Javanese Dog Names

The Solo River is the longest river in Java which then flows into the Java Sea. Solo is also the name of a 5-year-old Border Collie mix who received attention when staying at the ASPCA Adoption Center in Manhattan. As noted by Director of Animal Welfare Ruth Allen, when things are going well, she does not hear about it. But when there are issues, she gets pulled in. She was alerted about Solo when he had not eaten in several days. According to Ruth, he was stressed out and would not make eye contact. Ruth began spending time with him. She would hand-feed him chicken and rice and after a couple of days, he began to mellow a bit. According to Ruth, she said to herself, “there is an awesome dog in there somewhere. Spending time with Solo led Ruth to gain a strong desire to take him home; so she adopted the pup. Ruth explained that she had been thinking about adopting a dog for a long time, however, had not done so.

The day that she adopted Solo, Ruth had to drive him home through a torrential downpour and she learned that Solo had a lot of anxiety regarding thunderstorms. He wound up cowering on the floor of the front passenger seat. Ruth became determined to help Solo develop confidence. It turns out that Solo helps Ruth do the same. Ruth explains that she is a city girl now living in the country. While she had never visited lakes and the woods, upon bringing Solo home, they began visiting them together. According to Ruth, Solo helps push her beyond her comfort zone. Ruth stated, “I see now how dogs open doors,” Ruth adds. Solo provides me with mental support. I’ve lost weight. I love spending time with him. I need him as much as he needs me. 

As Ruth got to know her new canine pal, she learned that he had other anxieties outside of thunderstorms. The sound of the furnace, for example. Ruth turned to a variety of resources to learn how to help Solo with his anxiety. She and Solo have worked with Rachel Maso, a Behavior Specialist at the ASPCA’s Adoption Center on relaxation technique and “enrichment options” to help Solo manage his stress when alone. According to Ruth, while progress is slow, each time Solo makes a progress is celebrated.