1. < Aging Well

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

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!

Jump to this post

@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!

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
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!

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.