Our Next Foster, Kasha

So often we have expectations for our dog that we don't actually meet ourselves. And of course, these expectations change depending on our mood and our schedule. Really, if you think about it, it's amazing that there aren't more angry, biting dogs out there considering how annoyingly confusing and misleading our communication and expectations can be. Dog's really are pretty saintly for putting up with us as much as they do.

Our newest foster girl Kasha lost her home because of changing expectations and a human failing to make some environmental changes so that things would work out between the two dogs in the home.

Kasha's shelter photo

Kasha is three years old and she was adopted from the shelter as a pup back in 2010. Later a young pomeranian was added to the household. Of course, Kasha, used to being an only child wasn't especially happy about this. Then she started getting snappy with the other dog when it pestered her to play. It doesn't sound like anything was changed in their environment to deal with the issue so of course things got worse. The dogs were left together during the work day and the owner started coming home to dogs who had apparently been in tussles during the day. They decided, rather than separate the dogs during the day and do some behavior modification work, to take Kasha back to the shelter.

Now instead of a trim active, cute terrier puppy in need of a home, she was a very chunky 3 yr old gal with a history of being cranky to other dogs. Not very likely she was going to make it out this time and after a bit, she ended up on the "last call list." 

Kasha is said to be fine with other dogs that respect her space, although we are sure she'd prefer to be an only dog. She adores people and has never shown any snappiness towards humans. We also heard from shelter volunteers that she managed attending a Petsmart adoption event very well - pleasant with humans and dogs alike there. I have been to Petsmart adoption events and I can tell you that they are even challenging for humans to be pleasant at so this is a big thing. She also was doing fine with the mid-aged female minpin that she shared a run with at the shelter.

We plan on immediately getting Kasha on a low carb, grain-free, portion controlled diet and a walking program to help her shed the extra pounds she has on her. She's said to be 20 pounds and I'm guessing should be at about 15-16 pounds when she's at a healthy weight. Kasha was free fed, a sure path to obesity for a terrier.

I'm sure she's going to hate Langley but he is an acquired taste for most dogs and we're pretty experienced at keeping dogs separated since Langley's been living with us.

The name Kasha comes from North Central New Mexico's Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.  The cone shaped rock formations which vary in height from a few feet to 90 feet tall were formed about 6-7 million years ago during volcanic eruptions. Kasha Katawe means "white cliffs" in the traditional Keresen language of the local Cochiti people.  There is good hiking within the National Monument, but sadly your dogs can't come along with you on them.