Mama Dog Nova’s Sojourn
The shelter environment can be stressful for animals. For dogs like Nova, being in a shelter really stresses them out a lot, which can lead to behaviors that turn adopters away from animals like her.
Nova arrived at Rescue Village after being taken in by the Trumbull County Dog Warden. While she was pregnant, she was fostered by a Geauga Mama Dogs & Pups volunteer. After giving birth, Nova was transferred to Rescue Village.
When Nova arrived at Rescue Village, she was given a full medical exam, brought up-to-date on her vaccines and then had her spay surgery to ensure she could no longer have puppies. While being monitored, it was discovered that Nova had been having blood in her urine. On her in-house urinalysis, two different types of crystals were found. Her urine was sent out to a lab, and our clinic team took radiographs on her to make sure there were no bladder stones.
Nova was put on antibiotics and was feeling better. However, she developed barrier reactivity in her kennel, meaning that anytime someone walked by, she would become extremely agitated, barking and jumping. To help reduce her stress we used different approaches to provide relief. However, all signs pointed to Nova staying at Rescue Village for a longer stay than usual.
After several weeks at Rescue Village, a family was interested in adopting Nova. They had a dog and brought it for the meet and greet, but it didn’t go so well. Nova became overstimulated, and the other dog became defensive. A fight occurred, with both dogs getting hurt. However, the staff noted how calm Nova remained during the entire encounter. Once again, the medical team put Nova on a round of antibiotics to treat her wounds as she continued to wait for someone to notice her.
When dogs like Nova come from other rescues or shelters instead of an owner, we don’t always have the full story about who they are. For instance, we don’t know if Nova is good with all other dogs, or chases cats, and we have no idea if she has lived with children. In fact, we have no idea if she has ever even had a home.
Not knowing the full history can make finding a home for an animal like Nova difficult. However, the medical and shelter staff who help care for the animals at Rescue Village actively work to get to know each animal and document what they find. This allows for better care and better information to pass on to adopters.
Nova is now considered a long stay dog and has been at Rescue Village since September 2024. She currently spends the day in her own room, located in the dog pavilion so that shelter visitors can meet her. To keep Nova busy behavioral enrichment is provided. For instance, recently she was given a pumpkin to play with. She had a great time tearing it apart this most unique treat puzzle!
Rescue Village is committed to caring for each and every one of its animals for as long as it takes to find them the perfect home. Nova deserves a chance at health and happiness, and we will stick by her and advocate for her until the right adopter comes along.
