And Now Some Good News

[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 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 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.

[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.co.../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

[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.