Mini-Cujo's

I am really excited about several of the last few dogs I have worked with coming into their new homes. All of them older than puppy ages and rescues. My initial phone calls from clients have me almost quivering in my poop scooping boots and ruffling through my electronic Rolodex to see who I think might be better suited to handling the situation.

All of us who have taken in rescue's know that there will be a readjustment time. And probably more than half of us have at least one to two other dogs in residence. With love and good intentions we know our hearts will win over these fortunate "adoptee's" and life will continue happily ever after.

Sreeeech to a halt, snap, bite and growl! Furs fly's, blood is drawn and everyone (canine and human) runs for cover. What happen??? They were so sweet in the pound.

Without exception, the owners and dogs I have worked with really want to make things work out and are committed to seeing it happen. Giving the new dog love, affection and discipline as we hear over and over again, does help. And much like any relationship in our lives, too much love and affection can also create more problems than we want to live with long term.

Think of it in terms of dating. You like the guy, you like the family, you have fun together. But if he calls every ten minutes, gives you treats and flowers and gifts non-stop, and tells you how wonderful life is going to be with him - ALL THE TIME, don't you get a little bit annoyed? Isn't it a bit too much? Don't you feel like snapping, growling and maybe even lashing out just to get some space to adjust to the relationship. And if you do decide to stick with someone this cloying, aren't you a little tempted to take advantage of the situation. Beg for more treats, more attention, more of everything until they have lost patience and they snap and growl. And then blood and heart break ensue.

Work with your new rescue pup, but remember to give the new guy or gal a little space. Make sure they see you loving and respecting all the other members of the family. Set the example of the kind of behavior you expect. Let everyone adjust while setting the guidelines.

Rescuing a dog is a wonderful experience. Very rarely have I seen a dog sent back when everyone takes the time (new dog included) to learn to live with one another.

It's not easy and that is, of course, why you call me!

The charming dog in this photo is Sacha - 9 1/2 years old. Rescued from going to a kennel when he was a WILD 1 1/2 year old dog. We adore him. His nickname is King. It used to be G*&D#*%t Sacha.