Update - Maddie is home!!

Well, I just want to let you all know that Maddie is finally in her new home and doing just fine. Her two sisters have welcomed her in fairly well. We only had a couple of tiffs and ironically my more timid, submissive dog is the one that instigated them!

She is doing fine and her stitches don't seem to bother her at all. You would never know she just had surgery today! She seems relaxed and very happy. The only thing I think that might be a problem is her separation anxiety. Whenever I leave the house she wines a lot and scratches to get out. But, I don't think that will last very long.

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and support. Things seem to be working out very well and we are all extremely excited to have Maddie with us

Thanks again

Angel

[RachelJ]

What a wonderful ending to your adventure, or maybe I should say beginning because as we know life with a new dog is never dull.
The separation anxiety seems to be a common thread with many of the stray/shelter dogs. I have one myself. First of all, time does really help heal. The thing that settled Tucker down when I left was leaving him with my other dog. Initially I kept them separated with Tucker in the kitchen and Hannah had the rest of the house. Tucker was a basket case. After he had been around enough for the two to become used to one another, I put Hannah in the kitchen with him and soon thereafter gave them both the run of the house. Once I did that, he could tolerate being left. Initially he didn't want to go outside without Hannah, but eventually (and this took quite a while) he was able to go by himself. Initially in the house Tucker stuck to me like glue, but as the days turned into weeks, he came into his own and started spending more time with Hannah instead of me.

Just give Maddie lots of love. What she has been through was traumatic for her. The more sure she is that you will be there for her, the more comfortable she will be on her own.

[Sudilar]

Congratulations!!! I hope you and Maddie have a wonderful long fun-filled life together!!

------------------
***Save a life, ADOPT***

[AdoreMyDogs]

Angel,

That is SUCH wonderful news! How wonderful that you have a new friend, and what an adorable name I wish you all the best.

-Leslie

[Logan]

Angel,
What exciting news!!! I'm sure Maddie will get along just fine with her new friends. You might want to keep her isolated for a day or two, just so she doesn't overdo it. Surgery and a new home, all in one day, is probably a little overwhelming.
Keep us posted on your progress. And, Congratulations on your new addition!
Logan

Well, thank you all again.

Maddie is adjusting fine. She is becoming a little Houdini though. She can get thru any type of blockade that I set up! She has also decided that she likes to chew up daddy's underwear. She also likes to route thru our laundry in the closet. Guess I have to doggie-proof the whole house all over again!!

I left the house for about 1/2 hour today and she went a little crazy. She got thru both blockades and made it into the kitchen where I found my strategically placed stack of mail and catalogues and the dishcloth on the floor. Plus a heavy, glass picture frame was on the floor that she must have knocked off of the table.

We have our challenges ahead but it will be just fine! One big happy doggie family... except now, the dog to human ratio has changed. My husband and I are outnumbered !!!!

Angel

[KYS]

Glad Maddie is doing well.
LOL! So she is a underwear thief among
other exciting adventures around the
house.
I am so happy, all has worked out.

[Angels3]

Great news about Maddie. She must be still stressed out from all she's been thro'. She'll gradually learn how secure she is in the routine of her new home. About chewing her new dad's underwear. Give Maddie some old item of clothing with her dad's strong scent on it to be her comfort toy. An old shoe or sneaker is fine.

[tatsxxx11]

Congratulations on Maddie's homecoming. And what a wonderful home you have given her. I am sure with time, she will come to learn that she is safe, never to be abandoned again. I went through the same thing with my Cody, and having a "sister" at home as a companion; as someone to "show her the way" and teach her trust, was just what she needed. Big hugs to beautiful Maddie. She is a beautiful girl! And you're a wonderful loving family to her. Please keep us updated!