Cold Nose, Warm Heart: Fresh Start
Fetching New Beginnings at Shari’s Shepherd Rescue
by Gwen Abbott
This month marks our five-year anniversary. Jazz and I are celebrating the occasion by doing what we love most — covering a story together. We have eight interviewees lined up, among them, a star, a saint and a sharp-dressed man.
My girl doesn’t have a degree or a pedigree but she’s a master at “dog in the street” interviews. Through empirical research, Jazz is well-prepared for our question-and-answer session.
As we roll to a stop at Shari’s Shepherd Rescue, I glance at the back seat through the rearview mirror. There sits my canine correspondent, defying all scientific claims that dogs haven’t convincingly demonstrated mirror self-recognition. We can only speculate as to whether or not Jazz sees herself. However, Dog as my witness, I believe it’s one of her many superpowers. She’ll connect eye to eye through any mirror and surely see her Mum. In this moment of reflection, I think back to our first meeting.
Like the dogs we’ll hear from, Jazz was picked up by animal control and impounded. In 2019, I arrived on the scene intending to foster one of 14 German shepherd dogs (GSD’s). If ever a situation presented itself where I wished I had few choices…From behind bars, I imagined each dog posed the same question. Is this the end of my future?
What lies ahead? Neither of us knew...I tried to get a response from her. However, she presented herself more like a statue than a live dog. Head hung low, she hid her golden eyes and looked to the ground for answers. Then, a questioning glance at me. What bad thing did I do this time? I filled out the paperwork and we headed home. Three days passed before she would offer any significant eye contact.
Three is key in the rescue world. A trio of Latin words, Omne Trium Perfectum, conveys a simple overarching philosophy: “Everything that comes in threes is perfect.” During the process of adjusting from a tormented existence of abuse and neglect as many dogs experience before becoming a confident and loyal family member, the Rule of Three holds this way:
Three days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous.
Three weeks of settling in.
Three months of building trust and bonding with you.
Absolute perfection eludes us. We’re human. However, we should come as close to it as we can for this wonderful and noble breed. For this dog to truly excel, it’s important to cultivate and nurture a bond.
To put it plainly, to be a GSD parent, one would have to at least measure up to their level of intelligence. Executive Director, Shari Dale forwarns, “German shepherds are not for everyone. Do your research on the breed. Not knowing or meeting the needs of the dog is the number one reason shepherds end up at the shelter.”
Meeting their needs means defining a purpose and recognizing their unique natural abilities.
GSD’s are notoriously keen observers. In Jazz, we find a shining example. Through her calming demeanor and exemplary leadership, she quickly found her calling. My gold-eyed girl has grown into an accomplished mentor — a foster dog’s foster dog. Among her many proteges; GSD’s and numerous other breeds. Young, old, large and small. In each, Jazz inspired confidence, honed their skills and manners, assuring a leg up to finding forever homes.
A new door opens. Shari ushers us in. The bundle in her arms wiggles and grunts. Catching a whiff of puppy breath, we step into a spacious yard where we find a cast of multi-talented canines. All are ready to share their stories and create new adventures. Maybe with you!
The earmark of a great journalist is the ability to listen. Jazz takes it from here with her insightful and entertaining interview questions.
Lenny- AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
(Q) What human habit do you find most peculiar?
(A) Humans have a greeting custom of baring their teeth (smiling) when they meet someone for the first time. In canine culture, this is bad manners. Butt-sniffing is not only polite, it’s smart. You can tell a lot about someone by the way their butt smells.
Star
(Q) If you were a headline performer on the Las Vegas Strip, what would the marquee say and what kind of show would it be?
(A) Totally Bitchin’! And it’s a strip tease! I’m told I have alluring eyes and a great body. I know how to mesmerize an audience with my dance moves. Put a dollar in my collar and the proceeds go to Shari’s Shepherd Rescue.
Stripe- AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
(Q) What is your favorite fragrance and what do you like to do with it? Roll in it? Eat it or something else?
(A) I love rolling in anything dead and smelly. Just the thought of it makes my nose quiver.
Sloan
(Q) All canines have superpowers. What’s yours?
(A) I was born with ESP and magical powers. The moment a thought enters a human’s mind — like going to the fridge to grab a snack for themselves — I magically appear and make it disappear.
Razor
(Q) How did you and Shari decide on your name?
(A) Despite my youth, I have a razor-sharp intellect and I’m the best-dressed dude in this whole place!
Lobo- AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!
(Q) If you could form a friendship with another animal you’ve never met, who would it be?
(A) Garfield for his sarcastic sense of humor and passion for food — and he frequently gets locked up in animal shelters. Snoopy because he has a pet bird and they hang out on a roof. Mister Ed because he can show me how to use the phone.
Saint
(Q) If your human is having a bad day, what would you do to cheer them up?
(A) Ask to go potty outside. This never fails to lift a human’s spirits. “Good potty!” They clap and cheer. “Woo hoo!” Humans get progressively happier when they share this in great detail on social media. I prefer keeping my sh*t to myself — but I’ll do most anything if it makes their day.
Memphis
(Q) If you were to write a book about your life, what would you title it and what would you name the first few chapters?
(A) Title: Over Breeding Left My Heart Bleeding
Chapter One: Trapped
Chapter Two: They Took My Babies
Chapter Three. My Life on the Line
Chapter Four. Finding My Forever Human.…Despite a rough start, we’ll write the rest of our story together. Full of so many great moments, it’s sure to be the longest and greatest story ever told.
For more information, or to get involved, please go to: SharisShepSanctuary.org
Email: Info@SharisShepSanctuary.org
Phone: 702-830-7447
Gwen Abbott is a certified equine specialist; lifelong equestrienne, dog mom and author. https://horsesense4u.com/. https://www.youtube.com/@HorseSense4U
