What about BOB?

Bob arrived at the shelter as a stray in the midst of what would soon become the hottest Central Texas summer in recorded history. Defying easy breed identification, Bob soon captured the attention of staff and volunteers as he had such a hard time adapting to life in the shelter. His early days at the shelter were difficult – he would cower in his kennel. He refused to eat. He would not engage in any interaction. He showed little interest in dogs or humans, only resignation and wanting to hide from so many things that scared and confused him. Bob was shutting down completely and needed special attention. After several days of trying, several dedicated, patient volunteers (are there any other kind?!) were finally able to get him out for walks, during which he would frequently "pancake" flat down on the ground when anything frightened him.

To help with socialization, staff would bring Bob into their offices during the day. Bob hid under every available piece of furniture. He flinched and ran for cover at every loud noise. In time, he started coming out of his shell a little and would approach people, if they didn't come on too strong. But due to his lack of socialization and lack of interest in food and people, Bob was not thriving at the shelter and needed a foster home – quick!

A wonderful volunteer (is there any other kind?!) came forward and agreed to foster him. He got along with her dogs and they helped bring him out of his shell even more during Bob's time with them; he began to eat more and was starting to relax and enjoy watching the other dogs play and herding them. Though still anxious about being confined and left alone, Bob learned daily what it meant to be a treasured pet – not a stray on the street.  

After several days in foster care Bob visited the shelter and was adopted into a new family – but the happiness soon turned to worry and frustration when Bob escaped from his new home within an hour after leaving the shelter.  He jumped from their balcony, disappeared into the nearby woods, and would not come back.

Bob's foster mom swooped into action – putting up flyers, setting out food & water, and canvassing the area daily. And other volunteers joined in the search. Several witnesses called with Bob sightings, first on one side of MoPac, then on the other, then back again! For nearly 2 weeks people were seeing him, but no one was able to catch Bob. One person even had an outline of Bob in his grass from where Bob had slept that morning. And his situation was dire – he was alone, crossing MoPac and surrounded by busy streets, enduring 100+ degree temperatures every day, and without reliable food and water resources.

With help from Austin Dog Rescue, a team of volunteers devised a plan to set out a humane trap to capture Bob. Key to the plan was a devoted team checking the location at least 8 times per day, so he would never go too long if trapped in the heat. And when Bob was spotted coming from the woods and eating fallen birdseed underneath a feeder, we knew we'd found a reliable spot. It took only 2 nights, and some rotisserie chicken to catch Bob in the trap. Thankfully nothing "not Bob" ended up in the trap!!

A very dirty, very emaciated Bob was none too pleased to be caught, but he was patient and calm with everyone helping him. He did enjoy some more chicken and a nice cool bath, before returning to the foster home where he has now resumed his progress towards becoming a healthy, happy, well-adjusted household pet.

He is still in the home of the original foster but we she does not have the time to fully support this dog and his needs long term. He needs a home who can commit the time and energy to a full scale re-socialization program in which we can help become the dog he was meant to be. This will take time, patience and the ability to work very closely with a trained dog behaviorist.

So we are asking YOU Austin - What about Bob?

If you can help Bob, either though fostering him or adopting him, please contact sarah.hammond@austintexas.gov ASAP.