Morgan's story

Morgan is a little girl. Little by my standards at least, compared to my big dogs. She probably weighs about 3o or 35 pounds soaking wet.

She is tri-colored and is one of the sweetest dogs I have every come in contact with at the shelter. That doesn't do her a lot of good, though. Morgan has separation anxiety.

When Morgan first came to the shelter, she was very confused and spent several weeks of what we call "owner searching." These dogs who owner search are looking for their humans to come back for them. They have no idea where they are, why they are there and what they have done wrong. Sensitive dogs seem to suffer this more than your general, happy-go-lucky type animals.

Morgan got adopted and was returned because of separation anxiety. She is anxious when her owners leave her alone. No wonder, after having been put out at a shelter. So she got adopted again, and now another new home.

Guess what? Even after all the explanations to her next owners (this makes 3) about separation anxiety, how to deal with it and how to get your dog over it, she was returned again. Owner assurances on dealing with this issue and she would never be brought back flew right out the window.

So let's see: 3 times brought to the shelter and now she is even more confused than when she first arrived. She is still reeling from losing yet another home, with no idea why? She is still searching for her owners and no amount of socialization seems to make her more comfortable. She is a challenge for the volunteers who realize with the right family, Morgan would make a wonderful pet. The separation anxiety is getting worse.

Then out she goes again, this time to more assurances about knowing how to deal with the issue at hand. "She is just the sweetest thing. She will have a forever home with us." Yeah, I have heard that before.

So on Saturday, her forever home came to an end again. This time because of the dreaded moving. Of course, I know of no state in the union which posts a sign at the border saying "No Dogs Allowed" and have no idea what moving has to do with keeping your pet.

We try not to be sad for her. We know there is the perfect home out there for her. We just have to find it. If you think you could be a dedicated owner, and give Morgan a forever home, one where she could finally relax and be comfortable, please call the Humane Society of Sarasota County.

Their phone number is 941-955-4131.