RedDirtGirl writes:
Hi Jackals, RDG here with my update on Molly from Thursday’s Rescue Bleg. I just finished Facetiming with Molly’s mom’s son. She’s a beauty, there’s no doubt about it. I didn’t actually get to see too much of her since she had just woken up from a nap and was on the move, but I learned a lot more about her.
She ticks off a number of boxes on my wish list:
Older, mid-sized, short-haired, active, likes to lean up against you, and what I think of as the holy grail – from a loving home.
She has allergies that require specialized food (hydrolyzed) and medication: desyrel, anafranil, and a third (can’t see the label in the photo they sent). Without these she licks her paws, scratches and has dandruff and, I think, rashes. I will research this a bit, but I don’t think it means more than a modest increase in my monthly expenses.
As a first time dog adopter, I have been holding out for an older dog with the idea that I would find one that was on the mellower side of the spectrum. Not because I’m a couch potato, but so that its youthful exuberance was a thing of the past. Molly is a young 7. It’s a bit hard to get a read on her usual level. While she clearly has a lot of energy, some of that comes from the stimulation of her current environment.There are two other dogs where she has been for the past 4 months, and she would be a singleton in my apartment.
I have 2 concerns that I know you guys can’t resolve for me, but I’m happy for your thoughts.
We might need a crystal ball to answer these questions, so dig yours out if you have one.
Will she be a big barker? She is definitely a vocalizer. At her mom’s house, which was a double, she didn’t bark when the neighbor who shared the stoop came in, but did bark when the letter carrier arrived. I live in an apartment building where people are walking by my door throughout the day, and some of them have dogs.
How will she do at home when I am at work? Her mom has been retired for a while, and for the past few months she has been in a house full of people. I am planning on working from home for the first week she stays with me, if she moves in, of course, but that is a big unknown. And re:crating, they tried it when she was a puppy and she hated it. I’d certainly be willing to work on it again.
Okay, there you have it.
Please feel free to weigh in…
Getting your first dog can feel a bit like jumping off a cliff, especially if you’re not doing it when you’re 20, like I did. Let’s see if we can help RedDirtGirl with her questions.
WaterGirl
I’ll just say that there are unknowns with anything new, especially anything related to humans or animals. :-) Some things you just can’t know until you get into it – so it takes a bit of a leap to move forward into the unknown, knowing that you will figure it out as you go.
The Moar You Know
Not well. You need to arrange for dog day care or something similar. Dogs shouldn’t be left alone, and assuredly not for an entire workday. Even cats don’t like it. Dogs REALLY don’t like it.
We used to be able to get away with leaving our Golden by himself for about five or six hours a couple of days a week, but one of the fucked up things about covid is that he’s now used to having us around all the time, and neither my wife or I can take him to work anymore. So it’s going to be doggie day care five days a week, and the expense is appalling. But no choice. I knew that going in when we got him.
Barbara
I have barkers but I have never really tried to train them out of it. I think that working with a trainer and being consistent are key. Also, when I lived alone with a dog in the city, taking him for a long walk and playing with him before leaving for work was really helpful in reducing his anxiety. And you don’t need a crate — you can enclose him in a small room, such as bathroom (if big enough) or kitchen, with a comfortable set up.
Lord Fartdaddy (Formerly, Mumphrey, Smedley Darlington Mingobat, et al.)
Will you be needing any help getting the dog to you? I can do a leg of the trip if needed.
Cermet
While I don’t crate, many dogs are extremely happy having and using a crate. That said, if she hated it as a pup and is now 7 and never been crated, it will be unlikely she will be happy being crated. Might be possible but don’t expect it and be prepared to not crate her. It will take time for any dog that had an all day companion to adjust if you leave for the day but most do; just takes time (and some times pain – they chew stuff up – so keep expensive shoes well away when you first try this experiment.)
I’ve once had a barker but they didn’t when no one was around to impress but that is a small sample size
Every single person I’ve known that had a dog left them at home alone while they worked and I’ve never heard of issues; however, that again, is a small sample. But dogs are intelligent and do learn to adapt if not too old.
Barbara
@The Moar You Know: My daughter used doggie daycare a few times per week, and I think it definitely helps, but it is possible for many dogs to organize their schedule around your job. I think people in NYC also rely on mid-day dog walkers as much as daycare.
WaterGirl
Bringing my answer to the crate question over from the other thread:
My little Henry did NOT like his crate. Especially after his ACL surgery when he had to sleep in the crate instead of on the bed with Tucker and me.
After three nights of a special treat when he went into the crate, he starting running to the crate and then waiting politely for me to open the door. He accepts that as the new normal, and he still expects the treat at bedtime!
Not liking a crate is, in my experience, a solvable problem.
realbtl
If you have the room get a crate. Even my non-weird rescues have enjoyed and used them. Just leave the door open and see what happens.
Kristine
Other folks here may have different experiences, but if you crate when you’re gone, remove her collar. This is according to the unfortunate outcome of one story I’m aware of–dog’s collar got hitched on some part of the crate while owner was out, and the result was not a happy one.
I do understand that there are different types of crates.
JPL
@realbtl: All you need is a comfy pillow. I did cover my crate so it was his little den.
Now sometimes the grand imp climbs in with him.
Another Scott
My comment from downstairs.
Good luck!
Cheers,
Scott.
RedDirtGirl
@Lord Fartdaddy (Formerly, Mumphrey, Smedley Darlington Mingobat, et al.): Thank you. I’m in Brooklyn, she’s in South Jersey, close to Philly. I’m loathe to make the final decision with out spending a little time with her. What that is looking like in my mind at this point is to go down for the day next weekend with everything in place to bring her back, but to (somehow) make myself able to come back alone it it really doesn’t feel right.
Like said earlier, first timer here. Trying to find the balance between making a smart decision, and taking the plunge.
RedDirtGirl
@realbtl: I’ve been in pre-adoption mode for a while. I grabbed a crate 2 years ago that a neighbor was tossing in anticipation of this.
RedDirtGirl
Note to all: I do realize that both my questions are sort of unanswerable. I really just wanted to start a conversation so as to avail myself of all the pet experience here. Thanks so much.
Gretchen
If the mom has been retired for awhile, that sounds like she spent some time leaving the dog alone while she worked. Most people I know who have dogs have left them all day while they work, including us. I used to work nights while my husband worked days. He’d let the dog out before he left and when he got home. He didn’t quite believe me when I told him the dog didn’t get up to greet me when I got home. Dad’s work time was his sleep time.
My daughters were worried about how their pandemic dogs would do when they went back to work. They installed cameras to check on them while they were gone, and they could see they were fine.
There are people who will come by your house and walk the dog during the middle of the day. Doggie daycare is nice, and we use it some, but it can get expensive if you use it a lot.
Lymie
Crate training is pretty straight forward for a food motivated dog – feed them in it. You should be able to leave dogs for the work day with a short walk in the morning beforehand, dogs sleep all day after they get to be a year or two old. Work up to things. A cat can be a good companion for the dog. I wouldn’t leave them all day in the crate…. Perhaps you can get someone to do a lunchtime walk for a while, too.
Gretchen
We haven’t used crates until the current rescue dog, who was crate-trained by the foster mom. We put a big cushion in it, and a blanket over it, and he spends a lot of time in there. We never shut the door unless there’s a service person here.
Barking depends on the dog. This one, Watson, barks at every truck that drives by, but not at people, even the mail carrier. He’s not a watchdog. Our previous dog, Seamus, didn’t care about trucks, but went crazy barking any time anyone came to the door.
WaterGirl
@RedDirtGirl: I knew you knew that! But sometimes a person just needs to talk things through.
Ksmiami
2 walks / pup visits while you’re at work. If you cook for yourself, just omit onions etc and I highly recommend cooking for your dog (you can mix in high quality dry food with it) fresh safe meats, veggies and rice or potatoes have made a huge difference in my almost 11 yr old puppy baby. It also tends to eradicate skin conditions and they love it.
WaterGirl
@Ksmiami: This dog has allergies – you have to be careful about what kinds of meats and grains you feed dogs with allergies.
We are doing allergy testing now for my little Henry to see what he’s allergic to. My prediction: everything.
sab
I have had dogs non-stop since 1980, ususally in pairs, and for all but the last fifteen years they were mostly home alone ( with each other) all day. After the puppy and adolescent phase they were okay with it. Basically, they slept all day until about an hour before they expected me home.
The one thing I did do, which I think is important, is to give them two long walks per day (morning and evening). In busy times when I shorted them they got even ( trash raiding was a favorite.)
Crates with open doors they liked, and if they didn’t have one they found a hidey hole alternative.
I have had twelve dogs over that time, only thre of which came to me as puppies. I never had to get rid of one, and the ones that aren’t around any more lived to old age.
I have no experience with apartment life with dogs, so I can’t say anything about barking, except that mine do bark.
Andrew
DVM here who was also a former trainer. I have concerns about this pet over the long term. The two drugs named are psychotropic medications. Desyrel’s trade name is Trazodone, which I have used occasionally for sedation and which has mild anti-anxiety properties; Anafranil is Clomipramine, which is labeled by the FDA for treatment of seperation anxiety. These are not treatments for skin allergies! You will be going into a situation where you will be leaving the apartment for work. If the pet is already on these two drugs I would say this is is a bad candidate for your adoption. Nothing against RedDirtGirl, but this pet is going to be a major project. I would choose another dog.
Ksmiami
@WaterGirl: so many dog allergies are brought on by commercial pet foods. Processed gunk.
J R in WV
Don’t go for no-grain DF, science (there’s that scary word) shows that a grain-free diet for dogs can cause cardiac issues. Dogs are pretty much omnivores with a few exceptions like onions/leeks/garlic.
We had a big dog named Boomer (for his really big deep bark) who when given left overs would consume every drop of gravy/sauce, vegs, meats, but would leave all the tiny morsels of onion behind, somehow. Boomer was an alert guard dog, alerted me to sneak thieves out at the shop once, they were back in their truck as he arrived on the scene. Were typical scum, said they were stone masons looking for stone to cut — yeah, in my shop, no stone around anywhere. Their sad old PU truck couldn’t haul the tools for stone work, let along the actual stone!
We have used crates when doggos were recovering from medical treatment, they didn’t hate it as long as they didn’t feel well, wanted out onto the forest asap tho. City is different…
Molly is a beautiful dog, probably really smart with border collie in her background. Last night our young female
snucksneaked into bed with us, was very cuddly for a couple of hours, tho a bit of a cover thief. It was V. cool last night, so warm 65 pound puppy was a good thing. Wife reports they are both in bed right now, CooCoo on my freshly changed last night pillow. Oh well. They do sleep all day now.ETA: had not thought about the drugs she is on… valuable insight in that comment from Andrew at #22 !!
RedDirtGirl
@Lymie: Apparently Molly is not food-motivated, which I know can make training more of a challenge, I’ve read and heard.
RedDirtGirl
@WaterGirl: ?
RedDirtGirl
@Ksmiami: Thanks. I do cook a lot, and could see doing that.
RedDirtGirl
@Andrew: Hi Andrew, I really appreciate your input. I will take it under serious advisement.
Andrew
@Ksmiami: DVM here. I disagree to a large measure. I deal with patients in Florida belonging to seasonal residents. Their pets that do well up north often break into allergies in Florida, while being maintained on the same diet. Yes, food allergies are definitely possible, but those are more year-round problems rather than seasonal. The overwhelming majority of allergies I treat are seasonal.
Andrew
@RedDirtGirl: I have had cats for the majority of my adult life because they do much better in apartments than many dogs do. I love dogs, but do not want to have one until I can get in a situation where I can take a dog to work. Right now in my tiny clinic that isn’t possible, and for me it is important that I do the job right, both for the dog’s sake and for me to set a good example.
eclare
I responded in the morning thread. Pressed for time, but short answer for keeping her calm while you work is Trazadone. It worked wonders for my Sophie, recommended by a vet. The difference was night and day.
For a crate, designate one special treat as the crate treat. She only gets that treat for going into the crate, no other behaviors. Sophie’s was Cheetos Puffs. And a nice fluffy pillow. She had been a neglected yard dog before me and had no problems adapting.
Good luck! Sounds like a great match.
Fuller answer toward end of morning thread. Also Trazadone is cheap.
raven
@Andrew: Ah, we’ve recently adopted a horribly abused doggie and she’s been biting at her feet and butt. We were thinking it was food but this is helpful.
A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)
@J R in WV: Interested that you used “snuck” and then corrected it to “sneaked”. While growing up I also learned “snuck” as the past tense of sneak, to the point where, when reading I encounter “sneaked”, it sounds WRONG. My mother was a HS English teacher, and generally, my instinctive reaction about grammar is correct. However, I keep encountering “sneaked”, so I guess it is standard English and what I learned is regionalism. I grew up on the Peninsula (Bay Area of CA), but my mother was born and raised in Roanoke, VA.
Laura Too
Months before Covid hit I taught our 7 year old dog Henry to use his inside voice. He would go crazy barking every time a dog walked by out front. I used treats to calm him and would say “inside voice”. He quickly learned he could still bark but when given the command he now grumbles. A lot. And growls if it is a dog he really dislikes. And occasionally he backslides. The key is to be consistent. It was very good timing on my part as my husband has worked from home since last March and spends a fair bit of time on the phone. There is a deep well of knowledge here, you have a ton of support!
Ruckus
@Cermet:
My older cocker went right in the crate I had in my van when I picked him up. I left it in another room with the door open and once when I couldn’t find him (he was normally glued to my side), there he was in his crate, sleeping. When he was ready he came out and reglued himself to my side.
Dogs have personalities, just like other animals, for example humans. Some are loud or personable or quiet or rambunctious or a combination of all or none of those. Some will sort of blend in with their new home, some will be scarred because it’s all new, most will calm down as they become accustomed to the new, some will explore and chew everything, some will take a day or two and decide that they actually like their new digs. Just like new humans there is a range of reactions, emotions, acceptance. If you want to understand better, join the military. If it ends up like everyone I’ve known, the first day/night and learning to fit in is about the same as what a new dog will experience. Including being treated like a possible wild animal.
RedDirtGirl
@Andrew: So I have looked up the medications she is on and one is for compulsive or aggressive behavior and the other is for separation anxiety. Doesn’t mean she isn’t a sweetheart of a dog, but you are right that she is probably not a good candidate for a first timer like me.
Delk
They make webcam/spycam/burglar cams that allow you to see, hear, and speak to your dog while you are away. Most dogs just sleep. Plenty of “I put a go pro camera on my dog while I left the house” videos on YouTube. That said, giving a dog meds is a chore, particularly for a first time dog owner.
WaterGirl
@RedDirtGirl: Sad as it makes me to say so, I have to agree with you on this, RedDirtGirl. I suspect a better choice for Molly would be an experienced dog owner with a flexible schedule.
SarahJane
@Andrew: Thanks for posting this. @RedDirtGirl, I’m neither a trainer nor a DVM, but Molly sounds like a great dog, and a little like a dog I know well.
I’ve adopted two adult dogs in my life, the first, George, came trained, is easygoing, and likes everyone. The second, Mona, came barely civilized and with extreme anxiety that, it turned out, manifested in a number of problematic ways. Molly doesn’t sound like as extreme a case as Mona, but anxiety, in my limited experience, can be challenging to help a dog through. Mona’s story has a happy ending, although 1.5 years in, we’re still working on life. I have spent hundreds of hours working with her, and a LOT of money on vet bills and dog training. I’m lucky that I had that time and money. Mona’s totally worth it, but she wouldn’t have been a good fit for my life when I was a busy with a full-time, away-from-home job.
JeanneT
Former dog trainer here: this dog sounds like a better candidate for someone who is at home most of the time and can gradually help Molly learn how to be alone for hours at a time. From Andrew’s info, she’s already being treated by medications that are used for anxiety, so behavioral treatment on top of those will be key. One week will probably not be long enough to transition her to spending workdays alone, in a crate or not.
For whoever adopts her, I recommend following at least the early sections of the Crate Games program by Susan Garrett. I have had 100% success in teaching dogs to love their crates using that training technique. It does require finding an irresistible food treat for the dog in question – I find starting with things like small bits of steak, chicken breast and cheese usually does the trick. Even dogs that seem not to be food motivated will have SOME food worth working for.
TriassicSands
And you shouldn’t. This has to work for both of you. Cats and dogs get fostered all the time before permanent homes can be found. Naturally, it is usually preferable to place a critter once, but that isn’t always possible or even the best thing. Your cautious approach is a good thing. If you bring Molly home and it creates problems for you, Molly, your neighbors, etc., you should not feel obligated to not look for a better outcome for you and especially Molly.
Visiting her is one step, but she has to fit in and be happy living with you and you won’t know that until you bring her home. Then, you should still not feel the situation is permanent if there are problems, not least of which will be Molly’s happiness.
TriassicSands
Your thoughtfulness here is a sign you will be a great dog parent at some point. But I think you’re on the right track here.
eclare
@RedDirtGirl: I did not realize she was already taking Trazodone.
RedDirtGirl
@JeanneT: Thanks for all that. I am bookmarking the crate training website for the future.
satby
@Andrew: Pay serious attention to this comment Reddirtgirl!
People who have to rehome dogs often give very sparkly, glowy pictures (- any problems) of their “luvbug” because they feel guilty about getting rid of it. Also, (and again, I LOVE pitties and pit-mixes) but they aren’t usually a dog for a novice.
Between Andrew’s advice and my own previous experience, I see some red flags. When you’re ready to adopt, adopt through a rescue, because they’ll match a dog’s temperament to your lifestyle and also take the dog safely back if it’s not a good fit. Sorry Molly needs someone more dog experienced who can read doggie body language.
Yutsano
@Lord Fartdaddy (Formerly, Mumphrey, Smedley Darlington Mingobat, et al.): Dog is in South Jersey.
She’s in NYC.
It’s a short drive away assuming she has a car. If not a couple different trains should do it.
TriassicSands
Good luck, RedDirtGirl. There are lots of dogs out there who need permanent homes with responsible, loving people.
J R in WV
@Delk:
Actually, we use peanut butter to medicate our dogs — they love it, and any meds in the peanut butter go right down… then they beg for more. By which time I have peanut butter on my fingers, so easy to give them one more taste.
Canned pumpkin is another trick, settles their digestion if they’re upset, can be part of a weight loss diet, bulk with essentially zero calories. Had a cat with horrible gluttony, other cats wanted to nibble all day.
So Punkin, so named because she became a sphere, was for several years on a diet that included more canned pumpkin pulp than it did cat food, and she gradually lost 6 or 7 pounds, and is now a trim black tortie.
Years ago we had a really big white cat who ate a whole big adult rabbit, down to the fur and bunny tail which was all he left in the front yard. Of course that clogged him up terribly and damaged his digestive tract. He got a lot of pumpkin pulp in his diet, and lived many more happy years as chief owner and operator of the farm. Ralph was his name, white with red spots — a beloved family member for near 20 years.
RedDirtGirl
I’m texting with Molly’s family to get a bit more info about her behavior and the meds. Even if she doesn’t come live with me I hope Balloon Juice can still help find her forever home. Stay tuned ?
RedDirtGirl
@satby: Thanks for weighing in, Satby. I was hoping you would, after your earlier comments about staffies and cats.
RedDirtGirl
@J R in WV: I saw a “life hack” video where a woman wrapped Saran Wrap around her forehead, spread peanut butter there, and then proceeded to clip her dog’s toenails while he happily sat in front of her licking it off!
debbie
I’ve always lived in apartments, and usually there’s a dog or two (or four at the moment) in the building. Some barkers, some not. None make any noise in the middle of the night, so I don’t have any problems. My brother lives in a house and keeps his two Grand Pyrenees in the back yard. They will bark if they hear something odd, and a neighbor is pretty ticked about it. I guess he wants total silence 24/7. Fat chance, in a neighborhood filled with kids.
MazeDancer
@RedDirtGirl: Very wise thoughts.
Sweet Molly will find a better home for her.
The NYC shelters and rescues are full of abandoned Senior Dogs. And pandemic returnees. NYC has so many rescue orgs. So many.
Entering Senior Dog +Brooklyn zip into Petfinder returns 65 cute dogs. There are 845 dogs in the greater NYC area. You can get any breed you want in a 100 mile circle of the city.
Also a train ride up the Hudson will take you to Dutchess County SPCA. A wonderful shelter, for which I can personally vouch, where they will take back the dog if it doesn’t work out.
They have a Great Dane, 6 years old, they make wonderful apartment dogs because they like to lounge. https://us18b.sheltermanager.com/service?account=do2392&method=animal_view&animalid=4616
They have an 8 year old that looks cute https://us18b.sheltermanager.com/service?account=do2392&method=animal_view&animalid=4823
You are kind and brave to consider Molly, but she might need more experienced owner.
satby
@RedDirtGirl: I’m sure she is a sweet dog, but MazeDancer is showing some great alternatives. Being able to return the dog is key if there’s a mismatch on temperament or behavior.
As for Molly, if they can find a rescue who can assess her and locate a situation similar to what she was used to, with someone who’s home more, her transition would be easier as well. Rescues should be Safer tested before being rehomed, it’s the best way to uncover potential problems, or even dangers, to the adoptive family.
satby
@debbie: Dogs are social animals who want to be with their people. They bark because they’re bored, lonely, and wanting to be paid attention to. People who leave their dogs outside may not seem neglectful, but it is. And unkind.
satby
@MazeDancer: Aww, Charlie looks adorable! Border collie mix probably.
Reddirtgirl, and everyone, just an FYI: very sweet black dogs and cats often get overlooked in shelters in favor of lighter colored dogs. All things being equal otherwise, choose the black dog!
RedDirtGirl
@MazeDancer: Thanks. And thanks for the link to the Dutchess County SPCA. I’ll definitely check them out! I’m already pre-approved at several rescue groups and cruise Petfinder regularly. I’ve been holding off because we moved my 89 yo mom from independent living in Maine to assisted living closer by this summer. That has taken up all my focus. But she is settling in, to a degree, and I can’t put my life on hold forever, so I am starting to get more serious about the dog search. I’m not in a hurry. I trust that we’ll find each other.
debbie
@satby:
That’s not my brother in the least. They bark at squirrels, not out of loneliness or any sort of neglect.
MazeDancer
@RedDirtGirl: Absolutely, it will happen!
satby
And for WG to pass along to Molly’s family, there are several breed rescues in the vicinity that have experience fostering and matching dogs with suitable owners to try to contact. Molly will be safe and they can be counted on to find a good home, so I would contact these to see if they would take her:
https://pitbull.rescueme.org/NewJersey
https://www.jerseypitsrescue.com/
https://www.nybullycrew.org/
satby
@debbie: I was responding to “he has two GP he keeps in his backyard”. If they’re in the house and they go out to play, he’s not “keeping” them there. Unfortunately, lots of people do exactly that, the dogs never go inside with the family at all.
And, dogs that are left outside and bark for hours are annoying, and I had five dogs when I moved into this house. People never even realized I had that many, because I always went out with them in shifts and trained all of them not to bark at everything. I have friends who’s poorly trained dogs bark incessantly, and I hate to even call them on the phone.
Andrew
@satby: I have also seen shelters or rescues give sparkly or too-positive assessments of dogs in their desire to get them into a home. Most are diligent, or try to be, but not all have staff fully cognizant in recognizing potential behavior problems. The less ethical (thankfully very few) are practically used car salespeople.
Andrew
@MazeDancer: “They have a Great Dane, 6 years old, they make wonderful apartment dogs because they like to lounge. ”
I wouldn’t recommend a Great Dane as a first dog. They are poorly suited to apartment life. They need an experienced hand and plenty of room because they are fully aware of how large they are when they get to adult size. Also, their life spans are quite short; 9 years is about the maximum.
satby
@Andrew:
They are, and one of those cost me several thousand dollars. And required that dog to be put down after the last fight she started with one of my dogs here left both seriously injured when the pet sitter ignored my insistent warning about shutting both sets of doors separating her from the other dogs. It was a heartbreaker, I had worked with her for three years and she was incredibly sweet to people. But she started as food aggressive and gradually just got more aggressive to all the other animals. I should have euthed her sooner but I hated to give up on her.
MazeDancer
@Andrew: Well, you’re the vet, you must know.
So many places, articles, websites, etc, rec Danes for apartment living, because they don’t need a ton of exercise. Just assumed it was true.
RedDirtGirl will find the right dog. She does want a Senior though. That is signing up to ease a pup on down the road. Which is doing good in this world, for sure.
Jess
If you’re going to pass on this doggo, you may want to consider rescuing a retired greyhound racer. They tend to be very quiet and mellow in the house, non-destructive, and very sweet and gentle. Before you leave for work, give them a nice long walk; a tired dog is a good dog. There are many useful videos on YouTube for training and separation anxiety, if that’s a problem, but ex-racers are usually used to being left alone in a crate or kennel. Dogs usually need at least three weeks to settle in and feel secure, and some take longer. I rescued a Russian street dog two months ago, and it took him about a month to really relax, but he’s a high-strung dude. Lots of long hikes, brushing sessions, and training helped.
RedDirtGirl
@Jess: Hi Jess, I’ll definitely look into that as well.
RedDirtGirl
@MazeDancer: My age range is sort of fluid – really just in the adult – senior side of things. Just saw a sweet looking 8 year old named Lemon on Petfinder that had been used as a hog hunting dog. But there is also this 3 year-old that caught my eye. This one is more the size I’ve been looking for, and oh so sweet.
Thinking so seriously about Molly has moved me forward in the process. I think that even if she doesn’t join my household, she has hastened the arrival of my future dog, whomever that may be…
debbie
@Andrew:
Tenant next to me got a Great Dane puppy for his sons who visited every other weekend. The rest of the time, he kept the puppy crated. The pup was very unhappy, and I could often hear its crate rattling. I offered to walk him during the day, but the owner refused and never spoke to me again.
nclurker
i have a pitbull.never wanted one.
heart worms ,thirty pounds when my daughter rescued him from the pound,just before he was euthanized. now,seven years later,he’s sleeping by my side.
weighs 70 pds,,we walk 3 or 4 miles a day. best goddamn dog i have ever had.
some times you just have to take a chance.
RedDirtGirl
@nclurker: I love that. Thank you for your 2 cents!
Jim, Foolish Literalist
@debbie: oh god, that breaks my heart
Sis
@A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan): I learned “snuck,” too. I also learned that “lit” was the past tense of “light,” but now I see “lighted” everywhere.
WaterGirl
@nclurker: Years ago, the neighbor of a co-worker packed up the kids and one of the dogs and drove off to California, leaving the other dog and a cat behind.
My co-worker was leaving in a few days for a one-week trip to King’s Island (or something like that, it was a long time ago) and asked if I could keep the dog until they got back from their trip.
The plan was for my co-worker to find a home for the dog and to keep him until he did.
Any time I left the house, when I returned, the dog sounded just like Chewbacca from star wars. I think he thought maybe I was gone forever.
By the time they returned 10 days later, I couldn’t bear for him to have been abandoned, then spend 10 days with me, then have him go to Bob’s house for however long until he found him a home, and then go to yet one more place.
Of course I kept him.
I had never wanted a big dog, a black dog, or a boy dog. AC was all three, of course, and he was one of the best dogs ever.
You just never know.
Sis
@RedDirtGirl, don’t have much in the way of advice; I just want to wish you the best with your new girl. I’ve had dogs all my life, and I can’t imagine living without one. My current guy is the most challenging I’ve had, but I adore him, and he makes me laugh every day. Dogs are worth every bit of effort and trouble they cause.
Sis
@WaterGirl: That’s a great story.
WaterGirl
@satby: Thanks satby. I passed the information on to Cole because he is the one who knows the family.
RedDirtGirl
@Sis: I appreciate your kind words. I’ve known I wanted a dog for longer than I’ve been reading Balloon Juice, and since I’ve been reading Balloon Juice that knowledge has grown firmer.
Stay tuned…
RedDirtGirl
@WaterGirl: And thank you Watergirl, for being such an amazing conduit.
MazeDancer
@RedDirtGirl: Cute doggos. Go for them both!
WaterGirl
@RedDirtGirl: You are most welcome!