If he hadn’t grown up in a shelter, if he had been adopted as a puppy, if he had grown up in a home, if he had been properly socialized, if he had experienced the world outside… If, and if, and if. So many “ifs” when it comes to Berger, that it’s hard to think of anything else. If all of the above had happened, Berger would be perfect. With a little effort, proper training, the right stimuli, and the kind of life a growing dog should have, Berger would be thriving now.
He was an incredibly social and happy puppy. He loved playing with toys, he learned very quickly, but unfortunately, he grew up in a shelter. And in a shelter, stimulation is limited. Even with the little he knows, Berger is so pleasant, so sweet, and so funny. When he does the two or three commands he knows, full of excitement and joy, he’s beautiful, his face just lights up.
When he gets scared of the things he doesn’t know, we find ourselves wanting to tell him, “Don’t be afraid, little one. Not you. You, who are so smart, so strong, so wonderful.” Our baby, because that’s still how we see him, is somewhere between the perfect dog and the unsocialized one. He balances right in between, and one moment he impresses us, the next he breaks our hearts. He is functional, not fearful. He goes on walks and enjoys them, as long as there isn’t too much noise or chaos around him. He enjoys human contact, as long as it isn’t forced on him. He is curious and wants to do things, but doesn’t quite know where to begin.
Berger is very intelligent, and if the right person gives him some time and gently introduces him to the world he didn’t get to experience as a puppy, he will become a very good dog. He may have some insecurities, or he may not. He may have a few quirks, or he may not. But Berger has so much to give, and a razor-sharp mind, and we truly believe in him, just as we did when he was a puppy.
