Reno’s New Adventures
How my life was personally touched by a Gabbs dog.
By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff 
Reporting from afar, I generally do not have the opportunity to meet the animals that I write about. One particular story that touched my heart was the ongoing saga in Gabbs, Nevada. 145 dogs’ lives were in jeopardy after their caregiver passed away; however Linda Bailey (the niece) could not bear to follow her Aunt’s wishes to euthanize them. So instead, rescue groups from around the region and beyond came forward to help. All the dogs were either adopted or taken in by animal welfare organizations, including Best Friends Animal Society.
I am a feline-oriented person; while three cats share my home, I have yet to have a canine companion. However, it is a pleasure to spend time with the dogs during my annual vacation to the Sanctuary with my Mom. We always have one or two sleepovers, all of which have increased my comfort level and fondness for those of the canine persuasion. However, after covering the Gabbs rescue for many months, I wanted to share my own personal experience with one of those rescued by Best Friends.
Mind you, several of the dogs Best Friends had taken in have already been adopted. It should come as no surprise that those still remaining are quite timid around people and still need some more socialization. Reno was among the first group of five dogs accepted to the Sanctuary last fall. Perhaps his socialization progress was slower because he has some neurological issues (several of the dogs from Gabbs had some issues and were referred to as the “bobbleheads”) or maybe it was because he is deaf. Regardless, his four friends have all since been adopted, leaving him alone and the dog who came recommended to us for a sleepover.
The evening started well enough. We met Shane McCormick, one of Reno’s Caregivers at
The Garden at Dogtown Heights, to pick him up. While he loves all the dogs under his protection, he has formed a special relationship with Reno. “I just kind of adopted him in my heart,” stated McCormick. “How could you look in those eyes and that wet nose, and not just fall for that guy?” He informed us that Reno had been on a few sleepovers, even one for a week, but had still not found the right home.
Although hesitant, Reno was fine jumping into the back seat of the car and seemed to enjoy the ride, attentive with ears perked. However, timing was poor and just as he was leaving our car; another vehicle passed sending him into a bit of a panic. Once in the cottage he made a dash to the area between the two beds. If it had not been so heartbreaking, it would have been comical to see him trying to hide his head under one bed and his hind end under the other. Not wanting to traumatize him, we allowed him a break while we ate some dinner.
Anyone who has experienced a sleepover at Best Friends knows that the care package sent with the dogs includes a miserly number of dog biscuits – six or seven at most. That certainly does not last long, particularly with a dog that I wanted to encourage to associate with me. So I got the knife and cutting board and sliced the treats into the smallest conceivable morsels that would still contain some taste and smell.
I got down on the floor with Reno with a brush and treats to groom and gently persuade him to lift his head and get up. Despite his inability to hear me, I spoke baby talk to him - I could not help myself. When I would lose his attention, I would drop a treat on the floor so he could feel the vibration and see what I had left him. Eventually I was able to get him all the way to the end of one of the beds, but each time he would realize he was out of his comfort zone and back his way almost literally into the end table (
click the image to the right to view a short video). We spent the remainder of the evening in that manner.
Despite attempting to take him out for walks, he would not cooperate. Mule-like in his stubbornness, he would immediately back up if he felt any tension on the leash. We relented and figured any mess he could create, we could clean. So we eventually went to sleep, with Reno lying on the floor between the two beds. At around 2:30 AM, we were each awakened to movement and sniffing. Excitedly thinking it was now time for a walk, we threw on some clothing and got his leash, but it was a false alarm. There were no other disruptions throughout the night and I do not believe he even budged again from his chosen spot.
The morning brought another attempt at a walk. Certainly by then Reno had to relieve himself, but once again it was not to be. When it was time to go back, I was concerned that I would need to carry him to the car; however, after attempting to pick him up, I guess he considered walking on a leash to be a better choice. Though still no bathroom break, he had no issue getting in the car.
His demeanor changed as we drove him back to the Garden and we could see his comfort level increase. We arrived prior to the caregivers, so Mom walked him around one last time before returning him home.
At no point, despite his fears, did he show any sign of aggression. The experience was difficult for him, but we realized that if he were to become more comfortable with people and new experiences, it was necessary.
Was it the kind of sleepover that includes a canine bed-hog, lots of tail wags, and kisses?
NoWas it one that will stay in my heart forever?
Undoubtedly yesReno’s next chapter
Shortly after our sleepover, Reno was accepted into a foster home. Stephanie Besch has helped some of the shy special needs dogs from Best Friends since she took in Roxy, rescued from a war zone in
Lebanon in 2006.
In a kind of “trial by fire,” Reno was immediately thrown right into the mix. They went to Besch’s father’s house, where there were many people, children, and other dogs. Reno was afraid and paced back and forth along a wall, though eventually realized that he was not in any danger. However, after they returned home she noted, “It was so cute because when we came back to the house, he was so proud of himself. Before he was kind of hiding behind the bed, but he jumped right up on the couch in between us and took a chew bone and just started chewing. It was really cute and so huge. These challenges, pushing him in this way are really good for him, because it builds up his self confidence.” A second trip to her father’s home proved to be quite a different experience, “He knew where he was and he was running around like a puppy, just having the best time.”
It took Reno about four to five days for him to become accustomed to his foster home. He learns a lot from the other dogs, but there never seems to be a dull moment. Besch recently went out of town for a short time period, so Reno got to experience a sleepover at his foster aunt’s house. While her sister’s kids and dogs may have proved a challenge, it was when Besch’s car had engine troubles after picking him up that his full colors shined. They pulled in to an auto dealership for assistance, where Reno spent time in someone’s cubicle while everyone came in to pet him. Besch excitedly noted, “He was afraid of the situation and afraid of the environment, but it was the first time he wasn’t afraid of the people.”
Due to his deafness, he picks up body movements and floor vibrations. He used to panic when she touched him as he was sleeping, but now she makes sure he feels her movement. Now instead of being startled, he rolls over so she can rub his belly. He compensates in other ways as well and she commented, “His nose goes crazy on the walks. We try to walk all of our dogs on a heel, but with him we just can not because he is back and forth, back and forth because he’s just smelling all things and he’s just having so much fun.” His propensity to smell objects is not limited to walks, as he has also taken to obtaining articles of clothing belonging to her and her husband’s into bed with him, as their smell helps to comfort him.
In only just a few weeks, Reno has progressed significantly and is coming out of his shell. New experiences do not scare him as much, and even when he does become frightened, once he returns home he seems to be proud of what he has overcome. “He’s super sweet and super goofy; I would say he’s ready for a new home,” commented Besch. Obviously his new family will need to understand he will be shy, but based on how well he has done at her house, she believes he will acclimate quickly. He is already housetrained, is finding out about house manners, and has now even begun learning hand signals for stay and come.
“It’s going to take someone who can understand that he will not be a rambunctious, go up to everybody jumping up on them with front paws kind of dog. But he’s a sweetheart and that’s just what’s so fun about them is that the shy dogs in particular, every day they make progress as long as you don’t coddle them.” Besch went on to say, “He’s ready now, I thought it would take a lot longer, but he having a great time here, and he’ll do the same thing somewhere else after a week.”
How you can help:
• While Reno is still being fostered, he does need a forever home. If you are interested in more information about him, please contact Stephanie Besch. She is not only fostering him, but also helping to rehome him and may be reached at
sjbesch2002@yahoo.com or call 602-418-2554.
• While quite a few have been adopted, in addition to Reno, Best Friends still also has a few more Gabbs rescue dogs, including Pauley at Old Friends, Pirate at the
Lodges, and Lana and Jaydo at the
Fairway.
• While all are now out of Gabbs, there are still many other dogs at various shelters and rescues who need loving homes. This effort could not have been possible without the teamwork between these numerous organizations, each of which could certainly use support. For a list of the involved groups, please see
144 Gabbs Dogs’ New Lives.
For more information: •
From Hay Bales to Homes•
Shannon Asquith’s blog on “Camp Reno”Photo/video credits: taken by Jennifer Hayes and Stephanie Besch.