Jobie
Most of the time this is a happy and easy-going little dog. Sometimes he is busy checking things out in the yard because he can be curious but he is not into “hunting” or anything like that. He just really enjoys wandering around freely when the weather is nice.
Poor Jobie was extremely malnourished and had very little hair when he first came to us, but he was calm and sweet even when he didn’t feel very good. Now he has gained weight and grown lots of hair and has continued to be a sweet and happy boy.
He does still have some of the mill “after effects” because when he gets nervous about something, he tends to spin in circles. Jobie lived in a cage for the first couple of years of his life and many caged animals become extremely bored and anxious. This can lead to a compulsive behavior like spinning. When Jobie starts this, we just try to distract him so that he can think about something else rather than what is making him nervous. He doesn’t do it often and as time goes on, it is becoming less frequent.
Jobie does hate being in crate. This is a little surprising as most mill dogs like their crates — especially when they learn they only have to stay in there for a short time when no one is home. But Jobie gets frantic, starts his spinning and even barks and whines. We tried to gate him off in a smaller room, but he still was not happy. So now we just let him have the run of the kitchen area of the house and sometimes put a belly-band on him if we will be gone for quite a while.
Because of his past, Jobie may never be a real affectionate dog like some typical companion dogs, but he will always be a sweet dog who appreciates this new life out of a cage.
If you have any questions, please email julemson@wmol.com.
This dog is fostered in Holland, MI.
Breed: Shih Tzu mix
DOB: 2007
Sex: Neutered male
Weight: 15 pounds
Foster home: Julie