Belle has joined our flock

[Freedom]

As of 10:30 PM last night (Aug 10, 2014), Belle has joined our flock. She is spayed and UTD on shots. Belle will turn 6 years old on Oct 8. She is a small bichon, smaller than Riley, Tasha and Willy. Not sure on her weight yet. She was posted on CL yesterday, I was the first person to respond. She was living way up in northern NH, so her family came half way down, and we (I took the 3 fluffs ) drove up, and we all met in a Mall parking lot. In the end, the family were so enthusiastic about Belle living with doggies and no children, plus my experience working the Tasha, my puppy mill rescue, that they agreed to let her come home with us. I am Belle's 3d owner. She lived with a family with a 2 year old and a new baby arrived when she was 2 years old. From what I understand, the 2 year old wasn't as gentle or as supervised as needed, and Belle became the nervous little girl I met. Those people rehomed her to the family I met last night. They have recently become interested in car racing, and spend weekends in their camper at the car races. Their other bichon, Mimi, is fine on leash, and staying in the camper for a few hours. Belle is very nervous with all the noise and crowds. When they leave the dogs for 2 or 3 hours and return, Mimi is sprawled out snoozing, or meets them at the door. Belle is under the bed covers shaking. So they decided this was not fair to her, and posted her. This is how I came to adopt her.

I haven't sorted out exactly what the issues are, but Belle strongly believes that anything new - person or dog - is trouble and she wants to run the other way. I am sitting in the recliner now, she is at the opposite end of the sofa. If I softly say, "Hi Belle" she shakes and shivers. She shows no curiousity about this house (we are up at Dad's, return home later today). I've had to keep her on leash, as she is small and I want to know where she is, and not worry. Even if she should crawl under something, the leash will let me know she is there. Outside, she spends all her time trying to get out of the fence and take off. She shows no interest in sniffing the fenced in area, checking for smells, and p-mail and such. The things I normally see in a new arrival. She will sniff my dogs, but does not 'fall in with the pack' which is what most dogs would do.

The family I got her from said it will take her 3 or 4 days to settle. I've never known a bichon like this, except Tasha, my mill rescue. Even with Tasha, she'd spent 6 weeks at the SPR clinic and they work through a LOT of these issues there, for the mill rescues. The family also said Belle is afraid to go out for walks, will hide under the bed when anyone comes to the house, and hates noise or crowds. They said she sleeps on the bed with them at night - either their daughter or the couple, sometimes back and forth. Well this first night, she was shaking on the bed with me and the 3 dogs, and eventually jumped down and spent the night in the living room. Belle does know 'sit,' and is potty trained.

I was told the groomer sometimes has to muzzle her, and the Mom did handle most of her grooming as a result. At this point, in the photos below, she was trimmed 2 weeks back.

For now, I know she needs calm and routine. I'm not even going to try taking her for walks with us, she needs time to adapt to this huge change in her life. She came with her collar and leash; I have a small harness for her back in RI. I'll leave her in the house while we walk. Good thing I am set up with double doors to outside at both ends of the highway! She is so small, I will have to reinforce the fence at BOTH ends of the highway to prevent escapes. For now, she remains ON LEASH. Even in the house, she is dragging her leash as I need to know where she is. I've offered her treats twice (once last night after a potty break and again this morning) but she won't eat them, even after I walk away. First time, was hot dog bits, this morning was salmon grain free.

That's her background, here are a few photos.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos001Small_zps626d6746.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos001Small_zps626d6746.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos002Small_zpsd4883c57.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos002Small_zpsd4883c57.jpg.html)

These are not cropped, I just kept snapping while she was looking at me.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos003Small_zpsf6380486.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos003Small_zpsf6380486.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos004Small_zps365924c0.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos004Small_zps365924c0.jpg.html)

Here you can see one ear went back, she was getting worried, so I had to stop snapping for a minute.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos005Small_zpsb797be8d.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos005Small_zpsb797be8d.jpg.html)

Then I started making SOFT sounds trying to get her attention.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos006Small_zps118e24f4.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos006Small_zps118e24f4.jpg.html)

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos007Small_zpsccf5e177.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos007Small_zpsccf5e177.jpg.html)

Riley was VERY interested in the sounds I was making! :laughing:
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos008Small_zps00664f82.jpg (http://s133.photobucket.com/user/sfsamm/media/2014/Aug%2011%20Belle%20first%20photos/Bellefirstphotos008Small_zps00664f82.jpg.html)

Please say a little prayer for Belle, that she settles in and learns to trust (me, at LEAST!), and that she is NOT successful in any escape attempts (I do NOT want to go through that again!).

[Scooter's Mom]

I followed your FB links so I could read about Belle! :)
She's got a really sweet face. I hope you have good luck with her. As much as I hate to see an animal shift from one home to another, I think it is for the best that they re-homed her if they did not have any time to dedicate to her and if the time they did have with her made her terrified like that. Poor girl.

Good luck and I'm looking forward to seeing how she blossoms in your care.

[Taz_Zoee]

It is very sad that she has been through several homes. But I have confidence that she has found her forever home and you will do everything you can to help her become comfortable.

Any idea how she is with cats?

Welcome to a WONDERFUL home Belle. :)

[pomtzu]

I have pretty much ditched FB, so I'm just now learning that you have a new little Fluff. She's adorable - and if anyone can bring her around, then you can Sandie. If only they could talk and reveal what their problems are, and what frightens them so much. Poor little girl - I hope she will make a good transition and go on to live a long and happy and fearless life with you and her new sibs. It will take time, but with patience and understanding, I'm sure she will do it.

Welcome pretty little Belle. You've landed in the best possible home with the best possible Mom any doggie could hope for. :love::love::love::love: You'll see - the fun has just begun! ;):D

[Karen]

Aww, welcome to the good life, Belle! It's okay, Sandie is a good momma, you can trust her, I promise!

[kaycountrygal]

Wow! You have your work cut out for you but I have confidence in your fluff abilities. What a pretty little dog she is--just precious. Little Belle doesn't know YET that she has ended up in a wonderful home. Good Luck!

[cassiesmom]

Awww, Belle! I cried when I read about how afraid you have been. You won't have to be afraid any more, sweety. You are in the best Fluff home ever! Your new mum, Willy, Riley and Tasha will show you everything you need to know. I am glad you tried sleeping on the bed for awhile. Maybe later in the year you will be ready to go for fall walkies at the farm. If not, that's okay too. I will say big prayers and go light a candle right now. I am sending you a gentle (((HUG))) of welcome!

Your admiring fan,
Elyse

[Freedom]

Thank you, all! Belle is already coming around, in terms of being less nervous with me. She ate all her lunch, which is nice. And we are now back home in RI -- and Belle has decided that she must return to the car. She did this last night as well, sat near the door to the car, so now I know she just needs time to get used to new places. Which I was told, yes, but still it is nice to see for myself.

I did take her for a short walk with the other 3, in the end. She started out by pulling and as she has a collar, gasping. By the end she was doing better. I will dig out the harness for her in a bit and that will make things easier on her till she learns to leash walk.

[Asiel]

Aww----such a cutie but the first pictures show the uncertainty she is feeling. So sad that she's been tossed around like an old slipper. But I also am sure she's where she belongs, I just know you'll work through her issues, already she's eaten for you, tomorrow she will show more signs of settling in. She can sense the others are happy and content so it won't take her long to figure out she finally can relax and enjoy her new (permanent) home. Just a feeling I get that you will work things out with her... :D

[mrspunkysmom]

Sweet Belle :love:, give Sandie a chance, and you won't regret it. You're in a PT home and that's a good thing. Welcome to Pet Talk. :love:

[chocolatepuppy]

Belle is so cute! I know, in time, you'll get her to be comfortable and happy in your home.:)

[Freedom]

Late yesterday afternoon, I dug out Tasha's Walkeez harness. I stopped using it as Tasha backed out of it twice. I put it on Belle, attached a short leash, left her collar on with a longer leash. Then we all went for the long 2 mile walk. I did this to get her tired, burned off some of her nervous energy, as she didn't sleep well the first night. It worked, we all slept the night through! And the harness worked fine, she wasn't gasping and choking. I noticed he kept in the middle of the group, did not want to be on the outside. Tasha was like this initially as well.

Belle spent most of the night in the living room, finally came in my bedroom about 3 AM, but remained on the floor. Small steps, very similar to how Tasha progressed. She ignores the cats, and is fascinated with the fish.

I'm coming to the conclusion that this wee girl has been quite abused in her past. She squeals like a stuck pig if I so much as touch her. She isn't sore, it is fear. So putting the harness on her was a noisy episode. She did calm down, and I think she will learn quickly that means walkies!

She initially panicked each time my 'noisy boy' barked. Well, in time she will adjust to Willy, as all of us in this house have done! :D

[Bonny]

What a sweet looking little girl. She will have a good forever home with you & the fluffs. :)

[pomtzu]

She's coming around - great news! Baby steps - baby steps :)

In regard to a harness. I had to use a harness on Sparky since he was a "puller" - big time - and Wolfy is the same. Neither got the message when I tried to break them of it. Anyway - I never had either slip out of the one I'll enclose a pic of, but the so called "easy step in" one, Wolfy has gotten out of with no problem. Plus I don't like the webbing they use in them - too stiff and scratchy. The one I use is made by Yuppie Puppy, but I've seen other brands on line too, it's easy on and off and simple to adjust, and the strips that go under his front legs are sherpa padded, so it's nice and comfy. They are kinda hard to find in stores, but readily available on line.

Just a little info for you if you might be interested.

[cassiesmom]

Wow, two miles! Good girl, Belle! I am glad you were able to walk on a harness with the others! You visited mum's bedroom in the night, but stayed on the floor. Sounds like that was okay with mum. I won't ask her to pet you for me today, since you don't like to be touched. I am grateful for this happy update! Yay! Mum and the others will help you to not be afraid and all will be fine in time. :love:

[Freedom]

Thank you Bonny, Ellie and Elyse.

Progress! We walked at the farm this morning and AGAIN this evening (it is going to pour tomorrow, so I need them tired, lol) then I sat out in the back yard this evening and gave them each a marrow bone. Belle dug in, she enjoyed hers. No idea if she ever had one before or not.

Soon after she lost interest in her bone, and after a short poke about the yard, Belle came over to where I was sitting and put her front paws up on my leg! :eek: I was practically holding my breath as I picked her up and sat her on my lap. Initially she kept her front paws on my chest, legs straight. After a good 5 minutes, she turned and settled in my lap. She is so much smaller than the others, she fit FINE! (Willy THINKS he is a lap dog, but he doesn't fit, lol). She stayed quite awhile, though I could feel her shake and shiver now and again. Eventually she jumped down. HUGE step! But all on her terms, in her time.

[Scooter's Mom]

You are making huge steps very quickly. It's obvious she knows you are a good Hu-mom! :)

[Freedom]

This morning just after 6 AM, Belle came up the stairs onto my bed. After sitting down at the foot of the bed for a bit, she moved up to where I could reach her.

I had been told she needed 3 to 4 days, she is right on schedule!

Oh she also has had a good sniff all around the back yard, and her tail is now up at least half the time, maybe more.

[pomtzu]

Wonderful news, Sandie. She obviously is starting to feel quite secure with you and her surroundings. Makes one wonder more about her past owners, for sure. Not saying they abused her - just didn't give her the patience and understanding that she wanted and needed.

Smooches to you, pretty Belle :love:, and of course to Tasha :love:, Willy :love:, and Riley :love:.

[Freedom]

Ellie, they said it would take her 3 to 4 days to adjust. They said she slept on the bed with them. She is very nervous around new people, and in new situations.

I'm finding their description is accurate, and I am relieved as once she is fine with me we can more easily work on training.

[Asiel]

WOW---giant steps for Belle. I knew she would feel safe and secure once she "watched"the goings on. She must sense that you are her haven from the storm, no harm will come to her, only good things from now on. So glad you took her in, I'm sure she's in the perfect forever home... thanks for caring for these cute little white Fluffs Freedom.

[cassiesmom]

This morning just after 6 AM, Belle came up the stairs onto my bed. After sitting down at the foot of the bed for a bit, she moved up to where I could reach her.

I had been told she needed 3 to 4 days, she is right on schedule!

Oh she also has had a good sniff all around the back yard, and her tail is now up at least half the time, maybe more.

Yay, Belle! This makes me smile :D!


Smooches to you, pretty Belle :love:, and of course to Tasha :love:, Willy :love:, and Riley :love:.

I am sending some too :love:, and gentle lovies for the kitties as well!

[Freedom]

Thank you all for looking and commenting! Especially since it was all words, no photos, lol.

I have added new threads with more pictures.

[robinh]

This little is sooooo in the right place. With your patience and training she will be one of the pack before too long.

Congratulations Belle! You've hit the fluffy lotto!

:D

[Freedom]

Thanks Robin. I was amazed to learn she is just 7 pounds! That is Maltese size, lol. Willy is 19 pounds 12 ounces, and Tasha and Riley are both between 15 and 16 pounds.

[cassiesmom]

Belle, Willy and Riley across the back of the sofa, and Tasha on the cushion. Copied from another thread.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/sfsamm/2014/Aug%2014%20fluffs%204%20belle%20car%20seat%20riley %20crystal/fluffs4bellecarseat015ASmall_zpsa340358d.jpg

Belle doesn't look to me like she is much smaller than Riley or Tasha. I am sooooo glad she is settling in with the others! Belle, when mum isn't taking your picture, you can look out of the window and see interesting things- leaves, sometimes rain falling, and maybe a squirrel or bird visiting the yard. Your mum once told me that Bichons like to be UP! You figured it out!

[Vette]

I love your fuzzbuckets ^^

wow what a difference. can tell shes starting to feel more relaxed an part of the pack already.
is she starting to romp around with the others just yet?

Kirby pretty much fell right in to the pack once he was coaxed out of his crate trotting around an sniffing things. tiny but brave booger he was

[Freedom]

Belle doesn't look to me like she is much smaller than Riley or Tasha.

Hmm, yes, she is. Willy weighs 20 pounds; Tasha and Riley are both between 15 and 16 pounds (Tasha is slightly more than Riley). Belle weighs barely 10 pounds!

And shoulder heights: Willy is 11.5 inches, Tasha and Riley are 11 inches, Belle is barely 8 inches.


I love your fuzzbuckets ^^
is she starting to romp around with the others just yet?


Oh my yes, in fact you'd think she'd lived here much longer than a week! Today at the Farm, she darted and chased all around with our friend Skippy, AND she raced with Bear and Yogi. Skippy is a small dog, about Willy's size. Bear and Yogi are both part black lab, so they are big boys! She came home very tired, but happy. :D She has also done a blitz in the back yard a few times in the past 3 days.

[Vette]

Wow thats awesome an good to hear! better look out,, that 10pounds of fuzz maybe the new ruler of the roost LOL ^^

[Freedom]

Thanks, Vette!

[Taz_Zoee]

Aww, just getting caught up on the progress of Belle. Sounds like she's doing GREAT! :D
Of course I know she is in the best home ever and now she is learning that too. :)

[cassiesmom]

Hmm, yes, she is. Willy weighs 20 pounds; Tasha and Riley are both between 15 and 16 pounds (Tasha is slightly more than Riley). Belle weighs barely 10 pounds! And shoulder heights: Willy is 11.5 inches, Tasha and Riley are 11 inches, Belle is barely 8 inches.

Is that within the acceptable range for her breed? She looks perfect to me just the way she is!




Oh my yes, in fact you'd think she'd lived here much longer than a week! Today at the Farm, she darted and chased all around with our friend Skippy, AND she raced with Bear and Yogi. Skippy is a small dog, about Willy's size. Bear and Yogi are both part black lab, so they are big boys! She came home very tired, but happy. :D She has also done a blitz in the back yard a few times in the past 3 days.

Yay, Belle! I am so glad to read that you had fun at the farm, playing with other dogs - and that you have done some blitzes! Good girl! Hugs and lovies to Belle, Tasha, Riley and Willy! :love:

Your admiring fan,
Elyse

[Freedom]

Is that within the acceptable range for her breed? She looks perfect to me just the way she is!


Belle is a small bichon by any standards. But she is balanced and healthy, that's what matters in the long run!