Community Chat

[glmama]

I'm sorry that you're dealing with this.

There are so many good organizations out there and I really hope yours is one of them, a place that perhaps will give more information to you now? Or help with this transition?

I know that the rescue where we got our pup seems to be pretty darn honest about a dog's existing problems and will only really let a dog with these issues go to a very expert dog family, or possibly a vet or behaviorist.

Please keep us posted.

[lynbeechwood]

Thank you for the support everyone.

[mousiegirl]

On 5/28/2014 lynbeechwood said: Kookielady- I appreciate your reply the only thing is is that of course the vet was concerned about my husband. So am I. You can also get rabies by being licked by a rabid dog- of course we all have been licked by her. So if your post was to make me more nervous than it worked and now I'm even more upset. She had been turned over from a breeder to the rescue on 4/17 I adopted her on 5/11. She was spayed on 5/6. I do have a rabies certificate. Ugh

I am interested as to why a breeder would give a dog to a shelter, as they usually breed for profit, so the breeder must have know the dog is a biter, which should have been dealt with another way.

[CrazyDaisy]

On 5/29/2014 mousiegirl said:

On 5/28/2014 lynbeechwood said: Kookielady- I appreciate your reply the only thing is is that of course the vet was concerned about my husband. So am I. You can also get rabies by being licked by a rabid dog- of course we all have been licked by her. So if your post was to make me more nervous than it worked and now I'm even more upset. She had been turned over from a breeder to the rescue on 4/17 I adopted her on 5/11. She was spayed on 5/6. I do have a rabies certificate. Ugh

I am interested as to why a breeder would give a dog to a shelter, as they usually breed for profit, so the breeder must have know the dog is a biter, which should have been dealt with another way.

Not necessarily, all animals (including humans) when frightened have the flight or fight reaction. My take is that this poor dog was terrified being forced into the cage, since he could not get away the only other thing was to bite. Anyone who takes in a rescue needs to take things slow not force things.

[nagrom]

Good luck with her. You did mention that you have two other rescues. Could there be some dynamic going on between the three of them. If she was just spayed week or so before you got her it could hormones still playing a role. If there is a dynamic or resource guarding including food or toys nearby that she was afraid the others would claim her toy. Just a thought. Dogs react so quickly and give out signals between themselves or to their humans without a trained eye noticing them. Turid Rugas has videos or books out for calming signals that enlightens us humans in the world of dog behavior. My pack is normally three dogs so order and structure was always supported. My pack always had order and sequence to prevent or never have issues. Have to share this with you. They always would line up in a row sitting down focusing on me. I would take a can of reddi whip out of the frig say the dogs name and accordingly the dog would open wide for his squirt of reddi whip. Then proceed to the next dog and so on. Back to your problem... If someone acts out of pack sequence it could create problems, fights or bites. Even crating a dog out of order or putting a dog in the wrong crate could instigate a bite.

Is she afraid of men? Tall men? Some dogs react to various people. If so the rescue should have assessed her in different situations. Again Sue Sternberg has temperament assessment books and specific rules for rescue dogs. Both the individuals mentioned are experts in their fields and plenty of books around if you choose. Please let us know how your husband and family are weathering this storm. Take care.

[Tissyanne]

I am sad to read about this. We adopted a dog years ago as a companion to our dog who was grieving. Our collie had died, and been a lifelong mate. We named her Bailey, and everything went well, but she got out of our yard after a year. We never knew how she got out. We looked for her for months. My DH went to the shelter everyday.

[nagrom]

I just read your other post...that four year old was just spayed and is now being treated for whipworm. There seems to be health factors going on. That rescue should have kept her until she was healthy and healed from the spay surgery and free of worms before sending her to her new home. Who knows what else is in her history that was not told to you. I do feel for you and angry that a rescue would have done this to you. I sure hope your husband is okay.

[lynbeechwood]

Yes my husband went to the doctor today with all the documentation that we have for the dog. The dr was not overly concerned and stated that it is good we have the dog for the next 10 days to observe her health/behavior. My husband did get a tetanus shot too. The dog was a breeder dog who was not spayed until 4 years old. It is obvious she has had litters of puppies - she takes any little stuffed animal and puts it into her bed like it is her puppy. Yes there are many many horrible breeders who are just looking for money- they do not interact with these poor animals or give them any kind of care. This dog loves me but is very afraid of human males. She gives kisses and lives to explore outside. She loves eating the food we give her and treats- and I wash her every other day. I am returning her next Saturday to a woman who has worked at this rescue for many years. She is willing to keep her in her own home and intensively train her around men and other animals. I feel that I cannot ask for anything more- yes I have spent money on medical care for this dog and the adoption fee - but I don't care I just want a happy outcome for everyone. She deserves a happy long life able to safely thrive in a living home.

[lynbeechwood]

Also since I have had her I have had her de wormed and out on a good monthly preventative. She has healed from being spayed and has put on some weight. It's true I feel very bad about all of these issues --- some do come with owning a pet .but the biting has scared me a put a damper on my house- my teenage daughter does not want to understand that a dog biting is a very serious matter - I mean I know she knows this but she is heartbroken about this dog leaving. I get that - I am saddened and angry too- I fell in love with this baby but she needs a different home that can solely focus on her continued care. I do have hard feelings about this rescue too- I do want to blame them and I don't- I don't know my head is spinning. Now I feel more assured about the vet and family doctor not feeling that there is a rabies threat but in the back if my mind I am going to worry for quite a while.thats just me anyway. I have two male rescues in my home and they both have behaved really respectfully around this dog- no fighting- stealing toys or other dominance issues- so that was going well. Thank you for listening to me all of you animal lovers.

[mousiegirl]

On 5/29/2014 lynbeechwood said: Yes my husband went to the doctor today with all the documentation that we have for the dog. The dr was not overly concerned and stated that it is good we have the dog for the next 10 days to observe her health/behavior. My husband did get a tetanus shot too. The dog was a breeder dog who was not spayed until 4 years old. It is obvious she has had litters of puppies - she takes any little stuffed animal and puts it into her bed like it is her puppy. Yes there are many many horrible breeders who are just looking for money- they do not interact with these poor animals or give them any kind of care. This dog loves me but is very afraid of human males. She gives kisses and lives to explore outside. She loves eating the food we give her and treats- and I wash her every other day. I am returning her next Saturday to a woman who has worked at this rescue for many years. She is willing to keep her in her own home and intensively train her around men and other animals. I feel that I cannot ask for anything more- yes I have spent money on medical care for this dog and the adoption fee - but I don't care I just want a happy outcome for everyone. She deserves a happy long life able to safely thrive in a living home.

I was in animal rescue for many years, and came across several that were afraid of men, but fortunately, didn't bite, so was able to place them with women for adoption. Your poor little dog. I always say who knows what they have gone through. When I adopted my little guy last year, he was exhibiting eating problems, so he had a test to see what was going on. He had all sorts of "things" in his intestines, so I think he was hungry at some point in his puppyhood, and just ate anything he could to stop the hunger pangs. He has a great appetite now, but he will eat cardboard, etc., if he manages to get hold of something, so I have to watch him.

It is heartbreaking what animals in the world suffer. A horse at DD's barn, a little bigger than a pony, had babies every year of her five years of life, and was physically abused, and then was rescued by the owner of the barn. Only a very few can put the bridle on due to her former abuse. She is the sweetest horse ever, but it just shows she is one of innumerous animals who endure horrible experiences. As the owner of the barn says about her horses, all rescues, "they can file the bad memories of experiences, but can never erase them." I am glad you have found someone who can help the little dog.