Before we went to K9,

we met Randy across the road. Born a Kelpie, he was spared the 'sport' of racing, and enjoys his life initiating games of fetch with willing visitors. Boundless energy and super-clean teeth at 10 years of age, he will keep coming to you with his soggy fetch-toy..on and on and on....


Randy, time-out.


Then we met Karl, the Shepherd X. Been returned to the kennels a couple of times, he has the fixated obsession with shadows that has become quite a concern as he had hurt himself on ocassions. Just like the human form of OCD - obsessive compulsive disorder - it develops to the point where the dog could possibly hurt himself, cos he would be biting at shadows and accidentally bite himself, if he was chasing shadows of his own tail.


Here, Karl was fixated on a bright reflection from someone's watch.

Fixated on my shadow.

Fixated on his own shadow.

It can be quite sad to see a fine dog lose his chance of being adopted due to his strange obsession. He would be completely engrossed and not hear when you call. And it has been said that this obsession can be extremely stressful to the dog himself, though it seems that he chooses to be fixated but in fact, it is also out of his control. And it hurts his opportunities for normal socialisation with humans and dogs. It is said to stem from extreme lack of socialisation during puppyhood and a lack of purpose especially for working dogs. Very interesting phenomenon to read up more on.

The kennel is getting help to rehab Karl out of this behaviour and hopes abound for his permanent home to come.