Hi Everyone...what a day. Yes....This little IG that has been living on between 2-300 acres of cleared land, was in my trap after only one night. I actually got the call from a local IG Breeder who was out in the development to pick the trap she had set last night too, but in an area I had told her was not where I had observed the dog frequenting over the past 2 days of observation. On her way out, she drove past my trap and called me right away. I was actually on my way out the door to check on it myself. I was thrilled and couldn't believe it was that easy....this little dog wanted to be saved.
You know how I have been to several Animal Communication Seminars (don't laugh now)..well anyway, after setting the trap last night, I sat in my car and pictured her walking around the trap but not going in...I was telling her that it was ok, safe, and that her life would be better if she went in...this is what I thought about...
She wasn't freaking out, but seemed to enjoy finally having human contact. I took her straight to the Vet, had her shots done, fecal and HW test, bath and ears cleaned (full of sand). My Vet said that her immune system must have gotten strong in her defense. All tests were negative. She is 9.5 lbs
I took her to work with me, leaving my dogs at home of course. She became so attached to me in only one day. I think she was so deprived of human contact that she would cling to the one who would be with her the most. She slept on the dog bed in my office and loved going out for walks. She knows how to sit. I did notice that when you go to pet her from a standing position, she would crouch down as if being hit...so I approached her slowly, telling her what a good girl she was.
Another thing I noticed....when she sleeps, she sleeps with her head up alot with her eyes closed. This is from probably always having to be on the alert and ready to run
Joe, My husband named her Layla, after his favorite band, Fleetwood Mac. His first dog was named Fleetwood, same red color as this little girl, but half Greyhound and half Irish Setter....great dog.
My plan...to take Layla home with me and keep her if she fit in with my girls...I'm such a sucker and this is why I could never foster. I pulled up in the driveway and all my girls started to bark. Layla's body language changed..not afraid, but more defensive. I went into the house and my overly friendly girls wanted to greet and make nice. Layla, on the other hand started to growl, bare teeth and try to bit them (I was holding her while I stood). I took Layla outside and knew I couldn't keep her as much as I wanted to try. This little girl, after 4 months of living with raccoons, foxes, etc., must have had to defend herself many times. She felt threatened and was defending herself.
I called someone about 45 minutes from me who does IG and Greyhound Rescue, someone who knew the situation and the story behind Layla and would be there if I needed her....I did. I just got home after making the transfer into Rescue. They will work with her, as well as get her spayed and have a much needed dental (she is between 2-3 years old but needs her upper incisors removed from gum recession, infection and loose teeth from a poor diet). They will keep me updated on her progress and will most likely place her in a home as an only IG, so she can get one on one attention..something this little girl deserves.
So are you ready for PICTURES!!!!
At the Vet
Joe and Layla
Joe giving tummy rubs
Layla didn't forget what a bed is for..what a pretty girl
What a gorgeous face
This is Vanessa...She is the one who saw this IG off of a busy road and followed her into the development...a real animal lover herself...Her Mom works in our office and knew the breed because of my girls. She was on her way back to Tampa where she is studying to be a nurse, and had to stop in to see her. This poor girl was running over acres and acres of land trying to catch her.
This is Jim, our Service Manager, and owned by two IG's (after getting to know Star).....he is wishing he could take Layla home with him
So...that was my day...Layla, have a wonderful life...you deserve it