Ask Your Pet

Dear Carla,

Buddy was so excited and enthusiastic when I first connected with him that it was an effort to calm him down enough to communicate! Buddy said that his first family locked him outdoors and abandoned him. I’m not sure if they went away on vacation or moved away permanently. He kept waiting for someone to come home and let him inside, but it never happened. He was very sad, lonely, and confused. Buddy eventually realized that his people weren’t coming back for him and began wandering around looking for food and someone to help him. He was despondent and scared, and very relieved when he was rescued.

When I asked Buddy to tell me more about his first family he showed me an image of a heavy-set woman who appeared to be Hispanic. She was kind and loved him very much. There was also a man with dark, wavy hair and a mustache. Buddy feels like the man didn’t like him, and also didn’t treat the lady well. He would get very angry at Buddy for barking, or for nothing in particular, and would put him outside a lot. He was loud, rough, and had angry-looking eyes. Buddy believes that the man was the reason that he was abandoned, because his "Mom" never would have left him if it had been her choice.

Buddy is extremely happy with you and your family. Being with people who love him and always treat him well is a dream come true for him. He feels very protective of you, and of a younger female in your home. I think the events of his past have left him with a bit of wariness of men, although he said that he tries not to think about his past too much and just allow himself to be happy. Buddy cherishes the life he has now, and feels like he’s constantly surrounded with love.

I did ask Buddy what his name used to be, and I believe that his first family called him "Louie". You may want to try calling him this and see if he responds. However, it might be an unhappy reminder of his past that’s better left alone. Buddy does seem like a very fitting name for him in light of his role in your family!

When I asked Buddy if he had anything further to tell you, he mentioned having some mild achiness in some of his joints. You might want to check into this at his next vet exam. Aside from that, Buddy just wants to thank you for giving him such a wonderful life. Pat yourself on the back for having such a happy and content companion!

Many Blessings,

Jennifer Dickman