One of the hardest truths about animal rescue is that for as many lives that we are able to assist in saving there are sadly some that are beyond our help. NYCSR has pledged to help every dog we possibly can, even those that, despite our best efforts, may not be re-homed. Over the course of our foster dogs time with us we explore every possible avenue on the road to what we always hope will be a happy and successful adoption. Unfortunately the harsh reality is that there are some cases where that road doesn’t have the happy ending we seek, despite the best intentions of everyone involved. It is those specific cases that remind us why we went into rescue in the first place, to try; to put forth that last chance effort to ensure that every Shiba gets the fighting chance he or she deserves. Even as we strive with wholehearted conviction and dedication, there are times that even all of our devotion and love just isn’t enough. Sadly, Lola became one of those tragic cases last week.

Lola came to us from the Brooklyn AC&C back in 2008. She was a beautiful, cream shiba mix who had been picked up as a stray. Lola was a tough case from the start, likely either born on the street or abandoned from an uncaring home as she was not even housebroken, leash trained or comfortable with a collar. But there was a sweet side to her that we hoped we could bring out.

Through the commitment of our wonderful fosters she was shown love, trust and safety. With positive reinforcement and patience, she was able to learn how to walk on leash and was subsequently housebroken. While she had come a long way in her training and socialization, her needs would have to be kept in mind. Over time we came to understand that Lola was going to have ongoing issues with trust and some types of touch which would require an experienced, capable family. Later in 2008, she was adopted out to a family we hoped would be able to provide this type of care. Everything seemed to be on track for a successful end to her story, but unfortunately, as Lola was very sensitive to her situation, she did not do well with sudden changes in her new family’s dynamic. It became apparent that the best solution would be for her to be returned to us in 2009.

We were committed to her always, as we are with every dog we take in. Lola was placed in a temporary foster home that understood her situation and could work with her issues and assist in helping prepare her for a forever home. Unfortunately her foster situation was only temporary and we were unable to find a suitable home during that time so she was placed in a trusted boarding/day care facility as we had no available foster homes that could handle her unique case. Lola’s boarders became her second family, giving her structure, training and socialization with new humans and dogs on a daily basis. We were constantly elated by the updates that we received on her progress and she seemed to be blossoming into the dog we knew she could become. She had settled in so well and had made several friends there; enjoying her nature walks, play dates and grooming. Eventually we even found a new potential forever home. We were so hopeful for her!

One of our trusted volunteers had stepped up and offered to foster Lola until her new prospective adopter was available. Lola’s new foster was extremely experienced with dogs – the ideal person to continue to work with Lola and assess her progress for us. Lola had become a more confident and affectionate dog. She bonded to her new foster family quickly and loved her new environment. She was curious about pretty much everything and was excited to learn new things. After just a short time, it felt like Lola had been there all along.

Unfortunately though, the situation took a bad turn. Over the span of just 48 hours Lola bit her foster parent twice, very badly. The hardest part of the story for us to hear is that at neither time did Lola give any warning – no growls, lifted lip or shown teeth. In both instances, while going about her regular daily routine, Lola unpredictably lunged for her foster and engaged very severely. Unpredictable bites are the most dangerous and present us with the worst possible situation. After much discussion and thoughtful consideration, we determined that Lola’s issue was not trainable and, further, we could not take the chance of her hurting anyone else.

Lola was loved by all of us. After working on giving her the best chance possible for a happy life, we were deeply saddened at this turn of events. Every avenue had been explored to give Lola the life that we feel every dog deserves, but unfortunately we were hamstrung in terms of further options for Lola. She was surrounded by NYCSR members and her loving fosters when she was peacefully put to sleep.

Nothing about writing these words will ever get easier, nor does it make it an easier knowing we had no other choice as it relates to the safety of our foster homes and adoptive families. Everything about Lola’s situation is heartbreaking and emotional, but Lola will be one of those dogs who will always remind us why we’re here – to keep trying. While we could not provide for her what we hope for all of our dogs, we tried. Even though we may have failed her in the end, we sincerely hope that we gave her many happy moments in her years with us. We don’t regret and will never forget a single one of them.

Molly, Lola’s foster mom, told us that Lola is improving slowly but not too much has changed in a month. Lola is still friendly but cautious and guarded when she meets people. She is curious though and has been warming up to strangers faster.

It seems to be that Lola is slowly understanding that people are ok and she’s become more playful, listens very well to commands, and likes to meet people. She has gotten to the point where she will lick and want strangers to pet her within a short time of meeting them.

She’s not gained any weight, and looks great still and she’s gaining confidence and security. Lola needs a patient owner who understands how to work with an insecure dog and will give Lola the strength and courage she needs to be calmer, more confident, and trusting.

Lola has become more and more trusting, however, she still does not feel safe being picked up.

She periodically soils when in her crate, but we’re trying to work on it. Lola has made excellent progress on commands such as come and stay.

Lola continues to be shy around men, but is very comfortable around women.

She still guards food while in her crate. Overall, she is a sweet girl and has come a long way.

Stay tuned for more on Lola.

Lola’s foster mom, Molly, has been working with her and let us know yesterday that there has been some amazing improvements. Over the past week Lola has stopped urinating in the house and has adapted to being crated. She’s also opening up and showing affection to her foster mom and friends.

Lola went to work with Molly last Thursday and was fabulous with meeting strangers and being in a new environment. Lola actually would push people’s hand with her head to get more pets if they stopped. Molly also gave Lola a bath and said she did very well.

She is great with the other dogs and her basic obedience is coming along. She still pulls on leash in new places but it’s coming along. The only issues she is still showing are guarding food in her crate, and growling and panicking when a collar is put over her head but both of those are at a management stage.

This is wonderful news and we’re so happy that Lola is with Molly! Keep checking back to read more about Lola’s progress.

Lola is a 3 year old cream Shiba who was adopted from NYCSR in 2008, but has come back to us. Lola was a bit too much for her new family and needs a more experienced owner to help her blossom. She is a very high energy, but insecure dog. Lola is friendly but extremely shy and nervous around new people, new situations, and new dogs. She lived with one dog and was OK, but did not do well meeting other dogs outside and also does not seem to understand how to read children.

She’s got to build some confidence and is in a great foster home with one of our volunteers, Molly. So far, Lola has been coming out of her shell at a steady pace. She was very stand offish at first but she has warmed up nicely. Lola has even warmed up to the other dogs in the house and is crate-trained. Lola knows some commands such as sit and come. She has to learn some more manners and does have a tendency to bolt out the front door.

With new places, Lola is still showing major anxiety and shyness but Molly is working on building Lola’s confidence, security, and letting her know that nothing will happen to her. A good pack leader can make the rest of the pack feel secure and safe and that is what Molly is doing with Lola. Molly told us recently:

Two nights ago she came over to me and forced my hand to pet her. From then on she has been a love. She jumps and plays and chases her tail. She is truly having a blast. She does play growl and this behavior makes it confusing sometimes to know what she wants so I am going to work on stopping it and have her only growl when she is uncomfortable.

We’re so glad Lola is opening up and starting to show her playful side. Keep checking back to see how she progresses!

Lola’s foster father sent us an update on her progress:

Lola is doing very well. In my personal opinion, she is definitely adoptable to the right owners. She is a very active dog, and therefore would need active owners. She has yet to have any accidents at home, and i leave her home out of the crate while im at work (8:30-5:30)

I think whoever adopts her will have to understand that she’s a very smart dog, and will need activities to keep her occupied. Playing the same old games and tricks will get boring to her, but she gets thrilled at anything new. She eats well in her crate, but doesn’t like to stay in it for long periods of time. In the beginning, she would whine when left alone in a room, but she’s stopped doing that (i think because she knows i’m going to come back). I think she has become attached in the short amount of time we’ve been together.

We typically go out for a walk in the morning, after work, and then a jog in the evening. She still has some things to work on (jumping on people to say hi, not social with other dogs, and heel) but I think a permanent owner who knows what they’re doing will be fine.

Lola recently moved to a new foster home, her foster dad Mike had this to say:

She’s extremely friendly with people, but she’s pretty afraid of other dogs regardless of size if they make any sort of noise or advance. She really likes to jump on people, which we are working on. She’s gotten better at it though. So far we’re doing pretty good. It’s been a lot of effort but I think she’s getting calmer.

Check back for more on Lola’s progress!

Lola’s foster mom, Jocelyn, says:

Lola has been doing very well and is extremely sweet, although still a bit clingy and anxious. She is nervous meeting other dogs, but has not shown any aggression toward them. She LOVES people, strangers, everyone. She is more attached to Adam than me. I’m not sure if it’s me in particular or women in general.

Lola doesn’t understand toys, she just looks at them and doesn’t seem to be that interested. She will show food aggression if I am in the crate with her food (e.g., crawling in and putting it toward the back or even if she hasn’t eaten it all and I walk right up to the crate). However, now she understands “kennel” and runs in waiting for her food, so I put it in the front and she is fine. Additionally, she finishes each serving now, so no food-guarding in that sense.

Lola is very curious and affectionate, but she is aloof at the dog run. I am working on leash training her and she is progressing slowly. She gets very excited for the first 15 minutes of the walk then somewhat calms down. She’s even starting to understand “heel.”

I believe Lola would be good in a home that is patient with parents willing to provide good training and understanding her exercise needs. Should could live with a male dog as long as he is not aggressive towards her.

Lola came to us on 3/26 and is not yet ready for adoption. Lola is a sweet Shiba mix (or Spitz mix or Husky mix) who was found as a stray in Brooklyn and taken to the AC&C. She’s healthy, up to date on all vaccinations, and spayed.

Lola needs to be housebroken and leash trained. She’s EXTREMELY affectionate… always looking for attention from people. She doesn’t mind other dogs one way or another and seems to get along with every person and every animal. She’s a very cute dog.

Check back with us for updates on Lola.