Valley Animal Center: Long-Term Dog Faces Difficulties Adapting to Shelter Environment

Jan 20, 2024 | 2024 Articles, Animal Rescue Adventures, Pets

by Juan Guitron, Valley Animal Center Content Creator

A common misconception is that animals in no-kill shelters are safe, and there is no rush to find a home. The truth is that pets often find it difficult to adapt to a shelter environment, especially for active dogs. Despite a shelter’s best efforts, the physical enrichment they receive is never enough, leading them to develop anxious and aggressive behaviors. Sadly, their mental and physical health deteriorates.

Sora

Sora (animal ID: 24674) was surrendered to us in July of 2021 after her owner realized she needed more attention and training than they could provide since they also had another dog. Two-year-old, pit/lab mix Sora is a high-energy dog who loves to play and gets super excited anytime she gets to go on walks.
After spending four long years in a shelter, sadly, Sora’s anxiety has gotten the better of her. Our dog-care staff try their best to provide her with the physical enrichment she craves, but their efforts aren’t enough.

Sora now has difficulty getting along with others, to the extent that she will need to be put in a home with no other pets. Her anxious behavior makes her lunge at the gate to her kennel, causing potential adopters to stay clear.

If she were adopted into a loving home, our certified dog trainer Mariah Prudhume says, “her mental health will drastically improve.”

Unfortunately, if we don’t do something to stimulate her mind while she is in the shelter, she may never get the chance to find a home.

One of our concerns is that a dog’s mental health deteriorates over time while in a shelter. Mariah suggests that we put Sora on a comprehensive plan based on her mental and physical needs to help her burn off her excess energy.

Sora works with a handler on our agility course, then uses food puzzles to help with her scent training and work out her mental faculties.

“Getting her exercised is the goal,” says Mariah, “and using a treadmill will be part of her enrichment plan.”

Plus, multiple volunteers take Sora out twice a day to help physically work her. All of this is to help manage her high energy and make her more appealing to adopters. “I’m hoping to see less reactivity from Sora,” says Mariah, “and see strangers as a positive.”

If given a chance, Mariah believes that Sora would make a great companion dog. Unfortunately, she has never had that kind of companionship. “She has never had somebody that has been her person,” says Mariah.

Her future adopter does not have to be super active; just someone willing to spend time with her daily and toss a ball around would change her life. All she needs is a home and someone willing to love her, flaws and all.

Sora is only one of many dogs struggling with the same problem. We can try our best, but the only permanent solution is to find wonderful dogs a home as soon as possible. Consider adopting a dog today!
If you want to meet Sora, our adoption centers are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From now until January 30, all adoption fees will be donation-based. You may make any monetary donation as your adoption fee. It is the perfect time to welcome a new furry member to your family!

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Valley Animal Center every month, and we would love to have you join our KRL Pets Facebook group.