Rescue questions..

[ms gale]

We just got approved that we can go ahead with the adoption process. We had 2 boys we had our heart set on but they both already adopted. There is a new boy who just got into the rescue that was going to be euthanized because he did not get along with the unfixed Boston Terrier in his house. The lady from the rescues said the first day in the kennel he is scared to death, and a ball full of nerves, and shaking!She feels that he should be brought to a calm home.
I would really like to have some words of encouragement and ideas. My husband and I are going to meet him, with Abbie(our almost 3yo female boxer) and see how things go.

 

[bucca]

just my opion but thats the dog i would probably take... i have a soft spot for dogs in that situation. imagine being pulled from your home and not knowing what is going on. poor baby. i hope it works out for you guys. its going to take some patience on everyones part but you already know that keep us posted on how it goes.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Could you maybe get set up to "foster to adopt" so you could foster him for a month or so and see how he pulls out of his shell and adapts and then if all goes well you can adopt him if not you can foster him until he finds a forever home? Most rescues have this option unfortunately not many people take them up on it, so just a thought.

Good luck!

 

[dafzichu]

Depending on how your visit goes with Abbie, you may want to ask about Fostering to Adopt like another poster advised. I think it is fairly common for dogs, especially Boxers, to be nervous in the kennel. The poor guy was just ripped away from everything he knew and dropped in a strange place with strange people, he probably would calm down in an environment he is more used to. I would say when you go to meet him, just keep an open mind and try to remember what he must be going through.

Just wondering if the rescue you are going through is approved here on BW?

 

[ladyluck_t]

Ok, guess I will put my 2 cents in, if you dont mind.

I worked in a local rescue for many years here in NM. I was the training and surrender coordinator.

Here are a few tips for you:
1. I would talk with the rescue and tell them that you are a little nervous with taking on this project, tell them the truth. They will most likely offer the foster to adopt, although some rescues do not do that.
2. Scared dogs will not show their true personalities for many weeks, so if you are willing to try, please know that to be fair to the dog, you should make the committment to keep him at the very least 2-3 months. Usually that is how long it takes to get a dog adopted.
3. It is very rewarding to watch a scared animal come out of his shell with your love and care
4. You do not want to baby this dog, he does not need sympathy, what he needs most is a calm and safe environment with clear, concise rules. Firm and fair is the best thing for him.
5. You will need to work on his confidence level most especially, and his arousal level. Dogs that are used to being afraid have a very low threshold with respect to their arousal levels, you just need to focus his training on raising that level.
6. There are places you can go for information and books that will help. I strongly recommend the following two, get them as soon as possible they will help alot with the initial transition
How to be the Leader of the Pack by Dr. Patricia McConnell
Cautious Canine by Dr. Patricia McConnell
both books will help you with his integration into the home.

I have worked with many frightened animals, and I would say about 99% of the time they successfully integrate into the new family, and the hardest thing is forgiving yourself for the other 1%. If the rescue is willing to place him at this time, they are pretty confident of him being in that 99% group. I know the rescues in PA, if it is the Boxer Rescue I know, then you are in good hands.

Good Luck with your decision....

 

[ms gale]

Thanks so much for all of your help. The home visit went well, we are going to meet him tomorrow. Depinging how things go, We will take Abbie to see him. The lady from the rescue that was here seems to think the he might have been abused. Does anyone have experience with this? Thanks for all of your input. I will keep you updated

 

[ms gale]

to dafzichu the rescue is approved by BW!

 

[dafzichu]

I have to ask, is the dog's name Piacasso? I am glad the homevisit went well and can't wait to hear how it goes when you meet him.

 

[EAO76]

I learned working in rescue & doing volunteer work for the SPCA that many dogs are scared but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have been abused. We in rescue sometimes like to jump to that conclusion but I would say more often than not the dog just has anxiety or was not socialized properly. My Rosco (who I personally raised since a pup) is the biggest “scaredy” you could meet but I know he hasn’t been abused. If he was in a shelter or taken away from us he would be exactly like how you have described this dog.

Good luck with your decision. It can be amazing to see a shy/ scared dog come out of their shell but it does sometimes take a while.

 

[ms gale]

Yes his name is Picasso! How did you know?? Any thoughts?