skinnydipper
Well-Known Member
I had a very special bond with my last dog. He had lived in a backyard for his first 18 months, never going for a walk, never meeting people or other dogs and with no mental stimulation. He was a behavioural mess when we met. We worked together, he and I, to overcome this. When I had to say goodbye to him last year it hit me hard. I miss him so very much. He was only 7.
Some weeks after I lost him my sister suggested getting another dog, something to focus on she said. I didn't go "shopping" for a large dog and I would have preferred another GSD if that had been possible, but perhaps it as well that she isn't, I can't make comparisons. She is different to all of my previous dogs.(she is a mastiff X)
I did not want a working dog of any description as it would not have been fair to either of us, otherwise breed and size were immaterial. What I wanted was a good natured companion who could get along with other dogs and not kill the cat. She took some finding.
And so big girl came into my life. A rough diamond, if you like. People tend to want smaller dogs so she had been languishing in rescue for some time. Their loss.
It was clear she had never lived in a home environment and was not house trained. She landscaped the garden and pruned the shrubs. The house became a wall of death as she raced round, using the back of the sofa like a spring board. Oh, it was fun.
She had had zero training and no manners. She thought play involved body slamming (me).
BUT she settled and was quick to learn, I must admit I was surprised how bright she is. I am "fluffy" so no aversives or punishment involved and definitely no "dominance".
She brings me joy and makes me laugh. She is very affectionate and is a happy soul. She loves toys both for interactive play and will play on her own.
She absolutely made Christmas for me. She entered into the spirit of things, tearing open the wrapping on her presents and playing with her new toys with obvious delight. One of them was a big talking monkey.
When we went to bed on Christmas Day she couldn't settle (she has a bed in my room). I was concerned she wasn't feeling well and needed to go outside - nope, she wanted to bring monkey up to bed
. She even grooms it.
Her behaviour with other dogs is faultless and the cat will sleep next to her.
So people. When adopting a rescue, don't judge a book by its cover, don't forget the big dogs and have a little patience.
Some weeks after I lost him my sister suggested getting another dog, something to focus on she said. I didn't go "shopping" for a large dog and I would have preferred another GSD if that had been possible, but perhaps it as well that she isn't, I can't make comparisons. She is different to all of my previous dogs.(she is a mastiff X)
I did not want a working dog of any description as it would not have been fair to either of us, otherwise breed and size were immaterial. What I wanted was a good natured companion who could get along with other dogs and not kill the cat. She took some finding.
And so big girl came into my life. A rough diamond, if you like. People tend to want smaller dogs so she had been languishing in rescue for some time. Their loss.
It was clear she had never lived in a home environment and was not house trained. She landscaped the garden and pruned the shrubs. The house became a wall of death as she raced round, using the back of the sofa like a spring board. Oh, it was fun.
She had had zero training and no manners. She thought play involved body slamming (me).
BUT she settled and was quick to learn, I must admit I was surprised how bright she is. I am "fluffy" so no aversives or punishment involved and definitely no "dominance".
She brings me joy and makes me laugh. She is very affectionate and is a happy soul. She loves toys both for interactive play and will play on her own.
She absolutely made Christmas for me. She entered into the spirit of things, tearing open the wrapping on her presents and playing with her new toys with obvious delight. One of them was a big talking monkey.
When we went to bed on Christmas Day she couldn't settle (she has a bed in my room). I was concerned she wasn't feeling well and needed to go outside - nope, she wanted to bring monkey up to bed
. She even grooms it.Her behaviour with other dogs is faultless and the cat will sleep next to her.
So people. When adopting a rescue, don't judge a book by its cover, don't forget the big dogs and have a little patience.
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