What was that? This was Trotter’s question when we took him to the beach for a photoshoot. He absolutely loved it and behaved impeccably. We are never sure how shelter dogs may react in these new, strange situations.

We usually observe how they react to other animals or visitors, including children, being left alone and how they behave in the kennels but, then again, kennels are a stressful environment and they may react negatively here and be angels when they’re adopted.

Cola was one such dog. We tried placing him in two different homes but both families could not cope with his destructive behaviour. As a collie/bull terrier cross, not many people thought they could handle him.

One day, a family showed up and Cola and the man bonded instantly. It was a two-month wait until the family finished some works at home and then took him in. Cola spent almost every waking hour with the family, went everywhere with them and now has his own Facebook page. Till this day we have not received news of Cola ever being destructive.

Two other dogs come to mind: Bambi and Pepper. Both suffered kennel stress. After spending time in a kennel, some dogs start to lose their marbles.

They pace around obsessively and bounce off the walls. Bambi even used to growl for no reason, though he’d kiss you senselessly once he was picked up.

But he also ended up suffering a stroke because he was not coping. A woman who heard his story one day decided to adopt him without every having met him. After a few visits, he went to her house and has been a darling ever since.

Pepper was also adopted by someone who decided to give him a second chance.

Now he enjoys his walks, comes back when called and asks for pedicures when his owner is doing her nails.

Every dog is different when they are out of this noisy environment, in the company of so many other dogs.

We would feel stressed and react differently too if faced with the same situation. Mork, who very often barks at passers-by, may become a cuddle buddy. Trotter, who climbs up the side of his kennel, may stay calmly in one place if rehomed. Ben and Brenda are waiting to be adopted. Snoopy might lose some of his nervousness in a calmer environment. Of course, we also have absolutely normal dogs.

Visit our Facebook page, SPCA Malta, and share your successful adoption or visit SPCA Malta in Floriana and see the many dogs and cats that need to be given another chance.

Call us on 2123 0468 or message us on Facebook to let us know you’re coming during the week and we’ll reserve a parking spot.

Christina Pace is an education officer at the SPCA.