Our Doberboy Grant is back with us after having been with a family since leaving us when he was barely more than a pup. Our terms of adoption are such that if an adopter cannot keep a dog for any reason, the dog is to be returned to us. The reasons for Grant’s return are not entirely clear, but they have nothing to do with him. He’s still the sweetheart he was when he went to his adoptive home five years ago, and it’s a joy having him around again as he awaits a new home.
You can see from the early pictures of him what a handsome, playful, energetic fellow he was when young. Obviously his current pictures make him look significantly different due to his being so overweight. The good news is, much of that weight gain is apparently due to hypothyroidism, and that’s easily and inexpensively treated. We’ve started him on the meds for that already, of course, and as the thyroid levels come into line (along with a proper diet), the weight will start to drop off. I’m guessing about 20 lbs. less will make him sleek and energetic again. Already he‘s making progress and is able to lift his leg to pee and hold his balance. When he arrived, he was unable to stay stable enough to continue his task and would walk a few steps to try it again. Poor, sweet boy.
In addition to the weight gain, when he arrived he had conjunctivitis in both eyes and an ear infection. We treated both, and they are cleared up already! I don’t think I’m going too far out on a limb here to say it’s a good thing he’s back with us, and I wish it had happened sooner.
(Soapbox paragraph: Perhaps these were good adopters at one time. But they seem pretty poor candidates now, given the failure to treat the thyroid, conjunctivitis, and ear infection. He should never have been allowed to get so overweight either. People fall on hard times for one reason or another and are understandably loathe to give up their pets, but if you have a dog you can no longer care for properly, please do the right thing for the dog and surrender it so it can go to a new home where proper care can be given.)
In the few days he’s been back with us, he’s showing significantly improved energy and enthusiasm. It’s thrilling to watch the progress as he returns to good health. He’s still a sweetheart and will make a lovely companion for years to come yet, in a proper home.
Current volunteer comments:
“When I sit and watch Grant, I can feel that he just wants his world to settle back down. He’s a good boy, who will come and sit beside you if he isn’t off playing with one of the other Dobes. And I know that he will feel better physically when the various infections (eyes & ears) are cleared up and the thyroid medicine has a chance to work. But what this sweet fellow really needs is a place to call home, a place where he belongs and where he can relax again. He deserves that.”
“Grant is a lovable teddy bear of a boy. He has interest in being active and playing, but heat and weight make it difficult for now. He’s congenial and social.”
“I met Grant when I first arrived at DRT. He was going from volunteer to volunteer as we gathered in the courtyard to get our instructions for the day. As soon as I saw him, I thought of Baloo the Bear from the Disney movie the Jungle Book. He’s simply a kindly, lumbering, bear of a dog who is just happy to greet you.”
"Grant is just a super chill Dober. He reminds me of back in the day when your auto mechanic would have a dog hanging out at the garage, because he just wants to hang out. He will follow you around, yet never demand anything other than the opportunity to be included. You won‘t even know he is there until you see him standing right behind you. He is super friendly and gets along with everyone. He even does well on a leash and wants to lead on a walk.”
Volunteer comments from when he was with us years ago:
“Grant is a total baby who will give you the best Dober lean in the world! He is excited on the leash at first and very curious with his nose to the ground, but he calms down nicely for a very enjoyable walk! His sweet face will melt you, and he is a wonderful guy!”
“Grant is a fun boy who loved his walk - nose to the ground, taking in the scents and maneuvers of all the creatures who roamed the field the night before!”
You can see from his early pictures and comments, in combination with the current pics and info, that this is a great dog who deserves much better than his former owners were able to provide.
If he strikes a chord in your heart, make an appointment to meet him once your application is approved, and come spend a bit of time observing and interacting with him. You’re going to find a loving and loyal companion if you do.
