"Puzzle" came to us while our fifteen puppies were still in residence, resulting in her spending her first days in Boarding Kennels.
Puzzle's Story
Only 11 months, she arrived with a history of unpredictability, which included biting, growling, being very wary of strangers, car sickness, very little bladder control, bowel problems, tail chasing with actual crunching on the bone, salivating, wall licking etc. She was also said to have a poor appetite (she was certainly pitifully thin), and described as having days spent in "lock in" for much of the day.
This article appeared in the Autumn 2004 edition of F.O.R.U.M.
"Puzzle" had, in her short life, seen two different vets, and been spayed (before her first season). She arrived with three different bottles of medication, had also visited trainers and behaviourists, unsuccessful if her attitude on arrival was any indication. She crawled from the car, standing on the drive without acknowledging anyone or anything, eyes completely blank, shut in her own world. I understand she panicked and snapped when collected from her owner.
My immediate decision was to stop all medication, change her diet, (she arrived with a bag full of a well-known complete performance/junior food) and try the "healthy neglect" treatment, leaving her to decide any contact.
During her time in boarding kennels, her bowels were normal, wall licking and most of the tail biting/chasing ceased.
She spent most of her time laying quietly in her bed, not wanting any attention. When we finally collected her, she still appeared blank, insecure and uninterested, but at least didn't panic upon being moved.
"Puzzle" moved straight to Jo's who spent all that afternoon painting the kennel she occupied. After about two hours of being totally ignored, "Puzzle" decided she would really like to say "hello". By evening she'd had a much needed bath and by next day, was acting more like a "normal" Munster.
After a total of three and a half weeks, that included the boarding kennels, then going out and about, meeting people (thanks Jo), "Puzzle" was re-homed. We were very careful with the home she went to, wanting Munster owners. She now lives with two other Munsters and "their people", renamed "Puzzle" because she was, as all her known problems, except for occasional tail chasing, we didn't experience. Her former owners had another dog (not a Munster) and seemed caring people. Their Vet obviously saw the problems, in fact said would endorse euthanasia if we felt it appropriate.
The puzzle was the dramatic change in behaviour experienced. Was this the complete lack of pressure, diet change, or just maybe being allowed to be a Munster? We're not certain, but certainly have a theory.
Many thanks from Rescue and all involved, must go to her new Family who were prepared to give her a second chance.
Rae Massey
Puzzle (centre) and her new friends
Just one of the many rescues in the very busy year of 2004.
