Marshall's Story 3 - A Struggle At The Threshold
As I watched Marshall hesitate at the threshold of the barn door Sandy gave me a bit of history.
“He seems to have issues with going across the threshold from one place to another. When he first arrived he took a flying leap and landed about five feet beyond the door. It's the same when he tries to come inside.
”
He struggled, cowered, looked beyond the open doorway longing to be outside in the warm sunshine and mild air. Even though open spaces were terrifying, they were preferable to any enclosed area even the lovely warm and happy barn Sandy and the Arizona Russell Rescue provided for him. He turned and walked back a few steps, came close and cowered again. I brought Sharkey and Charm back into the barn and lead them back out. He came along as if they gave him the courage to move. He took a hop and a jump over the threshold and landed in the grass beyond.
After doing some research into the long process of rehabilitating dogs rescued from puppy mills his fear and hesitation became understandable. The owners of puppy mills routinely slam the dog’s heads in the doors to create such fear and pain that even if they escape their pens they will never challenge their captivity by approaching freedom through an open doorway.
I’m appalled at the brutal, merciless actions of my fellow man and I am ashamed.
To watch a video of Marshall coming through the door follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP09IKZ4TDk
This photo shows Marshall standing outside the threshold of the barn terrified to come in.
Photo by Suzanne Sylvester www.suzannesylvesterphotography.com Our thanks to her for taking photos of all the rescue dogs at the Arizona Jack Russell Rescue waiting for a forever home.
Read or make comments for this article
Marshall is a very special dog. All thought I really wanted him I now am glad you got there first.
I look forward to hearing his adventures.
Give him a hug for me