An update on S. who is happily muzzle-free! From S.'s initial reaction to my lab Frida, I had a feeling he could be peacefully muzzle-free on the trail. As seen in the previous post, he and Frida are wonderful friends. Here are some more photos of S. and Frida at Humber Bay East today.

I am not sure S. would have been this relaxed at a traditional off-leash dog park. His memories of an attack on him by two aggressive dogs might be activated and his behavior altered. But here in a wide open space with water all around, he was sociable and happy. I was so thrilled for him!

I do watch carefully to see if other dogs, not known to S. are approaching and on such occasions, I put his muzzle on (offering him a treat after). His play with two new friends was so joyful; I really wanted to remove the muzzle, but held back. As S. gets used to Frida and other compatible dogs, he will be able to enjoy his hikes free of the constraints of a muzzle.

He's a lively, happy, loving dog who is watchful now because of an attack. I want to uproot these memories, but planting one of free open running and playing on the trails and surrounding countryside.

I am so proud of him!

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I knew he was going to be a friend and hiking companion the moment I met him. S, is a mastiff/Shepherd mix with doe eyes and a compact physique. He barked when I first entered the apartment - my Frida does the same. I knelt down (I am not fond of hovering over, even if I am only five feet tall) and did a combination of chatting, treat offering, and simply appreciating. This is a fine dog, I thought. "Love at first sight" is what his human emailed his previous owner.

The story is S. was attacked by two dominant dogs and emerged scarred physically and even more, psychologically. When he feels cornered these days, he takes no chances. Our first walk (our getting-acquainted hike) took place on a Sunday morning at Humber Bay East. Also on the hike were my Frida and the finest, most gentle yet spirited Shepherd who is boarding with us.

I had a feeling S. and our Shepherd would get along famously. They ran and covered so much ground - I just stood and watched and laughed. Three dogs on the trail who had spent time in our back yard and then inside our home becoming acquainted (over forty minutes) before setting out for a car ride to our selected trail. By the time we hit the trail, they were fast friends sharing in the joy of free running and exploration.

Needless to say, S. doesn't wear a muzzle anymore.

Note: this is not true of all dogs who have become aggressive, but the case of one dog who, after being attacked in a dog park, was able to find peace and freedom on the trail.

_Hi E.,

Uisce is sleeping on the sofa beside Caroline as I write this. He is so loving and attentive! I take him to High Park three times a day and he always walks right with me. There were times he watched a dog playing roughly with Frida or Frida playing with another dog, and he'd go to the dog he thought was overdoing it. Then I'd say. "That's OK. Leave it, sweetie," and call him to me. So now he looks at me and sometimes I say "Let's go see," and he helps me break something up or I tell him it's alright and he stays with me.

It's such a pleasure to have him stay with us! And both Caroline and I love him.

About his food - yesterday I roasted a chicken for him and cooked carrots and he ate that. And today  I gave him more cooked chicken. I remembered you said you give him raw beef, so I bought some for him today (beef shoulder). And I know he loves cheese, so I bought some for him as well. He ate both and loved the cheese! So he's doing wonderfully.

I know he misses you both greatly; he cries when we're in the car and I comfort him. Other than that he's happy and relaxed and he feels our love.

I'm sure you must be having a beautiful time. Know that Caroline and I are putting our hearts into caring for him. He is a beautiful soul!

Kind regards,
Janice

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