When we first saved Dixie from the kill list at Town Lake Animal Center, she was not doing well. She was heartworm positive, very dog reactive, aloof to human interaction, obviously depressed, and (though we didn't realize at the time) suffering from extreme separation anxiety.
She was also still a beautiful, special girl, and one who has proven what a complete transformation simple love and care can have in the life of a dog.
We think Dixie was likely kept as a "yard dog." This is a term used for dogs left to their own devices, living outside with little to no human interaction. She was living with a dog, possibly her pup, when she was surrendered to TLAC. It looked like a 3 year old rottie/pit/lab mix. Being separated from her pal has likely contributed to poor Dixie's separation anxiety.
She then got adopted by a very kind man and we all thought her happy ending had arrived right then. Unfortunately, we discovered that Dixie had extreme separation anxiety and this man worked long hours away from home. He loved Dixie but we all agreed it wasn't going to be a good match.
When we learned Dixie was coming back to APA!, one of our Adoption Counselors offered to foster her through her heartworm treatment. He had previously adopted a dog from APA! who he had worked through separation anxiety with and was up for the challenge.
This new chapter in Dixie's life has been a wonderful one. She is now heartworm free and, thanks to the wonderful progress she's made, she did not suffer from separation anxiety in her foster home.
Dixie embodies love, openness, curiosity, and just the right dose of silliness. It didn't take anything heroic to bring those qualities out or to ignite the spark in Dixie's eyes. It was simple caring, patience, and a little bit of time.
Now it's time for beautiful Dixiebelle to go home. A word that carries a special meaning for a dog who's never really had one. Please email [email protected] if you think you could be home for this amazing girl.
In addition to an adopter, we are also seeking donations for knee surgery for sweet Dixie. It has been recently diagnosed that she has a luxating patella. We're not sure if there was a recent injury or if it's possible that she's always had it but it has recently become worse, but she's now in pain and we would like to operate as soon as possible! If you'd like to contribute, use our ChipIn! (http://apa.chipin.com/dixie)
*Photo 1 Frolic Photo *Photo 2 Grateful Dog Photography and Video *Photo 3 Suzanne Krause *Photo 4 Chloe Pix Photography
