Teddy is a 10-year-old senior Golden Retriever who was surrendered after his family could no longer afford the care required for his arthritis and gradually worsening vision.
Inside the shelter, Teddy cannot compete with younger dogs rushing toward their kennel doors.
He does something much quieter.
When someone sits down outside his kennel, Teddy slowly begins moving toward them.
He does not run.
He does not jump against the gate.
With arthritic joints and declining eyesight, Teddy crawls forward until he reaches the bars.
Then he slips one front paw through.
And he leaves it there.
Sometimes the person gets up and walks away.
Teddy's paw remains between the bars long after the hallway in front of him is empty.
You Have to Sit Down Long Enough to See Teddy Come Toward You
A quick walk past Teddy's kennel can miss almost everything.
He is not the dog immediately bouncing against the gate when footsteps approach.
His arthritis has changed how quickly he can move.
His declining vision may also make navigating his surroundings more difficult.
So when someone crouches or sits outside his kennel, Teddy's response takes time.
He lifts himself.
He slowly moves forward.
His body stays close to the floor as he makes his way toward the gate.
Then Teddy reaches the person.
Not with his entire body.
Just with one paw.
He carefully pushes it through the space between the bars.
One Paw Is All Teddy Puts Outside
Once Teddy's paw is through the gate, he does not immediately pull it back.
It simply rests there.
The rest of the old Golden Retriever remains inside.
Someone sitting on the other side can see his paw extending into the hallway.
It is an unusually small interaction compared with the excitement often associated with Golden Retrievers.