Clayton

Clayton’s story is an unusual one: GSROC was called in by an animal control agency to assist when a notorious dog collector (“hoarder”) was busted for unfit conditions and too many animals. Clayton and all of the other dogs that were confiscated from the situation bore the evidence of neglect and hardship. Although he was 4 months old, Clayton had never been touched, never been held, never had a toy to play with or a gentle word to encourage him. Basically, he and the other dogs on the property were kept in horrible coop-like enclosures and ignored. He is a shepherd mixed with several other breeds, but his markings are very close to those of a German Shepherd.

Our dedicated volunteers did not want to let Clayton be destroyed at the animal shelter. Working with a series of trainers and experts in shy dogs, we have been gradually gaining Clayton’s confidence and showing him the being a puppy can be FUN! He is slowly responding, but he is still not the typical puppy—he does not wag his tail and wiggle, but we have gotten him to the point where he will approach cautiously and allow someone to stroke him before running off to a hiding place.

Obviously, the person who adopts Clayton needs to be extra, extra special. We are looking for someone who has at least one and hopefully two other dogs that Clayton can take his lead from. He needs a quiet, patient home with someone who will not expect too much from him too fast, but who is willing to work with him day by day, month by month, to help build his confidence and unleash his ‘inner puppy’.

It hurts our hearts to see such a sweet puppy with so much potential who has been so emotionally damaged, but we know that there is a special person out there that can understand and sympathize with Clayton’s condition and welcome him into their home. If you think you have the time and patience to devote to this deserving little orphan, please complete the online application first and then contact Berrysheetmetal@aol.com for more details about Clayton.