Runner Ray!

The Oakville & Milton Humane Society hosts two “Mutt Struts” every year (Spring and Fall) as fund raisers for their operations.

When Ray adopted us and subsequently moved in during March 2013, he was exhibiting a number of traits which made it impractical to participate in these kinds off functions and so we decided not to enter the May event.

He did not know how to socialise correctly with other dogs; did not trust other dogs; did not trust other people, and liked lots of personal space. One can imagine how stressed he could get if forced into an area crowded with people and other dogs. It could well have been disastrous and would serve no functional purpose with regards to Ray adjusting to our world.

When the Fall “Mutt Strut” came around however, and noting so much improvement in Ray’s social skills, we decided to enter him! Given our ongoing appreciation of all the assistance that we have received from OMHS, we not only entered him, but also set him up with his own fund raising page so people could pledge financial support for him. Given that he had his own page, he also needed a photo showing who he was!
2013 08 13 12CR

In anticipation of questions about the runners – no, Ray did not walk in them – yes, they were mine – yes, both pairs because I had a new pair for running and an old pair for just messing about!

The event worked out very well. We did manipulate circumstances to make Ray as comfortable as possible (avoiding crowded areas, children, and clearly excited dogs) and he did a remarkable job of participating.

26 thoughts on “Runner Ray!”

  2. I absolutely love the photo of Ray in your joggers and it’s great to read about his progress…especially given his past difficulties. My Border Collie isn’t the best with strangers or other dogs but has improved since we got Lady, his 2 year old border collie x Cavalier companion. After a few weeks, they’ve become great friends.

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    • That’s so good to hear (re dog buddies). We have contemplated getting Ray a friend. Our thought is that a really stable and secure friend would influence Ray such that the separation anxiety could be resolved easier. Our dog trainer contacts have advised that it may well go the other way! The new dog will pickup on Ray’s insecurities! Must think this through carefully! 🙂

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    • Yes it has worked out so well. We’re just so proud of him (for making huge efforts to conform to a “normal” lifestyle), and he seems so happy to be living with us. Who could possibly ask for more?

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  6. Now that’s a cute photo. Getting Ray to stand in your shoes means he’s come a long way. You and Carol have done a fine job training and helping him to adjust. I don’t think I could get any of my dogs to stand in one shoe.

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    • Once Ray settled in (that took about 4 months) he started to allow us more and more freedom to work with him. He did give us cause for concern on many occasions with his anti-social/aggressive manner. The solution? Patience. Patience. Patience.

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  9. A well shod dog and you have those muscular legs which show off Dad’s shoes to their best advantage! Dis I just say that? No – it’s my mom driving the keyboard.

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  12. Ray looks gorgeous and so proud! Well done to both of you for participating – our Tillie would go beserk at an event like that, & Elvis would be overwhelmed to the point of non-stop hysterical barking (I found that out the hard way), so you’ve done an amazing job getting Ray to feel up to socialising! 🙂

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