Unplanned rescue

[krazyaboutkatz]

Thank you so much for rescuing him. He sure looks like he feels so much better now. He really fits in so well with your other fluffs and even your cats. I think he was meant to be with your family but only you can make that choice. Either way I know he'll find a wonderful loving caring new forever home. He's such a handsome boy too.

[pomtzu]

Wherever Gizmo goes - he has you Sandie to thank, for getting him going in the right direction. And somehow I believe that Lacey had a hand in this too. And Tasha looks to be smitten with him - could she be telling you something????

He definitely looks to be a happy little guy and is happy to have a bunch of new friends too. I'm sure they can teach him all about how much fun it is to live at their house.

[Freedom]

I did ask wo close friends for their input, and both agreed I need to move him on. And of course, he is staying. His name: Tony! I'm already calling him Tony - pup, lol.

Several reasons he is staying:
I had a long phone conversation with the foster mom last evening. She has 7 dogs, only 2 are hers, one is a long term rescue been w/ her 3 years and not likely going to be adopted. Yes she saw the photos and says he would be adopted. She only had 6 dogs yesterday morning, and then suddenly a dog was returned to her after 2 years. (WHO does these things?! Nothing 'wrong,' they are expecting a baby and felt with 2 children already, the dog would not get the attention he needs. They showed up at her door unannounced to return him) She has another dog arriving on Sat, and then this boy would arrive on Sun and she'd have 9 dogs. She does not have a fenced in yard so they are either inside or on leash for walkies.

This boy -- Tony -- is used to being outside ALL DAY. Yes he is adjusting well to being indoors but I wonder if being an indoor only dog would be too much for him all at once.

He adapts easily, has already blended in with my pack. All that crazy peeing has stopped, Willy no longer needs his belly band. Tony is wearing his just because, I'll keep it on him till after his neuter. Could he become an indoor only dog? I think so. I worry about these babies, giving them too much change too soon, having them shut down, or develop behavior issues.

She would not be able to get him neutered till the following Monday; naturally her vet will want to see him once first. We both agreed the earlier he is neutered, the better chance he will drop this marking behavior a LOT. And at age 3 years, a week may or may not make a difference, neither of us knows.

She said she will be there if I find I can't manage (as if!), which is nice to know.

I had the 4 to the Farm yesterday afternoon. Tony was on a long line, 25 feet, and LOVED it!

To Mary Ellen and Lin, I'm sorry, I really DID value your opinions and input; and intend to move him for many reasons each of you listed. Then this phone call with the foster mom and . . . I caved in.

[kaycountrygal]

Sandie girl, As soon as I saw the very first post in your thread, I said to myself "Sandie will keep him". You are a good person Hon and you are wonderful helping those animals that need a home. You have a good heart and a loving soul. You thought about Tony's well being and what he needed and you did what was best for him--good for you.

I cant believe (but I do) that he didn't even know his name (but he will), not used to a collar, not uptodate on shots, long long hair & needed a cut/bath (actually a shave it was so bad), used to stay outside all day...just shaking my head--poor dog. Tony is so lucky to be with you and the crew in his forever home. Keep us posted on his progress and how everything is going. Hugs to you! Kay

[krazyaboutkatz]

Congrats!!! I'm so glad to read that he'll be staying. Like I said on FB he's a keeper and he's already in the best home possible. I think that Willy needs a brother too. I sure don't see you having any problems with handling four dogs since you're so used to it. Good luck with everything.

[cassiesmom]

Hello there, Gizmo -- now Tony! Welcome to Pet Talk! Welcome to your new home, Tony-pup the Fluff!

Sandie, whatever the reasons were that your friends listed, I don't know what they are. But I hope they will either resolve on their own, or if not, I'm sure you will be able to sort them out with him. I bet he can adjust to being a mostly indoor dog. There are windows to look out of, doggie skills to learn, places to nap, healthful meals to eat and inside is a safe place.

[Casper]

Hooray! Last night when I saw the photo of Tony on the bed with the others I thought "Gosh, he has to stay, he looks so perfect there!" I'm so glad you're giving him a shot and I'm glad to hear he is beginning to settle in well.

Welcome to the family, Tony! I look forward to seeing a lot more of you!

[pomtzu]

Love it - love it - love it..............just what the doctor ordered for the "S" household. I'll bet Lacey is strutting her stuff in front of Sugar, Marlin, Ozzy and Ben (did I miss anyone??? ) and bragging that it was all her doing.

And what a better name than Tony for a little boy who will be growing up in an Italian household - even tho the 4-footed residents have other nationalities!

Congratulations - to all!

[Karen]

What a good Italian male name you picked for him! Tony S. from East Providence ... sounds classic!

[cassiesmom]

Sandie, did Tony-pup have his neuter surgery? I thought I read somewhere that he did, but I could be wrong. How did it go? Does his coat still feel like skin-so-soft? I'm so glad he is with you! ((HUGS))) Tony-pup!

[Freedom]

Yes, Elyse, Tony had his neuter yesterday (Monday). He came home and the vet reports he did fine. TOny on the other hand thinks his world has ended and he MUST sit in my lap at all times!

I had to put an e collar on him as he insists on licking his stitches. Now he has 10 days of limited activity: no jumping, no stairs, walks on leash only.

[cassiesmom]

Just checking in for a quick update (Fluffdate ) How's things? Tony-pup, are you learning how to go for a walk with a leash?

[Freedom]

Tony is recovered from his neuter and doing fine. He pulls a LOT on the leash, I need to start working on that. I'd like to try training first before I spend money on an easy-walk harness.

Tony is an alpha, so he and Willy are not doing so well together. If Willy is in my lap, on a chair, the sofa, the bed, that's is alright, Tony will just hop up and join him / us. But if Tony is up first, he does not allow Willy up and a fight ensues. I've had to break them up 3 times so far. I do apply NILIF training and immediately put Tony down OFF whatever it is, then permit Willy up, and make Tony work for the privilege to join us.

Tony also seems to know when Willy's growls are aimed at me and leading to a snap / bite, and Tony attacks him at that point, as well. Willy has become much more cautious about going for me -- which is a plus. But it is clear that Willy, Tasha and Riley are all walking on egg shells around Tony and not pleased with his alpha attitude.

Gave all the fluffs their bath on Sunday afternoon. Tony's coat is so short just now, he was done in 10 minutes. At least it got him to see what I do, and I think he will be fine for grooming. When he went to get shaved on July 31, the groomer said he is easy to work with, so that is nice. Again, Tony kept close while it was Willy's turn, and each time Willy grumbled at me Tony went for him - couldn't reach Willy who was up on the table, but that got Willy's attention and he was lots calmer with me working on him.

And yet as long as he is not first up, Tony will snuggle and cuddle with any / all of them, blitz in the back yard - what fun to see THREE of them blitz together! (Willy doesn't do the blitz due to his arthritis). You'd think all is fine if you saw them at those times.


I took all 4 in to see Dad one afternoon. Dad happened to be lying on his bed, so the fluffs lined up 2 on each side, and Dad was thrilled just petting them. He kept saying, "Thank you," and "You can leave now, just let them stay here with me." (Shows where "I" am on the priority list ha haaa!)

[Alysser]

Dominance issues are what I fear most about getting multiple dogs, but you seem to be handling yours really well. Do you think you may just foster him instead or are you sure about keeping him? I think his issues are pretty workable.

LOL I love the story of your visit with your Dad. That is too funny.

[Randi]

I missed this earlier (have been cat-sitting etc. for a month). How wonderful that Tony ended up with you, Sandie. In spite of his alpfa behaviour, it sounds like he gets along pretty well with all of them - and he has lots of playmates. Well done!

Enjoyed the pictures, too.