Cabo
July 28, 1996—July 15, 2000
Cabo was a big beautiful white male Anatolian
Shepherd
whose life was cut short due to a very rare genetic
brain disorder that caused him to manifest aberrant
behavior. Three of his nearly four years were spent in
increasing torment due to the inner fears with which he
lived.
In short, he was afraid of everything…strangers,
thunderstorms, gunshots, fireworks, hot air balloons.
In some cases his fears manifested themselves in the
form of aggressive behavior toward people, including
us, his owners. At times his fears became panic attacks
that were so extreme that he could not be consoled or
controlled. At other times he was so beside himself
that he would do extensive property damage by biting
and clawing. On some occasions his violent behavior
caused physical harm to himself.
Many therapies and treatments were attempted. An
evaluation at a nationally known vet school diagnosed
fear aggression and drug therapy was prescribed. We
consulted extensively with knowledgeable Anatolian
owners. Socialization, obedience training and behavior
modification were part of Cabo's regime. Herbal and
Bach flower remedies, essential oil synergies and
Tellington Touch were administered. All were to no
avail. Because of his aggressive behavior, it was
impossible for Cabo to be handled by anyone other than
us, and then only with extreme caution due to his
unpredictability. This meant that he could not be taken
to the vet and that we had to administer all
medications and shots.
But there were also the good times when he was lovable
and fun. He loved to play a game of hide and seek, he
swam enthusiastically in his pool to cool off on a hot
day, he turned door knobs with his mouth and walked
inside the house, and he lifted the handles of car
doors with his teeth so that he could lounge on the
back seats of cars. And he "smiled," big,
broad Anatolian smiles when he was happy.
As time went on it seemed that his difficulties were
increasing. For a time there were "safe"
spots that would provide some security during times of
stress, but gradually these were no longer a refuge. A
series of very serious and difficult events culminated
in the decision that I had always feared. On July 15,
2000, after exhausting all other options, we made the
heart wrenching decision to put Cabo and his fears to
rest. Not a day goes by that I do not think of him.
The true cause of his affliction we will never know,
but we remember with great appreciation and
thankfulness the Anatolian that we knew on those
occasions when the fears would subside and his lovable
personality would surface. He took his job as a
property guardian and companion very seriously and did
the very best that he could, given his disabilities.
Now we rest in the knowledge that he was greatly loved
and that we did all that we could for him. We are
hopeful that while we could not "rescue" Cabo,
that because of him many other Anatolians can be saved.
In that light we dedicate this Anatolian Shepherd
Memorial Page to his memory.
