Adopted dog success stories?

This is very difficult.
A good house dog can be a wonderful, even life-saving family member, but a troubled dog may be beyond our capacities.
We had a wonderful greyhound for many years, and after she died we adopted another greyhound. Unfortunately the new greyhound, who was wonderfully happy at the adoption kennel, became very anxious in our home, needing 24 hour care. After two months we returned her to the adoption agency. As soon as we were in the kennel building (with lots of dog barking) she returned to her happy self. The agency reposted her, only for adoption to a multi-dog household. This is a common problem with greyhounds. They have lived in kennels all their lives, and some cannot live without other dogs. She was a beautiful creature, and remembering her anxiety that I couldn't relieve makes me sad.

We connected with a closer agency and eventually adopted Hazel, a pointer hound who has been one of the best companions of my life. I've built a cremains box so that eventually Hazel and I will be buried together.

My wife developed a very painful disorder and was giving up on living. We borrowed a Havanese for a test month, and the effect on my wife was so good that we knew we'd adopt a Havanese for her. She and Hava are now constant companions, and Hava has been an important part of her recovery. Havanese don't like being alone, but Hava just sleeps when we go out. Having another dog nearby probably helps.

The adoptions were a little more expensive than shelter adoptions, but they included the promise that if we returned the dogs they would be re-homed until they found a good fit. The people in these organizations were very supportive, knowing that sometimes an adoption just doesn't work out and that you and the dog need to start over.
I tell you so much to assure you that it can be good when you find the dog that's right for you.
Study breeds and dog behavior to get a clear idea of the kind of dog energy that is best for you.
If you search you can probably find an agency that will re-home the terrier.
The agency we worked with started their animals with temporary foster people who could assess the dogs and give a description of the dogs' behavior and needs.
I hope you can find a way forward that is good for all of you.

Thanks so much for your story!

Ours was a bit different - we found both of our dogs. One had been dumped in the desert, the other dumped in our neighborhood. Long stories, very stressful, a lot of work and a long time working with the behavioral issues each of our boys brought with them. These little dog souls that are rescued are usually so traumatized - it takes a lot of time for them to feel safe. I could go on and on but I want you to know that there are success stories. Our first rescue, while he was like training a coyote is an absolute joy now. Our younger pup is still a work in progress but we see the light!!! Love, love, love!

Makes me feel so hopeful to hear success stories!

The backstory for dogs 'found' and those 'rescued' is often not very salutary, and can break one's heart. They usually have been neglected, not properly loved, have poor social learning, are left in chaotic environments where they are threatened and live under constant stress, are diseased, have behavioural problems that are so intractable that their owners dump them somewhere...and the list goes on. It MUST BE a full commitment, full determination, lots of love, lots of time, lots of quiet, and lots of attention. And, at the first sign that you are going to 'abandon' them, they'll scream incessantly. People who know dogs know to kennel them when they leave home so that they have a 'safe space' and feel secure. You want them to be quiet and to sleep, ideally. When you are home, you let them determine the amount of 'me' time, but do keep interacting with them, make lots of eye contact (later, when they are used to you and aren't threatened by you and their new home).

@tcokeefe I’m so sorry to read this post. Something that should be such a rewarding experience has turned into a prison sentence with huge stress.

Separation anxiety is such a difficult issue. Some breeds are more prone to it than others. It’s not just rescue dogs.

Mine is a 9 month old Labradoodle male puppy I got from a friend of a friend at 9 weeks who had bred her 2 year old female dog before spaying her. I also got a female littermate hoping that would help leave them together for approximately 3 hours at least 3 hours a week while I take my elderly father out for breakfast, a walk and a drive. The little girl also has separation anxiety, but nowhere nearly as severe as her brother.

They are crated in adjacent crates in the bedroom overnight and have slept soundly without a peep since I got them. This is the only time they are crated in a small space.

To help them with their separation anxiety from me they are essentially crated in the TV room with the curtains shut, the TV on, some filled frozen Kong snacks and some kibble scattered so they have to find it, and their beds and toys. I’ve had to essentially set the TV room up as a very large crate with puppy fencing to let them play once they settle down but stop them from destroying stuff. I make sure not to watch a camera. (Bought one but haven’t set it up as i need to focus 100% on my father. I can knowing my puppies are safe). The little boy is so much better.

I also have sent them off separately with a dog walker (with treats!) to teach them to be away from me and each other. That has also helped a lot.

What’s great is that they are finally well behaved enough to take them both out together with my father to places which allow dogs. Your 7 year old dog sounds as though he could easily accompany you both out.

Wishing you all the very best to find ways to enjoy your loving little pal but not be imprisoned in your house ♥️🐾

I am a senior, and I adopted a 20 lb. senior dog through the seniors for seniors program at my local Humane Society. These dogs have been screened by them, for personality, and usually are loving, and already somewhat trained. Their owners have died or gone into a nursing home.

I am in a similar situation with an adopted 2-year-old cat. He has been hiding under my bed for nine days, all day and night. He eats when I leave the house and uses the litter box while I am asleep at night. I am willing to give him time to adjust but the other night he popped up on my bed (!?!) while I was reading before sleeping, and I was able to pet him and he seemed to enjoy it until he reached out and grabbed my arm, with claws extended, and bit me!! I am confused as to what to do. I am afraid that even if he decides to be social at some point, will I be able to pet him without fear?

Sounds like he is fearful, which makes me wonder if given time and giving him space to let him do what he feels like doing without moving into his face, like petting or anything like that, he might warm up. Have you talked to your vet about it? Maybe some medication's?

I was dictating, I did not mean the word face. I meant the word space! Sorry. I need to proofread before I hit send!