This remarkably fit, handsome, sober-faced fellow came back to us recently from his adoptive family, where he’d lived since being adopted in January. He had originally come to us from a shelter, having been a stray. He was then adopted and spent the past nine months in his new home, but his adoptive parents have decided to return him. Now he is with us again as he awaits a new home that is perhaps a better match overall.
His adoptive mom indicates that while he’s an outstanding fellow in most ways, he seems to have a taboo that they have not been able to resolve or adapt to: he does not like to be petted while he is chewing on a marrow bone.
I’ll throw in on the topic at this point. No matter the breed, it is not at all uncommon for a dog to have preferences in its interactions with others. One of my Dobers had three taboos - don’t touch his feet, don’t be around him when he eats, and don’t lean over him. He could be unsafe if those taboos were violated. We learned these early on and honored them throughout his life, telling a wide range of guests over the years to be mindful of those three things.
He lived to the age of 14 and never had a problem, because we respected his sensitivities in those areas. He was a loving and well-loved dog that got along with everyone, living in our home and meeting and interacting with scores of people without a problem. We just had to know his foibles and work with him accordingly.
Recently we adopted a new Dober. His background sounded all right, but marks on his neck and certain expressions and stances at times suggested otherwise. He was friendly and loving, but early on it became apparent that he required additional observation and understanding as we tried to unravel his particular behaviors and taboos.
Because of this, whenever we have introduced him to someone in these first few months, we have told them not to put their face near to his (always a good idea, in any case) and to let him initiate contact. This has worked out flawlessly, and he’s doing very well. Thanks to our diligence, there have been no problems, nor do we anticipate any. All the same, it has taken awareness, knowledge, and wisdom on our part to help him move past his past, bond effectively with us, and interact safely with others.
Being mindful is necessary in every instance with any dog we come in contact with and especially if we are making a dog a part of our family. Some are perfect from the get go; others require additional observation, understanding, and adaptation. Extremely rarely is a dog unsuited for placement; in almost every instance, it’s a matter of matching the dog to the family. This match didn’t work out, and thankfully he’s back with us as he awaits a forever home.
He’s tall and lean - very well formed, with an even coat and as gentle a face and demeanor as you could ever want. Everyone loves his quiet and demure personality. He loves attention, and will quietly, gently nudge anyone handy for petting. In fact, when we introduced him to the cat, he just sniffed it and turned back to us for attention. (On the second try, we let the house cat walk up to him; the cat meowed and the dog jumped three feet backwards! ) He is strong on a leash, and sometimes when he gets excited he will jump a bit, but he settles quickly with quiet correction - he wants to please.
Observations from volunteers and guests:
“He is such a sweetheart. He was very good with everyone and the cat. He just wanted to be petted all the time."
“He is a lover, and he would lean on me to make sure he got all the pets he could!”
"Patron is a Dobe that you immediately gravitate to. He is athletic and has a unique look that serves him well. He‘s tall, trim, and well mannered. He seems to love a ball or at least the Jolly Ball, as he immediately ran toward it when I came to see him. However, I think his favorite thing is to back in between your legs and sit looking away from you. From that position he just soaks up all the attention and petting you are willing to give. He’s almost six years old, but you could have told me he was three and I would have believed you, he‘s that youthful in his appearance and behavior."
“What a striking boy! You won’t find many fawn Dobermans with such an impressive appearance. When I first met Patron I’d gone to take him for a walk, and I was struck by just how handsome he was. The fawn coloring is almost ghost like and makes an immediate impression. After a very friendly meeting, we started on our walk around the DRT property. At first he was pulling a bit, and I was a little apprehensive as to just how much fun this was going to be. Within 40-50 yards he settled in to a leisurely pace (matching mine), and we had a great time. I stopped every once in a while and spoke to him, and he’d come up to me and bury his head in my legs. Later in the day, I went into his inside run to see if my first impressions were correct and, true to form, when I sat on the floor, he lay his head on my lap as I made of him.”
“Patron is a really nice looking Dobe, very athletic. He’s very sweet boy who welcomes visitors. He is pretty good on a leash without pulling too much. He’s not as vocal as some of the other Dobes, but he is very observant. He has a lot of positive energy and can be very playful. I get the impression that he is a great ‘hang out’ companion who will easily become your best friend and will want to stay by your side. I really like this guy!”
And this comment from his former owner:
“He was a bit of a clown. We would be in the living room watching TV, Patron on his pillow of course, and I would say it’s time for bed. Well, he would not get up unless I sat next to him and told him to roll for a belly rub. After that we went to bed. He had another pillow in my bedroom. In the morning we did the same thing to get him up - rolled for belly rubs. He’s very smart and learns quickly. He was so spoiled, and that’s what he needs - a family to love and spoil him like we did. I’m sure you’ll do everything to get that for him.”
If you think your home may be a match for this fellow, here’s the sequence: 1) apply, 2) get approved, 3) make appointment to meet, 4) come take him home. It’s as uncomplicated as that.
