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Looking for advice on transitioning dog to the home
We have taken, for the time, a foster small dog that had been in a no-kill shelter for about a year, and while he had exercise walks, he was most of the time in a confinement area, one we didn't see. They bring dogs out based on their list, potential adopters do not tour the dog holding facility.
So, the little guy we brought home, about 15 pounds and perhaps 5 years old, has to be trained to deal with a home environment including toilet training. If interested you can see more about do in my post on Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix...it is still on the first page of MedHelp Dog Community.
We were set up with a loaner larger crate=cage that he is quite comfortable in (like home to him) and we have two leashes, one light an short for inside use and one longer and heavier for outside use. We were advised not to give him access to the house unless supervised. He happily plays with toys and walks around the house exploring smelling and, yep, trying to "mark".. twice so far, he's been here just short of 24 hours.
We didn't follow instructions on first bringing him home and after the first marking and outside walk we decided to let him off the leash inside. Turns out he is a lap dog and my wife who is weakened by Chemo spends a few hours in bed during the day to rest. So, yesterday afternoon the new dog spent some time on the bed with my wife and was very comforting to her, dog was quiet/well-mannered. Then I discovered the poop on the floor in our bedroom (different from the room my wife rests in) and so we decided we'd follow directions. He is getting "tons" more exercise and attention here than at the shelter and seems content to spend time in his crate with the door closed, right now and he can see me where I am typing now from his crate but for the moment is sleeping.
Looking for comments and ideas on our effort to transition the dog to full access to the house. We will let him out only on a leash for the foreseeable future. It is our custom and practice, however, to let our dogs run free on our property with is well of the nearest public road and is defined by woods and other natural "barriers" that dogs in our past have in general been willing to observe, i.e., stay in the approximately 2 acres of mowed areas around the house. Even our past Westie, a Terrier, was willing to stay on the described property. In the almost three years we enjoyed his company (he died in December due to a tumor) he never left the property - well not beyond chasing a White Tail Deer herd into the adjoining property, and then turning back to our property after a small violation of the property line, but I digress taking about our previous (loved) dog.
Advice and comments on the transition methods - Thanks, I've already gotten lots of sympathy on our loss of the Westie, not seeking more here and do appreciate the help on that subject already received.
So, the little guy we brought home, about 15 pounds and perhaps 5 years old, has to be trained to deal with a home environment including toilet training. If interested you can see more about do in my post on Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix...it is still on the first page of MedHelp Dog Community.
We were set up with a loaner larger crate=cage that he is quite comfortable in (like home to him) and we have two leashes, one light an short for inside use and one longer and heavier for outside use. We were advised not to give him access to the house unless supervised. He happily plays with toys and walks around the house exploring smelling and, yep, trying to "mark".. twice so far, he's been here just short of 24 hours.
We didn't follow instructions on first bringing him home and after the first marking and outside walk we decided to let him off the leash inside. Turns out he is a lap dog and my wife who is weakened by Chemo spends a few hours in bed during the day to rest. So, yesterday afternoon the new dog spent some time on the bed with my wife and was very comforting to her, dog was quiet/well-mannered. Then I discovered the poop on the floor in our bedroom (different from the room my wife rests in) and so we decided we'd follow directions. He is getting "tons" more exercise and attention here than at the shelter and seems content to spend time in his crate with the door closed, right now and he can see me where I am typing now from his crate but for the moment is sleeping.
Looking for comments and ideas on our effort to transition the dog to full access to the house. We will let him out only on a leash for the foreseeable future. It is our custom and practice, however, to let our dogs run free on our property with is well of the nearest public road and is defined by woods and other natural "barriers" that dogs in our past have in general been willing to observe, i.e., stay in the approximately 2 acres of mowed areas around the house. Even our past Westie, a Terrier, was willing to stay on the described property. In the almost three years we enjoyed his company (he died in December due to a tumor) he never left the property - well not beyond chasing a White Tail Deer herd into the adjoining property, and then turning back to our property after a small violation of the property line, but I digress taking about our previous (loved) dog.
Advice and comments on the transition methods - Thanks, I've already gotten lots of sympathy on our loss of the Westie, not seeking more here and do appreciate the help on that subject already received.
Yes, but Jasper seems to prefer my lap to even the day-bed. We don't let him sleep on our bed, which has a supper thick mattress and I figure he can't get up there... then last night (he had decided to sleep in the walk-in closet near the door on some old cloths I had piled on the floor) went I got the call at 3 AM I returned to see him in a little ball on the bed where I had left the cover back.. must have still been warm from me. I put him back on the floor and he returned to the closet to sleep until I got up at about 7:30 AM, and 9 degrees outside.
My wife is recovering from a series of radiation treatments and it can take weeks for the fatigue side-effect to pass. So she is sleeping about 18 hours a day... but Jasper does like to get on her day bed and lay on her lap as see always sleeps on her back.
The main reason I took Jasper as a Foster is I don't know how human health will affect my ability to care for him... I know warm weather and a fenced area (may put up a temporary pen outside about 25' x 12' along one side of the garage, east side) and will be able to put him outside... fail that I can get a good harness and put him on a line... not to leave him out but to be able to put him out to do his business while I take care of other issues here inside and outside the house. Our dear little Wilson (big compared to Jasper) was a free sole and not fence or line was needed. But I kept an eye on him too because of concern about him being taken for "dinner" by some larger animal... suppose even a large bird of prey could do a lot of damage even if it couldn't pick the dog up... but I worry too much.
I don't mind the cold weather as long as we continue to have electricity. Now Jasper and I are sitting in the Living Room near a wood stove fireplace insert with the room at about 74 F and the sun streaming in through the western windows.
Hope health for you and family, including pets is going toward better each day. I have reached the state where "each day" is the time-frame I best consider.
My wife is recovering from a series of radiation treatments and it can take weeks for the fatigue side-effect to pass. So she is sleeping about 18 hours a day... but Jasper does like to get on her day bed and lay on her lap as see always sleeps on her back.
The main reason I took Jasper as a Foster is I don't know how human health will affect my ability to care for him... I know warm weather and a fenced area (may put up a temporary pen outside about 25' x 12' along one side of the garage, east side) and will be able to put him outside... fail that I can get a good harness and put him on a line... not to leave him out but to be able to put him out to do his business while I take care of other issues here inside and outside the house. Our dear little Wilson (big compared to Jasper) was a free sole and not fence or line was needed. But I kept an eye on him too because of concern about him being taken for "dinner" by some larger animal... suppose even a large bird of prey could do a lot of damage even if it couldn't pick the dog up... but I worry too much.
I don't mind the cold weather as long as we continue to have electricity. Now Jasper and I are sitting in the Living Room near a wood stove fireplace insert with the room at about 74 F and the sun streaming in through the western windows.
Hope health for you and family, including pets is going toward better each day. I have reached the state where "each day" is the time-frame I best consider.
Ah, good to hear, as long as he can be trusted all night outside his crate. Does he still lay with your wife too? How is she liking him?
Do not envy you that cold!! Ok, if he tolerates it but I would keep an eye on his feet.
Beautiful and sunny here in CA. San Diego was in the 80's!
Don't shoot me, just the messenger.
Do not envy you that cold!! Ok, if he tolerates it but I would keep an eye on his feet.
Beautiful and sunny here in CA. San Diego was in the 80's!
Don't shoot me, just the messenger.
Still holding, Jasper has slept outside his crate on his bed or a wing-back chair in the MBR the last four nights.. He is quiet all night and happy to see me get up...the he gets up.
This has required a couple of walks about a mile long, not easy in this NJ weather..but we are getting off easy compared to north of here. He seems to have a strong tolerance to cold, he walks without a coat at 15 degrees for 20 minutes with no sign of discomfort. He is a short hair Chi. I understand he was rescued from an owner who left Jasper tied outside in bad weather. Jasper has a healthy coat, rather thick on his chest and neck. suppose that helps dealing with the cold. He does love a warm lap to lie on nonetheless.
This has required a couple of walks about a mile long, not easy in this NJ weather..but we are getting off easy compared to north of here. He seems to have a strong tolerance to cold, he walks without a coat at 15 degrees for 20 minutes with no sign of discomfort. He is a short hair Chi. I understand he was rescued from an owner who left Jasper tied outside in bad weather. Jasper has a healthy coat, rather thick on his chest and neck. suppose that helps dealing with the cold. He does love a warm lap to lie on nonetheless.
Well, Conclusion may be a stretch, but as we hit one month our little foster Chi has gone two weeks without any accidents inside that I can find. That's not to say he doesn't make any mistakes, he still gets too excited and too intimidated and that results in some dribbling.
We have had a lot of tough cold and icy weather here in NJ, but with an effort I have made sure Jasper gets a mile walk once a day, and that is when he does his BM. In nicer weather the 1 mile walk is good for me, but if an old guy like be goes down on the ice, it may be the end of my being able to take care of a dog. For completeness, Jasper has gone 48 hours between BM a couple of times when the weather was just too rough for the 1 mile walk.
So, besides the extra diligence to provide long walks, does two weeks without any pooping in the house give me reason to extend more trust... ? Maybe let him sleep outside his crate at night. He'd like to sleep in our bed, but I don't plan on going to that but I'd like to have him sleep in our bedroom in his own (a Wilson hand down) bed on the floor. He does some playing with toys and lying in the sun light coming in the windows, otherwise he focuses on being on my lap or on the day bed my wife uses to rest.
We're still working on clearing his fears of being stuck in a shelter month after month with no one taking any adoption interest in him. I know there are other dogs suffering the same fate, it is sad but I suppose it is better than what the kill shelters have in store. But I'm not sure. A loving breed like the chihuahua just needs a lot of human contact... most dogs need a pack to live with. Having dogs next door in another pen doesn't satisfy the needs. I may try to volunteer at the shelter to walk dogs or something to help unwanted dogs get some human attention. I know the staff and volunteers work on that, but they are too few to fill the gap, I think,.
We will likely adopt him, can't put him back in the shelter, but health problems make taking care of him long term a uncertain goal.
We have had a lot of tough cold and icy weather here in NJ, but with an effort I have made sure Jasper gets a mile walk once a day, and that is when he does his BM. In nicer weather the 1 mile walk is good for me, but if an old guy like be goes down on the ice, it may be the end of my being able to take care of a dog. For completeness, Jasper has gone 48 hours between BM a couple of times when the weather was just too rough for the 1 mile walk.
So, besides the extra diligence to provide long walks, does two weeks without any pooping in the house give me reason to extend more trust... ? Maybe let him sleep outside his crate at night. He'd like to sleep in our bed, but I don't plan on going to that but I'd like to have him sleep in our bedroom in his own (a Wilson hand down) bed on the floor. He does some playing with toys and lying in the sun light coming in the windows, otherwise he focuses on being on my lap or on the day bed my wife uses to rest.
We're still working on clearing his fears of being stuck in a shelter month after month with no one taking any adoption interest in him. I know there are other dogs suffering the same fate, it is sad but I suppose it is better than what the kill shelters have in store. But I'm not sure. A loving breed like the chihuahua just needs a lot of human contact... most dogs need a pack to live with. Having dogs next door in another pen doesn't satisfy the needs. I may try to volunteer at the shelter to walk dogs or something to help unwanted dogs get some human attention. I know the staff and volunteers work on that, but they are too few to fill the gap, I think,.
We will likely adopt him, can't put him back in the shelter, but health problems make taking care of him long term a uncertain goal.
For those following along to help/advise and just to learn I provide an update.
1) is a work in progress, but with a lot of personal time and effort is improving
2) Wednesday. last once outside, then inside, go figure
2) Thursday, no poop
3) Friday, once outside on long walk of about 1 mile on a paved road, soft shoulder area, about 10:30 AM or 48 hours. Only down side was it was near a train crossing and the train came at just the wrong time, blowing its loud horn just as Jasper was finishing...and I was readying to provide reward. His reward was I picked him up and put him against my chest with my back toward the tracks until the long freight train had passed.
4) Saturday, today, once outside at 1:30 PM. Today saw the long walk of yesterday, then some food, then another long walk around house and finally another walk after a brief car ride and a little over half done with another 1 miles walk when without warning he dumped in the middle of the road. Well we'll work on manners later. We were out in the country so I just swept the job to the grass side of the road.
5) now 3:30 PM Jasper is resting with my wife and I have my fingers crossed. Clearly he has gone outside but given the amount of time we spent outside I am less than confident it was more than a coincidence
Another interesting point, data: Jasper appears to be nearly a full blooded Chihuahua, large short hair. He has a heavy coat around the neck/chest, but full hair on back and elsewhere looks like "one" layer, I know Chi is not a double coat. Yet, we walked, in the sunshine, this morning for at least 20 minutes and about 1 mile and he never showed any signs of being cold. His is a serious walker, so he was working up some body heat for both of us. I have to look at the good side of this time spent getting him outside, I am getting exercise too. That and a small effort to cut back on sweets and I have lost about 3 pounds since Jasper joined us, will be two weeks next Monday.
4) F
1) is a work in progress, but with a lot of personal time and effort is improving
2) Wednesday. last once outside, then inside, go figure
2) Thursday, no poop
3) Friday, once outside on long walk of about 1 mile on a paved road, soft shoulder area, about 10:30 AM or 48 hours. Only down side was it was near a train crossing and the train came at just the wrong time, blowing its loud horn just as Jasper was finishing...and I was readying to provide reward. His reward was I picked him up and put him against my chest with my back toward the tracks until the long freight train had passed.
4) Saturday, today, once outside at 1:30 PM. Today saw the long walk of yesterday, then some food, then another long walk around house and finally another walk after a brief car ride and a little over half done with another 1 miles walk when without warning he dumped in the middle of the road. Well we'll work on manners later. We were out in the country so I just swept the job to the grass side of the road.
5) now 3:30 PM Jasper is resting with my wife and I have my fingers crossed. Clearly he has gone outside but given the amount of time we spent outside I am less than confident it was more than a coincidence
Another interesting point, data: Jasper appears to be nearly a full blooded Chihuahua, large short hair. He has a heavy coat around the neck/chest, but full hair on back and elsewhere looks like "one" layer, I know Chi is not a double coat. Yet, we walked, in the sunshine, this morning for at least 20 minutes and about 1 mile and he never showed any signs of being cold. His is a serious walker, so he was working up some body heat for both of us. I have to look at the good side of this time spent getting him outside, I am getting exercise too. That and a small effort to cut back on sweets and I have lost about 3 pounds since Jasper joined us, will be two weeks next Monday.
4) F
Jerry THERE ARE two types of coat on a Chihuahua, the smooth coat
which Jasper has and the long coat,if Jasper was a long coat you might think he was mixed with a Pom ...most people don't know about the long coat or think it is a different breed.
I did get your picture thank you...
We are on the east side of the state,different climate than over the big hill
( mountain) where Medford,Grants Pass is they have weathr more like CA.
I understand now,I think you are right IF it was meant to be you will end up
bringing Pista home or maybe it will work for him to have a different forever
home....gotcha.
So far as Jasper's under bite hey just give him a special personality...love
has nothing to do with teeth!
Seattle huh, our daughter lives in Vancouver WA I've been to Seattle several times delivering new cars for car dealerships beautiful up there
but we like the nice blanket of white down our way ( snow) sad thing is we
haven't had much in the past 3 years.
Keep up the good work,stay patient and Jasper will come around.
Jan
which Jasper has and the long coat,if Jasper was a long coat you might think he was mixed with a Pom ...most people don't know about the long coat or think it is a different breed.
I did get your picture thank you...
We are on the east side of the state,different climate than over the big hill
( mountain) where Medford,Grants Pass is they have weathr more like CA.
I understand now,I think you are right IF it was meant to be you will end up
bringing Pista home or maybe it will work for him to have a different forever
home....gotcha.
So far as Jasper's under bite hey just give him a special personality...love
has nothing to do with teeth!
Seattle huh, our daughter lives in Vancouver WA I've been to Seattle several times delivering new cars for car dealerships beautiful up there
but we like the nice blanket of white down our way ( snow) sad thing is we
haven't had much in the past 3 years.
Keep up the good work,stay patient and Jasper will come around.
Jan
Thanks, I sent a picture of Pistachio via personal email. Both he and Jasper have a white undercoat (as you know the Chi doesn't have two types of coat, just a mixture of colors) with a sand/tan overcoat. On Pista it looks a bit like a broad "dorsal strip" found on many Westies.
The only decision we have made on Pista is go slow. If he gets adopted, then that's the answer (that seems to be what happened to Aspen, another Westie mix I keep bringing up.... he has some skin allergies). Pista is scheduled for a neutering on February 5, best I can recall. There is also a woman in VA who planned on driving to NJ this coming weekend, seems she really wants Pista. She had to cancel the trip but may yet get him. I may just be taking the pressure off myself by think if "province" wants me to have Pista, no one else will adopt him. I am almost certain he will not linger long, no fear in my mind he will end up spending his life in a shelter...his foster life is much like his forever home, just it isn't forever.
I will bring the subject up again with my wife, she liked the video saying only he looked like his hair was thin. The foster mom says he does not have any allergies. I think a professional grooming wold make Pista real "spiffy".
Also, we have two neighbor dog coming over for our care in early February, for a few days. They used to live "next door" but now live about 25 miles form here and had moved before we adopted Wilson. But they (labradoodle and goldendoodle) and Wilson got along just fine, they pretty much ignored each other, both are younger, one may be 8 the other 4 and they play together, including moc-fighting, which on occasion worried Wilson and he would jump in, in an aggressive manner and the other two dogs would scatter.with a worried look. They were just playing, I think Wilson wasn't, never mind he was much smaller... he was, after all, a Terrier that liked to put the run a herd of White Tail Deer... even a Buck with several points on its rack. I tried to prevent that from happening by running the Buck off myself... but if Wilson got ahead of me the Buck would turn and run. Wilson's bark sounded like a much larger dog.
You mention frozen ground, Klamath, OR ... I lived in Seattle for about 8 years and graduated from the U of W, a BSEE. I have visited Klamath once. South East side of state and some elevation, colder. We were looking around for a place to settle after I retired. We never moved, stayed in NJ after retirement. Now we don't want to change doctors... always some reason not to move, and I hate the idea of moving...we can always visit when my wife feels better. We now even get visits from our two children...used to be we saw them only when we were in California. Wife spend a few weeks a year in CA. She always went there with me too when I went on business. Well not always, I lectured a few times at Stanford U and that was more an overnight trip, then back to NJ.
Closing with a question on Jasper, he has what I'd call an "under bite" his lower fangs stick out a little when his mouth is closed.. the overlap the top lip a little bit. His top fangs (incisors?) are further back in the jaw, which I think is typical of all dogs. Doesn't seem to be a problem and is in my eye a cute.
The only decision we have made on Pista is go slow. If he gets adopted, then that's the answer (that seems to be what happened to Aspen, another Westie mix I keep bringing up.... he has some skin allergies). Pista is scheduled for a neutering on February 5, best I can recall. There is also a woman in VA who planned on driving to NJ this coming weekend, seems she really wants Pista. She had to cancel the trip but may yet get him. I may just be taking the pressure off myself by think if "province" wants me to have Pista, no one else will adopt him. I am almost certain he will not linger long, no fear in my mind he will end up spending his life in a shelter...his foster life is much like his forever home, just it isn't forever.
I will bring the subject up again with my wife, she liked the video saying only he looked like his hair was thin. The foster mom says he does not have any allergies. I think a professional grooming wold make Pista real "spiffy".
Also, we have two neighbor dog coming over for our care in early February, for a few days. They used to live "next door" but now live about 25 miles form here and had moved before we adopted Wilson. But they (labradoodle and goldendoodle) and Wilson got along just fine, they pretty much ignored each other, both are younger, one may be 8 the other 4 and they play together, including moc-fighting, which on occasion worried Wilson and he would jump in, in an aggressive manner and the other two dogs would scatter.with a worried look. They were just playing, I think Wilson wasn't, never mind he was much smaller... he was, after all, a Terrier that liked to put the run a herd of White Tail Deer... even a Buck with several points on its rack. I tried to prevent that from happening by running the Buck off myself... but if Wilson got ahead of me the Buck would turn and run. Wilson's bark sounded like a much larger dog.
You mention frozen ground, Klamath, OR ... I lived in Seattle for about 8 years and graduated from the U of W, a BSEE. I have visited Klamath once. South East side of state and some elevation, colder. We were looking around for a place to settle after I retired. We never moved, stayed in NJ after retirement. Now we don't want to change doctors... always some reason not to move, and I hate the idea of moving...we can always visit when my wife feels better. We now even get visits from our two children...used to be we saw them only when we were in California. Wife spend a few weeks a year in CA. She always went there with me too when I went on business. Well not always, I lectured a few times at Stanford U and that was more an overnight trip, then back to NJ.
Closing with a question on Jasper, he has what I'd call an "under bite" his lower fangs stick out a little when his mouth is closed.. the overlap the top lip a little bit. His top fangs (incisors?) are further back in the jaw, which I think is typical of all dogs. Doesn't seem to be a problem and is in my eye a cute.
Hey Jerry, I guess then you have considered everything and made your
choice that Jasper will remain an "only child" and if that's what you feel is best for you guys then I think that's great!
Well there were a couple of people interested in Roman ( the Rott) but
they were younger guys and they wanted a tough looking and mean
acting dog...thank heavens they stated this to the shelter.
Roman is NOT mean, I have not found a mean or strong prey drive in
him, in fact we were warned he would lunge at the smaller dogs who
went by his cage so because we have small dogs BE CAREFUL! The
way we are set up here we have a foot fence out in front ( about 1/2 acre)
and a side yard they big guys go into at night. They have a 10X12 room
that is insulated and heated, a feather bed mattress and a fouton (sp?)to
sleep on, a side yard that is around 1/4 acre with a 6 foot fence. There
is a gate off the side yard that comes into the back yard then a second
fence after that that's only 3 foot tall, the little ones only run in the back
yard. Since we have little ones the 3 foot fence was enough to keep them
out of the area as there is a fish pond there so really there is a double
fenced area.( they even have a radio on all the time so they don't hear
every little noise) They run in the front all day, go for walks 3 times a day
and we play throw the BIG tennis ball and stuffed toys 2 times a day, they
are loose in the driveway area (closed in)with Ben and he's outside a lot in the garage most of the day so they run or lay and watch him...I only walk
them and play with them so I get the best part.
STUPID ME, I was going to go out the door off the bedroom and my 'lil
3-1/2 pound Chi Mouse was in the bedroom, I didn't see him follow me in
( will not do that again I promise you!) well Mr. I AM AS BIG AS ANY DOG
OUT THERE, ran out the door into the front....my heart fell...then I ran!
Cal ( Greyhound has NO prey drive) but Roman...OH CRAP...well the race
was on, I got close to Mouse and he'd run, Roman after him, Mouse stop
Roman stop, forget Mouse I grabbed Roman's collar and he sat beside me
Ben came out ( after I pounded on the window) and got Mouse. I know in
my heart if Roman had been vicious or nasty he had the chance to do
serious damage, I believe he wanted to play. I ALSO KNOW even in play
there could have been dire circumstances with a jump or misstep a real
terrible accident because I....I...made a very stupid mistake.
Then you have Mouse, toy breeds always know they are as big if not bigger
than a large dog, they know no fear ( crazy dogs) so beware when you're
out walking Jasper.
DO YOU KNOW what his name was before(?) no matter with love and
lots of treats he will learn his new name...
Need I say the two will never meet again...I also doubt Roman was acting
vicious towards the dogs who walked by his cage at the shelter, he is 18
months old he's still a puppy. The stunt at the shelter threw him into a back
cage of solitary confinement way in the back of the shelter.
Ben is now rebuilding part of our solid cedar fencing, Cal doesn't jump up
on the fences at all ( Greyhound) but Roman does so low areas are all
getting raised with higher fence. We already plan to have a chain link fence
put in this year ( when the ground thaws enough to dig post holes and put
in cement but now we've found out we need to raise the height across the
front...what the heck can't take it with you huh?! (well unless you put it in
travelers checks HA!)
We already had a Rott we'd adopted from the shelter several years ago
so they knew we'd had one before, Zina was 13 when she left us last year
and as I told you, Cal has not been the same, he's been quiet and lost,
didn't even like his walks, eating less just laying didn't want to play toss
the stuffed animals anymore.( and he has about 20 stuffed babies out
there we used to play fetch with...Roman found them right away)
(maybe he thought HIS Zena was back when Roman came...same dog)
although he's a bit smaller, she was 123 pounds of course he still has a
bit of growing and filling out to do yet.When they had a meet and greet
it was like Zena was back and Roman took to Cal right away, even drank
out of the same water dish at the shelter in the big yard so...win-win.
I often wonder too what about the big guys at the shelter as some have
been there a long time but most there are herding dogs not good for us
older folks...but...this is a no kill shelter and that's a blessing.
It was OUR treasure to adopt Roman and bring him home and then today
Cal was RUNNING and playing again with Roman so it was good for him
maybe we brought some happiness to him again?
Keep up the good work Jerry, Jasper IS starting to feel safe and seems to be getting settled, a bit of time and he will reward you with the love and
companionship and commitment you have been missing.
I did read your posts on little Wilson, I want you to know you that YOU
both were a treasure in his life and he was so lucky to have found you, I
have a little Yorkie here with horrific allergies so I know first hand what
a challenge that can be trying to find the right answer...you sure did well
above and beyond what 99% of others would have done he was blessed
to have you( as you were him)and your wife as his family. I don't know if
there are any answers to allergies in our fur kids and it kills me to know
what I am doing to Harley trying to bring him peace from his allergies, if
I can ease it I guess that is the answer...the lesser of two evils???
I know you miss Wilson and don't mean to bring back the pain for you
but you should know that he is still with you in your heart and I think he
is looking down with love and appreciation, as long as he remains in your
heart and memories. (try to think of all the wonderful times when you get
sad) maybe now is your time to make NEW memories huh?
I hope your wife is feeling better, it's very hard what she is going through
now and she is in my thoughts and prayers, I have a dear friend who is
also going through Chemo but she's alone so I try to be there with her
part of the day and take her food, as do Mary and Kathy so someone is
close and she doesn't cook or need to pick up the house...she has enough
just getting strong again.
Jan
choice that Jasper will remain an "only child" and if that's what you feel is best for you guys then I think that's great!
Well there were a couple of people interested in Roman ( the Rott) but
they were younger guys and they wanted a tough looking and mean
acting dog...thank heavens they stated this to the shelter.
Roman is NOT mean, I have not found a mean or strong prey drive in
him, in fact we were warned he would lunge at the smaller dogs who
went by his cage so because we have small dogs BE CAREFUL! The
way we are set up here we have a foot fence out in front ( about 1/2 acre)
and a side yard they big guys go into at night. They have a 10X12 room
that is insulated and heated, a feather bed mattress and a fouton (sp?)to
sleep on, a side yard that is around 1/4 acre with a 6 foot fence. There
is a gate off the side yard that comes into the back yard then a second
fence after that that's only 3 foot tall, the little ones only run in the back
yard. Since we have little ones the 3 foot fence was enough to keep them
out of the area as there is a fish pond there so really there is a double
fenced area.( they even have a radio on all the time so they don't hear
every little noise) They run in the front all day, go for walks 3 times a day
and we play throw the BIG tennis ball and stuffed toys 2 times a day, they
are loose in the driveway area (closed in)with Ben and he's outside a lot in the garage most of the day so they run or lay and watch him...I only walk
them and play with them so I get the best part.
STUPID ME, I was going to go out the door off the bedroom and my 'lil
3-1/2 pound Chi Mouse was in the bedroom, I didn't see him follow me in
( will not do that again I promise you!) well Mr. I AM AS BIG AS ANY DOG
OUT THERE, ran out the door into the front....my heart fell...then I ran!
Cal ( Greyhound has NO prey drive) but Roman...OH CRAP...well the race
was on, I got close to Mouse and he'd run, Roman after him, Mouse stop
Roman stop, forget Mouse I grabbed Roman's collar and he sat beside me
Ben came out ( after I pounded on the window) and got Mouse. I know in
my heart if Roman had been vicious or nasty he had the chance to do
serious damage, I believe he wanted to play. I ALSO KNOW even in play
there could have been dire circumstances with a jump or misstep a real
terrible accident because I....I...made a very stupid mistake.
Then you have Mouse, toy breeds always know they are as big if not bigger
than a large dog, they know no fear ( crazy dogs) so beware when you're
out walking Jasper.
DO YOU KNOW what his name was before(?) no matter with love and
lots of treats he will learn his new name...
Need I say the two will never meet again...I also doubt Roman was acting
vicious towards the dogs who walked by his cage at the shelter, he is 18
months old he's still a puppy. The stunt at the shelter threw him into a back
cage of solitary confinement way in the back of the shelter.
Ben is now rebuilding part of our solid cedar fencing, Cal doesn't jump up
on the fences at all ( Greyhound) but Roman does so low areas are all
getting raised with higher fence. We already plan to have a chain link fence
put in this year ( when the ground thaws enough to dig post holes and put
in cement but now we've found out we need to raise the height across the
front...what the heck can't take it with you huh?! (well unless you put it in
travelers checks HA!)
We already had a Rott we'd adopted from the shelter several years ago
so they knew we'd had one before, Zina was 13 when she left us last year
and as I told you, Cal has not been the same, he's been quiet and lost,
didn't even like his walks, eating less just laying didn't want to play toss
the stuffed animals anymore.( and he has about 20 stuffed babies out
there we used to play fetch with...Roman found them right away)
(maybe he thought HIS Zena was back when Roman came...same dog)
although he's a bit smaller, she was 123 pounds of course he still has a
bit of growing and filling out to do yet.When they had a meet and greet
it was like Zena was back and Roman took to Cal right away, even drank
out of the same water dish at the shelter in the big yard so...win-win.
I often wonder too what about the big guys at the shelter as some have
been there a long time but most there are herding dogs not good for us
older folks...but...this is a no kill shelter and that's a blessing.
It was OUR treasure to adopt Roman and bring him home and then today
Cal was RUNNING and playing again with Roman so it was good for him
maybe we brought some happiness to him again?
Keep up the good work Jerry, Jasper IS starting to feel safe and seems to be getting settled, a bit of time and he will reward you with the love and
companionship and commitment you have been missing.
I did read your posts on little Wilson, I want you to know you that YOU
both were a treasure in his life and he was so lucky to have found you, I
have a little Yorkie here with horrific allergies so I know first hand what
a challenge that can be trying to find the right answer...you sure did well
above and beyond what 99% of others would have done he was blessed
to have you( as you were him)and your wife as his family. I don't know if
there are any answers to allergies in our fur kids and it kills me to know
what I am doing to Harley trying to bring him peace from his allergies, if
I can ease it I guess that is the answer...the lesser of two evils???
I know you miss Wilson and don't mean to bring back the pain for you
but you should know that he is still with you in your heart and I think he
is looking down with love and appreciation, as long as he remains in your
heart and memories. (try to think of all the wonderful times when you get
sad) maybe now is your time to make NEW memories huh?
I hope your wife is feeling better, it's very hard what she is going through
now and she is in my thoughts and prayers, I have a dear friend who is
also going through Chemo but she's alone so I try to be there with her
part of the day and take her food, as do Mary and Kathy so someone is
close and she doesn't cook or need to pick up the house...she has enough
just getting strong again.
Jan
Thanks again for your open heart felt sharing, I think all who read will benefit. Pistachio, is a puppy well a young adult est at about 2. He looks very active in the video the rescue worker sent me.
I we didn't already have Jasper I think Pista would be on the way home with us - we have already filled the required paper work. At the time we were interested in a dg named Aspen - a similar mix, but with the Westie tail but floppy ears. Pisia is the other way around, and smaller. .
Thank for adopting larger dogs. when I see them I wonder what chance they have. We loved our big golden, but he was a big baby.
I we didn't already have Jasper I think Pista would be on the way home with us - we have already filled the required paper work. At the time we were interested in a dg named Aspen - a similar mix, but with the Westie tail but floppy ears. Pisia is the other way around, and smaller. .
Thank for adopting larger dogs. when I see them I wonder what chance they have. We loved our big golden, but he was a big baby.
The canned food also assures Jasper IS getting the moisture he needs
and I find mine tend to want to drink more water, it's a win, win situation
for me.
I understand what you meant by Wilson was going to be your last fur kid
so we're in the same age bracket as you BUT while I think of that I also
tend to look at the fact that only the Good Lord knows when I get to go
home. I believe there is a master plan and while I have no control over
the outcome I can do the best I can with every day I am given here and
let the rest take care the future. I mean I could walk across a street or
get on my motorcycle and that could be my last day I don't know. I try
to think of each individual day, if I find something that makes me happy
and it causes no harm to others then I go for it and enjoy it fully...EACH
DAY is a gift so I treasure it and live and enjoy it.
I went back ( through this manuscript HA!) but didn't find the age of the
Westie/Schnauzer what was the age again?
IF you and your wife think the little one would work well with Jasper and
you believe this is something that would bring joy and happiness to your
lives I say go for it. Might be a good thing for Jasper, he might well follow
the lead of another dog and do his business where and when the other
dog does. You need to realize this will be TWO you will have to watch
all the time for awhile (even a housebroke dog can regress in a new
home until they learn YOUR ROUTINE.
I only had one person on my puppy list who reserved ONE puppy and
when they got here had to take the sister too, I reminded them as I will
now remind you.
1) you will have two to exercise and two to watch ALL the time.
2) they may bond to each other and listen LESS to you as their will be
competition and they will want to play with each other rather than focus
on what you want.
3) there will be veterinary costs for two should a problem come up.
4) there will be food for two
5) a second crate, harness and lead will be needed.
6) it will be like having two twin babies to care for, trust me what one does
no think of the other will, EVERTHING will be doubled.
7) one will go in one direction and one in the other and where one goes
the other will follow.
They DID take both home, I did get a call 2 months later and they could
just not give enough attention to both, they brought the second choice
back to me. That was fine because I had a "first right of refusal" in my
puppy contract, I stressed I did not need a reason if it doesn't work it was
just not meant to be. I already had a couple who missed out that was on
my waiting list, I had a home already and it all was for the best, these folks
had waited for over a year ( I only bred my dams once a year) so they'd
be waiting another year...everyone was happy.
This of course is not the same ( breeder/ shelter)
YOU KNOW what you can and can't do, YOU KNOW in your heart IF it
can work and like I said, love and enjoy life, each single day if this is
what you and your wife feel is good...forget the "what if" and enjoy and
go for it.
I won't even tell you how many fur kids I have here, I will say I have boys
here no one wanted because they were boys,I kept my breeding females
as well as my studs and altered all of them, my "Old Lady" is the last of
my Yorkie girls, the others, males included have all crossed over.I kept them when I retired from breeding, many breeders do not they place
them. (if they can't use them they don't need them, it's a common practice)
Instead of putting them in homes ( this was ALWAYS their home first) I
am now looking at a group who are getting very old, except for four who
are younger which we bought or rescued. I will say that when Ben and
I sit on the floor I have a LOT OF LOVE running to me and that's great for
me BUT I am used to a "group pack." I can throw balls or toys for several
as well as I can one, I can and do walk 4 at a time...AND...we just adopted
a Rott for a companion for our Greyhound,we wanted him he was sitting in
the shelter for over 7 months, no one wanted a Rottweiler or if they did
it was for the WRONG reasons the shelter wouldn't let him go. SO I know it's possible to have more than one, it's a mind set YOU KNOW what you can do and what you have to offer and give.
BUT I also know for many it is not feasible or possible but that's ok, it is
really YOUR DECISION, and YOUR CHOICE Jerry, you and your wife
will know....what is right....now what makes you happy???
Jan
and I find mine tend to want to drink more water, it's a win, win situation
for me.
I understand what you meant by Wilson was going to be your last fur kid
so we're in the same age bracket as you BUT while I think of that I also
tend to look at the fact that only the Good Lord knows when I get to go
home. I believe there is a master plan and while I have no control over
the outcome I can do the best I can with every day I am given here and
let the rest take care the future. I mean I could walk across a street or
get on my motorcycle and that could be my last day I don't know. I try
to think of each individual day, if I find something that makes me happy
and it causes no harm to others then I go for it and enjoy it fully...EACH
DAY is a gift so I treasure it and live and enjoy it.
I went back ( through this manuscript HA!) but didn't find the age of the
Westie/Schnauzer what was the age again?
IF you and your wife think the little one would work well with Jasper and
you believe this is something that would bring joy and happiness to your
lives I say go for it. Might be a good thing for Jasper, he might well follow
the lead of another dog and do his business where and when the other
dog does. You need to realize this will be TWO you will have to watch
all the time for awhile (even a housebroke dog can regress in a new
home until they learn YOUR ROUTINE.
I only had one person on my puppy list who reserved ONE puppy and
when they got here had to take the sister too, I reminded them as I will
now remind you.
1) you will have two to exercise and two to watch ALL the time.
2) they may bond to each other and listen LESS to you as their will be
competition and they will want to play with each other rather than focus
on what you want.
3) there will be veterinary costs for two should a problem come up.
4) there will be food for two
5) a second crate, harness and lead will be needed.
6) it will be like having two twin babies to care for, trust me what one does
no think of the other will, EVERTHING will be doubled.
7) one will go in one direction and one in the other and where one goes
the other will follow.
They DID take both home, I did get a call 2 months later and they could
just not give enough attention to both, they brought the second choice
back to me. That was fine because I had a "first right of refusal" in my
puppy contract, I stressed I did not need a reason if it doesn't work it was
just not meant to be. I already had a couple who missed out that was on
my waiting list, I had a home already and it all was for the best, these folks
had waited for over a year ( I only bred my dams once a year) so they'd
be waiting another year...everyone was happy.
This of course is not the same ( breeder/ shelter)
YOU KNOW what you can and can't do, YOU KNOW in your heart IF it
can work and like I said, love and enjoy life, each single day if this is
what you and your wife feel is good...forget the "what if" and enjoy and
go for it.
I won't even tell you how many fur kids I have here, I will say I have boys
here no one wanted because they were boys,I kept my breeding females
as well as my studs and altered all of them, my "Old Lady" is the last of
my Yorkie girls, the others, males included have all crossed over.I kept them when I retired from breeding, many breeders do not they place
them. (if they can't use them they don't need them, it's a common practice)
Instead of putting them in homes ( this was ALWAYS their home first) I
am now looking at a group who are getting very old, except for four who
are younger which we bought or rescued. I will say that when Ben and
I sit on the floor I have a LOT OF LOVE running to me and that's great for
me BUT I am used to a "group pack." I can throw balls or toys for several
as well as I can one, I can and do walk 4 at a time...AND...we just adopted
a Rott for a companion for our Greyhound,we wanted him he was sitting in
the shelter for over 7 months, no one wanted a Rottweiler or if they did
it was for the WRONG reasons the shelter wouldn't let him go. SO I know it's possible to have more than one, it's a mind set YOU KNOW what you can do and what you have to offer and give.
BUT I also know for many it is not feasible or possible but that's ok, it is
really YOUR DECISION, and YOUR CHOICE Jerry, you and your wife
will know....what is right....now what makes you happy???
Jan
"done a lot of submissive body language before I can get him to come out, me lying on the floor talking to him with a soft voice, training his "name" and "come"... LAUGHING HERE oh my gosh I have been in that same
position more than once, I call that "plan B"
Don't assume Jasper is "good for 24 hours" it may well be he was a bit
"blocked" from the new home transition, I realize he's been kind of lax on
a routine but most dogs once they learn to relax in their environment will
get into a more regular schedule.
But you're also right I believe as you that the little guy was pretty well full
so there you go, BM #2 and I'm hoping maybe if you keep on a set routine
out when he wakes up, about 5 minutes after he eats, when he plays then
the minute he stops playing right outside again Jasper should start to figure it out better.
It's also clear that he needs a little more time before he can be trusted to
be free in his home alone constant supervision is needed to try avoid any
further mistakes. It is hard I know, after having Wilson who WAS reliable
in the house, one tends to forget this is a NEW fur kid, a different fur kid
and HE DOES need monitored watching ALL the time. We can get our mind set in "what was before" and think by this time even if Jasper did not
know he should know by now...nope!
You need to remember that this little man was free to potty ANYWHERE
in the cage he live in the shelter it was his normal for A YEAR, that can't
be turned around 100% reliable in 10 days to 2 weeks time because it is
clear Jasper still doesn't get it yet.
Also, I believe you are on track with mixing the canned with his dry food
now he IS HAVING A BM you sure don't want to set back the good work
accomplished. Maybe give him a teaspoon of canned in each meal(?) by
just reducing the canned he is still getting it but not as much and MIX IT
into the dry food.
I did think there was a combination of "new home and environment" was
a factor in his holding his BM, now by adding the canned he is getting a
bit of moisture( make him relax inside and pass the BM easier) you also
said he LIKES the canned and dry so I always say "if it works why change
it?"
If Jasper is still with you in 3 or 4 months you could cut the canned from
his dinner meal, here I don't use canned I add 1 teaspoon of yogurt , no
canned in the diner meal. This helps balance their gut and keeps good
bacteria in the gut for digestion. ( but this is what I do, just plain vanilla
yogurt)
position more than once, I call that "plan B"
Don't assume Jasper is "good for 24 hours" it may well be he was a bit
"blocked" from the new home transition, I realize he's been kind of lax on
a routine but most dogs once they learn to relax in their environment will
get into a more regular schedule.
But you're also right I believe as you that the little guy was pretty well full
so there you go, BM #2 and I'm hoping maybe if you keep on a set routine
out when he wakes up, about 5 minutes after he eats, when he plays then
the minute he stops playing right outside again Jasper should start to figure it out better.
It's also clear that he needs a little more time before he can be trusted to
be free in his home alone constant supervision is needed to try avoid any
further mistakes. It is hard I know, after having Wilson who WAS reliable
in the house, one tends to forget this is a NEW fur kid, a different fur kid
and HE DOES need monitored watching ALL the time. We can get our mind set in "what was before" and think by this time even if Jasper did not
know he should know by now...nope!
You need to remember that this little man was free to potty ANYWHERE
in the cage he live in the shelter it was his normal for A YEAR, that can't
be turned around 100% reliable in 10 days to 2 weeks time because it is
clear Jasper still doesn't get it yet.
Also, I believe you are on track with mixing the canned with his dry food
now he IS HAVING A BM you sure don't want to set back the good work
accomplished. Maybe give him a teaspoon of canned in each meal(?) by
just reducing the canned he is still getting it but not as much and MIX IT
into the dry food.
I did think there was a combination of "new home and environment" was
a factor in his holding his BM, now by adding the canned he is getting a
bit of moisture( make him relax inside and pass the BM easier) you also
said he LIKES the canned and dry so I always say "if it works why change
it?"
If Jasper is still with you in 3 or 4 months you could cut the canned from
his dinner meal, here I don't use canned I add 1 teaspoon of yogurt , no
canned in the diner meal. This helps balance their gut and keeps good
bacteria in the gut for digestion. ( but this is what I do, just plain vanilla
yogurt)
I went upstairs at about 10 am to help my wife with some stuff, and as Jasper had a big BM outside (normal looking, moist but not "wet"). While I was up there I left Jasper on the couch, in our seat. After returning to the couch and Jasper my wife came down and announced the bad news: a mess (throw up or poop?) on the kitchen floor next to were I sit to eat.
It was another sizable BM, and had a lot more wetness, still easy to get mostly up with to pieces of cardboard. I think one good news conclusion is Jasper is not dehydrated, in fact I can go back to only Kibble, or use canned just as a treat, some chunk in his dish. Another take-away is he had not had a BM in 48 hours so he must have been full. I suspect he is now good for at least 24 hours, but I put him back in his crate as I attend to other matters....including this update.
I tend to try to move too fast, but I maintain Jasper is making progtess and the cold weather isn't making it any easier. I have a dog coat on order, but will stop by Petsmart to see what they have on the shelve. I have dimensions for Jasper's neck and chest..should be enough to pick out a good size. Neck about 13", with lots of hair, chest 18" hair not as thick, Jasper has a band of heavy fur around his neck, above the shoulders.
Main question I post here is my conclusion the second wetter BM indicates Jasper is getting enough water.
We got a video of the Westie/MiniSchnauzer from the foster home. The dog is darling and my wife has looked at the video. We may drive up to take a look, and take Jasper along to see it here is any immediate conflict.
I wait more for my wife's response as I am worried two new dogs in the same month may be too much for me.
The foster home has our submission to the organization so she knows our age, and from that the fact that a young dog - any dog with a life expectancy left greater than 10 years may end up homeless because of our passing or just inability to handle a dog (I had planned on Wilson living at least 3 more years and being our last dog). I think this shows how desperate and overloaded the rescue network is to find home/space. The new dog was shipped up from Georgia best I can recall.
The video clearly shows Pistachio is a lovely and cute dog that gets along well with other dogs that are larger. The video had the foster mom's three dogs in/out of the video as she was using treats to get Pistac to sit up. All seemed to be getting along in a friendly manner. It is clear, it will be hard not to take the dog in if my wife likes him. It is already hard for me.
It was another sizable BM, and had a lot more wetness, still easy to get mostly up with to pieces of cardboard. I think one good news conclusion is Jasper is not dehydrated, in fact I can go back to only Kibble, or use canned just as a treat, some chunk in his dish. Another take-away is he had not had a BM in 48 hours so he must have been full. I suspect he is now good for at least 24 hours, but I put him back in his crate as I attend to other matters....including this update.
I tend to try to move too fast, but I maintain Jasper is making progtess and the cold weather isn't making it any easier. I have a dog coat on order, but will stop by Petsmart to see what they have on the shelve. I have dimensions for Jasper's neck and chest..should be enough to pick out a good size. Neck about 13", with lots of hair, chest 18" hair not as thick, Jasper has a band of heavy fur around his neck, above the shoulders.
Main question I post here is my conclusion the second wetter BM indicates Jasper is getting enough water.
We got a video of the Westie/MiniSchnauzer from the foster home. The dog is darling and my wife has looked at the video. We may drive up to take a look, and take Jasper along to see it here is any immediate conflict.
I wait more for my wife's response as I am worried two new dogs in the same month may be too much for me.
The foster home has our submission to the organization so she knows our age, and from that the fact that a young dog - any dog with a life expectancy left greater than 10 years may end up homeless because of our passing or just inability to handle a dog (I had planned on Wilson living at least 3 more years and being our last dog). I think this shows how desperate and overloaded the rescue network is to find home/space. The new dog was shipped up from Georgia best I can recall.
The video clearly shows Pistachio is a lovely and cute dog that gets along well with other dogs that are larger. The video had the foster mom's three dogs in/out of the video as she was using treats to get Pistac to sit up. All seemed to be getting along in a friendly manner. It is clear, it will be hard not to take the dog in if my wife likes him. It is already hard for me.
Jan, I didn't comment on your loving efforts to keep an old dog/companion (child) going... that's where I may have fallen down with Wilson, when I signed the papers and gave the approval to antagonize - I'll not reopen that here.
I have a couple of other inputs/help I'll respond to (as needed imo) separate from this update... just the catch up above not directly related.
This am we were going on 48 hours for Jasper to BM, he has been eating too and drinking more water. I have included canned dog food with his Kibble as itis mostly water. He loves the canned... that's another fun story I'll not load this thread with, to say the least I now have a treat, which he earned this AM.
I got to his crate about 7:30 AM, I go to bed at midnight. He was more than usual ready to come out, he has in the past done a lot of submissive body language before I can get him to come out, me lying on the floor talking to him with a soft voice, training his "name" and "come"... So, he must have to go and 19 degrees or not we go out the back door and I put him down directly by the door, minimize outside exposure. He sniffs a bit then starts showing stress by lifting a foot off the ground so I pick him up,put him inside my heavy duty overshirt (coat) and walk aroung to check the bird feeder, then back into the house. When we got back in and I showed him his water and Kibble and poured myself some coffee (think that was the order of things) and Jasper ran to the living room and stopped next to "our" couch and look longingly back at me. It took me a couple of minutes to get my coffee and I was keeping an eye on him... I can see him from the stove by looking across our dinning room into the living room (also our family room - not formal). He jumped up on the couch and wen to "our" position.. I came in and he moved so I could sit down, then he jumped into my lap and snuggled down for a a nap. I figure I'd give him some lap time and tray again outside. He started moving around about 30 minutes later so I got up and took him back outside. This time he was very intent on moving toward our usual walk, past where I had been dumping poop, around the veg garden fence and up the hill...walking briskly, no sign of reaction to the cold. I figure "he has to find his spot" and let him lead, praying he'd go and calling to Sandy (our dog of 25 years go) as we passed his grave marker to help Jasper. Well all came together about another 100 feet along the walk. Jasper stopped and got into what I now think is his poop body shape, leaning heavily forward on his front legs, with back in usual curved form, but with one rear leg stuck forward and off the ground. The right rear foot was sticking out beyond where his front legs were "planted" to keep balance.. When finished, I picked Jasper up and him inside my zipped open outer lined shirt and closed it around him, patting and petting and talking softly to him with "good boy" training words and carried him back into the house. Great idea but works only with small dogs : ) I then got our some of the canned dog food he likes, stirred some in with some Kibble and a little extra water He ate and is still resting which his chin up on the edge of my lap top keyboard.
Outline, second outside poop, no poop yesterday. Hit and miss but I am gaining in optimism. He has been here 10 days counting today. I am hopeful we can soon give him free access to the house, which is our usual practice...I am not sure about the yard/property, which it is our practice to also make available to our dogs. Even our little wild bull-headed terrier, Wilson, stayed on our upper property (even that part is a lot of room, I'll say over 2 acres), Wilson was not interested in our lower property which was best anyway as he was too small to let range into wild territory without a body guard, me.
I have a couple of other inputs/help I'll respond to (as needed imo) separate from this update... just the catch up above not directly related.
This am we were going on 48 hours for Jasper to BM, he has been eating too and drinking more water. I have included canned dog food with his Kibble as itis mostly water. He loves the canned... that's another fun story I'll not load this thread with, to say the least I now have a treat, which he earned this AM.
I got to his crate about 7:30 AM, I go to bed at midnight. He was more than usual ready to come out, he has in the past done a lot of submissive body language before I can get him to come out, me lying on the floor talking to him with a soft voice, training his "name" and "come"... So, he must have to go and 19 degrees or not we go out the back door and I put him down directly by the door, minimize outside exposure. He sniffs a bit then starts showing stress by lifting a foot off the ground so I pick him up,put him inside my heavy duty overshirt (coat) and walk aroung to check the bird feeder, then back into the house. When we got back in and I showed him his water and Kibble and poured myself some coffee (think that was the order of things) and Jasper ran to the living room and stopped next to "our" couch and look longingly back at me. It took me a couple of minutes to get my coffee and I was keeping an eye on him... I can see him from the stove by looking across our dinning room into the living room (also our family room - not formal). He jumped up on the couch and wen to "our" position.. I came in and he moved so I could sit down, then he jumped into my lap and snuggled down for a a nap. I figure I'd give him some lap time and tray again outside. He started moving around about 30 minutes later so I got up and took him back outside. This time he was very intent on moving toward our usual walk, past where I had been dumping poop, around the veg garden fence and up the hill...walking briskly, no sign of reaction to the cold. I figure "he has to find his spot" and let him lead, praying he'd go and calling to Sandy (our dog of 25 years go) as we passed his grave marker to help Jasper. Well all came together about another 100 feet along the walk. Jasper stopped and got into what I now think is his poop body shape, leaning heavily forward on his front legs, with back in usual curved form, but with one rear leg stuck forward and off the ground. The right rear foot was sticking out beyond where his front legs were "planted" to keep balance.. When finished, I picked Jasper up and him inside my zipped open outer lined shirt and closed it around him, patting and petting and talking softly to him with "good boy" training words and carried him back into the house. Great idea but works only with small dogs : ) I then got our some of the canned dog food he likes, stirred some in with some Kibble and a little extra water He ate and is still resting which his chin up on the edge of my lap top keyboard.
Outline, second outside poop, no poop yesterday. Hit and miss but I am gaining in optimism. He has been here 10 days counting today. I am hopeful we can soon give him free access to the house, which is our usual practice...I am not sure about the yard/property, which it is our practice to also make available to our dogs. Even our little wild bull-headed terrier, Wilson, stayed on our upper property (even that part is a lot of room, I'll say over 2 acres), Wilson was not interested in our lower property which was best anyway as he was too small to let range into wild territory without a body guard, me.
COMMUNITY LEADER
My Misty, who was an outside dog most of the time needed a dog coat in winter (she loved the outside world more than anything, but was happy to come in at night, and lay next to me near the fire.) But she was short haired and slender-ish. So I think the short haired dogs, especially those who don't have two layers of fur -need a winter coat or sweater.
A Chi will probably need one in cold weather. And might appreciate wearing it when doing a late-night 'business' outside.
I agree, pulling Jasper out of his crate if he is not ready to come out of his own accord, seems a little pushy and might scare him further. Sitting on the floor some short distance away with a small treat in hand, while calling his name softly might encourage him....
I wish your wife well, Jerry. Bless you and your family.
A Chi will probably need one in cold weather. And might appreciate wearing it when doing a late-night 'business' outside.
I agree, pulling Jasper out of his crate if he is not ready to come out of his own accord, seems a little pushy and might scare him further. Sitting on the floor some short distance away with a small treat in hand, while calling his name softly might encourage him....
I wish your wife well, Jerry. Bless you and your family.
AWWW poor little Jasper. I don't think he was mistreated Jerry I think he
may still be a bit insecure, after all what "home" he had before he didn't
have much of a home at the shelter THAT had to be a total shock to him
go from a home to A YEAR in a shelter.
No individual attention for any length of time( hey they can't they have more
than a single dog) no one to take him for walks, spend time with him one on
one, clean his pen area, feed him, look to see he is ok and on to the next dog.
A crate or enclosure for a dog is a "security/safe" place, usually they go in
to get away and have alone time when they need it, you are right if he did
not want to walk out strong arming him to pull him out would set back some
of the trust he is finding in you and your wife now and may have raised doubts.
Chihuahuas as a breed can have a "terrier like attitude" ( the smooth coats)
they tend to have this tiny independent thing going on, they get their worlds
shaken up and while they remain loving it can take them a bit to relearn to
trust whole hearted. Smooth coats can be a bit more on the independent
side, they do seem to understand and feel when their person is upset with
them and retreat, stand back a bit and get a very "hurt" expression as they
realize they displeased their owner.
I don't know about you and your ability to handle 2 fur kids at once, it can
work for you or against you so far as Jasper he may not be quite adjusted
enough to "share" and may withdraw feeling less important. The other side is he may also relish a friend, watch what the other is doing and learn from
them. You said this little one was housebroken but keep in mind it is also
coming out of a shelter, out of a home and routine IT KNEW and it will need
to relearn YOUR routine and how you do things so there may be accidents
until that is learned...it's a decision only you can make.
Do you work with one and get Jasper going on the right track or go for the
second fur kid to add to your "pack" right now or do you wait a bit until the'
one is going good?
This must be very hard Jerry, you have a very loving heart/giving heart and
to top everything off this one looks more like Wilson who you just lost a very
short time ago so just looking at this one would pull at your heart strings I
am sure.
The shelter would LOVE for you to bring home another as it open up a spot
for them to fill THINK OF YOU Jerry, what double everything would mean,
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU not him and not for the dog there. This decision
has to be good and feel right for you and your wife even if you are the one
primary care giver, how does she feel and try to set aside how much it looks like Wilson because IT IS NOT Wilson this one could be a different
kind of dog altogether and then what?
I have been where you are, I lost a little Yorkie (Cody Boy) and my heart
ached almost bled because he was my "heart dog" I mean he touched my
very soul and I cried for months. He was hypoglycemic and we watch his blood sugar ALL the time once we saved him the last time I raced to my
vet but lost him 3 blocks from the clinic ( he was 6) he was in a coma I
was driving like crazy, I thought we'd make it, he came to, raised his head
to look at me, kissed my hand and was gone...I sat for 3 hours crying.
Well I was making myself sick my sweet husband found me a little girl, HE
felt I need it...I DID NOT even go see her, she was not my Cody Boy and
it took me months and guess what, the dog I found to return my heart was
a Chihuahua, go figure.
So I am off the soap box, sometimes your next heart dog comes in a different form...only you can know but still no matter how they look my
friend, it is never going to be 100% that love, Wilson that you hold in your heart now...each is their own little person/love/companion.
Jan
may still be a bit insecure, after all what "home" he had before he didn't
have much of a home at the shelter THAT had to be a total shock to him
go from a home to A YEAR in a shelter.
No individual attention for any length of time( hey they can't they have more
than a single dog) no one to take him for walks, spend time with him one on
one, clean his pen area, feed him, look to see he is ok and on to the next dog.
A crate or enclosure for a dog is a "security/safe" place, usually they go in
to get away and have alone time when they need it, you are right if he did
not want to walk out strong arming him to pull him out would set back some
of the trust he is finding in you and your wife now and may have raised doubts.
Chihuahuas as a breed can have a "terrier like attitude" ( the smooth coats)
they tend to have this tiny independent thing going on, they get their worlds
shaken up and while they remain loving it can take them a bit to relearn to
trust whole hearted. Smooth coats can be a bit more on the independent
side, they do seem to understand and feel when their person is upset with
them and retreat, stand back a bit and get a very "hurt" expression as they
realize they displeased their owner.
I don't know about you and your ability to handle 2 fur kids at once, it can
work for you or against you so far as Jasper he may not be quite adjusted
enough to "share" and may withdraw feeling less important. The other side is he may also relish a friend, watch what the other is doing and learn from
them. You said this little one was housebroken but keep in mind it is also
coming out of a shelter, out of a home and routine IT KNEW and it will need
to relearn YOUR routine and how you do things so there may be accidents
until that is learned...it's a decision only you can make.
Do you work with one and get Jasper going on the right track or go for the
second fur kid to add to your "pack" right now or do you wait a bit until the'
one is going good?
This must be very hard Jerry, you have a very loving heart/giving heart and
to top everything off this one looks more like Wilson who you just lost a very
short time ago so just looking at this one would pull at your heart strings I
am sure.
The shelter would LOVE for you to bring home another as it open up a spot
for them to fill THINK OF YOU Jerry, what double everything would mean,
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU not him and not for the dog there. This decision
has to be good and feel right for you and your wife even if you are the one
primary care giver, how does she feel and try to set aside how much it looks like Wilson because IT IS NOT Wilson this one could be a different
kind of dog altogether and then what?
I have been where you are, I lost a little Yorkie (Cody Boy) and my heart
ached almost bled because he was my "heart dog" I mean he touched my
very soul and I cried for months. He was hypoglycemic and we watch his blood sugar ALL the time once we saved him the last time I raced to my
vet but lost him 3 blocks from the clinic ( he was 6) he was in a coma I
was driving like crazy, I thought we'd make it, he came to, raised his head
to look at me, kissed my hand and was gone...I sat for 3 hours crying.
Well I was making myself sick my sweet husband found me a little girl, HE
felt I need it...I DID NOT even go see her, she was not my Cody Boy and
it took me months and guess what, the dog I found to return my heart was
a Chihuahua, go figure.
So I am off the soap box, sometimes your next heart dog comes in a different form...only you can know but still no matter how they look my
friend, it is never going to be 100% that love, Wilson that you hold in your heart now...each is their own little person/love/companion.
Jan
A sweater may help, if he doesn't mind it. Use them on our Chi mix, about the size of Jasper and she is really not fond of them but being anxious to go for a walk, she tolerates it. Due to the Greys being "thin skinned", very little fat layer, they can be sensitive to temperatures. Ours akways had coats and snoods to wear on walks during the cold months and fleece Jammie's/coats worn at night because we don't leave the heater on at night.
Our Lexue has a nice lamb skin blanket she is covered with before I go to bed. Oddest thing.....she,somehow, ends up under the covers in our bed, usually on my husband's side of the bed. I will lift up the covers and say, "I know you're down there." I swear she holds her breath.
Our Lexue has a nice lamb skin blanket she is covered with before I go to bed. Oddest thing.....she,somehow, ends up under the covers in our bed, usually on my husband's side of the bed. I will lift up the covers and say, "I know you're down there." I swear she holds her breath.
Thanks, I've been looking for Wilson's (past Westie) sweater and can't find it. It was a bit small for him and he really didn't need it. If snow and cold, he went out, did his business, and back in within a couple of minutes. I will buy one for Jasper, the surprise there is the one for a neck about 13" (fur included, he has a heavy coat, more than most Chi I think) and chest is 18", his thin on hair and waste-line.
Today I opened a can of dog food we had from the dogs that regularly stay with us, not the best but I figured, mostly water that's good. When I popped open the pull--tab can he immediately came to attention. He must have smelled the "chicken whatever with rice" in the can. I got on the floor by his food table and put the can on the floor. He came over and tried to eat out of the can. I stopped him and using the spoon I had in the other hand put a scoop on the side with his Kibble... yum, yum, the I put some more on the Kibble along with a couple spoons of water and he cleaned it all up..well a few pieces of Kibble left. I am happy he got enough to eat and drink today and he hasn't yet gone to the toilet - my wife took him for a walk on the country roads by us - black top is nice due to sun, not too hot. Wife isn't up to any long walks but she seemed pleased for the exercise and said, just a pee and/or mark or two. I have seen no interest in marking inside, and only a little interest outside. But too, he was near dehydration I think.
We'll work on him outside again tonight, maybe twice. Cold but I carry him out, off the deck and put him on the ground near where I'd like him to "go".
He has not yet messed his crate..must have a lot of holding power. We're approaching 48 hours again.
When you said "thin skinned"I first though of the meaning when applied to a person. Jasper is very shy, and acts with extreme submission when I open the door to his crate. I talk to him in a soft voice calling his name (don't think he knows it) and "come"... to work on training. Tonight after dinner he wouldn't come out and I figure pulling him out is too much "strong arm" and may make him more shy. Does this sound like a Chi or like a Chi that was mistreated?
A mix Westie/Schnauzer I was interested in turns out to be available. The foster person and I have talked a couple of times. She sent me a picture (I can send by email if you'd like to see) of the dog, name Pistachio. She said he weighs 10 pounds and is young but full grown and house trained. In the picture he looks like "our" Wilson with a different tail. Pistachio's floppy not pointed doesn't show in the picture. We may take a look and will take Jasper along to let them meet before we decide anything.
Not sure I am up to two dogs, my wife has limited strength and the care falls mostly on me... but if I could have Wilson back there be no doubt I'd try. Of course, I know Pistachio isn't Wilson but the face and coat looks much the same and he is much smaller. I think the miniature schnauzer part may be the cause of the small size. Can't say I can confirm or oppose but the Westie is clearly part of the breed.
Today I opened a can of dog food we had from the dogs that regularly stay with us, not the best but I figured, mostly water that's good. When I popped open the pull--tab can he immediately came to attention. He must have smelled the "chicken whatever with rice" in the can. I got on the floor by his food table and put the can on the floor. He came over and tried to eat out of the can. I stopped him and using the spoon I had in the other hand put a scoop on the side with his Kibble... yum, yum, the I put some more on the Kibble along with a couple spoons of water and he cleaned it all up..well a few pieces of Kibble left. I am happy he got enough to eat and drink today and he hasn't yet gone to the toilet - my wife took him for a walk on the country roads by us - black top is nice due to sun, not too hot. Wife isn't up to any long walks but she seemed pleased for the exercise and said, just a pee and/or mark or two. I have seen no interest in marking inside, and only a little interest outside. But too, he was near dehydration I think.
We'll work on him outside again tonight, maybe twice. Cold but I carry him out, off the deck and put him on the ground near where I'd like him to "go".
He has not yet messed his crate..must have a lot of holding power. We're approaching 48 hours again.
When you said "thin skinned"I first though of the meaning when applied to a person. Jasper is very shy, and acts with extreme submission when I open the door to his crate. I talk to him in a soft voice calling his name (don't think he knows it) and "come"... to work on training. Tonight after dinner he wouldn't come out and I figure pulling him out is too much "strong arm" and may make him more shy. Does this sound like a Chi or like a Chi that was mistreated?
A mix Westie/Schnauzer I was interested in turns out to be available. The foster person and I have talked a couple of times. She sent me a picture (I can send by email if you'd like to see) of the dog, name Pistachio. She said he weighs 10 pounds and is young but full grown and house trained. In the picture he looks like "our" Wilson with a different tail. Pistachio's floppy not pointed doesn't show in the picture. We may take a look and will take Jasper along to let them meet before we decide anything.
Not sure I am up to two dogs, my wife has limited strength and the care falls mostly on me... but if I could have Wilson back there be no doubt I'd try. Of course, I know Pistachio isn't Wilson but the face and coat looks much the same and he is much smaller. I think the miniature schnauzer part may be the cause of the small size. Can't say I can confirm or oppose but the Westie is clearly part of the breed.
Hey Jerry, I was reading over some of the posts again and came up with
another idea that might help?
Chihuahuas are pretty "thin skinned" with little heavy coat when they live
inside IF you have cold and snow there (think I saw on the weather that
you guys got hit with both ) well we've got the cold here been awhile (sigh)
since we had our blanket of white. When I go out for a walk even in day
here and I need a coat I put a sweater on " the Mouse" because he gets
cold. Nighttime I also put a sweater on him to go out to potty and I notice
he will stay out and run around in his backyard, no sweater he goes out
and races for the dog door. (Then it is a race to see who can get there first
him or me, he wins) Then we have a "ok bucko, if mom is out here so are
you" talk and he comes back out AFTER I put on his sweater.
Thought is when you take Jasper out for his walk early morning or at night
when you walk around your area as you said, he might be cold, doesn't need to be a heavy sweater, think I paid $7 bucks for the one for Mouse
and it really makes a cold walk comfortable for him.
The cold feet/pads thing is another story but none of mine would use the
"dog boots" but seem to do ok with a little wind/cold break of the sweater.
Just a thought, always figured if I couldn't stand the cold or wind with a T-
shirt then thin fur dogs would be the same and need a sweater, in this case
it is not "dress up clothes" for a dog but is a needed item for warmth.
Also the hearth when Jasper like to "deposit" is it regular brick(?) use a
rag and WHITE vinegar and wash it down in that area, let it dry this is a
way to neutralize the odor of the "spot he's using" to help eliminate the
smell for him.
If it were anything else, carpet, wood or even the side of your couch where
he "marked" I would say mix it half and have with white vinegar and water
in a spray bottle.....2 cups white vinegar to 2 cups water equal amounts,
then clean off the urine, spray the white vinegar and water on it and wipe
again with a clean rag...also to neutralize his odor there. There are a lot
of "commercial" get rid of urine products out there but over the man years
of "cleaning dog mistakes" this is reliable, inexpensive and it works.
PS. IF you put down a pad on the hearth and he returns to his spot there
it will indeed give him a potty place without the hearth itself getting used
but then you are showing him ( in dog thinking) you said it was ok for him
to potty there because you gave permission with the pad...so do you want
to do this Jerry?
I mean it is ok, my old Yorkie had a pad in the family room in front of our
gas stove as this is her place and yes she uses it and I don't really give
a hoot what people think. I just pick it up and put down a new one for her
and if she makes a poo I use Kleenex and throw it in the toilet when she
goes( she can't use steps anymore) so I help her. I figure this was her house longer than anyone who just comes in the door to visit and like I
said she goes poo I pick it up right away so if anything there are tiny pee
places...get used to it folks this IS HER HOME so she pees on a pad.
She is the ONLY one who has this opportunity because she is having a
real hard time walking or using steps, she is blind but she knows 100%
where the pad is, it's never moved, won't be until she crosses over the bridge.
BUT like I said, IF you put the pad down you are giving Jasper permission
to use it and an established habit is much harder to break later on, if you
want him to go outside that is his option and on a regular schedule he will
learn to go there...don't allow anywhere else.
Well I need to run, Harley ( my Yorkie with HORRIBLE allergies) needs his
bath.
Jan
another idea that might help?
Chihuahuas are pretty "thin skinned" with little heavy coat when they live
inside IF you have cold and snow there (think I saw on the weather that
you guys got hit with both ) well we've got the cold here been awhile (sigh)
since we had our blanket of white. When I go out for a walk even in day
here and I need a coat I put a sweater on " the Mouse" because he gets
cold. Nighttime I also put a sweater on him to go out to potty and I notice
he will stay out and run around in his backyard, no sweater he goes out
and races for the dog door. (Then it is a race to see who can get there first
him or me, he wins) Then we have a "ok bucko, if mom is out here so are
you" talk and he comes back out AFTER I put on his sweater.
Thought is when you take Jasper out for his walk early morning or at night
when you walk around your area as you said, he might be cold, doesn't need to be a heavy sweater, think I paid $7 bucks for the one for Mouse
and it really makes a cold walk comfortable for him.
The cold feet/pads thing is another story but none of mine would use the
"dog boots" but seem to do ok with a little wind/cold break of the sweater.
Just a thought, always figured if I couldn't stand the cold or wind with a T-
shirt then thin fur dogs would be the same and need a sweater, in this case
it is not "dress up clothes" for a dog but is a needed item for warmth.
Also the hearth when Jasper like to "deposit" is it regular brick(?) use a
rag and WHITE vinegar and wash it down in that area, let it dry this is a
way to neutralize the odor of the "spot he's using" to help eliminate the
smell for him.
If it were anything else, carpet, wood or even the side of your couch where
he "marked" I would say mix it half and have with white vinegar and water
in a spray bottle.....2 cups white vinegar to 2 cups water equal amounts,
then clean off the urine, spray the white vinegar and water on it and wipe
again with a clean rag...also to neutralize his odor there. There are a lot
of "commercial" get rid of urine products out there but over the man years
of "cleaning dog mistakes" this is reliable, inexpensive and it works.
PS. IF you put down a pad on the hearth and he returns to his spot there
it will indeed give him a potty place without the hearth itself getting used
but then you are showing him ( in dog thinking) you said it was ok for him
to potty there because you gave permission with the pad...so do you want
to do this Jerry?
I mean it is ok, my old Yorkie had a pad in the family room in front of our
gas stove as this is her place and yes she uses it and I don't really give
a hoot what people think. I just pick it up and put down a new one for her
and if she makes a poo I use Kleenex and throw it in the toilet when she
goes( she can't use steps anymore) so I help her. I figure this was her house longer than anyone who just comes in the door to visit and like I
said she goes poo I pick it up right away so if anything there are tiny pee
places...get used to it folks this IS HER HOME so she pees on a pad.
She is the ONLY one who has this opportunity because she is having a
real hard time walking or using steps, she is blind but she knows 100%
where the pad is, it's never moved, won't be until she crosses over the bridge.
BUT like I said, IF you put the pad down you are giving Jasper permission
to use it and an established habit is much harder to break later on, if you
want him to go outside that is his option and on a regular schedule he will
learn to go there...don't allow anywhere else.
Well I need to run, Harley ( my Yorkie with HORRIBLE allergies) needs his
bath.
Jan
thanks, typing with 1 hand, dog on lap. funny, i was just thinking about putting a pad on the hearth....but see the down side.
i got him to eat and drink water this morning and am prep to take him outside again to one area, i will try, the area we have dumptd hi poop
i got him to eat and drink water this morning and am prep to take him outside again to one area, i will try, the area we have dumptd hi poop
Ah, understand your frustration but sounds like he still needs more supervision and less freedom whether that be crating him when you can't watch him or possibly tethering him to you and him having very limited access to the house,
Instead if walking him all over, try just taking him to a designated area and walking back and forth and give him a command to "go potty" or whatever you use. Have treats, if he goes in that area, reward. Have no other interaction with him. Keep on a schedule for feeding and going outside. If you can, try taking him out every hour for 10 mins to that one area. Dogs often go when they get up in the mornings, after napping, eating, etc. watch for cues like him sniffing, circling, etc.
I know this sounds like taking a lot of time but he is an older dog and has been kennel end a long time.
He just has too much freedom still and use his crate if need be or block off an area he is in so he can't roam around. If you can, block off that hearth area he has gone on.
Instead if walking him all over, try just taking him to a designated area and walking back and forth and give him a command to "go potty" or whatever you use. Have treats, if he goes in that area, reward. Have no other interaction with him. Keep on a schedule for feeding and going outside. If you can, try taking him out every hour for 10 mins to that one area. Dogs often go when they get up in the mornings, after napping, eating, etc. watch for cues like him sniffing, circling, etc.
I know this sounds like taking a lot of time but he is an older dog and has been kennel end a long time.
He just has too much freedom still and use his crate if need be or block off an area he is in so he can't roam around. If you can, block off that hearth area he has gone on.
Sadly, this morning, that would make it roughly 36 hours since last BM, we went out the rain and ice turned him around real quickly. We came in and I engaged in a planning meeting with my wife about calling to try again to get Medicare/IRS issues straightened out, they can't talk to one another about me, isn't big gov great : (( Anyway, after no more than 10 minutes of unsupervised use of the house Jasper hit the fireplace hearth again. We went through the pick it up and take it and him outside so he could see where I wanted it put and he became very, very shy, seems the Chi breed is very sensitive. He looked "hurt" all day and is now lying on the bed with my wife, the only gain today.
I have not discussed with the shelter management yet figuring I'd try some more home care, but the bad start this morning sort of derailed the whole day - after about two hours on the phone with SSA and IRS, mostly waiting in a queue I wasn't in a great dog training mood.
I gave him some canned black beans (cooked) with extra water with his Kibble. It took me all day to gain enough forgiveness for him to eat. He didn't eat all the beans, but he got all the water, his Kibble was still soft when he ate at about 5 PM. We went for a good walk at 6:30 PM, with flash light in hand, and all he did was sniff the ground and do a short pee, not real long, but far more than marking.
Jasper is proving to be a test of my sympathy and skill. Still, my sympathy tells me I can't turn him back to the shelter. But, if a person wanting to adopt shows up I may pass and let them have him. Hard to say that, as all who read my inputs of late know, I am a big baby about dogs and suffer right along with them. The thought of Wilson still brings a tear.
I have not discussed with the shelter management yet figuring I'd try some more home care, but the bad start this morning sort of derailed the whole day - after about two hours on the phone with SSA and IRS, mostly waiting in a queue I wasn't in a great dog training mood.
I gave him some canned black beans (cooked) with extra water with his Kibble. It took me all day to gain enough forgiveness for him to eat. He didn't eat all the beans, but he got all the water, his Kibble was still soft when he ate at about 5 PM. We went for a good walk at 6:30 PM, with flash light in hand, and all he did was sniff the ground and do a short pee, not real long, but far more than marking.
Jasper is proving to be a test of my sympathy and skill. Still, my sympathy tells me I can't turn him back to the shelter. But, if a person wanting to adopt shows up I may pass and let them have him. Hard to say that, as all who read my inputs of late know, I am a big baby about dogs and suffer right along with them. The thought of Wilson still brings a tear.
Hi Jerry,
How are things going today with Jasper has he done a BM(?) is he drinking
more water than he was before did walking him finally let him relax and go
potty?
Were you able to get ahold of the shelter to find out if they would pay for a
vet check for Jasper since he is "in foster care" with you?
Is the little guy starting to get better house manners being more trustworthy?
Well you and he were just on my mind so thought I'd ask how things were going for him and if he was adjusting to being in a home now? (remembering his house manners more now?)
How are things going today with Jasper has he done a BM(?) is he drinking
more water than he was before did walking him finally let him relax and go
potty?
Were you able to get ahold of the shelter to find out if they would pay for a
vet check for Jasper since he is "in foster care" with you?
Is the little guy starting to get better house manners being more trustworthy?
Well you and he were just on my mind so thought I'd ask how things were going for him and if he was adjusting to being in a home now? (remembering his house manners more now?)
Jan,
Thanks for the detail above and I am happy to read your warning about hot pavement, or deck or sidewalk. I remember our little Westie coming across a hot deck to the back door and stopping so he could hold one foot off the deck, the other three? tough luck for them. His name was Wilson and we had him far too short a time. I had a moratorium on dogs after putting down a lovely Golden Retriever (see the pictures in my portfolio) a few years back. Then my wife was diagnosed with Cancer and said she wanted a Westie. I said at our age a puppy would be too much, I'd go along with a rescue.. she found one, Wilson. He lived with/for us for 2 years 8 months, when cancer got him. So, going to adopting again was driven in theory by the help it would give my wife. She had a Miniature Schnauzer or Poodle in mind and there are some around. But first I got us looking at a Westie mix named Aspen, seems to still be available, and then we came across Jasper and it broke my heart (yes, heart disease is my health issue, driven by age) when I learned he had been in the shelter for a year. The manger said take him as a Foster and bring him back any time... she could see in my eyes I'd not bring him back. But, he is still a foster, and progress is being made.
Unfortunately he is becoming bonded to me as I do all the care work. But he will lie on the bed with my wife, she is especially tired after a chemo (the second round, she was cancer free for only 18 months following the first surgery and chemo). So no surprise he connects to me, right now he is sitting on my "spot" on the couch, where he went when I got up. So now I sit in another chair and can put my laptop on, well, my lap. I am open to getting a second dog if we can find one my wife wants. It is hard because dogs stick to me like glue, can't just walk by... well not for the little cute ones. The Westie spoiled me, I like being able to pick a dog up and put it under my arm and carry it upstairs or to the bath or any short trip.
I tried fish oil, the tables cut open on Wilson to see if it would help with his skin problems, it didn't. Tried probiotics added to food too... and all types of baths, his standard shampoo was KetaChlor the name suggests the active ingredients - it is a prescription shampoo. We had our ups/downs but most of the time Wilson was with us his coat was beautiful and though his ears had little or no hair on the backs, the long head hear covered most of that up. I think he was very happy with us, and after adjusting to living with us as a family member he decided he was the alpha.... indeed he was in many ways. Really miss the little guy, the hurt I was trying to avoid by not getting another dog. But, one can have love or not, and if one chooses love, then they get the benefits and open themselves to pain. Life is strange.
Thanks, and sorry if I repeat, i returned you personal message asking questions you have answered above...not need to retype. I'll give this a quick proof read, I apologize for erros not seen.
Thanks for the detail above and I am happy to read your warning about hot pavement, or deck or sidewalk. I remember our little Westie coming across a hot deck to the back door and stopping so he could hold one foot off the deck, the other three? tough luck for them. His name was Wilson and we had him far too short a time. I had a moratorium on dogs after putting down a lovely Golden Retriever (see the pictures in my portfolio) a few years back. Then my wife was diagnosed with Cancer and said she wanted a Westie. I said at our age a puppy would be too much, I'd go along with a rescue.. she found one, Wilson. He lived with/for us for 2 years 8 months, when cancer got him. So, going to adopting again was driven in theory by the help it would give my wife. She had a Miniature Schnauzer or Poodle in mind and there are some around. But first I got us looking at a Westie mix named Aspen, seems to still be available, and then we came across Jasper and it broke my heart (yes, heart disease is my health issue, driven by age) when I learned he had been in the shelter for a year. The manger said take him as a Foster and bring him back any time... she could see in my eyes I'd not bring him back. But, he is still a foster, and progress is being made.
Unfortunately he is becoming bonded to me as I do all the care work. But he will lie on the bed with my wife, she is especially tired after a chemo (the second round, she was cancer free for only 18 months following the first surgery and chemo). So no surprise he connects to me, right now he is sitting on my "spot" on the couch, where he went when I got up. So now I sit in another chair and can put my laptop on, well, my lap. I am open to getting a second dog if we can find one my wife wants. It is hard because dogs stick to me like glue, can't just walk by... well not for the little cute ones. The Westie spoiled me, I like being able to pick a dog up and put it under my arm and carry it upstairs or to the bath or any short trip.
I tried fish oil, the tables cut open on Wilson to see if it would help with his skin problems, it didn't. Tried probiotics added to food too... and all types of baths, his standard shampoo was KetaChlor the name suggests the active ingredients - it is a prescription shampoo. We had our ups/downs but most of the time Wilson was with us his coat was beautiful and though his ears had little or no hair on the backs, the long head hear covered most of that up. I think he was very happy with us, and after adjusting to living with us as a family member he decided he was the alpha.... indeed he was in many ways. Really miss the little guy, the hurt I was trying to avoid by not getting another dog. But, one can have love or not, and if one chooses love, then they get the benefits and open themselves to pain. Life is strange.
Thanks, and sorry if I repeat, i returned you personal message asking questions you have answered above...not need to retype. I'll give this a quick proof read, I apologize for erros not seen.
Hey Jerry sounds like progress is being made YAY! Sweet Jasper may well
have had "cement" imprinted on him as THE place his feet always felt to go
potty both pee and BM as he'd been there for so long and this was what he felt and established as "normal" if this was true he can be re-programed to
use other areas.
IT IS VERY POSSIBLE Jerry to have a 10-12-15 or more pound Chi ( don't
know first hand on a Pom?) I had a established line for 6 generations on both sides but with a Chihuahua there are never guarantees. My stud was
6 pounds as was the ***** ( out of all 5 to 6 pounders for years) then I got
a HUGE surprise(!) Licorish had Grizzley who is now 16 pounds as an
adult. People can be surprised to find BIG Chihuahuas but over years it was breeders who did repeat breeding to establish the smaller sizes, the
Chihuahua started out as a much larger dog in Mexico as a lot were on
their own and feral so they had to be larger to survive. Griz was a throw-
back in the lines I just figured there was more to love and he had more love
to give he has been with us for 11-1/2 years now and is a treasure a real
gentle lover.
You can never "breed for color" or get a Chihuahua to breed true to color,
my sire was fawn, the dam was black in the litter Griz came from there was
2 pure white, one long coat black and one black and white spotted all his
litter mates grew up to be 5-1/2 pounds and then there was my Griz and I
never got another large one after him.
I can not look at Jasper in person but I would say 10 to 12 pounds would
be a good weight by the size I could see in his picture, 15 pounds would be
a bit overweight? JMO
I did breed Yorkies and Chihuahuas ( not cross breed) the parents were all
health checked and cleared for the known breed hereditary problems all
before they were bred. I did not start using them for breeding until they
were over 18 months of age, dams were bred once a year, I did not use my
studs on outside dogs to breed. Puppies were vaccinated, wormed, had dew claws removed and were spayed or neutered (pets) before they left my
home, I showed my Chi in obedience ( conformation is a whole other game
and very political) but obedience showed they were not "toys" and were
sound and able.
I stopped breeding when I had one of my dogs show up in a shelter 100
miles away ( she was chipped) I went and got her,she passed last year at
17 years old and I realized and SAW how many adult dogs and puppies were in shelters WHY was I breeding when so many others needed homes? I kept all of my prior breeding dogs( many breeders place them
when they are done breeding them) but I felt this was their home before I
ever bred them and this will remain their home until they cross over.
We've adopted 4 retired racing Greyhounds( they have all left us now at
ripe ages of 14,13,12,13 and while I said "ok no more Greys" I found a boy
who was 18 months old at the hound rescue ( never say never~ HA) he
was our first "baby" all our others retired off the track Cal refused to run on
the track he only wanted to play.( Greys usually LOVE running)
We just saw a Rott at the shelter here, he too had been in the shelter for
many long months, Cal has been kind of lost since he lost his buddy last
year so we took Cal over to do a test run and he and the puppy ( figure the
Rott is around 18 months to 2 years~ Cal is 5 years old ) they were instant
buddies not a bit of problem. Well we did adopt the Rottie and so Roman came home 5 days ago I am delighted to say our Cal is getting back to life
playing with his stuffed toys all over the yard and running with Roman so it
was a great fit for both of them. Roman also had a ROTTEN start, he was
left tied in a yard, they said he was skin and bones when he was brought in
weighed 48 pounds but even with all that he has a HUGE HEART and he
has so much love to give, next week we will start work here with him in a
bit of basic obedience. This week has been devoted to "tossing the ball"
and throwing the many stuffed animals Cal has in the front yard to help him
learn to fetch and give him "a job".
I guess I kinda got going there on the fur kids here sorry about that.
I'm glad I was able to offer some information that might help you with the
little man Jerry, I just go by things that have worked for me over the years
and if it can help someone else all the better.
You can soften Jasper's coat and add oil to his skin and lessen shedding
what I do here is add one (human) fish oil capsule to the morning feed, I
poke the capsule and squeeze the oil on the food each day, I divide the
total amount of food given and feed twice a day but only add the fish oil
to the morning food.
I have at times gotten into trouble "offering my 2 cents" as perhaps I don't
come across right at times~ Like when I suggest to people who are out with
their dog on a lead, walking them on boiling hot black top and the dog is
hopping around, pulling and straining on their lead trying to get off the hot
blacktop. I ask them if they realized if they can not put their hand or bare
feet on the blacktop and walk on it did they know it is blistering hot on the
pads of their dogs feet and they could burn their pads? Maybe they might
want to take their fur kid into the shade or walk on the grass for a bit and I
can tell you THAT has gotten some pretty nasty remarks from some! But
I've seen blisters on a dogs pads from walking on hot blacktop for hours
and the owner "never thought about that" so I just wanted to let others
know it could cause serious problems...hey I still do it for the sake of the
dog.
I know with a bit more patients and time Jasper will re-adjust to a home
situation and I feel he would be a great fit in your home really from what you said, Jasper has had a horrific time and it could not have been easy
on him, just the shelter and no home security for so long, he is doing very
remarkable for his ordeal.
You said your wife is going through Chemo I know this is a very hard hit to the body and can drain strength so I hope she gets the crud stuff over very soon! How does she feel about Jasper, is he helping take her mind off of the problem for a bit of time(?) I hope he is a good distraction and a good cuddle bug for her right now, a soft fur body for comfort.
Jan
have had "cement" imprinted on him as THE place his feet always felt to go
potty both pee and BM as he'd been there for so long and this was what he felt and established as "normal" if this was true he can be re-programed to
use other areas.
IT IS VERY POSSIBLE Jerry to have a 10-12-15 or more pound Chi ( don't
know first hand on a Pom?) I had a established line for 6 generations on both sides but with a Chihuahua there are never guarantees. My stud was
6 pounds as was the ***** ( out of all 5 to 6 pounders for years) then I got
a HUGE surprise(!) Licorish had Grizzley who is now 16 pounds as an
adult. People can be surprised to find BIG Chihuahuas but over years it was breeders who did repeat breeding to establish the smaller sizes, the
Chihuahua started out as a much larger dog in Mexico as a lot were on
their own and feral so they had to be larger to survive. Griz was a throw-
back in the lines I just figured there was more to love and he had more love
to give he has been with us for 11-1/2 years now and is a treasure a real
gentle lover.
You can never "breed for color" or get a Chihuahua to breed true to color,
my sire was fawn, the dam was black in the litter Griz came from there was
2 pure white, one long coat black and one black and white spotted all his
litter mates grew up to be 5-1/2 pounds and then there was my Griz and I
never got another large one after him.
I can not look at Jasper in person but I would say 10 to 12 pounds would
be a good weight by the size I could see in his picture, 15 pounds would be
a bit overweight? JMO
I did breed Yorkies and Chihuahuas ( not cross breed) the parents were all
health checked and cleared for the known breed hereditary problems all
before they were bred. I did not start using them for breeding until they
were over 18 months of age, dams were bred once a year, I did not use my
studs on outside dogs to breed. Puppies were vaccinated, wormed, had dew claws removed and were spayed or neutered (pets) before they left my
home, I showed my Chi in obedience ( conformation is a whole other game
and very political) but obedience showed they were not "toys" and were
sound and able.
I stopped breeding when I had one of my dogs show up in a shelter 100
miles away ( she was chipped) I went and got her,she passed last year at
17 years old and I realized and SAW how many adult dogs and puppies were in shelters WHY was I breeding when so many others needed homes? I kept all of my prior breeding dogs( many breeders place them
when they are done breeding them) but I felt this was their home before I
ever bred them and this will remain their home until they cross over.
We've adopted 4 retired racing Greyhounds( they have all left us now at
ripe ages of 14,13,12,13 and while I said "ok no more Greys" I found a boy
who was 18 months old at the hound rescue ( never say never~ HA) he
was our first "baby" all our others retired off the track Cal refused to run on
the track he only wanted to play.( Greys usually LOVE running)
We just saw a Rott at the shelter here, he too had been in the shelter for
many long months, Cal has been kind of lost since he lost his buddy last
year so we took Cal over to do a test run and he and the puppy ( figure the
Rott is around 18 months to 2 years~ Cal is 5 years old ) they were instant
buddies not a bit of problem. Well we did adopt the Rottie and so Roman came home 5 days ago I am delighted to say our Cal is getting back to life
playing with his stuffed toys all over the yard and running with Roman so it
was a great fit for both of them. Roman also had a ROTTEN start, he was
left tied in a yard, they said he was skin and bones when he was brought in
weighed 48 pounds but even with all that he has a HUGE HEART and he
has so much love to give, next week we will start work here with him in a
bit of basic obedience. This week has been devoted to "tossing the ball"
and throwing the many stuffed animals Cal has in the front yard to help him
learn to fetch and give him "a job".
I guess I kinda got going there on the fur kids here sorry about that.
I'm glad I was able to offer some information that might help you with the
little man Jerry, I just go by things that have worked for me over the years
and if it can help someone else all the better.
You can soften Jasper's coat and add oil to his skin and lessen shedding
what I do here is add one (human) fish oil capsule to the morning feed, I
poke the capsule and squeeze the oil on the food each day, I divide the
total amount of food given and feed twice a day but only add the fish oil
to the morning food.
I have at times gotten into trouble "offering my 2 cents" as perhaps I don't
come across right at times~ Like when I suggest to people who are out with
their dog on a lead, walking them on boiling hot black top and the dog is
hopping around, pulling and straining on their lead trying to get off the hot
blacktop. I ask them if they realized if they can not put their hand or bare
feet on the blacktop and walk on it did they know it is blistering hot on the
pads of their dogs feet and they could burn their pads? Maybe they might
want to take their fur kid into the shade or walk on the grass for a bit and I
can tell you THAT has gotten some pretty nasty remarks from some! But
I've seen blisters on a dogs pads from walking on hot blacktop for hours
and the owner "never thought about that" so I just wanted to let others
know it could cause serious problems...hey I still do it for the sake of the
dog.
I know with a bit more patients and time Jasper will re-adjust to a home
situation and I feel he would be a great fit in your home really from what you said, Jasper has had a horrific time and it could not have been easy
on him, just the shelter and no home security for so long, he is doing very
remarkable for his ordeal.
You said your wife is going through Chemo I know this is a very hard hit to the body and can drain strength so I hope she gets the crud stuff over very soon! How does she feel about Jasper, is he helping take her mind off of the problem for a bit of time(?) I hope he is a good distraction and a good cuddle bug for her right now, a soft fur body for comfort.
Jan
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Please do as instructed. He has to acclimate to your home, a regular schedule, etc. it is great that he is crate trained and I would continue to use it on a daily basis. You know I am an advocate of crate training!
Who kniws the background in this dog but we have taken in a number of Greyhounds off the track that have been Kenneled. When they come into foster homes, training has to start from scratch. They need to be put on schedules, NOT given the run of the house by either being leashed or gates used. Routines are important as dogs like routines and it helps them settle in and know what is expected of them. If we went out, the dog was crated. Bedtime, until we knew the dog was trustworthy at night to stay in it's bed, it was crated. We have done the same with out little one here. Of course, she was young but we followed the same routine. Outside first thing in the morning. My husband, like with the Greys, usually takes the dog for a walk in the neighborhood, breakfast fed, gate went up and the dogs are allowed loose in the family room. Hour or so later, back outside with some command given. If they go, praise. If you go out for errands, crate the dog. Take time to play with the dog. The dogs are never taken outside the fenced yard without a leash! Even the best trained dog can give in to temptation.
Either construct a fenced in area or you can get a long, light weight lunge line that will enable the dog to have more freedom. This also can help in training the dog boundaries. When he gets to an area he is not supposed to go beyond, you can give a correction and pull on the lunge line. With some dogs, over time, this can work well. Worked for my neighbor across the street with his dog but the other neighbor, still struggles to keep his Lab in his front yard and I am concerned he is going to get hit by a car one day.
So, please do not be over anxious to take the dog outside off lead.
Try to get into a daily routine. Take him out often and praise if he does his business outside. If you catch him marking inside, give a firm, "No! Bad boy! Outside!" And take him out on leash. What you might do, if he poops in the house, is take it outside in the yard and leave it in an area you want him to go in.
You have to allow at least two weeks for him to settle in, knows where he eats, sleeps, potties, etc. routines are important so he knows what to expect and what you expect of him.