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198506 tn?1251156915

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Hi Everyone, Yesterday we adopted a 5 year old poodle mix from a rescue organization.  Scruffy is very sweet but I think he is missing his previous owner.  They had to give him up because they we not home enough to meet his needs.  He seems very scared, like perhaps he was mistreated at some point, his owner found him 2 years ago before that he was a stray.  Any suggestions on making his transition to our home easier?  I really do feel bad for the little guy.      
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514916 tn?1224518087
Whoo Hoo, thats great news!!! Congratulations on your new friend!!!
Helpful - 0
198506 tn?1251156915
Thanks everybody but I think we are the lucky ones in this deal, Scruffy is such a delight.  He had a much better night last night and he's been my shadow.  He still flinches when we go to pet him so we are very slow and deliberate in our movements.  It really breaks my heart to speculate about what this little guy has been through to make him so frightened.  We plan on making it up to him....he sure is loved.  I'll try to get a picture up as soon as my kids show me how to do it.      
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460185 tn?1326077772
I don't have to say anything - it's already been said  = )

It's great to see an adult dog like Scruffy get adopted by caring people.

I'm not too good with "uploading" pictures - had to find a ten year old to help me (that's right, a ten year old).  Would like to see some pictures of Scruffy.

lonewolf


Helpful - 0
514916 tn?1224518087
Thank you for your rescue, what a wonderful person you and your family are to rescue this lttle friend...He'll come around sooner or later....you'll see...his trust factor is scewed from living in different situations maybe bad or good...Give lots of TLC and have lots of patience w/Scruffy and the transition will take its course..I rescue and place...its a time frame....keep water/food/bowls in same location, sometimes they need the crate in house, but make the door stay open, till Scuffy not timid and comes out more freely and can relate...if you're a person who sleeps w/pets, let him sleep w/ you or put crate right next to your bed, so he feels the safe of you....reward after walks, reward after potty, reward when happy w/small treat to bring Scruffy around to your ways...
I admire you and know how difficult to adopt a prior history dog, but, usually the rescue dogs turn out to be the best pet you've ever owned....once they feel secure, they will love you with so much love and be your faithful friend forever....Good luck with your new guy and give Scruffy big hug for me....
I love people who rescue....and the animal world loves you too...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My Tiffy was a poodle......they are great little dogs.....take good care of her!  I AM SURE YOU WILL!
Helpful - 0
198506 tn?1251156915
I guess I'll have to leap into the ....what century is this....and learn how to upload pictures.  I guess I could have my 10 year old show me.  
Helpful - 0
198506 tn?1251156915
Thanks Suzi, the owner gave us his food bowl and a crate that he eats his food in. He slept in the owner's bed so I allowed him to sleep with us last night although he mostly was up and down and pacing around.  We also bought him a dog bed but he seems uninterested in that.  He sure likes to walk though, my father-in-law is out walking him now.  I guess he'll be good for me getting my exercise.  He really is a cute dog.      
Helpful - 0
172023 tn?1334672284
All those things are good things to do.

Be careful you don't nurture insecurity though.  Good long walks, play time, be the pack leader, and don't give attention to insecure behaviors.  If you nurture insecurity and anxious behaviors, you'll get more of them.

You'll do great!  Pictures!  We want pictures!

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh Happy, what a wonderful thing to do!  it actually is bringing tears to my eyes!  God bless Scruffy that he has such a wonderful home!

By any chance to you have a piece of material, toy, or "something" from the original owner that he can sleep with and hold onto like a security blanket?

I would also suggest picking a quiet corner in house to put his bed and soft blankets there for himself.  Somewhere cozy?  Maybe some soft music???
Helpful - 0
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