The Poultry Keeper

Auntie Katie · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 435 Location: Cambridgeshire

We've been to meet this gorgeous little chap tonight. He's about 7 months old and is completely adorable

but

he's had something terrible done to him, he has come over in a batch from Ireland so we have no history of him, but he's obviously been tied up with string thats too tight. He is completely terrified by absolutely everything. He crept forwards to the front of his crate to take a treat from us but backed off if we moved to quickly or made a noise.

His foster mum managed to haul him out of his crate, which she says he does himself when there are no strangers about, and he ran out in the garden. He'll tolerate you going near him but cowers on the floor but he is wagging his tail the whole time that you speak to him.

We took Wags with us and let them meet after he'd got used to us for a bit. He loved Wags and dashed about like a proper puppy. Wags was a bit indifferent but I think thats because he had too many new smells and places to wee up!

You can see a happy little chap on the inside that is just too frightened to come out.

Can we bring him round do you think or would it just be too much for us and him?

NannyP · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 11:10 pm Post subject:

From the little I have read about you and your love for dogs, I would suggest you are the ideal couple to make this dog happy inside and out.

I am sure that with gentle talking, stroking and a quiet atmosphere, he'll begin to realise that he is now in safe hands.

Bon courage mon ami Very Happy

Sylvia · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 2:28 am Post subject:

He is gorgeous, some golden lab in there, and labs are usually so loyal and loving.

How long has his foster mum had him and how does he behave with her when there are no strangers about? Does she have other dogs and how does he react with them? How do you think Wags will react with a new boy on his home territory?

You may find that he will always be very wary/frightened of sudden movements towards him or loud strange noises, i.e. fireworks. My brother used to take in rescued Alsatians and one of them had been badly beaten, even after 6 years if you had anything resembling a stick in your hand near him he would cower and whimper.

I am with NannyP, with patience and love and the freedom to play that a 7month old should have he will come out of his shell and you will have a lovely, happy dog.

We can all say what we think but you will know in your own mind if he is the one for you and Wags

Matildanz · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 7:08 am Post subject:

He looks like a lovely wee chap. Taking on a rescue dog without knowing the background is always an unknown. Our late boxer Jake was a rescue, we were his 3rd family, his 2nd family had to rehome him due to family circumstances and we suspected his first owners used considerable force to discipline him. He was terrified of any sort of long stick and wouldn't tolerate his ears being rubbed. BUT he came around and was the most loving dog we could have ever wished for. He would stand between the kids and anything he percieved as a threat and would even get between me and the fire when I was lighting it! We were heart broken when we lost him to cancer.

There's no guarantee that this wee guy will come around but he's young - Jake was 5 - so there's always a good chance with time, patience and lots of love. Smile

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7424 Location: isle of lewis

from what i've read about happening to some dogs in ireland ,from a dog rescue form in ire then anything could have happened
but then the same could be said for here ,i don't know if you should take him ownly your own hearts and mind can tell you that ,one thing that might help ,is there are tapes on ebay with noises on and you can play them very quietly and over months raise the volume very slowly ,if you feel you have the state of mind to go for it do ,he looks like a lovely boy

Sylvia · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 7:36 am Post subject:

Just popped back for another look at the photo, he seems to be sitting a bit funny in the photo, are his hips OK?

Auntie Katie · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 435 Location: Cambridgeshire

They seem OK. He is straining to get away from the lead and the people there taking the picture.

He has been with his foster mum for 2 weeks and she said he has come on loads in that time. He is getting on ok with her dog and her children but is a bit wary of her husband but did greet him nicely when he arrived home while we there.

I have a couple of big concerns. I'm worried that rather than Wags encouraging Marco out of his shell, Marco will re-inforce some of Wagsy's worries.

I'm also worried about the walking, he isn't being walked at the moment because it freaks him out. I also feel that dogs need a serious off lead walk everyday and coming up to winter when the mornings are so dark dont know if that will be able to happen. Wags is very much mummy orientated so always has to have me insight - Marco, although will be very food orientated, is more concerned with being with the dogs. I'm not sure that he wouldn't belt off across the park never to be seen again.

There is also the fact that we go to Spana's alot and that then opens up a whole new world of terror for a spooked dog! I know what Spana will say when she reads this! (I havent been brave enought to tell her about him)

I really loved him but heart and head are saying different things. I normally have OH with a clearer head on to compensate for me who would take everything regardless of problems but this time he's torn too. I keep thinking he is only a baby and if we started everything with him as if he were only a few a tiny baby we could work through it.

Thank you for all your messages - I need lots of opinions to help us decide Very Happy

NannyP · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 10:07 am Post subject:

Auntie Katie · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 435 Location: Cambridgeshire

Poor old Marco, I left a message for the rescue centre lady saying that although we both really liked him and could see that there was a happy chap just waiting to let out we felt that we were'nt really the best option for him. It was the walking that really worried me.

We have been back to Wood Green today after a bad experience with them yesterday and found Ozzie, who wasn't ready for rehoming yesterday. He is a 2yr old Springer Spaniel and completely adorable. He has met Wagsy Woo, they went for walk together and then were let off together in a play area and got on ok.

This is him - the pictures aren't too good as they are through the bars - we took Bradders and Little Chick over after school to meet him.

Look at me, I'm so handsome

He liked being scratched by both the children

This is Ozzie's last night behind bars - we pick him up at 11am tomorrow.

We are both very excited and at the same time a little sad for all the others that are still looking for homes.

NannyP · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 5:47 pm Post subject:

What a lucky young dog.....and so pleased you have found one.

Of course, you will feel sad, and you can't rescue them all.....no, honest, you can't!! I am sure most of them will get rehomed eventually, and lets hope they all have good owners like your new baby is going to have.

You've made the right decision, well done.
Very Happy

Auntie Katie · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 435 Location: Cambridgeshire

He is gorgeous! He's not had much done with him but I'm looking forward to bringing him on! We are already booked on a training class so have 2 weeks to get to know him a bit better before we go.

We saw a really sweet little jack russell at the shelter yesterday who looked terribly miserable. She can't live with other dogs which is the reason we couldn't have her. We went to see her again today and she came rushing over for a cuddle. When we took Bradders and Little Chick over this afternoon we went and had another look at her and she'd been reserved! We are both so pleased for her Razz

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7424 Location: isle of lewis

the springers lovely Cool

,i'm sure he'll find the right home for him

debcat · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 7:34 pm Post subject:

He's gorgeous Very Happy

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2299 Location: North Cornwall

He looks lovely Kate, his eyes are so sad it will be nice to see a bit of sparkle come into them when he feels settled Very Happy

How long has he been there?

Did they give you any more info on him?

Has he been snipped?

Any sign of a cough?

Sylvia · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:42 am Post subject:

So glad you have found 'The One', not long to go now, only a few hours.
Springers normally have such big personalities and as Spana said it will be lovely to see him with the sparkle in his eyes.
Hope he quickly settles down and the training goes well.