I’ve been avoiding this post because of the inevitable freak-out from the commentariat, but I am looking for another home for Rosie, with someone who can give her the time and attention she needs. I just don’t have the time, and along with a variety of other issues, the dynamic in the house has never been the same.
She’s a very sweet dog, but she came with some serious baggage (on top of the Jack Russell Terrorist genes). She’s very friendly most of the time, but she has moments when she just starts snarling at people. This can happen in the middle of petting her- everything is ok, then she just starts growling and looking menacing. It even happens to me when I am petting her, so it isn’t just strangers. She has never bitten anyway, she just snarls and retreats to the bedroom or behind the couch. Generally, I think that is a good thing- I’ll take snarling and running over a dog that bites with no warning. This also only happens in the house. Outside, she is an effervescent mess, licking and kissing anyone in sight. We even jokingly call her the kissing bandit. But in the house, she just gets protective (resource guarding, I presume).
Second, Lily has never been the same since Rosie joined the household, and Rosie kind of bullies her. It isn’t in a mean way, really, just in the “I’M A JACK RUSSELL TERRIER AND EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE DOES WHAT I WANT DAMNIT!” Also, Tunch doesn’t feel comfortable around her, and she has never attacked him (he has attacked her multiple times), she growls at him and wards him away from me.
I had been trying to find her a good home for a while, but on Friday, Rosie attacked Lily because she wanted her chew toy. It sounded much worse than it was, and there was no blood, but it took some time to separate them. Rosie was really worked up before the fight because I had company, but that is still no excuse. Rosie had her own chew toy, but she wanted all of them. Lily said “No.”
She just needs to be the only pet in the house, and my house is not right for that. She’s a beautiful and sweet dog, but she just does not play well with others and needs a home that can be dedicated to her. Preferably one with a big yard (and a fence).
If anyone is interested, let me know. And sorry folks, I really tried to make it work, but I don’t have time for this and think she is not as happy as she could be (and I know Tunch and Lily are not). I know this is kind of a funny post on a site that is all about pet rescue, but sometimes the forever home placement is a little bit tougher than the rescue. It goes without saying I will not do anything with her other than place her with people I completely trust. And, of course, if anyone in the area wants a energetic and loving Jack Russell terrier, shoot me a line.
Eric U.
Sounds like a good decision John. Hopefully someone can give her a good home.
Cris
You have to do what’s right for your family, and Tunch has been family a long time.
growingdaisies
Don’t feel bad. You’re doing the right thing, and you’ve been a thousand times more responsible than most.
Bnut
Shit happens, and Rosie’s life is surely better than had John Cole not stumbled into it.
Pete
Sadly I’m on the wrong side of the Atlantic for that, but good luck
jacy
It’s better to make the hard decision, rather than stick with the status quo and make everybody miserable (or if not miserable, at least low-level stressed all the time.) Thinking good thoughts in your search for a home.
greennotGreen
You might try a Jack Russell rescue; they know that they’re special dogs and will place her accordingly.
FlipYrWhig
Aw.
Tokyokie
Sorry it didn’t work out. I’d offer to help if I didn’t live 1.500 miles away with a bunch of cats and a spousal unit who’d kill me and leave (not necessarily in that order) if I were to get a JRT.
elmo
John, you have done everything absolutely 100% right. You took her in, you’ve given the situation every chance, and you have animals that are not compatible. It happens.
Now you’re doing the right thing by finding a better home for Rosie.
No freak-out here, just lots of sympathy and empathy — doing rescue for 20 years, I’ve been exactly where you are, many times. Sometimes a placement does not work.
I wish I could offer more than sympathy. I had eight in the house, and that was absolutely IT, by God, NO MORE. Then on Tuesday I found a Sheltie mix running loose on the road. We’ve put up signs, contacted local vets and shelters, reached out to small-breed rescue orgs, and no help yet. So now — temporarily — I have nine.
Be sure to reach out to rescues outside your immediate area. Transport can always be arranged, and sometimes when there’s a glut of dogs in one particular region, there’s an actual shortage of adoptables elsewhere. New England and New York are particularly good areas for finding dog homes.
Keith G
@Cris:
Following internet traditions:
This.
Good on ya, John.
bemused
Totally understandable. You make a good point about feeling Rosie would be happier as the only pet. There must be Jack Russell rescue groups in the state or nearby states that could help.
Alice Blue
Don’t be too hard on yourself John; Rosie probably wouldn’t be alive if you hadn’t taken her in. I agree that she’ll be much happier in a home where she is the dog.
I like the idea of contacting a Jack Russell rescue.
Jason Tondro
Don’t beat yourself up any more than you already have. No one doubts you love the dog! She’ll be happier elsewhere.
stuckinred
You done your best, brother. We can’t be all things to all creatures and Lily clearly doesn’t deserve to be shoved around.
Felonious Wench
Add me to the chorus of “right thing to do.” When you first started posting about Rosie, I was concerned as to how she’d fit into your peaceful household. She throws all of you off-balance.
She’s been well-loved as part of the Cole household, and now you know enough about her temperament to help her find the right situation for her next home. It’s all goodness.
FW
CT Voter
Hard decision you had to make.
.
This.
lawguy
You have my sympathy, we took an elderly cat in about a month ago and eventually we had to find another home for her as she could not deal with other multiple cats already in the home (she liked the people and dogs strangely enough).
It took a lot of work and time, but we were not about to put her in a shelter because we knew she wouldn’t leave there alive.
I would guess that there is someone out there who would be perfect for her just keep looking.
Felonious Wench
“It is better to be feared than loved,” announceth Lord Tunch, and verily, it shall be so.
Alwhite
JRTs are notorious for acting out, it is in their genes. Like border collies and huskies they were breed to do a job & they go nuts if they are not kept busy. That does not make them bad dogs, but it does make them the wrong dog for most people. I probably commented along those lines when you picked her up, I thought you were brave or delusional when you kept her.
She is a damn lucky dog to have been rescued by someone who cares and is also smart enough to know their limits. Good luck finding her a place that she can thrive.
WereBear
Gosh yes. I had a feeling she was not a good fit, and everyone else deserves their old home back, too!
As I like to say:
Sometimes we aren’t their destination. Sometimes we are just the way station that gets them there.
Original Lee
I third the suggestion to contact a local rescue. We have had 4 adult dogs and 4 puppies pass through the household since January in an effort to find a good companion for our “widowed” 8-year-old dog, and every time, it was heart-wrenching to pass the new dog on to someone else.
Not only did you give Rosie a good home when she desperately needed one, John, you now know her in ways that will really help the rescue place her in her forever home. This is a Good Thing.
Persia
@jacy: What Jacy said. I wish her the best of luck, and I’m sure you’ll find a good place for her.
EDIT: And I agree with Elmo, New England is a good place to adopt out dogs. The local shelter hardly has time to get them up on the website a lot of times.
Capri Sun-Bagger
Goddammitt, I just ordered a mug! Now it just feels forced.
Betty Cracker
It’s a wrenching decision, and I don’t see how anyone who has read your posts about your pets could blame you: Your affection for them all shines through in every line. Best of luck finding a great home for her; I know you will.
TomG
It’s sad that it didn’t work out, but as others have said, your other pets were your family first and it certainly isn’t the case that you didn’t try to make it work.
I had a cat a long time ago (a tortoise-shell) who for some reason was strictly a one-person cat and I had to let it go after I started seeing my wife – the cat became very hostile to her and its behavior changed for the worse. No scratches, but everything else you can imagine.
Anne
It really is for the best. I felt bad for Lily when Rosie came on the scene, and the aggression is worrisome. A single pet household would be so much better for Rosie, and she seems pretty resilient.
Good luck. I know it’s hard – I had to find a place for a second dog years ago. If I told you where she ended up you wouldn’t believe me, but it worked out incredibly well.
Madeline
Everything I was going to say has already been said. So I’ll just think good thoughts for everybody in your family.
Seanly
I came on to defend you, but seems like most folks think you’re doing the right thing. If it ain’t working, it ain’t working.
mikefromArlington
Sounds like you need Cesar Millan!
Dee Loralei
John, you’re doing the right thing. You did the right thing when you saved her. You did the right thing when you made her a member of your family. And you’re doing the right thing now. We all know you will find her an amazing forever home. But please make sure her new parents understand that we will expect, nee demand, updates and photos.
If WVa were closer to OK, I’d know a great home for her. My aunt recently retired and said she wants a lap top and a lap dog. I gave her a laptop, but she’s still looking for the dog. And I did convince her to find a rescue.
I’m sorry everything didn’t work out perfectly for all of you. And making this decision must have been incredibly hard for you.
elmo
John, I know you can do the Google-fu as easily as I can, but here’s the national rescue organization recommended by the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America:
http://www.russellrescue.com/
And the one in New York, also recommended by the JRTCA:
http://www.russellrefuge.org/
benjoya
john, you really tried. good luck.
Lowkey
I knew it was only a matter of time until Tunch clamped down on this creeping dogism.
elmo
@mikefromArlington:
Nope, not takin’ that bait today. Nice try, though.
Menzies
@Cris:
Exactly.
You did everything you could, and sometimes it just doesn’t work out.
shaun
Good luck with finding a new home for Rosie. A home without any pets and owners who will continue to spoil her as you did is requisite.
Not to rub it in, but I cannot avoid making this observation:
Dogs live in a peoples’ world and that needs to be impressed on them the moment they come through the door or are weaned. You have allowed your dogs to live in a dogs’ world.
The greatest gift that you can give to a dog beyond a nice home, good diet, attention to their health needs, frequent walks and back scratches is making that dynamic clear from the beginning. It is better for them — and everyone, let alone the next small child who will get their face bitten off by a run amok Rosie.
Cris
You people suck at freaking out.
Culture of Truth
the Tunch abides
Just Some Fuckhead
I have a kitten named Batman that likes to piss in the dog’s bowl if anyone wants him.
Balloon Juice is going to be the new Craigslist for unwanted reject pets.
FlipYrWhig
@shaun: What about a dick living in a people’s world? How do you propose to deal with a (purely hypothetical) creature like that?
Shinobi
John, you’re making the right call. Don’t beat yourself up, sometimes a dog just isn’t the right fit for a household. Everyone’s temperaments need to be compatible.
Trinity
You gave it your best effort Cole. Don’t feel the least bit bad about it. Rosie’s life and your life are the better for having crossed paths.
JGabriel
My sympathies, John. Sorry it didn’t work out for you and Rosie, but it sounds like you’re making the right decision for all concerned.
.
Face
So a Jack Russell and a Rabbi walk into a bar, and the Rabbi says, “ouch”….
matoko_chan
russell rescue.
she would be fine in a home with other jacks, with owners that understand JRTs.
failing that…try your local Hunt.
Horse people understand jacks.
Poopyman
@Cris: True enough, but it’s hard to freak out when JC’s been so completely transparent all along about the household dynamics. It’s a tough decision, but I think it’s best for Rosie as much as for everyone else.
No advice to give, unfortunately, just moral support.
Dave
I’ll be the first insensitive asshole: just put her down.
The dog has problems, and there’s no guarantee the next stop on her journey will be any better for her. You may be the best she’ll ever know. Take her to the vet, hold her, let the doc slip the needle in and see her off to the rainbow bridge, or whatever.
Not everything broken can be fixed.
Elizabelle
You have done the right thing throughout, John, and you’re a mensch for trying to settle Rosie into chez Cole.
Just think: she’s a JRT with an international internet following! And her mug on a mug. How many rescue pets can say that?
Now humans know what Rosie needs to thrive in a new home, and you, Lily and Tunch can breathe a sigh of relief.
You saved her life.
That’s plenty.
fasteddie9318
@Just Some Fuckhead:
I’m sorry, but that shit is just funny. If I didn’t have an allergic mother-in-law…
Keith G
@shaun:
Shaun, babe, catch up. Current *academic* animal behaviorists are not very kind to your mythology. Use Google and find out where contemporary science is these days.
freelancer
@matoko_chan:
Quoi?
Sue
Good idea about contacting the rescue group.
One thing, though. Make sure everyone you talk to is aware of the aggression, including the dog fight, the location issue and the acceleration of hostilities. You might hear some advice that you don’t want, but if it’s coming from an experienced rescue person… consider it.
Sorry.
FlipYrWhig
I don’t understand what’s wrong with some people. You might say they’re broken and can’t be fixed.
catclub
@Dave:
I was thinking the same thing, if no suitable owner appears, but too chickenshit to post it.
Betty Cracker
@Dave:
A word of advice: Next time you have the urge to start a comment with “I’ll be the first insensitive asshole,” suppress it. kthxbai
Geeno
John, you fought the good fight. It just doesn’t work out the we’d like all the time.
FlipYrWhig
@catclub: My cat sometimes sulks. Maybe I should have her euthanized too! It sure would solve a lot of her serious emotional problems.
FlipYrWhig
@Betty Cracker: About as good a sentence-starter as “I’m not a bigot, but.”
matoko_chan
@Dave: no the territorial behavior is very common with jacks. you just cant let them get away with it.
my friend that is a vet told the story of a couple that got a swank motor home to do the JRT Terrier Trial circuit, and their two jacks became so possessive of it they could hardly get in the door.
she isnt broken, shes just a jack.
they do better in a pack, with peers. Lily is just not aggro enough…ummm….and prolly Cole isnt alpha enough.
this is also better for Tunch.
jacks and cats just dont mix.
Guster
How soon are you looking to make this happen?
maye
I hope you don’t feel too bad about this outcome. You tried, which is more than most people would have done.
I have a dog with a similar temperament. She doesn’t like other dogs or children. She can also be unpredictable with half the adults she encounters. That’s how she ended up with me. She can be the only dog in the household, and since I was dog free when she showed up, it worked out OK. When little kids or other animals visit my house, she goes in the crate — for everyone’s sake. Fortunately I have a household that can easily cope with this dog’s idiosyncracies.
I’ll also say something that may be anathema to this group, i.e., sometimes when a dog has behavior problems too severe to overcome, and you know the dog will end up back in a shelter, the most humane thing you can do is put the dog down. I’d rather have a dead dog than a suffering dog. But that’s just me.
Good luck.
PeakVT
@Dave: Surely you can find something better to do than to troll this post.
Tim F.
Yeah, clearly you’re worse than Hitler times General Zod. Yeesh. Too much guilt, John, you were a saint about this.
Commenters who brought up russell rescue are right. Buy a medium dog crate and send Rosie to folks who know and love the breed.
mikefromArlington
You know. This goes without saying but I’ll say it anyways.
It’s clearly Obama’s fault.
matoko_chan
@freelancer: meh. i grew up in Pony Club. Hunt folk and eventers and horse show people only have two kinds of dogs– jacks or corgis.
Culture of Truth
Cheney got aggressive over his Iraq chew-toy and he’s still around.
Guster
@mikefromArlington: I kept waiting for someone to say, ‘This is good news for John McCain.”
shortstop
Last December the third baseman and I fostered a pug mix for four weeks with the hope of adopting her permanently. Our beagle-Dobie mix absolutely loves other dogs and is never happier than when she’s playing with them. She’ll walk away from food — good food — if another dog trots into sight. We thought she’d adore having a canine buddy in the house.
But she is timid, a rescue with an uncertain backstory, and not given to defending herself. So when the pug started bullying her, she freaked out and stood there shaking, unable to move. It got worse and worse. We tried everything, did everything you’re supposed to do to help two dogs learn to get along. But this middle-aged pug, who was sweetness herself on her own, had clearly always been an only dog and had no interest in living with another one.
When general bullying — snarling, growling, in-your-face physical hovering — became outright attacks (biting and blood) on our terrified hound mix, we called the rescue org to come get the pug. They had a waiting list of people who wanted her; we live in Chicago and small dogs, especially pugs and pug mixes, are popular. I cried hard when she left, but never had a doubt that she had to go. Now she lives in a high-rise and no doubt rules the elevator. And our darling beagle-Dobe calmed down the minute she once again became the only dog in the house. Maybe we’ll try again with another dog. No time soon, though.
Some dogs just don’t play well with others even when you do everything right to socialize them. Your first loyalty is to Tunch and your right-behind-it loyalty is to Lily, both of whom seem to live in relative harmony. Don’t beat yourself up for one second.
Liberal Sandlapper
Well, Fuck Dave.
John, I went through an eerily similar situation earlier this year. I took in a stray JRT who we named Peanut and I fell in love with him immediately. However, we have three other dogs, one of which is a 110 pound German Shepherd. All the dogs got along famously at first and the Shepherd and JRT became best friends. Until the JRT wanted a treat that belonged to the Shepherd and went into attack mode. My shepherd did nothing ore than defend himself, but Peanut went after him like nobody’s business and ended up getting bitten. It didnt draw blood, but came damned close.
As much as it broke my heart, I knew that I had to find another home for Peanut. As it turned out, it took only one day for us to place him with a family with no other dogs, but a gorgeous little red haired ten year old girl who thinks the sun rises and sets with Peanut. He even has his own life preserver, so that he can go out on boat trips, and I have been sent several pictures of his adventures.
So, it works out all the time. You did what you could, and have made the right decision for everybody.
And, once again, fuck Dave.
stuckinred
@PeakVT: I dunno, I don’t agree with him but there are plenty of people that handle problem dogs that way.
mikefromArlington
8^>
HyperIon
so when’s the freak out gonna break out?
trollhattan
@Face:
Heh, good one!
JC, best of luck. Perseverance will lead to a good outcome for both Rosie and you, I’m sure.
eemom
it is just not safe to read this blog anymore. Here I am reading along, appreciating all the good will, nodding in agreement, wishing there were more John Coles in the world…….and along comes Mr. Proud To Be An Asshole and his “see her off to rainbow bridge or wherever.”
Not quite down to the level of human sewage evidenced last night by Uncle Clarence Shitwad, but getting there.
Omnes Omnibus
@PeakVT: You would think so, and yet, here he is.
eyepaddle
I don’t think Rosie falls into this category, but I had a border collie/lab/something else mix that could be described a lot like Rosie: loving, affectionate, intelligent–and totally not into having any other pets around. But also a bit crazy, it was manageable for a long time, but she always seemed to need more and more attention and affection and eventually became effectively unconsolable–god forbid there be any lightning when we were at work. Medication helped for a few years, but it too lost its effectiveness, she chewed through a door when the neighbor kids set off some fireworks once around the fourth of July, and some thunder instigated the destrction of the moulding off of two other doors…and then there was the peeing on the carpets, and eventually the furniture.
Her constant state of near terrified anxiety became too much to watch and it was time to say goodbye.
Martin
@HyperIon: Wait until the right wing blogs point to Cole as evidence that the ultra-liberal left wants to ban dogs as pets, which is of course much worse than conservatives going into churches and blowing people away with shotguns.
Either that or Hamsher will tweet at Cole again and call him the quitta from west virginia, tagged #jrtbagger.
Just Some Fuckhead
@fasteddie9318: He pisses in the dog’s water bowl and sleeps in the dog’s food bowl. He thinks it’s a hotel or resort or something. Maybe he’ll make the calendar *crosses fingers* and then the bidding war can start.
Paul in KY
@Lowkey: Comrade Tunch has decreed that ‘dogism’ is counter-revoluntionary ‘wrecking’ behavior that must be stamped out.
All hail Comrade Tunch, vanguard of the catvolution!
Mary G
Oh John, I know I was one of the biggest Rosie boosters at first, but you are completely justified; it’s not fair to Lily to be pushed around, even a little. You gave it more than a little try.
If you need it, I’d be happy to donate some money on your PayPal link to get her transported to New England or wherever.
She would have died wet and starving in the middle of nowhere, it sounds like, and will live a great happy life thanks to your patience and kindness.
Chat Noir
Just want to voice my support for you, John. You did the best you could and you deserve many kudos for trying to make this work. Best wishes that you can find Rosie a good home where she can be top dog.
Felonious Wench
@mikefromArlington:
And with this gem, I return to my day job. Thanks for the laugh.
Martin
@Just Some Fuckhead:
That’s quite a well restrained dog you have. Kitten in the food bowl would be seen as an invitation for many dogs.
Steve
I’m not an animal person at all, and I usually skip right over the dog posts (although the pictures are cute, don’t get me wrong), but I clicked this one because I was totally baffled trying to understand what people would be freaking out over. Having read the comments I’m still baffled.
Citizen_X
@Culture of Truth: Tunch Supremacists rejoice! The Usurper has fallen.
(J/k! Here’s to finding Rosie a good home.)
Dave
@FlipYrWhig: Stop sniveling. The truth is: as loveable as the dog might be, she has problems. There are too many homeless animals to begin with; why add to the problem so you can feel good about yourself? Would you be happier if John gives the dog to another owner and that owner comes back here in 3 months looking to swap out again? Maybe you’ll be happier if John doesn’t find a new owner, keeps her, and the quality of life for the rest of the household declines. At least he didn’t put her down!
I’m not suggesting he take her out back and shoot her. I’m saying make a tough decision with compassion. See her off with love.
But who knows– I could be wrong. John might luck out and find an owner who fits the ever-narrowing range of requirements needed to give the dog a happy life. He’s got a big megaphone with the blog, so it’s a better chance than most people might have.
Steeplejack
@Capri Sun-Bagger:
Hell, those Rosie mugs will be collector’s items! I’m tempted to double down with a big order myself.
Gus
@Capri Sun-Bagger: Hey, they’ll be collector’s items for their comparative rarity.
kideni
John, this is a tough decision, but it sounds like it’s absolutely the best one for everyone. As others have said, you’ve done everything right at every step of the way, but sometimes the multi-animal dynamic doesn’t work out. If Rosie’s going after sweet, sweet Lily, there’s no question.
Jacquie
@WereBear: Can’t agree with this more. I’m sure it was a hard decision for you, John, and not one arrived at lightly. She is lucky that you care enough to make sure she has the life she deserves.
Violet
Tough decision, John, but good for you for doing the right thing for all animals and people concerned. I hope the Jack rescue people can help if you can’t find the right home before you contact them. Wishing you the best of luck.
John Cole
@Dave: Were you abused as a child?
Seriously, there is nothing wrong with the dog. She’s just a JRT, and usually the friendliest dog on the planet. Just she needs her own home.
JKC
Fer Chrissakes, John, do not beat yourself up over this. Sometimes a dog is just a bad fit.
About a year and a half ago, we adopted an 18 month old Lab mix that we were only able to keep for about two months. The dog was okay with adults (sometimes) but unpredictable and frighteningly aggressive around little kids. It was only a matter of time before she bit one of my kids or my niece.
Better to find her a better home now, before she bites someone. Dog bites are not a minor injury.
kdaug
Freak-out of LOVE, biatch!
Seriously, you’re making the right decision, and for precisely the right reasons. We’ve got your back.
CynDee
Dog love and bless you, John. You tried EVERYTHING, and for much longer than just about anyone else would, and with a broken shoulder besides, plus moving house and working.
You are one terrific guy protecting everyone in your family, including and especially Rosie, with this wise decision.
If anyone can recommend the ideal home for Rosie, it would be the Jack rescue people.
Wish I could help more than with just these words.
Just Some Fuckhead
@Martin:
SuperDog is a protector of all furry creatures, even the tasty ones.
Bella Q
Most of us who have rescued animals understand that not every critter is a good fit for every household. I applaud you for making a decision that’s best for everybody here. It sucks to be the grown up.
Felonious Wench
@FlipYrWhig:
Personally, I’d rather help the people I can and admit others are better at dealing with the people that aren’t a good fit for me.
But that’s just me.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
I’m so sorry to hear this, John. I know you love her. I think the idea of getting in touch with a JRT rescue group is a the way to go.
Steeplejack
@Just Some Fuckhead:
That picture has always cracked me up. Will you tell the story one more time, Uncle F.? For the newbies.
Persia
@Just Some Fuckhead: Is he afraid of them? My husband’s bff has a golden lab and St. Bernard who are terrified of them. It’s sad and hilarious all at once.
Kay Shawn
Yes, you are doing the right thing. You tried your best with a full heart. We had this experience with re-homing a few years ago, and knowing you’ve placed your pal in a loving and appropriate new home will help you heal and feel better for years. I also think JRT rescue is a fine idea. We got a great new home through a specialty club near us, and the whole thing went beautifully. I shed a tear, but I knew this was the right thing. Go for it, John, Tunch and Lily have a right to their own lives again. Best wishes to all of you. I’m getting a Rosie mug in honor of this brave and righteous decision.
morzer
Well, if anyone is qualified to talk about understanding jack….
pika
John, just piling on the DFH affirmation here: you opened your heart and your house, and you all are fortunate enough to get warning signs so that you could make the best decision for all concerned. In other words, you have at every turn done everything right, and you are now doing another right thing. There are JRT rescues in WV, so just echoing other commenters upthread.
Dave
@John Cole:
I’m basing my comment on the “problems” on your own post, although matoko_chan has explained that it’s something endemic to JRTs. Why did the dog get dumped in the first place?
Elizabelle
ps John: It’s not like you were announcing you were returning to the Republican fold or going Tea Party “movement” on us.
Did I say you were a good guy already for how you’re handling finding Rosie a new home?
Check.
Chat Noir
Here’s the description of the temperament of a Parson Russell Terrier (aka Jack Russell Terrier) from the AKC website:
Omnes Omnibus
@Dave: Rather Mathusian of you. It sounds to me like Rosie needs to be an only pet in a household that can focus attention on her. But yeah, it would be easier to put her down. Right. Sure. That’s fucked up. As Eddie Murphy once said, “Your mother brought you up wrong.”
Adam Lang
Man, you all suck. John clearly wanted a bit of flogging to make him feel punished for being a ‘bad father’ and y’all can’t even manage that simple thing.
trollhattan
@Just Some Fuckhead:
Chops-lickin’ hilarious. I suspect my pooch would not be so…restrained (although the mere presence of a camera would drive her away from a basketful of kittens, mice and squirrels).
Emerald
In April, I adopted a cat who had been adopted once and returned to the shelter because she couldn’t get along with the family dog. She also hates other cats.
But as my only pet, she’s an angel and appears to be blissfully happy. I am too.
Let’s hope the same for Rosie.
Omnes Omnibus
@Adam Lang: We know. It’s like the old joke:
Masochist: Beat me please. Make it hurt.
Sadist: No.
TaMara (BHF)
I’m at work, so I won’t have time to read this whole thread until I get home. So forgive me if this has already been said.
Many abandoned dogs get foster homes before they are permanently placed. In that foster home we find out what they are good at and what they are not good at. No cats, okay. Only dog, okay.
You’ve done a good thing here John, you’ve loved this dog, you’ve taken notes and now you know the kind of home she will be best suited for. Bravo.
And if anyone says differently, they can just choke on it. I’ve been rescuing dogs my entire life – yes all my childhood dogs were rescues, too – and fostering is as important as a forever home. And it takes a big heart to know when your home is not the best fit for a wonderful animal.
Jules
Of course this will be the best for all involved and there is a family out there who will love to have Rosie as their only pet.
We have a cat problem at the moment.
Neighbors moved out and left 2 cats. One decided to live under my house so I began feeding and it has progressed to letting him come in and eat/lay on furniture but still spend most of his time outside.
He is a bit aggressive (Tom, not fixed waiting for room in a low cost clinic to open, reg vets charge $130 here to neuter) and while all my cats hate each other…he seems to be the one they really hate so there is a lot of growling/hissing/claws being shown.
He likes to follow the other cats around and just get on their nerves.
He really needs another home and soon.
licensed to kill time
John, it looks like you didn’t need to worry about the commentariat bashing since it seems to be running about 98% supportive to 2% dickerywadish.
It’s a tough thing to recognize when a pet isn’t a good fit but I think you gave Rosie a good shot, and wish you the best of luck finding a new home for her.
And hey folks….those Rosie mugs are gonna be collector’s items!
Svejk
Just be careful about escalation over the next few weeks/months until you can place Rosie. We had a similar situation that escalated to requiring stitches. Citronella spray is a very, very good thing to have around–apparently being sprayed with it is disturbing but not painful to dogs, and they will stop fighting instantly. Even loving dogs can chomp your hand when you separate them if they are worked up enough.
Dave
@Omnes Omnibus:
From John’s post: “She’s a very sweet dog, but she came with some serious baggage (on top of the Jack Russell Terrorist genes). She’s very friendly most of the time, but she has moments when she just starts snarling at people. This can happen in the middle of petting her- everything is ok, then she just starts growling and looking menacing.”
By all means, pass that shit onto someone else. I’m sure there’s a long line of people looking to adopt an animal that growls at them for no apparent reason. What fun!
MattR
Woo hoo. The interloper is going. Soon I can get back to focusing on licking myself.
/Tunch and/or Lily
Others have said it better than I can, but you tried and failed John. The moral is “never try”.
trollhattan
@Dave:
It’s not like a random placement will happen. A skilled rescue organization will screen for behavioral faults, which is a bit different than the screening that occurs when a stray pooch jumps into your car, adopting you.
Just sayin’
kdaug
Hey John, whaddya say we send Dave off to “rainbow-wherever” so we don’t have to have him biting randomly at people?
Omnes Omnibus
@Dave: Tell people about that and let them decide. You don’t know if the bad behavior stems from being in a multi-pet household. As a kid, my family had an English Cocker. He had a few quirks (pure-bred and all that). As his family, we knew his personality and lived with it. He was generally lovable and loving, but had a somewhat short temper in some situations. He also could not have been in a multiple dog household. He was very aggressive and dominant with other male dogs, picked fights with Doberman and German Shepherds. This wasn’t really a problem since he was an only pet. Jesus…
Mnemosyne
@Dave:
Yes, because John is clearly planning to pass the dog along to someone else without giving them her full history, and he has cunningly concealed her history with him on a public site that’s read by thousands of people on the internet.
And you’re the only one clever enough to uncover his evil plot. Bravo!
eemom
hey, you know what’s worse than a tone-deaf asshole troll on a thread where a bunch of decent people are talking about finding a home for a dog?
A tone-deaf asshole troll who won’t leave.
John Cole
BTW- I’m, not actively pursuing a home. I talked to my vet who does pet rescue, and I put the word out, but she may be here forever if I can not find her the right home.
Capri Sun-Bagger
Nothing produced by Cafepress will ever be a ‘collector’s item’.
OTOH, make John an offer and you might score the original.
Mnemosyne
@John Cole:
If she and Lily are now getting into physical fights, you should probably be actively pursuing a new home. It sucks, but you don’t want to find yourself at the animal ER in the middle of the night with Tunch or Lily in your lap because you weren’t able to break things up fast enough.
moe99
This makes me very sad. Here’s hoping that Lily will find a good home for her. You did your best, John.
Omnes Omnibus
@John Cole: Do what’s right for you, for her, and for the other two. Don’t worry about the rest of it.
Just Some Fuckhead
@Persia: No, he isn’t afraid of them. He’s invested in their well-being. The other cat (not the new kitten) is a hunter who likes to bring live animals into the house. Too many birds to count, a couple mice, a few rabbits (did you know a scared rabbit makes a high pitched keening sound?) , a frog, two lizards, a snake, etc.
It is Max’s job to corner the cat and free the furry ones before they perish.
He also has taken it upon himself to break up fights between the killer cat and the new kitten and over the weekend, he attacked my buddy who was playfighting with a friend’s three year old son.
CynDee
@TaMara (BHF): What a good heart you have — and you cook, too.
MattR
@Just Some Fuckhead: That is adorable. Sounds like you need to give him a badge and a gun and let him loose in the streets to maintain order.
Barbara
Well, prozac has mostly helped my dog with the same issues. Even as you are trying to find a new home, you might try giving Rosie some meds. I justify it on the basis that it’s meds or being put down. No one would or should rescue my poor doggie. He’s just too crazy.
Fortunately, JRTs are small and she has what my vet calls bite inhibition — so long as she hasn’t actually bitten anybody, a rescue group might be helpful.
Capri Sun-Bagger
Also, I reccomend against placing any bodypart between two fighting dogs. At least, any bodypart you are fond of.
shortstop
@Svejk:
Second this. Our escalation happened very quickly, so take care.
shortstop
@Adam Lang: He’ll be all right. It’s not like we won’t all pile on about something else when he’s least expecting it.
Randy P
I don’t want to bring people down but there’s an absolutely horrendous animal cruelty story today in my city (Philly). I don’t normally watch TV news but I caught it this morning at the lounge area of my gym.
I can’t even think about it very long without starting to shake with impotent rage and going into a tailspin.
Can’t bring myself even to post the link or a description in such a happy thread. I don’t want to see those headlines again.
Like I say, I didn’t want to bring people down. I just needed to read some of this to keep me going without dwelling on that other story. If you must know, google the name “Sherri Verdon”. It’s bad. It’s really bad.
Maybe I’m looking for BJers to tell me how to keep going and keep believing in humanity after hearing a really bad cruelty case.
RosiesDad
John:
Sometimes a new pet comes into a home and is just not a good fit. I had a client pass away who willed her dog to me–a young spaniel. Very cute, very sweet. But she was also a bad fit. She became very bossy with one of my other two dogs and it changed the dynamic of our home. After a year and a half, I started looking for another more appropriate home for her. It took several months but a couple with another dog of the same breed came to meet her, she met their dog and it was a marriage made in heaven. My dogs were glad to see her leave and she moved into a situation in which she is now flourishing.
Be patient, a good home will come along for Rosie. Yes, JRT’s have their own set of requirements but there is a world full of people who love living with JRT’s. You have a good heart for giving it a try but adding new pets to a home with pre-existing pets can always be dicey. And sometimes it takes weeks or months until the incompatibilities become apparent. Not anyone’s fault, it’s just the way it is.
General Stuck
Charlie says, I hear ya Cole. Got the same problem with this Stuck dude/
Irony Abounds
While not in Dave’s camp, I am most definitely in the “pets should not rule people’s lives” camp. If a pet improves the quality of life of a person and his or her family, fine. If not, make other arrangements. Lily quite obviously has improved Cole’s life – if something happens to her because of Rosie how will that play out? Not well I think. It isn’t like Rosie is John’s grandmother or something. Find the dog a new home asap and everyone will be happier. I really don’t understand the angst.
MikeS
John,
I own a rescued Jack Russell Terrier that came with a bunch of behavioral problems. When I picked Gonzo up from the pound he had already been adopted once and returned for being aggressive towards the adopting family’s other dogs and biting one of the children (without causing injury thankfully). I don’t know anything about his history other than that, but I assume that like so many problem JRTs he was a puppy mill dog who had never been properly socialized and had been deprived of attention to the point of going a bit mental.
Although he has always been extremely playful and affectionate, Gonzo started out very territorial and aggressive/dominant towards people and other dogs. He has bit me several times (a couple of those drew blood), bit my friends and girlfriend (fortunately no blood drawn there), nips other dogs to establish dominance, and severely bit another dog once (in fairness, the other dog attacked him without warning and I later found out had been trained to be a guard dog). He is also completely 1000% unsafe around cats and for that reason I can never have him off-leash in an area that I don’t have control over. Oddly, he is good with my two-year old niece and extremely calm for a Jack Russell – he spends most of the day sleeping while I work at the computer.
Most of the above sounds completely horrible, but I totally love him and would not part with him for anything. It took almost two years of struggle, but he finally figured out how to live with me without conflict. He is now friendly and playful with friends’ dogs that he knows, and is also a lot better when meeting new dogs. The thing about JRTs is that they are the most stubborn animals alive and take a long time to learn that they aren’t allowed to do whatever they want, but when they are good there are no better dogs to be around.
Based on my experiences, you shouldn’t feel bad if Rosie doesn’t fit into your household. I would have had to give Gonzo up if I didn’t already have experience with JRTs and knew what I could be in for, or if I had kids, other pets, or didn’t work from home. Not a lot of people that have the same luxuries in life that they can safely own a dog bred for hunting/killing small animals that has behavioral issues.
Based on your description, there will be plenty of willing adopters for Rosie that can take her as an only pet and be patient with her for as long as it takes her to calm down and start feeling secure. She sounds pretty good for a JRT, even if shes not quite ready for a multi-pet houshold, and the JRT rescue places would probably have no problem placing her.
daveNYC
*cough* Well, true, but that JRT element is pretty messed up as far as my view of dogs go. Just thought that was a funny string of words, you know, like ‘other than the play Mrs. Lincoln’.
That’s neither here nor there though, good luck with the placement, and hopefully this is as bad as her behavior gets before she’s moved to a more Rosie-centric location. Don’t really see there’s any reason for you to feel guilty about anything.
Dave
@Mnemosyne: Listen, I hate to have to spell this out for you, because I’d rather believe you’re smart enough to understand this on your own.
John got the dog knowing full well it had behavioral issues. He may or may not have known about the ones specific to the JRT breed, but I don’t believe anyone thinks he was duped when he got the dog. He was an informed adopter.
How’s that worked out for him?
At any rate, I’d rather not carry this discussion any further. While some of you shitheels seem to believe I am advocating killing animals because you don’t like their fur color or because they smell, I’m just suggesting that if the dog is a potential threat, you owe it to yourself and to anyone after you who might take possession, to do the responsible thing.
Capri Sun-Bagger
Irony Abounds: It seems that many Juicebaggers are all whiny emopants, too.
Woodrowfan
Our old dog was like Rosie. I suspect that’s why his original owners abandoned him. We had to keep him separate from other animals and people but with us he was loving and well-behaved. Find Rosie the right home and she’ll have a long happy life being loved…
mslarry
Don’t beat yourself up John, you’re doing the right thing. Moreover, it sounds as if the previous owners may have had issues with her which is why they dumped her. They literally dumped her like a sack of garbage. You took her into your home and cared for her. Now you’re loving her the best way you know how, by giving her to someone who can give her what she needs and deserves.
You have nothing to feel badly about, just imagine what her life might have been like these last few months if you hadn’t rescued her from the streets in the first place?
You did good then and you’re doing good now.
Woodrowfan
@Dave:
No, Rosie was abandoned near his home and he took her in.
Give it up jerkwad, you’re in a hole, stop digging…
caune
As a Jack Russell owner I totally understand. My dog is an only dog for a reason. Jacks, unless raised together with other pets, can be a bitch. My dog has those growling tendencies towards hubby…good thing he knows I am alpha dog so I can get him to go to his bed and sit like a good dog.
Haven’t read the whole thread so don’t know if this has been suggested… but do you have a JRT Rescue Association in your area? That’s how I got my jack and they do great work!
stuckinred
@General Stuck: you talkin to me?
licensed to kill time
@Dave:
Considering the fact that John found this dog abandoned on a rural road and she jumped into his car when he stopped to check on her, I doubt he was very informed about her behavioral issues.
stuckinred
@Dave: You know what, you made your fucking point. Shut the fuck up.
MattR
@Dave:
Are you serious? How exactly do you think John learned about Rosie’s behavioral issues? Did she tell him when John scooped her up off the side of the road? Or was it from the previous owners that John was never able to locate? Any potential owner for Rosie today will have 100 times more info than John had when he was a good samaritan and took her in.
EDIT: Way too slow from me :)
Delia
@Dave:
You’d be surprised. A number of years ago my sister and her family had a rescue, some sort of spaniel, who turned out to have way too much baggage. She’d been abused or neglected, and she was by turns fearful or aggressive. My sister took her on long, long walks and paid for special training, but the dog kept breaking out of the yard and was very aggressive with neighbors and strangers. One of their sons didn’t want anything to do with the dog although the other boy liked her. The final straw was when my sister and her husband came home one night and found the babysitter trapped on the kitchen counter with the dog growling at her.
They were afraid they’d have to have the dog put down, but the agency they got her from located a childless couple in the country who could give her what she needed. My sister eventually had to take her son who had loved the dog out to see her in her new home because he didn’t trust the “home in the country” story.
General Stuck
@stuckinred:
not the red one, the other one. the fake general one.
comrade scott's agenda of rage
@eemom:
This. In the words of Robin Williams “Assholes do vex meeeeeeeee!!!!!”
John: Do what you’re doing, ie, the informal approach, but also contact the JRT rescue links provided above and see what they can do.
Here’s one in PA:
http://www.recycledrussells.com/
That link also is part of a JRT webring so you might get some leads that way.
I feel for ya. We had a stray cat years ago who we took in and who started attacking our other cats, it was really scary and bizarre. Found a home for him thru our vet and yes, we made sure the new owners were aware of the fact he needed to be in a one-cat household.
BarbF
You’re doing the right thing.
Binzinerator
@Dave:
I second this.
I wouldn’t call this insensitive at all. In fact I’d say this is being responsible — responsible for the animal, and responsible toward any people the animal will come into contact with.
A dog threatening its (kind and loving) owner is a huge red flag. Someone, and it may not be the owner, is going to get bit and possibly bit badly.
Whatever good things Rosie is, she is also dangerous. There’s a very bad situation just waiting to happen.
General Stuck
It’s me, Dave, man. Open up, I got the stuff.
Comrade Mary
@Dave:
SHE JUMPED INTO HIS CAR. He tried to find her original owners. He proceeded cautiously with her. What’s this informed adopter bullshit?
John, it’s hard, but looking for a new home for Rosie is definitely the right thing to do.
attica
Anybody a Justin Currie fan? His song “Not So Sentimental Now” has the lines:
I was the interim
Between nothingness and him
So how is that a crime?
Which makes me think of John and Rosie. Onward.
Also, too: I sure wish somebody had re-homed my sister when we started to snarl and fight. That would’ve saved lots of misery, I can tell you that.
CynDee
@General Stuck: Nothing fake about the General. I’m sure my sweet-faced sweetheart goddoggie is an accurate reflection of the General.
General Stuck
@Dave:
Sounds creepily like Dick Cheney’s “one percent solution” , most dogs growl therefore any dog could bite someone, someday. So let’s just kill em all to get rid of that potential threat.
Punchy
Just dont get a pit bull. Please.
Monsters.
FlipYrWhig
@Dave: Well, you seem to have a huge number of behavioral and attitudinal issues in your own right, so why not make the world a better place and just “cross over or whatever.” I don’t mean to be callous, of course, but given your own obvious aggression and the noticeable hallmarks of the douchebaggus maximus breed, it’s the only way to be sure that you’ll no longer be a burden for others to deal with.
Dave
@Delia: That’s actually a great story. Glad it worked out for everyone, including the animal.
So based on this, I’d like to withdraw my suggestion that the dog be wrapped in duct-tape and shot into the sun, or drawn-and-quartered, or force-fed hydrochloric acid, or whatever I posted at the beginning of the thread. It’s been so long, I forgot what horrors I came up with for the beast.
Instead, I’d like to volunteer to euthanize some of the commenters here, ’cause some of you are fucking rabid.
kommrade reproductive vigor
Don’t sweat it Cole, you took care of her until she can find her permanent home.
Omnes Omnibus
@Irony Abounds:
There is no angst about finding her a new home. Almost everyone is encourage John to do this and not feel guilty about it. To the extent that there is angst, it comes from Dave’s suggestion that the best thing to do would be to put her down.
eemom
One of my two dogs has aggression issues. Dog fights are scary as shit, and we’ve had more of them than I want to count.
Long story short, after all kinds of bad scenes, trips to animal behavior experts at U Penn, and doggie Prozac — plus knowing and avoiding “trigger” situations — the problem is controlled most of the time and the household lives in peace.
How many times do you think we were told to get rid of the “trouble” dog? That it was irresponsible to keep her?
But we love the doggie, so we muddled through.
fourlegsgood
Please don’t beat yourself up about this. Just consider it as you having “fostered” Rosie until she could find her forever home.
If you hadn’t, she’d probably be dead now.
And while she may be sweet, I think you owe your loyalty to Lily and Tunch. I’m confident you’ll find Rosie a perfect forever home.
eemom
@Dave:
Good. Start with yourself.
L. Ron Obama
@Delia:
Smart kid.
Elizabelle
A little note in defense of Dave:
I don’t like seeing the pile on against him personally.
I cringed at his suggestion when first raised too — and it’s not right for Rosie — but would fit in a discussion for a dog that cycled through a few more homes.
There are occasional dogs that just do not fit in the people world.
Rosie is likely not one of them.
We can all be glad that John Cole — and not someone else — is making the best decision for Rosie.
But Dave and some other commenters were not wrong in what they suggested. They’re too early, it would seem.
Last, you will note that most of us are not begging to take Rosie, for all her many good qualities.
For me, it’s because I can foresee having a second pet, but not with a Rosie tendency dog.
It’s something to consider.
I suspect this will have a happy Delia-like ending, and Rosie will get a swell new home where she’s it.
And we can look at her little mug on a mug and be glad that John found her a forever home and did not leave her on a road to seek her future.
General Stuck
@eemom:
True story. A couple of days ago, I walked out the front door with Charlie off the leash, and about the same time a huge Doberman came around the corner. Maybe the biggest one I’d ever seen. Well, little Charlie took off lickity split and the Dobie started running away with this pint size mutt hot on it’s heels. I got my keys and jumped in the truck to hopefully catch them before the big dog realized the little dog was little.
When I got to the other side of the complex I found them all buddy’d up like they’d been pals forever.
FlipYrWhig
@Dave: Well, you know, some people aren’t too impressed when a guy posts that he’s wondering if he’s doing the right thing with a dog he clearly loves… and some dickwad suggests, with barely disguised pride in his dare-to-be-unpopular politically-incorrect cold-clear-reasonableness, that the best solution is to kill her.
stuckinred
@Dave: bring it punk
Cafferty
Everybody’s really hard on Dave. Maybe he is not using sensitive language; maybe his message is really hard to hear in the BJ milieu. But it is one viewpoint and Dave, you have been the lone guy to represent it. I am an animal lover my entire life, but I was in the position of having to have an animal put down before he hurt someone. I didn’t KNOW for sure how great the risk was or was not, but I could not take the chance and had to do as I thought best before there was a tragedy. At that time and place there wasn’t a lot of support and information and help. It was on me to decide.
Probably other families may feel they have much more leeway before deciding on the extreme act. BJ’ ersYou can be mad at me if you like; just be glad that if you took a risk, you had it assessed correctly and things turned out well. And you had some time to find a good home for the pet.
It’s been decades and I’m pretty sure I did right, but I’ll always feel like a killer until I remind myself again of how fast things could have turned really bad. Fortunately the vet was very kind to both of us creatures who faced him with our problem. The rest of the family was away at the time and there’s no reason for them to ever know. Maybe I should not have been such a coward in that way, in case they ever needed to learn from the example they would have real information. So please be nicer to Dave or at least tolerate another view. Thank you. By the way, this isn’t written by Dave.
Earl Butz
@Dave: Stop sniveling. The truth is: as loveable as you might be, you have problems. There are too many people to begin with; why add to the problem so you can feel good about yourself?
asiangrrlMN
Way late, of course, Cole, but don’t flagellate yourself. You saved her. You will inform any new owner of the difficulties she has. Your first obligation is to the animals already in the household.
@Just Some Fuckhead: That’s really sweet. What a great dog. Give Max scritches for me.
Just Some Fuckhead
@Elizabelle:
New here?
FlipYrWhig
@Elizabelle:
Um, that’s a way to be wrong.
ETA: If my problem is that I think I broke my finger, and I wonder what to do about it, advising me to just amputate that sucker because it might eventually get infected isn’t just “too early.”
Mister Papercut
@Punchy: Try New Instant Thread Derail! Just add water! Makes its own gravy!
Cafferty
@Elizabelle: Very eloquent contribution to this discussion.
Mnemosyne
@Dave:
Having an abandoned dog jump into your car makes you an informed adopter? I guess you could maybe argue that once he observed the dog for a couple of weeks he magically became an “informed adopter,” but that’s a weird phrase to use for someone who picked the dog up on the street and brought it home.
The thing is, you don’t know that it’s the responsible thing. She has no food aggression but she seems to have problems living with other animals in the house. If the criterion for euthanizing animals was “has to be an only pet,” then half the cats in this world would be toast.
I agree that some people do drag things on too long and endanger themselves and others by keeping a dangerous dog that they’re convinced they can “save.” John is actually doing the opposite by trying to re-home the dog somewhere where it’s easier for her to behave well and you’re acting like the dog ripped out a kid’s throat but John is still making excuses for it.
Shinobi
@Dave: Y’know, there is a WAY to make some suggestions without coming across like a complete jackass. I find that the best way to make helpful suggestions is to actually evaluate the individual situation, instead of wrapping myself in a cloak of self-righteousness and waving my “I know everything” scepter.
FlipYrWhig
@Shinobi:
Besides, you hardly even have to earn those cloaks and scepters anymore. You can get them for a couple bucks, slightly pilly and/or dented, at, like, Goodwill.
Elizabelle
@Just Some Fuckhead:
Not new, but I cringe sometimes at the groupthink that very occasionally rears its head here. At the best place on teh internets.
Pile on Megan McArdle? Go for it. She’s an ass, and a well paid one with a prominent (and unmerited) perch.
Pile on someone who’s not familiar with Rosie’s back story, and makes a frankly horrible suggestion, but maybe because he’s seen some sad stuff in the past?
Dave is not the only person throwing a caution flag here on dogs that don’t work out.
Of course, Rosie is not going to be that dog. She will get to be top dog in a one-pet house, perhaps. She’s on a mug, for Gawd’s sake.
But Dave and some of the others might know some sad and rare stories that the rest of us don’t.
PS: love your moniker.
Brachiator
Good luck finding another home for Rosie. You have clearly tried to do the best you could. Your kindness and compassion still shines through.
WaterGirl
@FlipYrWhig: Excellent summary!
cindy
@John Cole: Since your vet is aware of the situation, did s/he suggest medication for Rosie as an interim solution until you find her a new home?
When i had my 4 cats in a temporarily stressful situation (cooped for 2 months in 2 rooms, no way to establish territories), valium really helped until i got us all settled into our new home, where they completely mellowed out (w/out the meds).
I’m not sure if valium would be the right solution for a dog, but your vet would know. Good luck!
Just Some Fuckhead
@Elizabelle:
You and me both, hon. Just try not to get on the wrong side of the Heathers.
Nonie
To Dave’s Point:
http://www.animalsheltering.org/resource_library/magazine_articles/sep_oct_2002/letting_go.html
I am not suggesting this is the best solution for John, but for some – euthanasia is a kindness delivered with love. I am really uncomfortable with the hard words toward Dave, because it feels very much like hard words toward anyone who has had to make this most difficult and heart breaking choice.
Full disclosure – I have worked for and volunteered in animal shelters, so there is an excellent chance I have a different view of euthanasia than “civilians”.
General Stuck
@Just Some Fuckhead:
Firebagger recruiting day?
jak
Sorry to hear that.
We had 2 dogs and a cat that joined the family over a 2 week period when they were about 8 weeks old. One of the dogs was a JRT mix whose mother was a JRT. They got along well while they were all together for 12 years before various tumors started to take their toll.
Sometimes it works out.
Jackie
We have some dog aggression issues between two of our dogs* (never toward people, though.) We keep the aggressor on a daily dose of clomipramine hydrochloride. Brand name Clomicalm. It’s an anti-anxiety med. She’s been taking it for many years, and no apparent side effects. I think it helps.
*The very same two dogs pictured together barking at the transformer last Wednesday.
https://balloon-juice.com/2010/10/13/early-morning-open-thread-62/#comments
John Cole
We need to slow down here. I would not in any way call this an aggressive dog. When she growls and hides, that suggests to me a flight response, not a fight response. She has never bitten anyone. If she had, I would not be looking to replace her.
And I think most of her misbehavior is she is just bored. She constantly needs to be doing something. But she is not a bad dog, not a mean dog, or not the kind of dog that needs to be put down. Hell, EVERY dog gets in a fight with another dog once or twice. You don’t put them down.
And she is very, very loving. She is always on my lap or next to me, and trust me, I would know if there was some aggression going on when Lily, Tunch, and Rosie are all on my lap.
She is just not the right fit. Additionally, and this sounds like a little thing, but I now have two bad shoulders. My first one has not fully recovered, and I have tendonitis in my “good” shoulder. Some days when walking Rosie and Lily and Rosie pulls on the leash at an odd angle, I just want to cry it hurts so bad.
John Cole
Stop all the euthanasia talk. This is not a case where it should even be considered.
I’m stupid, but do you think I would let a vicious dog sleep under the covers in between my ankles every night? Next to Tunch and Lily. A quick lunge away from my junk?
C’mon, folks.
Carnacki
@John Cole:
I hope it helps. I posted a link on West Virginia Blue.
Best of luck to you.
MattR
@John Cole:
There is little doubt that your biggest worry is Tunch taking his revenge on you in your sleep.
Maude
Rosie attacked Lily and she needs to be a solo dog.
I rarely give advice, but if anyone sees Dave alongside the road, Do not open your car door
Mickey7
I am so sorry to hear this, but a little relieved, too, since I am having horrible issues with a Jack Russell rescue and have been feeling guilty about my ‘failure’ with him. He was abandoned in a foreclosed house in Phoenix (in the summer–yeah, people are really cool like that). I knew about the breed and was not surprised he had some separation anxiety issues given the circumstances, but it has now been two years of crazy dog hell. At first, if we tried to crate him when we left he would injure himself (sometimes severely) chewing through plastic crates or trying to squeeze through tiny openings in wire crates. After multiple emergency vet visits, eventually we just stopped crating him, which worked okay because I work from home and he didn’t have to be alone much. Now I have to work outside of the home and he has starting attacking us (barking, snapping, biting) when we try to leave the house! He has gone after the pizza delivery guy and the mailman. Lately, his aggression towards the cats has really escalated and I’m afraid it’s just a matter of time before something really bad happens.
When he’s not acting insane, he’s a wonderful little dog, but like Rosie, he needs a one-pet home. Given his separation issues, I’m afraid of what another ‘abandonment’ will do to him, but can’t risk a lawsuit if he hurts someone and would be devastated if he injured/killed one of the cats. I would feel the need to be brutally honest about his behavior with any potential new owner, but can’t imagine anyone taking him if I am, so it’s a catch-22. Ultimately, he is so unstable that I feel like he can’t be happy and maybe someone else would be better able to work with his issues. If anyone has a suggestion, I would be grateful…
General Stuck
Yep, though I’m guessing Tunch could stand to hear a little more.
Adam Lang
@John Cole:
Wow. Dude, you’re slipping if you can’t recognize the trolls.
trollhattan
@John Cole:
An image now regrettably imprinted on my brain. Darn you all to heck, Cole. :-P
gelfling545
I think that this is a wise decision. I tried to give a home to the dog of a friend who was moving & couldn’t take her. She and my dog (they’re both female pugs) got along great for a couple of weeks, then all hell broke loose. They both ended up with stitches and so did I. Fortunately my sister was able to take pug #2 (Sadie Lou Who) is now enjoying a great life and Snarla is back to her post as queen b. Some pets need to be the only child.
tesslibrarian
I was terribly upset when we tried to adopt a kitten and couldn’t make it work, because she was a lovely little thing. But she was absolutely the wrong cat to have in the house with Jack–he retreated behind the sofa in my office or stayed in the kitchen when he couldn’t escape outside, while she walked around like she owned the place from the second we brought her home. And I have never seen such a heartbroken expression as the one Jack gave us all weekend.
I felt terrible for returning her, but apparently this sort of thing happens all the time. If the family isn’t the right fit, it isn’t right for any of the parties involved. No one at the rescue group wants a bad fit, and this little kitten really needed a home where the new house could be all hers, with a little girl or boy who could also be all hers.
Werebear is right: sometimes we are just a way station on the way to their destination. You saved Rosie’s life, and you’ll help find her the right place so she can have the life she needs and deserves.
matoko_chan
Look…..Rosie is a JRT. Only people that understand jacks should own them. They are high energy, territorial, fearless and fierce. They need a big fenced yard. It is never safe to leave a jack with a cat, even if they were raised together. Mickey7 also. They can coexist with other breeds, but they will be dominant.
The first cause of jack death is vehicular, because they will dash into the path of a car on a scent trail. They cannot be called off a scent. There is no reasoning with them. Many jacks have gone to ground permanently. In field trials the jacks wear a metal collar so they can be located and dug up if need be.
The second cause of jack death is attacking a larger dog. They have no sense of of how small they are and they are absolutely fearless.
They will bite toddlers that mess with them, even if it is a child they have been raised with.
They have been known to bite their owners in bed.
Rosie is not broken, she is not damaged, she is a jack russell.
That is how they are.
Call Russell Rescue. If they cant help, call your local MFA Hunt.
Horse folk understand jacks.
We had jacks growing up, and we understood the cats stayed in the barn, and the jacks stayed in the house.
My aunt is a breeder, and she wont sell a jack unless the prospective buyer understands the Bad Dog Talk.
I am not Wishbone– read the whole thing.
matoko_chan
please note: Ginni and Guesli fit the recommended opposite sex pairing.
we had four sometimes when i growing up, but we lived on acreage with a barn and a 1acre back yard with electric dog fence and had experience with jacks.
KDP
I’m sorry it has not worked out. Is there a JRT rescue site through which you could canvass a prospective adoptive families?
Perhaps these guys could help? http://www.russellrescue.com/aboutus.php4
I know, I know, you’ve probably already scoped these organizations out, haven’t you?
I wish you the best of luck in finding a new home for Rosie.
Just Some Fuckhead
John, why don’t you set up competing poll/fund raisers, “Kill Rosie for the Good of Humanity” versus “Please Dear God Don’t Even Say That!”
Svejk
I’ll say it again–citronella spray. Don’t stick your hand between fighting dogs.
Persia
@Just Some Fuckhead: Dude, that’s adorable. This blog and the aforementioned St. Bernard have really enamored me to dogs.
General Stuck
@Just Some Fuckhead:
Yes, so adorable. (dabs eyes from tears of joy). You move me.
josefina
@Nonie: Thank you for that link, and thank you for doing work that most animal-lovers shy away from. However, I don’t think anyone was objecting to euthanasia as one part of the problem of dealing with stray and abandoned animals. Dave suggested euthanasia in a deliberately provocative way with no good reason for doing so, i.e, he was trolling. It’s hard to react rationally to trolls.
@Just Some Fuckhead: You’re part of an insider subculture within a larger group. You ARE a Heather, dickweed. [blink] Oh. Well, it’s hard to react rationally to trolls.
Triassic Sands
I am sorry to hear that finding Rosie a new home has become necessary. In fairness to Tunch and Lily it does sound like Rosie has to go. Dogs and cats really can’t fend for themselves (feral cats are generally in horrible condition) and in a multi-pet household I think you have to give precedence to the order of adoption. After reading Bad Dog Talk and looking at recommendations for JRTs available for adoption — EVERY one said NO CATS, I’d say you should be extra careful with Tunch until you find a new home for Rosie.
I have three cats so I don’t have to feel bad about not adopting Rosie, but I do hope someone (without cats) will step up. Good luck, Rosie.
Steeplejack
@Mickey7:
You’re engaging in predictive thinking. In fact, you don’t know what people’s reactions would be, but you’re letting your “prediction” stop you from taking useful action. Yes, a lot of people would not be interested in this dog, but, jeezy-creezy, the JRT rescue operations probably deal with this stuff on a daily basis and know how to handle it–and how to find good homes for dogs with issues and dogs who need to be in one-dog homes. Look ’em up and give ’em a call ASAP.
platonicspoof
Hoping one of the JRT rescues can match Rosie up with the right home for you.
Someone I worked with had a JRT when he was farming in prairie country.
The JRT would ride in the tractor cab with him out in the thousands of acres of wheat fields and jump out to chase jackrabbits, which he was physically incapable of catching in open country, of course, but it allowed him to be a JRT.
Anyway, this middle-aged guy was always calm under pressure, but when he told me about when he finally had to put his Jack down due to illness and the pain, his voice broke and he could hardly talk.
So I hope the rescue people can find someone like a former JRT owner and you can not only restore the dynamic at home, but ideally help out somebody else at the same time (as you already have Rosie!).
Jebediah
Don’t feel bad about doing the right thing. You have a responsibility to Lily and Tunch.
We had a high energy rescued dog, and we just weren’t home enough, and hadn’t enough of a yard, to do right by Milo. We found him an appropriate home and he lived the rest of his life pampered and loved and happy.
I am confident you will do the same for Rosie, she will be safe, happy, and secure, and you will know that you did the right thing by all three beasts even if it was a bit of a bumpy road.
Chuck
I realize that this thread is well past its due date, but felt the need to weigh in regardless.
I am a human who was once adopted only to be returned. As such, I believe that I am unusually qualified to comment.
Neither dogs – nor humans for that matter – are accessories to be put on and taken off as whimsy may dictate.
With all of the happy horseshit about pet rescues around here (I currently have two myself – a lab and a malamute) very little has been posted about the commitment and responsibility inherent in such adoptions.
Adoption is for life. Period.
I really like this blog and have followed the exploits of JC for several years now. It gives me no joy to say this, but you’re a shitty human being for abandoning what you pledged to care for, John. No ifs, ands, buts, or even ass-kissing commenters change this.
It’s really quite simple:
DON”T WRITE CHECKS WITH YOUR MOUTH THAT YOUR ASS CAN’T CASH.
ASSHOLE.
Pongo
@Chuck:
Jesus H Christ, dude (or dudette), spare us the self-righteous moralizing. You are the reason so many people hate animal rights activists. You can’t claim to be a humanitarian when you clearly despise people. As someone who worked for low pay running an animal shelter for decades (so actually did ‘write checks that my ass had to cash’), I would lump you in with the group we had to deal with all the time who had ‘ideas’ about ‘things.’ The ones who screamed the loudest almost always conveniently could not actually do rescues themselves because ‘their landlord wouldn’t let them’ or ‘they were allergic’ or any one of hundreds of reasons they knew how things should be done, but couldn’t actually do anything themselves. It was almost an article of faith for us in the shelter world that the most unreasonable ‘activists’ were the ones least likely to ever actually provide a home.
I don’t know anything about you (except that you are an ass–based not on the fact that you have an opinion, but on how you chose to express it), but would not be a bit surprised to find out you never took in an animal in need in your life. If you have, then my apologies, but as someone who has done rescue for decades, has worked with dozens of personality or otherwise-challenged animals, has struggled to find permanent homes for them and has actually had to make very hard, very heartbreaking decisions from time to time, your attitude reflects the sort of stupidity that makes animal welfare issues that much harder. If you really think the world is black and white, you need to go back to kindergarten and start over.
You are entitled to your opinion. You don’t have be such an ass about it.
Kay Shawn
Oh dear. I’ve adopted three strays, and as much as Chuck may feel it, animals are not humans. Of course one doesn’t “return” human adoptees. But our pets are not little humans in fur suits. What we’re discussing here are wonderful, furry creatures that were domesticated thousands of years ago to bring us joy [and/or herd our cattle, find the rats, etc] and to whom we are deeply attached and owe the best lives possible. I went to a lot of trouble to find the best re-home situation when one of ours [oddly enough, the only dog we actually paid money for] clearly needed a different situation. When I was satisfied it was a good fit, I gave the darling dog away, knowing it was going to have a great life. It’s a decision that is very hard, but if you do it right, it really gives the animal another chance. And leaves one with a clear conscience.