Client Spotlight – The Kuchera Family!
This month’s Client Spotlight shines on Scooter and his people, Jerry and Shelly.
Meet Handsome Scooter! Scooter has a very interesting backstory. Previously, he was a street dog surviving on crackers and the kindness of strangers in Saudi Arabia. He had to fend for himself most of the time, and nothing was ever guaranteed. Eventually, he was picked up by 3 Husketeers Rescue and flown all the way to the U.S. where he met his forever family, the Kucheras!
Because of Scooter’s previous life of uncertainty and struggle, as well as an unknown early developmental life, he has some fears and anxieties that we have been working through.
And Scooter is wowing me at every turn!
When I first met Scooter, he had difficulty with veterinary visits and could not even be weighed. He was fearful of many sights and sounds, and upon our first meeting, I could not even touch him. Fast forward to now: Scooter and I romp in the yard together, he gives me plenty of kisses, he has conquered his fear of the veterinary scale, and he is learning cooperative care techniques so that he can receive veterinary and grooming care with less stress!
We still have a long road to travel and items to work through, but Scooter’s successes would not be possible if it were not for his devoted “Mom and Dad,” Jerry and Shelly. They have dedicated their time to giving him the space, reinforcement, and gentle love that he needs to feel secure. They reward his every success, and practice new behaviors with him to help him feel secure. They offer enrichment, exercise, training, and respect to their special guy, Scooter.
Scooter will continue to work with us on his comfort level during walks, entering certain vehicles, and meeting new people and animals. We will really lean into cooperative care as well, as he has a gorgeous coat that needs frequent grooming, and we also want him to fall madly in love with his veterinarian.
I am so proud to be counted among Scooter’s trusted friends, and overjoyed to see how he is opening up and expressing joy. We will continue to work on situations that are over-stimulating or frightening to Scooter. This can be a long process which requires patience and understanding, and most of all, respect for all the things that make a dog a dog. Scooter found the right forever family to help him live a contented, happy life. Congratulations to Scooter, Jerry, and Shelly for finding each other (and a special congratulations to Scooter who gets Secret Ice Cream from time to time from Mom and Dad)!
Scooter fears no scale!
Kissing on the job!
Did someone order a Good Boy?
Scooter shows how he got onto Santa’s Nice List by demonstrating his Cooperative Care “start button” behavior. Resting his front legs on this foam mat means “yes, you can start my exam.”
“Why dis lady always talkin’ so much all da time?” – Scooter
Scooter snuggles his favorite toy. He has had this skunk plushie since he arrived from the rescue!