Our Dejected English Shepherd

[LFRJ]

We had the mobile butcher come out to clear away some spring kids. I wasn't expecting Oscar, our sensitive English Shep to take it so personally. Immediately after, he went into a low mood with his tail between his legs. I think he honestly believes he failed us. I can just hear him thinking....

"The minute I got put away, these strange men arrived. They shot the place up and now we're missing animals and the scent of destruction is everywhere. I barked out warnings. I should have tried harder. It's a trajedy, I tell you, a pure trajedy. My humans are going to be so disappointed with me."

To add insult to injury, after 72 or more hours of freezing temperatures with no relief, we brought the ole guy in last night for some respite. Instead of rolling gleefully in the warmth, he slumped in depression. Poor guy. Now he really thinks he's been canned.

[IndyGardenGal]

Poor buddy. Our next dog is going to be an ES, and hearing about these great dogs makes me even more excited to add one to our family.

[LFRJ]

They're definitely "thinking" dogs. They won't perform the same as a traditional LGD that bonds with your stock - but they like keeping things in order, and they're beyond loyal!

[dozedotz]

Awww, that is so sweet and sooo awful, too! Poor thing. Our female LGD Pyr is very sensitive about being moved around...she acts as if some how we don't think she is doing a good job if we move her from one group of goats to another. The male could care less!

[CraterCove]

Oh my the poor guy! I feel terribly for him.

[anita_fc]

Poor Oscar! You are right. He looks so sad!

[Minelson]

Awww....extra treat for Oscar! Tye to explain to him what is going on. I think he will understand! ((((Oscar hugs))))

[Goat Servant]

Oh Oscar poor old Oscar. Have your humans given you plenty of your favorite treats?

[mammabooh]

Poor Oscar! How's he doing now?

[motdaugrnds]

I believe it! One gets sensitive to what is expected and their owners, such as yourself, would be able to sense the change too.

I feel so for him. I suspect many animals go thru similar experiences that most owners do not even recognize; so kudos to you for understanding what Oscar is going thru.