And Now Some Good News

[Python]

Today we adopted a lovely GSD from a rescue centre:D

He had been abandoned and left to fend for himself:mad: He has been in the rescue centre since July. He's mostly black with only some slight tan colouring - and a hint of grey. The people at the rescue centre think there's a touch of Weinemarer in him somewhere. He's a lovely dog and already is settling in well - apart from thinking our cats are there to chase! Our last dog Sadie chased the cats initially but after being told firmly "No!" quickly learned that they were part of the family and she would protect him. We are hoping this boy does the same.

He is very affectionate, travels really well (he travelled 130 miles in the car coming home) and learns very quickly. We went to the other side of London to get him. He's approximately 2 years old, possibly younger.

I can't understand anyone abandoning such a lovely dog but I suppose it's the same old story. They get them as cute, cuddly puppies then they grow into big dogs, cost more to feed etc. so they dump them, get another cute puppy and so the vicious circle goes on:mad:

Already he's had his first bath (having been in kennels for such a long time he was ponging a bit) and he was as good as gold. We tried to make it into a fun time for him with plenty of praise for being a good boy.

We've also given him a new name - Max as the rescue centre was calling him Cookie and I didn't think it suited him (and didn't want to be calling a German Shepherd with the name of Cookie:rolleyes: ). Already he's answering to his new name so he must like it:D

Tomorrow I'll try and get some pics and post them.

[Zen]

Good for you Python. Max is happy to have a home.
I have been using a squirt bottle of water to train my foster dogs about chasing my cat. Say 'no" at the same time you spray and try not to let him see that the spray comes from you. I don't know if they're that smart but just in case.

[Sheesh]

Congratulations on your new family member! :D

[LBTC]

Congratulations Python and Max! What a wonderful story!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[smilingcat]

thank you thank you for adopting a rescue dog. And yes I would love to see a picture.

Congratulation on your new family member,
smilingcat

[kjay]

Good for you for rescuing Max! I'm looking forward to seeing your photo(s)!

[Python]

As promised here's a pic of Max. I'm sure you'll agree he's gorgeous:D

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/fionakidd/PICT0180-1.jpg

[Wahine]

He's beautiful Python. I'm so happy for your family (including Max of course).

And I learned a new word today, ponging. I love it.

[rij73]

Hooray! Wonderful that you opened your heart to a needy dog so quickly. Max looks like a beautiful, sweet dog. My boy Hudson (a rescue with the same background) sends Max his best wishes! :p

[teigyr]

Max is beautiful :D He looks like he'll be a fine dog and he looks really intelligent.

The "hidden squirt gun" thing also works on cats.

I just love hearing about rescue animals.

[Python]

I've just wrote this.

We drove for miles and miles something we didn’t do. The kids were loud and I knew there was something wrong. They thought because I’m a dog, I couldn’t understand but when I heard “We’ll be rid of him soon” and “Hate that dog” my blood ran cold. I hoped it couldn’t be true.

They had me since I was a puppy. The younger kids pulled my tail, pulled my ears, poked me and crawled over me. I happily let them. I would protect them. That was my calling in life. It’s what German Shepherd Dogs do.
Then I grew up, and a handsome lad though I say so myself, but they grew tired of me. They stopped playing with me, didn’t like taking me out. So many times I heard “Stupid dog!”. Slowly they were breaking my heart.

Then one day they brought another puppy home. He was cute and cuddly – just like I had once been. Then we all went in the car. After a very long time, they stopped the car and pushed me out. They drove away and left me. I didn’t know where I was. I was so frightened. I wandered around and tried to find them but they’d gone and left me. My heart was broken because even though they didn’t love me anymore, I still loved them.

Many days and nights passed by. I foraged for what I could find from bins. I tried to find shelter but although it was summer it was wet and cold. I cried myself to sleep every night. What was to become of me?

Then a lady found me. She said I was very handsome and shouldn’t be out on my own. She took me to a rescue centre. I had no name tag, no microchip so no-one knew who I was. The people there were very kind and gave me the first good meal I’d had in many days. They put me in a kennel. It felt like a prison. There were many other dogs, all just like me. They took me to their vet who said I was in good health. They tried to find my owner but no-one came for me. My family had gone. They didn’t care and they didn’t love me anymore. I thought on the poor puppy. He would suffer the same fate as me one day.

Then one afternoon all the dogs began barking so I joined in. A lady and a man were looking at all us dogs waiting for a new home. They stopped by my kennel and looked at me. I barked my loudest. I wasn’t being nasty, I was begging them to choose me. The kennel lad came and took me out and I leaned on the lady. She seemed to like that and she patted me and scratched my ears. Then I leaned on the man and he smiled kindly at me and patted me too. He looked sad but when he saw me he smiled. We went for a short walk and I was on my best behaviour. When we came back, the kennel lad put me back in my kennel. How my heart sank. The man and the lady went to look at another dog. She was very pretty but I so hoped they’d choose me.

They kept looking back at my kennel. Oh please, choose me I thought. Then they came back and looked at me again. I barked and barked, jumped up at the door. They looked straight into my eyes, and I theirs. They asked to see me again. The lady knelt down beside me and I gently licked her hand. She put her arms round me and told me she liked me. They didn’t put me back in the kennel. Could this mean? Could it be?

They took me down to the front gate and I saw a car I hadn’t seen before. The lady and the man had gone into the house. They seemed to be there for a long time, but everyone was smiling and happy. The lady and the man came out and said to me “Let’s go home”. He opened the car and I jumped in. I couldn’t believe it. They had adopted me.

I listened to them and they had a German Shepherd Dog before me. She had been very old and ill and they had to do the kindest thing. They said they were lost and lonely without a dog, that they would never forget their dog but that they would love me too just as much.

Last night I slept in comfort in my new Mum and Dad’s bedroom. I felt honoured and so happy. Today my new Mum bought me a lovely collar with my new name, address and even the telephone number on. My new Mum and Dad are going to get me microchipped in case I ever get lost. They play with me, take me walks and tell me how much they love me already. I love them too. I’m so lucky I’ve found my Forever Home and my new Mum and Dad keep saying how lucky they are to have found me.

Yesterday I was Nobody’s Dog. Today I am Somebody’s Dog.

[Deborajen]

Congratulations on the new adoptee! He's a good-looking fella for sure.

We adopted our Husky from a rescue group. She chased the cats at first, too, but after a few loud "NO"'s and also after having some time to figure out her people like the cats, she doesn't mess with them anymore. Max is an intelligient breed/mix so I'm sure he'll train quickly.

Best wishes - Glad Max found his way to a good home.

Deb

[Python]

We've just come back from a long walk and some play in the fields behind our house. Max spotted some other dogs and took off. All he wants to do is play - and do naughty things with the lady dogs:eek: One of the dogs playing in the park was a Greyhound girl. Max thought his luck was in and chased her all round the field. I couldn't help thinking "Silly boy. That's a Greyhound and you're not going to catch her". Gave him some good exercise though:D He's definitely going to have to go to the vet to get neutered. We have a registration appointment with our vet tomorrow evening so I will discuss that and book him in tomorrow. Part of the conditions of us adopting him is that we get that done and also him microchipped. That can be done while he's under the anaesthetic.

With proper training (I'll find out from our vet where the dog training classes are held) he'll be a super dog. Because of his speed, intelligence and agility, I think he would really enjoy agility training.

He hasn't attempted to chase our cats today. He was nose to nose with Blue and they just sniffed at each other and didn't do anything. He's learning very quickly that the cats are part of the family.

[Ninabike]

Python, Max' "story" is so sad and so beautiful. Thank you for adopting Max.

[rij73]

Oh Python,

Your story and the latest update made me so happy. I do believe that rescued dogs understand what it means to be rescued. Their relief at finding a home is palpable. Over the first few weeks my Hudson (see avatar) was with us, we could feel him gradually coming to the realization that this was his real and final home and family. It was so moving to see him get more comfortable and relaxed each day. Now one year later, it's as if he was always here. I can't imagine life without him and I hope we've replaced his bad memories of the past with happy ones.

[aly]

Good for you! Max is beautiful and looks very happy to have become a part of your family. Watch out, German Shepherds are super smart... he'll be running things before you know it. Rescues are the best- we have a few of our own. Have fun!!

[mimitabby]

I enjoyed your story Python; but what surprised me is that you were able to adopt an adult dog without him being neutered first!!!

I am glad you are getting this done soon. you will definitely enjoy him more without those hormones shaping his every thought.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Good for you Python. Nice handsome dog!
Glad he's getting neutered.

[sbctwin]

Max is a cutie and so good of you to give him a new lease on life.

[surgtech1956]

Max is beautiful, he looks like he belongs. Thank you for adopting, there are so many dogs that need a good home.

[Python]

Normally they do spay and neuter their dogs before rehoming them. We could have left him there and the rescue centre would have done it for us but because we travelled so far to see him and would have had to do the same journey again they let us take Max home - even without doing a homecheck. We have to get a letter of recommendation from our vet so Max has his registration health check at 5pm so I will arrange the date for neutering when I go tomorrow and they will put that in the letter.

Max really took a liking to us - and us to him. The lady who runs the rescue is quite elderly and has been doing animal rescue all her life. She struck me as a woman who if she thought for one second an animal in her care was not going to a good home she wouldn't hesitate to say no.

On the adoption papers we signed there is a clause which says that the new owner agrees to spaying/castration and if this is not done (you have to get a letter from the vet stating when the op was done) they will take the dog back. Years ago many people used to just get dogs and cats from the local dog and cat home and carry on breeding with them. They are much stricter nowadays and since there are so many unwanted pets then the neutering policy is a good one.

It's one of the reasons why I take rescues rather than puppies. Sadie was an ex breeding girl. I always wondered why she never liked her tail touched - even for grooming. I only found out the other night reading about how they treat female dogs (I can't use the proper word - it ends up as a load of asterisks). They breed the females every season with no break. If the female is reluctant to go to the male the puppy farmers pull the poor female by the tail:( No wonder Sadie never liked her tail touched:( :( :(

I've little time for the RSPCA but they have been trying to clamp down on puppy farms for a long time.

There are good breeders out there who care about their dogs (and cats) but there are many out there too who only want to make as much money out of these animals as possible:mad: I refuse to line their pockets:mad:

In the meantime we've just come back from our bedtime walk (good exercise for hubby too;) ) and Max is looking rather sleepy but happy and content. So far he's settling in well. The cats aren't so bothered about him now either.

[nancielle]

He is gorgeous and definitely not a "Cookie". Max is a much more fitting name for your furkid. :)

[Python]

I bought him a new collar yesterday complete with his name, address and telephone number. I had a good sniff at it and wagged his tail. Think he likes it:D

[PinkBike]

python, look into "the dog whisperer," cesar millan. if you haven't heard of him he's got a show on the national geographic channel. he's also got books and dvd's. this man knows dogs. watch him once and you''ll get hooked.

i am not a dog person, i like cats, but i watch his show every day for the shear beauty of what he can accomplish. his website has clips.

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/

anybody with a dog should at least know the basics ("exercise, discipline, affection").

[Python]

Thanks Pinkbike. I'll have a look for that. We're going up to the vets in about half and hour. They usually have details of dog training classes as I think Max would benefit from that (and us too). He did try and chase my cat last night (the old, crippled cat who lives in our bedroom) and was scolded for it ("No!!! Bad boy!!!). He knew he'd done wrong and lay down quickly. Our last dog was the same initially with our cats but learnt very quickly not to chase our cats. She also learned the hard way when she went too close to one of our cats - and got her nose shredded. She soon learned chasing cats wasn't a good idea and for years the cats used to curl up with her, especially in winter. Us humans couldn't get anywhere near the fireplace. The furkids were all curled up in front of it:rolleyes: :D

[Velobambina]

What a lovely boy! Those eyes--you can just see the intelligence in them. He sounds quite spirited. Bet he's a real character. You're gonna have some good tales to tell about this boy, I suspect. Give him a big smooch for me! He looks like the perfect addition to your family.

I don't dig the dog whisperer, although some folks swear by him. I think he's a meanie! LOL. Tamar Gellar's book, "The Loved Dog," has given me some helpful advice in teaching my very active 7-year old golden, Maeve, some manners. Tamar's approach is love, positive reinforcement, etc.

[Python]

We're just back from the vet. Our vet thinks Max is still a puppy! She said he's not fully grown yet. She also says he's 100% German Shepherd:D

We noticed last night that Max was sneezing quite a lot and had a bit of discharge from one nostril. Our vet thinks he's got a slight infection in his nose so gave him an antibiotic injection (he cried like a baby) and a course of antibiotic pills. As soon as the infection is cleared up he's going back to get vaccinated. As we're unsure if he has been or not we're going to get the vaccinations just to be on the safe side.

My reasoning (and our vets) is as he was abandoned by such uncaring owners, then the chances of him being vaccinated are very remote.

He is also booked in for castration on the 5th October. This will give him time to get over this infection, the vaccinations and allow him more time to settle in.

Poor dog. He looked really worried at the vets and was very subdued on the way home. No wonder. The last time he was at the vets, he got taken to kennels:( His eyes lit up when we got home. You could see the relief in them. He's such a gentle, loving dog I can not for the life of me understand the mentallity of his previous owners abandoning the way they did:mad:

However, I am a great believer in what goes around, comes around and they'll be punished for what they've done to him As my late mother used to say "There's always a higher hand".

[rij73]

I'm glad Max is so young! What a lucky boy to have you.

For what it's worth, most dog trainers do not like Cesar Millan. I personally am not fond of how he handles dogs. I find him a bit cruel.

I highly recommend the books: My Smart Puppy and also Bones Would Rain From the Sky

Those two books together give some great training ideas as well as a wonderful perspective on dogs.

[Python]

We been given the name of a dog training centre who our vet has used for his own dogs and they're very good. I'm going to telephone and speak with them shortly.

I prefer to train a dog with the reward system. I do not, and never have, believed in using force to train any animal. Max is highly intelligent and although we've only had him for two days, already he has learned different commands. One is, and it's a very important one, is to sit at the kerb and wait until we tell him to cross the road. We make him do this at every kerb we come to, varying the times we make him sit and wait. At first he didn't really know what we wanted but when we took him out for his bedtime walk last night, Graham told him to sit and he did. He's a very quick learner and I think he will enjoy dog training classes.

Of course, in our house the other thing he has to learn is not to chase the cats. He's getting much better now and I don't think it'll be long before the cats are curled up with him;)

[sundial]

Python, congrats on your new furkid. He's very handsome and regal. You'll learn just how responsive, cunning and attuned these dogs can be.

I myself am active in gsd rescue and transport and I am always touched by the people who adopt a dog that was abandoned, neglected, or worse, abused. These dogs are so resilient and so willing to trust that many do work through their issues.

I found that rescues are usually in a *honeymoon* period for about 2-3 weeks. They are usually a little more docile and won't show their true colors until later. If you don't already, you might want to purchase a crate to give him a den to feel safe. (I use a collapsible wire crate with a slide-out tray.) It will also help him stay out of trouble when you aren't around. You might want to line it with one of your tee-shirts or sweatshirts so that he can bond with your scent quicker. A good safe chew, like a Nylabone, will help him direct his energy in an appropriate way.

If you can find a reputable trainer who uses positive reinforcement, it will help build his confidence and establish you as the alpha. It is also an excellent way to socialize with other dogs in a safe and controlled environment.

I hope you have many, many good years together. Thank you for considering a rescue. :)

[Python]

Fortunately Max won't be left on his own for too long. My husband doesn't usually start work until the afternoon (he works mostly afternoons and evenings) and I only work mornings. My son is in most days except 3 afternoons per week when he goes for his dialysis. On the rare occasion that there would be nobody home, Max can come to work with me. He came to work with me for a couple of hours last week. He just lay down by my desk and was as good as gold. My boss loves dogs and has a Boxer pup (he last dog was also a Boxer and died of pretty much the same thing as Sadie had).

We have left Max on his own in the house while we were working in the garden. He stayed in his favourite spot and was no problem. He's got some endearing ways about him. In the morning he doesn't move even when our alarms go off. However, as soon as one of us speaks he comes up on the bed and licks first me, then Graham. On Sunday he also licked the cat to her disgust:D

We have found out he is very protective (typical GSD). We took Max for his bedtime walk. First a drunk young man passed us in the same direction. As he went past he kept saying "Sorry mate". For some reason he was walking down the road with his hands on his head:confused: Max growled at him. Not long after that we bumped into someone we know so stood chatting for a while. Max just sat patiently waiting. As our acquaintance turned to go, he raised his arm in a wave. Max jumped up with a growl and grabbed his sleeve:eek: That worried me considerably on one hand, but on the other I know no-one will dare raise a hand to any of us when Max is around. I spoke to my vet's dog trainer and she said that GSDs go into guard mode at night and she reckoned he'd misinterpreted the raised arm and thought our acquaintance was going to hit one of us.

Max is getting on well with the cats now. None of them run away from him any more and he has struck up a friendship with Blue and also our old cat Lucy. Blue winds himself round Max's legs. Max just wags his tail and tries to lick Blue.