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Adopted dog success stories?

Posted by Kathy @tcokeefe, Mar 14 6:12am

My husband, 78, and I, 75, adopted a little seven-year-old Rescue terrier seven weeks ago. He’s the cutest, most loving thing with the both of us at home. But we have discovered since bringing him home that he has terrible separation anxiety. We cannot leave him in a crate, or in a room or even in the house for a minute without terrible heartbreaking crying and barking. We even installed cameras and the barking and crying do not diminish no matter how long we are gone. So we have not left the house together now for over a month. We have spent a small fortune on a behaviorist veterinarian and trainer, and we are doing everything, including putting him on Prozac. We are hoping that sometime over the next several months things will improve, but it’s a challenge. Question, has anyone survived the sort of situation? Also, are we insane adopting a dog at our age? He may be seven but he’s a little so he might have a pretty long life. That part doesn’t worry me as much as the behavior issues. Finally, returning him probably means euthanasia so it’s a horrible, horrible decision whether to keep him or not.

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Kathy | @tcokeefe | Apr 3 6:24am

Thank you so much, and I certainly know what you mean about being careful where you walk. This little guy has nearly tripped me several times.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 3 6:26am
In reply to @muley "You are letting the dog win. You and Hubby should just go. If the pup is..." + (show)
@muley

You are letting the dog win. You and Hubby should just go. If the pup is housebroken and not destructive let him holler. Take him out to relieve himself before you go. He will eventually get over it. Probably always holler just before and after you leave. Your decision to rescue him was good. He will repay you with joy and companionship. My Bichon is 10 now. I'm 81. I purchased her as a pup for our 48th anniversary. The best purchase I ever made. My wife and I enjoyed having her around so much. My wife died 2 years ago. This pup has followed me on my heels ever since. The pup actually went through a period of mourning. For about 2 weeks she searched for my wife room to room whining. She was very lethargic during that time. The only problem I found with small pups is tripping over them. Since she has taken to closely following me, I have fallen hard twice. Nothing broke. I just pay closer attention now. Hang in there and enjoy the pup. Don't let him win. Let him holler. Don't give him a lot of attention when he acts up, just leave and enjoy your time out.

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@muley I think that allowing your "dog to holler" is not a good solution and could result in even more problems. It's not about allowing your dog to win but rather finding ways for you and your dog to live comfortably together. Dogs with separation anxiety do not always get over it. If this were me I'd be working with a certified dog trainer for solutions that are kind and support bonding with my dog.

Certified Dog Trainer and Consultant Directory:

-- https://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/certified-dog-trainer-directory/

My brother used the above website to find a certified dog trainer to help him with his puppy. He was very pleased with the assessment and suggestions offered by the trainer. The cost was reasonable and the training suggested has helped enormously with his puppy who is now amost 2 years old.

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1 reply
Kathy | @tcokeefe | Apr 3 6:47am

This is a sort of a different issue that I have been thinking about, do you live in a cold climate, where there is snow? Neither my husband, nor I are supposed to shovel due to our hearts, and now I'm worrying about what to do with this little guy who could disappear in 12 inches of snow this winter when he has to go out four times a day? What do you do?

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edsutton | @edsutton | Apr 3 7:29am

Kathy-
We cannot fix every tragedy in this world. That's the difficult truth.
It sounds like you and your husband are on the path to creating new tragedies for yourselves as you struggle with a situation you can't handle.
It sounds like you have some financial resources. You could place this dog with a no-kill shelter and give them a good contribution.
If you want to have a dog, consider volunteering to temporarily foster a dog in preparation for adoption. You could limit this to the snow-free months. Hazel's original foster family maintains friendly connections with their adoptee pets and the forever families they've nurtured.
Ed

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Kathy | @tcokeefe | Apr 3 8:19am

Thank you I really appreciate your understanding of the situation. It's just a sad hard situation for everyone concerned, especially the poor little guy.

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bethyh79 | @bethyh79 | Apr 3 9:13am
In reply to @slpatchen "I am 82, live alone and I lost my 13 yr old poodle mix a year..." + (show)
@slpatchen

I am 82, live alone and I lost my 13 yr old poodle mix a year and a half ago. I still miss her terribly every day. I got her as a two 2 yr stray about to be euthanized at a kill shelter. She had severe separation anxiety which never did improve much even though I tried everything. But I found a solution that worked because I loved her so much, there was no other option. Where there’s a will there’s a way!
I found a neighbor who was desperately struggling financially and I paid her to doggie sit. My dog, so happy not to be alone, came to adore her. I am also very low income so I was only able to pay my neighbor $10 each time she watched my dog ($20 if it was more than four hours). This turned out to be a win win situation for all. I helped my neighbor financially, she helped me, and my dog quality of life was much improved.
Separation anxiety is a difficult situation. I commend you for seeking feedback and wish you a peaceful decision.

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So happy you found the perfect solution for your sweet poodle. May she Rest in Peace.Helping your neighbor was a wonderful idea. Take care.

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carmine100 | @carmine100 | Apr 3 9:22am

I saw a trick on FB. A woman had a dog with separation anxiety. She got a dummy and dressed it with some old smelly clothes. The dog thinks the dummy is her and behaved as if she was home. You can’t let the dog see you and the dummy together.

Another solution is to find a neighbor who will care for the dog when you have to leave. Preferably if they have another dog.

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Kathy | @tcokeefe | Apr 3 9:24am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@muley I think that allowing your "dog to holler" is not a good solution and could..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@muley I think that allowing your "dog to holler" is not a good solution and could result in even more problems. It's not about allowing your dog to win but rather finding ways for you and your dog to live comfortably together. Dogs with separation anxiety do not always get over it. If this were me I'd be working with a certified dog trainer for solutions that are kind and support bonding with my dog.

Certified Dog Trainer and Consultant Directory:

-- https://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/certified-dog-trainer-directory/

My brother used the above website to find a certified dog trainer to help him with his puppy. He was very pleased with the assessment and suggestions offered by the trainer. The cost was reasonable and the training suggested has helped enormously with his puppy who is now amost 2 years old.

Jump to this post

We are using a behavioral vet as well as a very professional trainer. This dog is seven years old and has had a very traumatic life. I think working with a puppy is something quite different.

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1 reply
zaa | @zaa | Apr 4 7:18am

Last August, my 12 year old chihuahua/min pin mix passed away and it was devastating. She was the best but I went to rescue orgs and found a 1 year old bichon mix. She wasn’t house trained, ate everything in the yard, didn’t know any commands and was very stubborn with way too much energy. We are in our 70’s and it was difficult to deal with her but after 7 months of training and patience, she is finally better. Routines are important and a very slow and short stays in a kennel every day has made her accept it well. Reward your pup with a treat after going into her kennel, leave the door open and praise her. Make her know it’s a safe place to be in. Don’t leave her in there for long stays until she’s gets use to it.
I even became a foster to an Aussie for 2 months just to help out and pay it forward. Way too many animals that need help and want to do what I can. Glad you adopted and I bet your terrier is cute and definitely trainable.

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Kathy | @tcokeefe | Apr 4 9:07am

I’m very happy that all worked for you. We are doing all of the above and have a $200 an hour trainer as well as a behavioral veterinarian working with us. Unfortunately, it’s a little more difficult with a dog that is seven years old and had years Living in a kennel and passed from person to person, but I’m very happy things worked out for you.

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