Thor is one of two Swiss Shepherds (along with Frigg -- who is now adopted!!) who came to our rescue from the recent puppy mill seizure of more than 100 dogs here in Skagit County. Thor is a male thought to be between 1 and 2 years old. These beautiful dogs were in the worst of that terrible situation of cruelty and neglect, kept essentially in solitary confinement: an outbuilding with no windows, air conditioning or ventilation without proper food and certainly without even meager socialization or love. The woman responsible has been charged with felony animal cruelty in the first degree.
Thor has been receiving diligent care and rehabbing slowly, carefully re-entering a better world. But given his history, it's slow going. So SAIN stepped in on the heels of the work done by the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. We are providing safe, patient, loving foster homes and all the food and veterinary care these dogs need while they learn to trust humans first, and then move on to the other things dogs need to be good companions, like training. Since they have been getting proper nutrition, they have started to put on weight and were both recently neutered.
Watch the video below...You can see that Thor is really making progress in the trust department with his foster dad. Just look at his eyes. Dogs are made to connect with humans, but it can be difficult for those that have experienced such terrible cruelty and neglect. Thor and Frigg were essentially feral when they came to rescue. Great progress, pup! We have a lot of hope for Thor.
We will support Thor for as long as it takes. We anticipate he will be in rehabilitation for quite some time.
UPDATE 6/12/2023: Thor's foster dad reports that he is sweet and friendly, though still not a huge fan of being touched. He has learned to sit, stay, catch treats, and will lick your hand. He loves to run around in the play yard and hang out with his foster dad's dog, but doesn't really play with the dog. He hasn't yet been able to get a leash on him and he's still working on potty training, among other things.
UPDATE January 2024: Thor is doing well in his new foster home. He is still cautious about people, but is very curious and likes companionship. He is learning to accept the touch of a human hand and other objects, in preparation for leash training. He has shown no aggressive behavior toward humans or other dogs.
