CASE STUDY 'A'
Breed: Hairless mixed-breed Gender: Male
Age: Old
Length of stay: Long-term
INFORMATIVE STATEMENT
Throughout the day, I surveyed and documented Case Study 'A's behaviour within a kennel environment, followed by when relocated into a more natural environment, away from the shelter. Delegated to walking the dogs, I was able to obtain personal one-to-one observation with the selected Case Studies.
To ensure accuracy of my results, I visited my Case Studies throughout the duration of the day in two hour intervals. Despite trying to remain at a distance as to not disrupt their natural behaviour within their environment, due to the linear and systematic layout, it proved extremely difficult to undertake observations without making my presence known to the animals. Nonetheless, my presence did not cause any additional distress, and in some cases appeared to implement comfort and reassurance. Similarly, I feel it did not directly affect my results.
RESULTS In-Kennel
Short-visit one (10am): Curled up in a ball in cornered bed area. Short-visit two (12pm): Curled up in a ball in cornered bed area.
Short-visit three (2pm): Lying down in cornered bed area, body language is tense and ears alert to the barking at that time. Constant looking around. Appearing unaware of my presence. When entering his kennel to take him for a walk, his eyes focused on me and began to tremble and cower. He was very reluctant to leave his bed area. Once removed, as I was putting on his coat he was constantly looking around, his eyes looking worn, distant and tired. When exiting the kennel, he forcefully pulled out of the kennel block past the array of barking dogs, as to be in that situation for as little time as possible.
Out-of-Kennel
Throughout the walk, even out of hearing and seeing distance of the shelter facility, his body language was still very stiff. He repeatedly looked up at me void of emotion but in curiousity. This fearful 'on-edge' body positioning continued throughout the duration of the walk. Even four fields away his body language and mentality remained the same. Tail stiff between legs. No change.
EVALUATIVE THOUGHTS
I feel that Case Study A's long-term stay has effectively drained his character. Being in this environment of no stimulation apart from a daily walk and repetitive daily structure, alongside probably a lack of love over a long period has made him void of emotion. Even when removed from the kennel environment, his mentality does not change. He plods with no enthusiasm, somewhat hesistant. His eyes appear constantly tired and glazed, with moments of being inquisitive still emitting a look of being worn and tired.
The fact he appears to spend a lot of time in his bed area reflects his mental exhaustion, resting his body while his mind cannot switch off.