animal Friends of the Valleys, a place where every visit brings a new story. Today, I met a dog with fluffy, almost curly hair, his eyes filled with uncertainty. He was new here, still wearing his collar, tucked away in the back area of the shelter. I couldn’t resist; I had to sit with him. His story was unknown, but his need for reassurance was clear.
Behind The Scenes
This little dog is in a special area in the shelter called a sally port. A “sally port” is a secure, controlled entryway used in animal shelters, prisons, jails, or other secure facilities. The term originally comes from military fortifications and referred to a secure entrance that allowed troops to ‘sally forth’ (emerge) from a defensive position. In modern contexts a sally port serves a few key purposes:
- Controlled Entry and Exit: The sally port area in an animal shelter is a secure space where animals are moved in or out of the shelter. It’s designed to prevent animals from escaping while being transferred to or from vehicles, or between different areas of the shelter.
- Containment and Safety: This area often functions as a buffer zone. For instance, when an animal is brought into the shelter, it can be first taken to the sally port area. This allows staff to safely assess and manage the animal before moving it into the general population or other specific areas of the shelter.
- Health and Quarantine Measures: In some shelters, the sally port area may also be used for initial health checks and quarantine procedures, to prevent the spread of diseases among the shelter population.
- Stress Reduction: For the animals, transitioning from the outside world into a shelter can be stressful. A sally port area allows a more gradual and controlled introduction to the shelter environment.
- Facilitation of Operations: It helps in the efficient and safe handling of animals during their transfer, ensuring that they are moved securely and with minimal stress or risk of injury.
Gaining Trust: The Power of Patience
As I sat there, offering treats and gentle words, I realized the importance of patience. This dog, clearly shut down and scared, needed time to understand that he was safe. I wanted to scoop him up (aka The Scoop), but he wasn’t ready. It was a slow process, but every small step, like taking a treat from my hand or tolerating a gentle touch, felt like a victory.
Understanding His Past: A History of Uncertainty
I learned that this wasn’t his first time at the shelter. He had been here before, found wandering and brought in by animal control. His collar was clean, but he hadn’t been groomed in a while. The most intriguing part? His microchip had fallen out during a previous stay, a rare occurrence that added to his mystery. This doesn’t quite add up. Upon further investigation what happened is they tried to insert a new microchip and he was so wiggly it did not get inserted properly.
Building a Connection: The Magic of a Gentle Touch
As I continued to interact with him, I realized the power of a simple touch. Leaning slightly against him, I introduced the comfort of physical contact. He didn’t shy away. It reminded me of the soothing effect of a weighted blanket, a comparison that made me chuckle. This moment of relaxation was crucial for him, a break from the stress and confusion of the shelter.
Naming him Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift’s Boyfriend.
In a light-hearted moment, I decided to give him a temporary name – Travis, inspired by Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Naming him felt like giving him an identity, a personality beyond just being another shelter dog. It was a small act, but it felt significant.
The Power of Advocacy: Speaking for Those Who Can’t
Sitting there with Travis, I was reminded of the importance of advocacy. These dogs, voiceless and often forgotten, rely on us to tell their stories, to highlight their personalities and needs. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, whether it’s through volunteering or simply sharing their stories with the world.
Hope for the Future: A Journey Towards a Forever Home
As I wrapped up my visit, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful for Travis. Whether he would be reunited with his family or find a new one, I was determined to ensure he would be cared for. Sharing his story, encouraging others to volunteer, and spreading awareness – these were the tools at my disposal to help Travis and many others like him.
The relationship between Taylor Swift, a renowned pop star, and Travis Kelce, a prominent NFL player, has garnered significant public and media interest, leading to their frequent appearance in the news. This little dog looks a lot like Travis Kelce, so we named him Travis. “I like naming dogs human names, it gives them such a personality.” Rocky said that if Travis’ family doesn’t come to get him that he would drive Travis to Taylor Swift in Kansas City. “They probably have the space, the room and the funds and how could she not love this dog.”
A Parting Thought: The Impact of Compassion
As I left the shelter, Travis, now more relaxed and even dozing off in my arms, was a stark contrast to the scared dog I had met hours earlier. This transformation, though small, was a testament to the impact of compassion and patience. It’s a reminder that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a world of difference in the lives of shelter animals.
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