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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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joybringer1 | @joybringer1 | Jun 6 12:20pm
In reply to @ead "We adopted a 4 year old abandoned dog. The vet said he was basenji and possibly..." + (show)
@ead

We adopted a 4 year old abandoned dog. The vet said he was basenji and possibly retriever. He is between 45 and 50 pounds and larger than any of our previous dogs. We have had 3 dogs previous to him. He has turned out to be amazing. His personality has turned out to be very different than any of the other dogs too. At first he didn’t really pay attention to us, sort of like “why bother” attitude. Over time he has become a constant companion. He now comes to greet us when we get home. If we are in different rooms he comes in to remind us he is happiest when we are all together. When one of us joins the other in the living room he always gets a toy and plays with it. It’s like “ok, we’re all here now, I can relax”. He is the quietest dog, in 5 years he has never barked in the house. He has his own quiet way of showing contentment and getting his point across. If he wants something he rests his head on a lap. I can say “ show me what you want” and he will do so (usually he goes either to the door to the yard or the cupboards where the treats are). He is the gentlest guy. Great with the grandkids, and actually with anyone who comes in the door. We took a chance on a bigger dog (and one who paced back and forth when we saw him at the shelter) and after a little adjustment time we became one happy family!

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@ead, I loved your story! It is a wonderful joy to have a companion who loves the family. Most of these unwanted dogs just want a forever home. I hope you enjoy your amazing dog for many years to come. With all good wishes, @joybringer.

REPLY
labrown | @labrown | Jun 7 6:09am
In reply to @ead "We adopted a 4 year old abandoned dog. The vet said he was basenji and possibly..." + (show)
@ead

We adopted a 4 year old abandoned dog. The vet said he was basenji and possibly retriever. He is between 45 and 50 pounds and larger than any of our previous dogs. We have had 3 dogs previous to him. He has turned out to be amazing. His personality has turned out to be very different than any of the other dogs too. At first he didn’t really pay attention to us, sort of like “why bother” attitude. Over time he has become a constant companion. He now comes to greet us when we get home. If we are in different rooms he comes in to remind us he is happiest when we are all together. When one of us joins the other in the living room he always gets a toy and plays with it. It’s like “ok, we’re all here now, I can relax”. He is the quietest dog, in 5 years he has never barked in the house. He has his own quiet way of showing contentment and getting his point across. If he wants something he rests his head on a lap. I can say “ show me what you want” and he will do so (usually he goes either to the door to the yard or the cupboards where the treats are). He is the gentlest guy. Great with the grandkids, and actually with anyone who comes in the door. We took a chance on a bigger dog (and one who paced back and forth when we saw him at the shelter) and after a little adjustment time we became one happy family!

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I love sweet, happy ending stories for rescue pups. They just need a chance,..I have two (one small and one large) very loving and very spoiled rescues. They are a comfort for my hubby and myself on his dementia journey.

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jillb329 | @jillb329 | Jun 8 1:07pm

We've had many dogs over the years, all of them rescues. Separation anxiety can be a problem when the dog first come home with you - everything is all new to him. When you leave him, even for a short time, he doesn't know if you'll ever be back again. Try leaving him alone for a very short time - both you and your husband drive around the block and come home. Let him cry (I know, it's hard) while you're gone. Do this over and over until he gets the idea that you'll always come home. Don't make a big deal about leaving and coming back home. It has to become a very casual thing. Keep working with him and loving him. It's a great thing you're doing!

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cekkk | @cekkk | 3 days ago

We've adopted Mutts for over 40 years and nearly always have one that we consider crazy. I hesitate to go here, BUT - Dogs are pack animals. This guy of yours has had a history you'll have to accept. You are his pack. When you leave, he's likely terrified. A possible solution is another dog! We never have only one except due to the death of one. And after a sufficient mourning period, (It hurts us terribly. Far more than one would think it would) we replace it for the benefit of the survivor. By the way, I'm 82 and SWMBO is 80. And the 2 we have now have been with us for 5 years and four years respectively. They are of the same age and great buddies. We can leave for supper out or an appointment. But as usual, one of them is nuts. He really likes me and tells me what to do in the middle of the night when he wants out, and during the day when he wants a treat or some other need. And yet, as I sit here in the family room, he is unable to join me, whether i'm alone or with my wife. If I leave the room, he jumps on the couch with my wife. And if I reenter, he takes off like i'm gonna turn them into lunch. In the bedroom, he jumps up there and wants his belly scratched by me. But if my wife leaves the bedroom, he follows her out, or wants to get outside and away from me. It aint gonna get any better because, just like me, he's too old to fix. You're great people to give a dog love.

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