Simi & Savitar were owner surrenders at our local kill shelter in this condition at estimated 3 yrs old. Simi had been over-bred already and both were severely emaciated and both show severe signs of traumatic abuse.
Many people have many theories on how to rehabilitate this type of dog. We just have our way. As soon as we pulled Simi & Savitar from the kill shelter we gave them a new beginning, a second chance so we changed their names, took off their old collars and gave them new ones and took them straight to the vet to be examined and spayed/neutered.
Poor Simi weighed in at 46# and Savitar weighed only 63#. You could count every bone in their body and touch appeared as if it may be painful to them.
Upon bring them to our founders home who would be working with them we provided them with a safe space all their own. Simi and Savitar were provided with their own crates, with blankets and toys of their own. A den so to speak. Each have also been fed multiple small meals each day to help them gain weight and show them that they would be provided with food every day and would never starve again.
While Simi and Savitar both wanted to be loved; Savitar was by far more leary of human touch than Simi. Simi was more leary of the other dogs. Simi was immediately affectionate and wanted to be pet and loved on but Savitar was a different story and we had to be careful with him. Savitar did not want anyone touching his head at all. He would growl every time. He wasn't sure about letting anyone touch his back or hind quarters either. This put great obstacles in showing Savitar affection.
With Savitar we had to build trust slowly with him. Gentle touch (touch therapy) and caresses with our palms up under his chin and on his chest area. We had to be very careful not to ever pet him overhanded. We made sure that Savitar always heard us approaching and to never surprise or startle him from behind.
Our next approach with Simi and Savitar is daily exercise. Each are taken outside for water play and running on leash. We have managed to slowly work them up off leash and their recall so far is great. Neither really want to stray to far from us at the moment. We have also allowed them indoor play time with toys and Simi has chosen a blue ball as her favorite and can often be found pouncing and carrying it around with her when she's not in her "den".
As time goes on we will begin to off leash socialize Simi and Savitar with the other dogs of our pack so that they too can roam free and enjoy probably for the first time in their lives off leash, free roam play.
We will continue to also work on their basic obedience while we rehabilitate Simi and Savitar and hopefully one day be able to find their furever homes! Until then Simi and Savitar are safe with us.
If you wish to help us make more space and be able to rehabilitate dogs likes Simi and Savitar please network our fundraisers and donate when you can!
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