Much agree. Tashie sounds a lot like Chica(who we call mama). Have you had her since puppyhood?
We've actually only had her since August. We know next to nothing about her history. I know she was with man and woman, who I assume were on some type of government assistance. They stopped receiving their cheques and subsequently stopped feeding her (which makes no sense to me because food banks give out dog food). Ultimately, they were given the choice to hand Tashie over to my friend Bonnie (she trains animals for movies and is involved in rescue), or the SPCA would seize the dog. They decided to hand Tashie over to Bonnie, which was supposed to be a temporary thing. Bonnie said that she could see every vertebrae and rib. She fattened Tashie up and used her in the new movie, Monster Truck (Nickalodian (sp?) film, I think). A number of people inquired about Tashie, but none were good fits. She isn't good with children (was reported that nipped/bit at a child), kills cats and no one is sure about how she is with small dogs.
Tashie was unable to live in Bonnie's house because she didn't get along with Bonnie's monkeys. So, she lived outside in a kennel and just wasn't receiving the love that she needed through no fault of anyone. Bonnie did her best, but has monkeys, lemurs, wolves, dogs etc... Not to mention, training dogs and wild animals for movies (she just finished training 2 foxes... omg, were they ever cute!)
I can say now from experience that I do not think that Tashie nipped or bit the child. When she gets excited, she can be mouthy, but is EXTREMELY gentle. When I come home from work, she charges at me, gets a bit jumpy and sometimes my hand lands in her mouth. She is in no way trying to nip or bite me though. I think she was probably just excited and the people that took her for a trial run weekend interpreted her behaviour differently. Better safe than sorry though when there is a house full of children that she would have to coexist with.
So, we took her for a trial weekend and she just fit in perfectly. She is so happy with us and gets as much love and attention as she can handle. She's in her retirement years... So, I honestly don't demand too much from her other than basic manners. She sleeps on the bed. Hangs out on the couch. Goes out in the yard everyday for a good play with Angus. Eats a balanced raw diet. She's just living the dream now. We all love her (except Thalia, but we all knew that would happen). I figured, why not let her live out the last leg of her life with us? She deserves it and she just fits in with us.