OES in Alabama
We are actually Saint Bernard lovers (we have three wonderful rescued Bernards) but became aware of an OES in such need that we had to help. I saw a photo and couldn't get him out of my mind...... We have had him at our house for about two weeks. We are brand new to the breed. We sent his photos to several OES rescue contacts, and the consesus seems to be that he is either an OES or and OES mixed with Standard Poodle or Wolfound. He is all grey/blue, and he does have his tail. My husband shaved 8.5 pounds of matts off of the poor guy. He had apparently spent more than 23 hours a day in a crate for the last year and a half. We were told he is about 6 years old. He is just starting to settle in at our house. He appears to be house trained. We are keeping his time in the crate to a minimum. We do not crate our other dogs and would love not to crate him at all. He does well with our Saints but is too curious about our cats for their comfort. No damage done, though. He LOVES to be pet. He is a bit stubborn but knows how to sit and recognizes the name we have given him (WATSON). Prior to being at our house, I don't think he had much good to associate with humans or with doing what humans ask, so we are working on that. He is a bit more reserved than I am used to, but he is already starting to show some enthusiasm to greet us, etc.... He has made a snappy snap with his jaws a couple of times when he didn't want to get off the couch (LOVES THE COUCH), but it wasn't an actual attempt to bite-- he was nowhere near making contact-didn't even move towards us (we still don't like that, and hope as he gets comfortable that it will not happen at all-our other dogs do NOT do this). We have brought him up to date on shots. He is HW negative, and we have treated him for all the other icky worms he had, as well as an ear infection. In a couple of weeks, he will have a small growth removed from his ear, have his teeth cleaned, and will have the fur removed from inside his ears. He is already neutered. Anyway, we have been in touch with Ingrid. She is going to help us advertise him when the time comes. We are in no hurry. We want to find a great home, hopefully with OES experience. If anyone is interested, let me know! We can email photos. You are welcome to contact me if you are interested at Elizabeth@fcdf.org |
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| Here are photos of Watson. Please know that these photos were taken by someone else when he was with his previous human in her home. He has since been shaved, cleaned up, and vetted!!! We wouldn't keep a dog in this condition!
Do you all think he is an OES? 
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He definately looks oes to me. Thank you so much for rescuing this poor baby. By the looks of him in that crate, he looked in terrible shape, as for the picture of him tied up, I don't know wheather to cry  or throw-up. I do know I am very angry  Under what circumstances did you get him? Keep up your good work and if you need any help or have questions, please. post on the forum again, there is a ton of information here and so many people who will definately help you out. You are more than welcome to pm me. I will help you out anyway possible. And again,THANK-YOU for rescuing this poor sheepie. |
Is he brown or just really dirty? That poor guy. He looks so cramped. Not that anyone should, but if you're gonna keep a dog in a crate all the time, at least make it a nice, big comfy one.  |
| Thanks for the reply.
We got him from a woman who got him from a shelter with the intention of rehoming him. Sadly, she felt she couldn't handle him and kept him in a crate more than 23 hours a day and didn't groom him and didn't try to get him into rescue! She did take him to the vet initially but didn't take him when he was due again (she had him for a year and half). She fed him good food and had him on HW prevention, but kept him in the crate and didn't love on him or work on his training, etc..... I can't begin to make sense of it...........We became aware of his situation when another person contacted us (through www.fcdf.org) trying to intervene and get him out of there. It is a long story, but it really makes no sense to me, and I have given up trying to bend my brain around it. |
| Thank you so much for helping this poor boy. Do you have any newer "after" pictures? It might help erase the sight of his condition in the 1st pictures. He looks horrible! and I can't begin to imagine how bad he felt. |
| To answer one question, No, he isn't brown at all! He was filthy! I was out of town, when my husband was finally able to get him, so I didn't see him in person until after the shave. My husband shaved 8.5 pounds of fur off him (literally-he put him on the scale before and after). His personal parts were completely matted, so he was a mess! Now that the fur is all off, he looks blue-no grey or white, so I am not sure what to expect as the fur grows in. I do have photos now that he is shaved. Tonight, when I am home, I will get them posted if I can't do it before then. |
| Welcome to the forum.. and Bless you for helping this guy out!!!!
He sure looks like a "sheepie" to me...here's hoping that a loving family will come along and scoop him up and give him the life he deserves. |
Dudster wrote: Welcome to the forum.. and Bless you for helping this guy out!!!!
He sure looks like a "sheepie" to me...here's hoping that a loving family will come along and scoop him up and give him the life he deserves. Thanks! We know he is much happier with us! We will want to find a home, though, so we can foster future dogs in need. He will be safe and happy with us as long as it takes. Tell your OES loving friends!  |
Oh how I wish I could foster him for you. I currently have my hands full with a male foster and my own male oes. They have been a challenge, but a very rewarding one!  Here is a link some less than wonderful after pictures of our foster after his shave:
http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?p=131095#131095 Does he look anything like this? If you need any help, please send me a pm and I will be happy to send you my number. Thank you again for taking in this wonderful guy. |
| He doesn't look oes to me, but maybe if we saw him shaved? Do you have any new pics?
He may be a cross, he looks to have some terrier or spaniel in him to me. Maybe crossed with Bearded Collie? His body type is not oes at all. The coat looks more beardie/terrier-ish? I hope you find him a great home though!  |
Betsy wrote: Oh how I wish I could foster him for you. I currently have my hands full with a male foster and my own male oes. They have been a challenge, but a very rewarding one!
Here is a link some less than wonderful after pictures of our foster after his shave:http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?p=131095#131095 Does he look anything like this? If you need any help, please send me a pm and I will be happy to send you my number. Thank you again for taking in this wonderful guy. Oh my! He does look a bit like that! I will be sure to get more photos up tonight! Don't anyone worry about him. We will be wonderful to him until a forever home is found, but do spread the word for us. |
Willowsprite wrote: He doesn't look oes to me, but maybe if we saw him shaved? Do you have any new pics?
He may be a cross, he looks to have some terrier or spaniel in him to me. Maybe crossed with Bearded Collie? His body type is not oes at all. The coat looks more beardie/terrier-ish? I hope you find him a great home though! Yeah, I have looked at all those breeds, and I just don't know enough to be able to tell! We will see what folks think of the shaved photos. He seems too big to be a Bearded Collie and too small to be a Wolfound and not quite right to be a Briard? |
| He looks short to me, which is why I thought Beardie. He's definitely a mix of something LOL
Regardless of what he is, he deserves a home |
| Oh, by the way, if anyone is curious, this is a link to our Lucas (Saint Bernard) on dogster.com
From there, you can see our other pets. We have three Saints and four cats. The others that are shown are past and present fosters. www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=200804 |
Loved the pics  I used to have a St. Bernard when I was growing up, his name was Barney, he was such a good dog  |
Bless you for rescuing him. The anger I feel for someone locking a dog in a crate for 23 hours a day for over a year cannot be expressed. 
 Thank you, thank you, thank you, for getting him out of there. 
It's really hard to tell from these pics how much OES he is.  Can't wait to see the 'after' photos. I can imagine how happy he is to be with you. |
loried wrote: Loved the pics
I used to have a St. Bernard when I was growing up, his name was Barney, he was such a good dog Saints are WONDERFUL! Sadly, much like OES (I would imagine), people think they are adorable and get a puppy and quickly find themselves unable to manage them! So many turn up in rescue-and worse. Not to mention, the back yard breeders that started cranking them out after the Beethoven movies! I am sure OES folks see the same thing. There is no shortage of fantastic Saints in need of homes (stepping off of soap box). |
| Don't mean to "jack your thread", but I checked out your Dogster page... Next to Berners and OES, Saints and Newfs are my next favourite breed..
Your dogs are beatutiful.. I especially love the "bathtub photo". Brenda Dudley (got my staples out.. the girls are digging my scar) Murphy (My Brother thinks he all that and a bag of chips with his new scar). |
| Thank you! Your dogs are gorgeous too!
If anyone ever considers a Saint, please remember that the DROOL on the ceiling you see in movies is REAL. It really happens. |
| Gotta love the drool!!
I volunteer with basset rescue . |
| I also want to say "thanks" for helping. He does look like OES to me - at least some OES. I'm glad Ingrid is helping you out - you're in good hands! |
| PS
Your dogs are gorgeous!! They are so well-behaved with your kitties. Bingley (sigh) tries to play with ours and is much too rough at five months old. |
| Here are two photos of Watson after my wonderful husband shaved him and cleaned him up. I think he might be embarrassed about his nudity, but I know he feels so much better! We realize that he is overweight! |
| Help! I can't see the pictures! |
Okay...I am logged in as me, but still waiting for photos to be approved................Watson is doing well tonight. He actually stopped chasing a cat when he told him to!  He seems to listen to the hubby a hair better than me, but that is to be expected since Andrew tends to project a
little more confidence and authority......I do great with our 160+ pound Saint, Lucas, but I am not 100% confident with Watson yet. |
What a cutie! Lab/OES? |
| Maybe Setter/OES?
Still cute! He looks like he needs to get out in some sunshine. Poor guy! |
| OOH. They got posted! Thank you!
Those pictures were taken right when he got here. He already has a more comfortable look about him! He seems a little happier every day, and his muscles are getting stronger. At first, he almost fell trying to get up on the couch! He has been following the Saints around and getting more confident going up and down our deck stairs. I wondered if he could be Standard Poodle/OES? |
| What a sweet looking fella. How gracious of you to take him in. I have 3 sheepie fosters now plus my four. I am about to lose my mind!! But they are so loving how could I say no! I hope he finds a wonderful forever home. Keep up your rescue efforts . Your dogs are wonderful!! |
| Definitely OES and something. What a handsome guy he is! |
| The head looks massive... maybe not a Lab, maybe a Rottweiler? |
Now that he's shaved he does look like a Lab/ OES mix Gotta love that face  |
| What a handsome boy... He has to feel better with all that matted fur gone...
Good luck in finding him a furever home...he deserves the bestest!! |
| what a sweety he lood like oes /rotty maybe i wish i could take in one more . |
Maxmm wrote: Maybe Setter/OES?
Still cute! He looks like he needs to get out in some sunshine. Poor guy! Hi
I believe my Cassie (rescue) is an OES/English Setter 
Watson is such a fine looking fella ... English Setters are not all that big ... Cassie weighs just 65 Lbs. She certainly keeps her eyes out for birds ... Hard for her to herd birds, ducks, geese from land 
Bless you for taking this wonderful fella into your home Giving him the love & attention he so deserves Diane...love his name Watson
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| I am extremely sad to report that the issue with him snapping is getting worse not better. What have people's experiences been with this? He snaps when he simply doesn't want to do something (like get off the couch to go outside) even though we are extremely gentle with him. He snapped at my husband last night in a bad way. When Andrew firmly said NO, he bared his teeth. This happened several times. He did get off the couch without biting, but I am heart broken over this. I can't adopt out a dog I don't trust, and I am not willing to be biten. We were trying to down play it in our own minds, but after last night, we can't. We are giving him affection, food, comfortable couch, etc.... and he is perking up in a lot of ways, but the snapping is not OKAY.
I am very sad. We have dealt with rescues fighting with each other. That can be scary enough, but we can work through that. I can't have a biter. I do not want to over react or under react. We are seeking advice from experienced rescue contacts. |
| I am sure the more experienced members will chime in with suggestions, but please don't loose faith.. it may be just a security thing with him.. you have no idea what this poor boy has been throught, everything may be new and scary for him, and the snapping may be a defense reaction... hopefully, the experienced members will offer some good suggestions and advice.
Keep the faith.. |
| Welcome to the forum! I looked at your dogs and they are beautiful. I have a Hannah too.
What a huge heart you must have. Thanks for rescuing the new guy. We rescued our Copper and when we first got him he had issues of charging, snarling and biting my husband. I am happy to report that it was all related to fear and whatever abuse he must have suffered. He is now perfect. It took a few weeks for him to realize men weren't a threat. Now I have absolutely no problems with him and he is absolutely the sweetest lovingest boy you could ever meet. So I think your rescue may just need an adjustment period where he feels safe. Who knows what might have happened to him. I know that it's scary, because you have no guarantees. Good luck, he is so lucky to have your help. Thank you for helping! 3 Shaggies: Your dog is stunning! |
| Are you grabbing his collar to move him?
My dog Pepsi does not like to be grabbed by the collar (neck area) and moved. He won't bite, but he will piddle. If this is a neck issue I would put his leash on before you try to move him. |
| We were GENTLY using his collar to get him off the couch. We aren't going to allow him on the couch at all for a bit. We have been getting a LOT of advice from very concerned/kind/experienced folks, so we have a plan. It is all very distressing, but we are hanging in there. |
| Don't grab by the collar, gently or not. It can become a bad situation with the dog biting, you needing medical attention and the dog being put down.
If you need control of a dog like this, leave a leash on at all times, and use the leash. PLEASE do not take an "iffy" dog by the collar. Have we gone over the NILF approach yet? |
| Definately going to have a leash on. There is definate agreement on that. What experienced folks don't seem to agree on is prong collar or regular collar. Any thoughts from folks who have been through this are appreciated. |
| I have been keeping away from this thread because I don't do agression and a dog with agressive tendancies needs to be seen in person by a professional.
That being said, here are my thoughts on this. Using agression with agression will make things worse. You have a dog that has not been socialized. He does not know you from Adam, or people, for that matter. He reacts in a doggie fashion and has no idea that it is unacceptable behavior. He cannot be expected to trust people, and know what to do and to WANT to do it. This dog needs very slow, gentle treatment and needs work in a postive environement so he can feel comfortable enough to learn. Right now he is on the defensive, which is normal. I would hope that the rescue folks you are working with understand that this takes time.....lots of time.....and lots of patience and understanding. He should be seen by a professional animal behaviorist....not a trainer, or someone who says they can fix him. No I vote for NO collar, actually. Hauling him, pulling him and forcing him to do things will not make him understand anything except that he is being controlled and he will not like it..And I don't blame him. If you wnat to get him to move then use a treat and lure him. If he is not to get on the couch than he can be crated or not allowed in the room. A dog with his background should not have access to more than 1 room, until you get to know him better and what his triggers are. I am often the bearer of bad news, but realistic news. Tough forceful methods of controlling a dog can often appear to work on the surface....but underneath you have a frightened, and reactive animal that will be unpredictable and dangerous. So, no collar is my vote... |
| I disagree about no collar Nicole because the humans' safety needs to come first here. They aren't likely to attack the dog with their teeth. I think.
I do agree that agression won't be the right course of action. You don't usually need to haul the dog around by the leash; usually even a stubborn dog will simply "shrug" and follow if taken by the leash. If things are worse than that...well, I haven't had to deal with it. |
Bosley's mom wrote: I have been keeping away from this thread because I don't do agression and a dog with agressive tendancies needs to be seen in person by a professional.
That being said, here are my thoughts on this. Using agression with agression will make things worse. You have a dog that has not been socialized. He does not know you from Adam, or people, for that matter. He reacts in a doggie fashion and has no idea that it is unacceptable behavior. He cannot be expected to trust people, and know what to do and to WANT to do it. This dog needs very slow, gentle treatment and needs work in a postive environement so he can feel comfortable enough to learn. Right now he is on the defensive, which is normal. I would hope that the rescue folks you are working with understand that this takes time.....lots of time.....and lots of patience and understanding. He should be seen by a professional animal behaviorist....not a trainer, or someone who says they can fix him. No I vote for NO collar, actually. Hauling him, pulling him and forcing him to do things will not make him understand anything except that he is being controlled and he will not like it..And I don't blame him. If you wnat to get him to move then use a treat and lure him. If he is not to get on the couch than he can be crated or not allowed in the room. A dog with his background should not have access to more than 1 room, until you get to know him better and what his triggers are. I am often the bearer of bad news, but realistic news. Tough forceful methods of controlling a dog can often appear to work on the surface....but underneath you have a frightened, and reactive animal that will be unpredictable and dangerous. So, no collar is my vote... He is in an extremely positive environment where he has been getting lots of praise and treats and pets. It has nothing to do with fear. He comes to us for pets and he comes to us for treats if he feels like it and he comes to us when we give him his food bowl. But if he doesn't feel like going outside and he doesn't feel like getting off the couch, he snaps at us to tell us that. He isn't afraid. He thinks he gets to make all the decisions, because we have been giving him absolutely everything he wants. He is mad and stubborn. He won't do things for treats if he doesn't feel like it. We aren't stupid. We tried to lure him with treats. As far as him feeling like he is being controlled and not liking it, that is reality. Dogs have to do things they don't want to do sometimes. That is the way it works. The people I have been talking to do have worked literally with hundreds of dogs. There are differences between fear agression and dominance agression. He is not afraid. Our vet is a professional and he agrees with the above. We have been TOO GENTLE AND TOO SWEET and he thinks he is in charge. Yes he deserves patience. We have been patient with all of our rescues who are bigger than him and have been physically abused, but they do not snap at us. We will not tolerate being snapped at much longer. Regardless of if it is his past owners fault, human safety is going to come first here. We aren't going to be needlessly mean, but he is going to be on a leash, and he is going to go outside when we want him to. |
| Hi,
I had a dog like this that was brought into my home over 2 1/2 years ago. He too was kept in similar circumstances to Watson and the behavior he exibited was in some ways like you describe of Watson. (After the honeymoon period). The first year was tough as I desensitized him to many of the things that caused him anxiety. He too had never been indoors. I didn't write this post with the intention of bragging, but being a perpetual optomist - he can be turned around. It is possible and if the right home is found he can possibly thrive in it. My Panda boy placed 4th this year in Canadian Pet Idol - a true success compared how he was 2 1/2 years ago. I could go on about his merits and never have regretted my decision to take him in. I learned that for every step forward it was sometimes 2 steps backwards. You sound like such a good person, hubby too that I know you'll work hard at his rehibilitation. My boy, like Watson needed to learn how to trust people again. That is so much easier to deal with than dog aggression but it does take work. I don't mind sharing ideas as to how you may deal with Watson as I do the occasional behavioral consulting with dogs. We're all here to help!! Please feel free to pm me anytime. PS absolutely love your photos on dogstar!! Kinda looks like my house with various kinds of furballs who now live the good life. Best of luck to you Marianne and the boys |
| By the way, I don't mean to be nasty with my above reply. I am exhausted and frustrated and not willing to be biten. I truly don't feel that he is afraid. I truly feel that he thinks he gets to call the shots. There is a difference. If I wasn't an animal lover, I wouldn't be distraught, but I do firmly believe that he needs to know we are above him on the totem pole, and it is my own faulty partially for babying so much. I appreciate all the people who want to help!
I am starting to think that the reason the woman who kept him in that box for a year and a half did so is because she was afraid of him and his attempts to get what he wants. Keeping in the box full time was a horrible, unacceptable, non-solution, but I think she was afraid of him, because he wants to control situations with his teeth. It was obviously, also, ridiculous for her to not share this information. I am just exhausted from crying about it. |
| Ron is right, in that the safety of people is the first concern. What I have concerns with are the ways of "showing the dog who is boss" that prop up all over the place. There is no doubt that a dog is a dog and needs to behave in an acceptable manner. That does not happen overnight, and getting to that level takes a long time, if it is a new requirement to the dog.
My dogs listen to me very well. There is no doubt that I control them and all their resources...but is in not by forcing or any type of fear or intimidation. It takes time and trust to get that understanding. I give them lots of treats and praise....all the time... I understand how frustrating you must be. It is a daunting task to take on a dog with "issues" and try to sort out the triggers, and assess to see if he is adoptable. It is not that he doesn't want to do what he is told. He just doesn't see the point...or never had to do it before so has no idea that it is a requirement in order to live with in a normal family household of humans. Snapping is a sign. It is the second step towards biting. I would take a snapping dog over a dog that just went right to a bite. At least a dog that snaps is letting you know. Many dogs with issues have been adopted into homes that have worked with them and succeeded. It is a huge task. You are a "foster" home, correct? You need to look at what kind of committment you are prepared to make for him. It takes months, sometimes years to turn a dog around. Are you planning on adopting him yourself? If you are "assessing " him, to determine adoptabiltiy, and have had lots of experience with rescue dogs then you have an idea on what is adoptable and what isn't. You cannot save them all, and fostering for a rescue is "volunteer" work. Any volunteer work that leaves you emotionally upset and affects your life to an extreme is not good. That is how rescue folks get burnt out. Bless you for trying to help but, if I were in your situation he would not be in my house much longer. Sorry, but I couldn't take the potential liability of a dog with that type of reaction. It can possibly get turned around, but takes lots of time and patience, and trust. What I would be afraid of is him getting into the wrong hands and people would be cruel to him, all in the name of "making him listen"....Poor little fellow. |
| I give my dogs lots of praise and lots of treats...all the time...they came from abusive situations, they were not indoor dogs and had no more way of knowing what family life is about than him, but they did not challenge us by snapping at us-maybe some moutyness once in awhile in the beginning, etc.. but NO SNAPPING. We have slowly helped them become very happy and well adjusted and easier to live with than at first. One of the girls can't get quite as much as loving as the others (can't always be up on the bed, etc...) cause this tends to give her a big head, but they get a ton of praise none the less.
This dog is handling this in a totally different way. He is lashing out at humans with his teeth to show that he sees no reason to do what we want. A good number of folks would say that given the millions of sweet dogs out there that get put sleep every day, putting resources into this one doesn't make sense. I am not taking that stance right now, but he isn't going to have a long time to continue to make us miserable. Given all the different ideas that are out there, which we love to hear and consider, we are choosing the path that makes the most sense to us, and are going to give him a chance and taking certain suggestions, but the snapping will not be allowed to continue for months and months by any means. I do not in any way wish to pass the problem along, and I HATE the idea of euthanizing a dog, but it may come to that. Hopefully, it will not. We never had any intention of adopting him. He is a foster, and obviously, we won't be able to adopt him out if he continue to be this way at all-can't take that chance. His behavior in the next week is critical. Certainly, if he makes actual contact, that is it, he will have to be put to sleep. We have been tested before with our volunteer work and animal work, but this one is taking the cake in terms of emotional drain. |
| I'm sorry you are having problems with Watson. I wonder if part of the snapping that you see with him and you haven't seen with other rescues dogs is because he's OES (or part) and they are a herding breed who nip as part of their genetic makeup. If they aren't taught as puppies that nipping isn't acceptable, they'll continue to do it. I wonder if this is based on him never learning that using teeth was not okay and now he uses them in a harsher manner? (Pure speculation there...)
My Barney came to us at 6 months old from a woman who got him from a petstore and he got too big for her. I don't know the life he led before coming to us, but I'm sure it wasn't all pillows and milkbones. We've experienced him snapping at us if we grab him by the collar (not all the time, but definitely more than once). Mostly it was when we were trying to get him to go outside to do his business and he didn't want to, so I grab his collar and he growl-snaps at me. I quickly learned not to grab his collar (I still don't, and he's now 2+). I think the leash idea is a great one...it helped us...and I also sometimes bump him to get him to move instead of using his collar...get behind or to the side of him and bump, bump and that usually gets him moving in the right direction. |
| Thanks. I have thought about the herding dog issue...........after this is over, I am running back to Bernards!!!!! (not that they can't have their own issues-two 160+ pound Bernards trying to battle over a bone is a sight to see!).
I appreciate hearing your experience! We are going to use the leash, but I love the BUMP BUMP BUMP idea too! We can bump! We are eliminating the couch issue all together---no couch for our Blue Menace at this time. I am trying not to be a grumpus so please nobody take anything I say badly. I am doing the best I can! |
| Please consider turning this dog over to an OES rescue program, if we can find him one who will take him. There are many OES people who have dealt with OES who were biters and perhaps one can be found for a more long term arrangement than a great foster home like yours can possibly provide.
I think this would give him the best opportunities, don't you? I'm sure the rescue will indemnify you. Thanks! |
| I would have to consult with the group that is helping us with him, but I would be more than happy to let someone with more experience take over as long as I could be assured that it is a legitimate rescue situation (not like the woman who considers herself to be a rescuer that had him before and warehoused him in a box 23+ hours a day with no grooming what so ever-I am finding that this sort of "foster home" is disturbingly common). This is very important. I have also become aware lately of "rescues" that keep dogs outside in small kennels for their whole lives and don't even clean properly.
I have contacted a couple of OES rescue people for advice, and no one has offered to take him (initially, we didn't think there was any need to turn him over), but since this turn of events, we would be very happy to consider it (of course I have to speak to my husband and the other folks involved). Granted, I asked for advice, not for them to take him. I hate to "dump" problems on people. My pride is definately not a factor. We are good at a lot of things, but this isn't going so well, and I would be thrilled to see someone else do fantastic with it. Let me know if anyone is prepared for this and able? We can go from there. If there is a legitimate option for him, that might be best for everyone, and I would be very gratful. I know he is not a horrible awful out of control dog. Most of the time, he is fine. This might be very workable for someone else. The snapping just makes me crazy. It doesn't help that we have cats in the house either. |
| Please let me know. I was given another contact to email, but if anyone finds anyone reputable and experienced who is interested, please let me know as soon as possible. My husband is all for it too. |
| Elizabeth, you have been in contact with me from the beginning and we have talked and I told you that we would take him. But you said that you could handle it and wanted to wait. I could have found a foster home by now.
I was going to put him on our website and you said there was no hurry. One of our volunteers tried to help you because she had a foster just like Watson and after a few weeks he got much better and is in a wonderful home now with no problems. You are giving confusing signals here. My volunteer has lots of experience, but she said that you really were not interested in her suggestions. I got an email from Annie and someone on this list send her an email about Watson. So we all are working with you. And yes, there IS a OES rescue that wants to help. Ingrid |
| Ingrid,
It is not that I was not interested in her suggestions. It is just the idea of muzzling a dog in my home and jerking him around on a prong collar (her suggestions) is daunting for someone who has never done that before, and I needed time to think about it and talk to other people. I am sure you can understand that. I was literally in tears as I was emailing her and needed time to think and was not ready to go on one person's advice-even if she does have experience. I am disappointed that my desire to consider all options and consult with more than one person is perceived as mixed signals or disinterest-particularly when it comes to something that is emotional, potentially dangerous, and controversial. Did you expect me to instantly take her word as gospel or continue to talk to people? I have spoken to a number of people with experience, not just her, and not everyone agrees. The night I talked to her, we talked to Saint rescue coordinators in several states and more than one trainer. That does not mean I am not interested in her suggestions. I am very disapointed that my honesty with her about my reservations and concerns has been interpreted this way and posted as disinterest-when that is so far from the truth. If it turns out even that I am not willing or able to use a prong collar and muzzle-that is NOT disinterest in suggestions. When we initially made contact, I did not anticipate having these problems. I know that our group gets way too many requests a week to take animals, and I am sure you are overburdened too. I interpreted your first email as saying you could take him if absolutely necessary, but I didn't think it was absolutely necessary at that point. You said "Do I HAVE TO send a foster over there to get him or can you keep him until we find a home?". That didn't make me think you were eager to take him in. Since I explained that the situation had changed and there was no offer to take him, I assumed that you were not able to at this time. I also didn't see a reason to put him on the website for advertising prior to seeing the vet and having his worms, ear infections, taken care of-or finding out about his personality. He still has a growth on his ear and an appointment to have it removed, as well as to have another look at those ears and restest for worms, as well as test blood to see if he does have a thyroid problem (the initial test indicated possibly). We didn't even know if he was HW positive initially. I wouldn't adopt out a dog like that-prior to being fully vetted and without knowing him at all. Then, the snapping got worse. I can't imagine that you want me to advertise him on your site until that is dealt with. |
| OK, maybe we've aired this out enough in public.
Let's all remember it's just about the dog now. I for one am taking a deep breath and starting again.
Ingrid, are you still interesting in taking this boy? Elizabeth, are you still interested in turning him over to OES rescue? If so, do we have a match? |
| I think having a medical work up and any health problems cleaned up is a good start. I have done rescue for about 5 yrs and by no means have the authority to tell someone how to train a dog but have had some problem dogs. It does take time and I get the feeling you have done this before and are not inexperienced. I don't like the idea of putting a prong on him and jerking this makes an upset dog worse. I believe he got his way by snapping at his other home and knew it worked and is pushing your buttons!! Of course your safty is first but (I think you are right on this)that maybe you have been too nice. and that maybe someone had previously jerked him with his collar. Put a leash on him so that you don't get bit and still use treats and praise and take your time . Don't let him have all the good stuff like getting on the couch and bed etc. I had a GSD that was dog aggressive and it took me 4 months . She now lives with me and goes everywhere!! If there is a dog obedience class you could take him to (with a trainer you like and do not feel uncomfortable with his/her methods) would help a lot. These are just my thoughts. You are kind to do what you do and I hope things turn around for you. Some time rescue is just hard!!! but rewarding.... |
Ron wrote: OK, maybe we've aired this out enough in public.
Let's all remember it's just about the dog now. I for one am taking a deep breath and starting again. Ingrid, are you still interesting in taking this boy? Elizabeth, are you still interested in turning him over to OES rescue? If so, do we have a match? Thank you for being the voice of calm and reason. This situation has pushed my stress-o-meter over the edge, and that is not going to help the dog. I am more than happy to turn him over to any OES rescuer that is respected by the folks in the know (you all). I think that is his best chance. He might do just wonderfully. Then, we can go back to the breed we do best! My husband agrees, and I am 99% sure that the group we work with will agree. |
4dognight wrote: I think having a medical work up and any health problems cleaned up is a good start. I have done rescue for about 5 yrs and by no means have the authority to tell someone how to train a dog but have had some problem dogs. It does take time and I get the feeling you have done this before and are not inexperienced. I don't like the idea of putting a prong on him and jerking this makes an upset dog worse. I believe he got his way by snapping at his other home and knew it worked and is pushing your buttons!! Of course your safty is first but (I think you are right on this)that maybe you have been too nice. and that maybe someone had previously jerked him with his collar. Put a leash on him so that you don't get bit and still use treats and praise and take your time . Don't let him have all the good stuff like getting on the couch and bed etc. I had a GSD that was dog aggressive and it took me 4 months . She now lives with me and goes everywhere!! If there is a dog obedience class you could take him to (with a trainer you like and do not feel uncomfortable with his/her methods) would help a lot. These are just my thoughts. You are kind to do what you do and I hope things turn around for you. Some time rescue is just hard!!! but rewarding....
Thanks. We do have experience with physically pushy dogs, dog on dog fighting, and other issues, but not snapping at humans, and that is what is pushing me over the edge. He is partially vetted, but still needs at least one more appointment. I appreciate that your views are different than some of the suggestions we've had, and that is okay, that is what makes it hard to know what to do. Thanks. Rescue is hard, and I am very willing to accept that this particular boy might have his best chance somewhere else. |
| A bit off topic....
This week 2 PB saint bernards were dumped at a contruction site. One of the workers has befriended them, and says they are so sweet. They keep getting into his truck.....
They both look to be under 3 years old, the male is very skinny, eyes are very bad-looking and he is long coat. The female has great teeth, is short-coated and they think she is pregnant! A local rescue group went to assess them and they are being helped...Other rescues are donating food, funding for medical assistence..etc. Seems she is quite large and solid in the belly area..How many pups could we be talking here? They are looking for a long-term foster home....Geez, this is only 2 hours away from me....Hold me back!!! |
| Saint Bernard litters are huge...up to 12! I have never done the puppy thing-only rescued adults. My husband has. I know this is controversial, but many rescues will spay if the pregnancy isn't too far along given the staggering number of Saints without homes. A lot of folks that want to adopt pups quickly get in over their heads too (much like me trying to take in an OES mix in need. )
Good luck if you decide to take this on! |
| After a lot of soul searching, discussion with lots of folks, etc..., we are going with the prong collar, leash, and drastically reduced privelages, including more crate time. So far it is going really well, and we haven't even had to be very "brutal" with the collar (like I had envisioned in my hysteria)....a little leash snap seems to get the point across, and his attitude has improved a lot. I don't want to be too hopeful too quickly, but all is okay right now. When he does what we want, he is getting cookies and head rubs. Regardless of if he goes to rescue, he is here now, and this seems to be helping A LOT. |
| That is good to hear. I think a prong is useful if used correctly and it sounds as if you are doing it right. I hope you continue to make progress!!!! When I posted that a prong made a fearful/aggressive dog worse I meant when people swing them. Sorry if it came across wrong. I think if you feel comfortable with your method and it works, then that is your answer. I hope you continue to make good progress . I say WOOPIE!!!! |
| THANK YOU! We need a little encouragement! If we didn't care so much this wouldn't be so hard. |
| As they say "Ain't that the truth" I think encouragement means a lot when you do rescue!. This dog you have is cute as can be!! I hope you can turn him around! |
| I just wanted to add that I really appreciate how hard you're working to make the situation work and to give your guy the best possible chance at a good life.
The truth is that no one strategy works all the time for every person and every animal. It would be much easier if it did, but we have to deal with what we have and do our very best. You certainly seem to be doing just that. |
| The prong collar made a huge difference with Bentley and it only takes a flick of the wrist to get his attention. |
| Right now, he is out in the yard in the sun, pondering life and the meaning of all these changes! |
BRAVO Eliz!!!!   |
| I'm glad things are working out !
Ingrid is now looking for an OES foster home for Watson and she is going to put him up on the website, too! Sounds like things are really looking up for this big boy! Thanks Elizabeth! |
| Oh Good. Sent a PM to Ingrid. Waiting to discuss details. Watson should be just fine. Thanks to everyone who has taken time to care!
|
| I wanted to say thanks too for all of the effort you've been putting into this boy. I hope things work out for him. |
| Thanks. And Thanks goes to Ingrid for looking for an OES foster home. We have him safe until the time comes. |
| Thank you! thank you! thank you !for not giving up on this boy! I know how hard it is to do rescue. You have done a wonderful job!!!!! |
| We will stick to the Bernards and felines in the future, but I think this is going to have a happy ending....Nobody on this board needs a somewhat stubborn blue OES mix, do they ? Think of the rewards! You could be the one that turns him into a gem! |
| Just wanted to say thanks again for all that you are doing to help. |
| Watson did a pretty good impression of a good boy last night! We were all very impressed and happy.
|
| Good for Waston!!!! and you too!! |
| Yay Watson! Hope things continue to progress. |
| Oh, Watson, Watson, Watson. He is still on the leash on the prong collar when he is out and about in the house. He is doing pretty well with respecting us. However, I think being tethered to us so much is making him think that maybe, just maybe, he is far more special than the other dogs. He doesn't want them, particularly our 160+ pound male touching us. He is starting to make growly faces at Lucas. I don't think this is going to work out well for Watson. Lucas will ignore him until it really starts to bug him, and then I guess he will put Watson in his place like he does with Hannah (medium female) once in awhile? With Lucas and Hannah, nobody ever actually got hurt, so I am hoping it is the same thing?
Some day his new foster home will happen, and maybe he will be a much better boy for them! |
| Can't say it enough - thanks for being a rescue angel!
I've never been involved in a rescue so I don't have an experienced opinion. I have noticed that sheepdogs are a little jealous of "their" people. Since he's new to your home and newly bonding with you, he probably doesn't want to share you. Good luck! |
| He just wants me to touch him constantly. You can't blame him for wanting affection after all that time in the box without being touched!! But we do need to keep peace and harmony with the other dogs who need mom too. I have a habit of spoiling them. I need to back off again a little...........He is still better with my husband who is much more no non-sense! But I do want him to have love......
Every day is a learning experience. |
| Eliz...
I am glad that things are settling down and it sounds like you are making progress with Watson. He is probably craving attention!!!!! It's hard.. he needs the attention, to realize people are not all bad...and to trust them. Give him a BIG WET SLOPPY kiss from me.. Brenda |
Here is a phot of Watson that I had not posted. This was taken at his last residence. This is the photo she used on petfinder to advertise him. Of course, by the time we got to him, this is not at all what he looked like. This shows his fur longer than it is now. I can tell from the photo that he is still dirty though. (BTW: He did very well with his second bath yesterday)
 |
| I have been wondering how this boy is doing????? Nice picture. |
| That picture was actually taken in his previous home before the 8.5 pounds of matts developed.
He is doing really, really well. We haven't had any more snapping. The collar is off. He does what we need him to do. If he didn't chase the cats with such vigor (so we have to keep them separate), I could consider keeping him! But we do want to foster again, and he does chase cats, so we need a fantastic home for him! He has made such a turn around. It is great. It is hard to keep the cats separate, because we foster cats too, and I hate to feel like I am neglecting anybody! I tried to add some new photos last night, but I guess I didn't do it right, so I will try again! |
| Thank you for all the effort you've put into this boy!! He's going to make someone a fantastic companion and he'll get the love & attention he deserves all because your work with him. Bless you!! |
| Thank you for all you've done for Watson.
That is wonderful news that he has improved so much! Good for you, and good for Watson. |
Watson wants everyone to see his newly cleaned teeth!
 |
And a quiet moment to reflect on his good fortune:
 |
| awwww, nice choppers there buddy! |
| Watson what lovely choppers you have |
| Wow, he really looks blue compared to his hairy pictures. I love his toothy grin . |
| He is very blue! His paws seem to be lighter as they are growing in. It is going to be very interesting to see his coat develop! I just don't know what to expect since he was so filthy and pitiful when we got him. |
I thought of my Dixie when I saw the picture of Watson. This is what Dixie looked like a year ago:
And today she looks like this: 
Just an idea on what he may look like. |
| I think you could be on to something! He might look like that when it all grows back! Thanks! My husband will be interested in seeing your girl!
Is she "pure" OES? |
ElizFCDF wrote: Is she "pure" OES?
She is supposed to be. She was tattoed but not registered. The birth records were not released. |
| I'm assuming his hot breath is as fresh as his teeth |
| Yup, he is all freshened up!
What you wrote reminded me of our poor Saint Bernard girl, Dottie. When we busted her out of the county jail, not only was she emaciated, but she had a STICK wedged inside her mouth at the back of her mouth-all the way across from one back molar to the one on the other side-the stick was rotting! She DID NOT have fresh breath! She is, of course, all better now. |
| Eliz, I am so happy that things are going so well for you Watson looks so good You should be very proud of yourself for everything you have done for this boy |
| Thanks. We will feel better when he is safe in a fantastic forever home! I have never fostered and adopted out a dog before (cats only so far), so there is some anxiety...............but we are doing all we can. |
| Watson looks so like my sister's oes mix she had years ago i thought i was looking at the same dog he was a oes mix shepard. leo was a really super dog. Watson you are lovely |
| Our two youngest, sweetest little feline fosters went to their new home today, so the cats we have in the house are all adults now. Those little babes grew up with our Saintly Saint Bernards and had NO FEAR of dogs at all. They would run right up to Watson! Now, that they aren't here, we are going to ATTEMPT to desensitize him to cats by letting the cats walk around upstairs while he is on a leash. So far, so good. He can look and sniff, but he can't chase or hurt. Of course, we pet him and try to keep him calm, etc........ Suggestions? |
| Whatever Watson's breed is, he sure looks cuter every day with his fur growing in! We have not had one snap or negative reaction from him towards us in weeks and weeks. He is doing great. |
| I am so glad things have turned around!!! You have done a wonderful Job!!! Happy New Year!! |
| Any updates on Watson? |
shelby,corky,&fergus' wrote: Any updates on Watson?
We still have him! He has not snapped in a long time! He still occasionally bothers the cats. He is almost like an "ambush hunter". He will spend days on the couch...not bothering them at all until they sort of forget about him, and then all of a sudden, he will get a bee in his bonnet when one gets close and take off after it! No damage done. He has his prong collar on, and I just grab it, if he really won't leave them alone. No snapping at us at all. He is MUCH cuter with fur coming in. It is coming in curly on his back. More fun to pet. He still adores being pet, but I think he loves the couch more than anything in the world. He is very reluctant to get off the couch to come be scratched, even though you can see that he wants it! Quite the dilemma for him! He is on www.fcdf.org, one of the OES sites, and on petfinder, but we haven't had any good inquiries. We are also running an ad in the Bham news. He got a small nip from our large male the other day and is now being more respectful. He would love to be top dog, but he isn't. Now that we are no longer fearful of him biting, we need to do more obedience work with him. He is stubborn but sweet. I don't know if people will be reluctant due to his age? You can see him listed at http://www.fcdf.org/ndogs.php3 |
| You are doing such a wonderful job with this sweetie. I am sure the right home will come along soon. Keep up your hard work. |
| Do OES have any curl to their coat when it first comes in? It isn't really CURLS but definate waves? Or is that more of a poodle thing? |
| Yes, they can and do have waves or curls. It is not the desired coat, but it happens!
I checked out the rescue site - Watson is getting handsome! And even better, he has a new , well behaved personality to match his looks. Good job! |
got sheep wrote: Yes, they can and do have waves or curls. It is not the desired coat, but it happens!
I checked out the rescue site - Watson is getting handsome! And even better, he has a new , well behaved personality to match his looks. Good job! Thank you! I think another couple of weeks is going to do marvels for his looks! Will post more photos. We have been brushing to try to fluff him! |
My Pepsi has a very wavy coat
here is a better shot of his coat  |
| That is what they look like all right- just not quite that long yet, but just like that!! |
| Just in case you can't get enough of Watson!!!
Click here (he is looking good): http://www.dogster.com/dogs/459617 |
| He looks fantastic and it definitely sounds like he has mellowed. Poor boy was scared at first. I do hope the right family comes around soon, but in the meantime, he sounds like he's added some excitement and fun into the house |
| He is looking good! Seems like he's settling in and feeling more comfortable with you now. Happy boy. |
| Looks like he got the hang of sleeping on the couch down pat. He looks great now. So good to see he is settling in. |
Eliz, What a GREAT JOB you have done  Watson was so very lucky you found him |
| Thanks all. We have gotten a few inquiries about him through www.fcdf.org but nobody has struck me as just right yet.......I think the new photos will bring more inquiries.
I do not know if we should expect him to go through the snapping issue again in a new home or if that won't happen again? I hate to scare someone off needlessly, but honesty is obviously very important too? |
| Good luck on finding Watson a home but I think you should tell all |
| I do very much want to be honest, but I, personally, would NOT adopt a dog if I was told that it had a history of snapping at humans? I would pick a different dog since there is no shortage of wonderful dogs needing homes? I like Watson a lot, but if I was out there looking for a dog to adopt, I wouldn't pick the one that snapped at people?
See my concern? Not sure what to do about it, but I know I want to be honest? |
| We had a great inquiry from a great couple, but ultimately they decided that Watson isn't the one.....I am trying not to be disapointed but to be hopeful that at least we had a good prospect. I think it was his cat chasing that undid the deal...............I was very honest about it........... |
| I think you need to be up front about his past. If the new family isn't comfortable talking about it, they aren't going to be able to deal with Watson.
He will likely try some form of testing his new family, but probably to a lesser extent than you dealt with. If they aren't prepared and experienced enough to deal with a strong willed dog, they aren't the right home. Watson needs a strong, loving family to get him through life, not a newbie dog owner . |
| I agree. I was excited because this family had two OES in the past. The last one died this year at 11 or so. She did her own grooming and everything................ I thought they might be great. I don't want just anyone to have him. I want the right person to have him.
She was very nice. She was concerned about Watson being loose in the house initially with the cats and didn't want to crate him due to his history of being crated so much. They both work. I think if it weren't for the cats, it would have worked. We leave him out with our cats but we have pretty tough cats since they are used to fosters coming and going and live with large dogs. We can handle the occasional hissy fit and chase scene, but I know it would freak most folks out pretty badly. I talked with Watson all day about them! He is so trusting of us now. He will even drag his lazy rear off the couch first thing in the morning to go potty when I tell him to. He followed me around all day on Saturday. |
| Maybe they could have alternated days - cats out one day, Watson out the next!
They do sound like they were real close to being THE ONE. |
| I agree. That is the kind of thing that we have to do sometimes due to foster cats coming in and having to be isolated for various reasons at various times. There is a choreography involved in making it work, but I didn't want to push or seem crazy.......maybe they actually decided they didn't want a mix? I just don't know.
It will happen. |
| Our poor boy is on hold for at least three weeks. There is some protein in his urine. From my understanding, none of his other test results are off at the moment. This is sort of perplexing to the vet. He said first we treat with antibiotics for three weeks to rule out infection, and then do more tests if there is still protein in his urine............
I hope all is okay. Other tests don't seem to indicate infection, but they also don't indicate anything else obviously............. |
| I'll keep my fingers crossed for Watson.
I hope the antibiotic do the trick. Please give him a belly rub for me! |
| AWWWWW, give Watson big hugs from all our gang Murphy, Bella & Elliott |
| Any updates on Watson? Hope all os okay? Sue |
| Thansk for asking.
Watson has wormed his way into my heart for sure. He is being a very very good boy these days. He follows me around (could have something to do with the fact that I give him his twice daily pills in a sandwich made of peanut butter and jerky!). He lets me brush him and even work on his ear hairs, etc... without too much complaint. ALMOST always does what I ask the first time I ask him.......... Likes his head in my lap as much as possible. I think since our last update, he had one more accident in the house (three total now). He went back yesterday to the vets for more urine and blood tests to look for more or less protein in the urine, etc.... We will hear back on Monday or Tuesday. The vet thinks that it could be a kideny problem that can be managed with medication/monitoring, etc.. He is down from 93 (I think) pounds to 86. This is good. He needs to lose a few more, but he will. He has more pep in his step, although I can tell he gets stiff-especially when he wakes up. He did the cutest thing the other day. I was standing in a doorway outside of the family room. He walked by one of our cats on the couch. The cat promptly hissed at him. He literally jumped straight up in the air about an inch twice! Then he turned his head to look at me. I told him to leave it, and he trotted on to see me! It was good and showed very good manners! |
| Good boy Watson!!! |
| Wow ...You should be so proud for what you have done with this boy !
If you look back to November and read the first months post and see how far you came with him it is amazing...........
Elizabeth you will be truly blessed for what you have done.
Antoinette |
| Thanks. It is a huge change!! I wanted to ring his neck when we first got him!! But we hung in there and are very pleased. Now I have reservations about giving him up! I will be able to think more clearly when I know more about his health. |
| Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy So glad to hear from you Liz. You guys are doing so well You should be very proud of yourself,and Watson too, Keep up the good work, I think Watson just may have stolen your heart |
| Sounds like you would like to keep him? sue |
| "Aha! The game is afoot! "as Sherlock Holmes would say. Watson has been a "three pipe problem"! It sounds as if he has decided that you might be "the one". |
| Yes, honestly, a big part of me wants to keep him....I know if we can find him a home we should, so we can help another. I am torn. Normal foster mom stuff I think....... I am good at giving the cats to new homes.....haven't done a dog yet. I feel so responsible for him.
Anyway, we still need more information. The vet left a message that he still has high protein in his urine. Slightly decreased but not enough to feel good about. We need another urine sample in 10-14 days. If it isn't down A LOT, he wants to refer us for further tests....he used the word "biopsy". I don't know what to think. Does anyone have knowledge in this area? |
Looking pretty and proud:
 |
| Great pictures! He looks so optimistic! |
| Oh Watson is just so adorable! You have done a tremendous job with him! |
| What a handsome boy Watson is! His hair is looking nice again . He has such a solemn look. |
| I have wonderful news. The protein in Watson's urine has come way down and the vet is very pleased. It appears that the once a day blood pressure pill did the trick. The vet will re-evaluate in the future but he feels that it is likely Watson will need this pill from here on out. It is not expensive.
Now back to trying to part with him..........There is a local woman I have been emailing with who seems like a great prospect. I was beginning to think I couldn't give him up, but this woman seems like just what he needs, so I have my fingers crossed.......... |
| That is wonderful news, both about the protiens and the potentiial furever home for Watson. Please keep us updated, and let me know if I can be of assistance. |
| that is great news Eliz about the pill.. very simple in the grand scheme of things.
It is hard to part with them.. you will do what is best for him... |
| That's good news all around. I love Watson--he is so regal looking. |
| Good news is great news!!
I hope the potential family works out for Watson. |
| I love happy endings......I just love Watson. You have done a WONDERFUL job with this dog!! |
| BTW: We had a rescue person contact us to see if we thought Watson might be a Bouvier des Flandres who didn't get his tail/ears docked/cropped.
I dunno................ |
| Great news for Watson!!
You've done so much work with him and he's come such a long, long way in your care. It will be hard to see him go. But, I'm sure you'll do what's best for Watson. |
| I think Watson would be very happy to stay with us. He knows the routine and gets lots of love. If we don't adopt him out, it is the next pup in need that we won't be able to help.
I am going to work on his "write up" and keep trying. I have not heard back from the local woman who is thinking about him. |
| My first foster was a big long haired German Shepherd. He chewed EVERYTHING and the only dog I have ever had in my home that I needed to use a prong on. He fought with my male lab. But I adored him. I bawled like a baby when he left (and he drove me bonkers!!!) but was a love and did settle down. He knew what toys were and how to sit and stay and knew down for an instant........ my point , in my humble opinion ,the first is the hardest. Now it is a little easier to see them leave but I have pictures of all my fosters and think of them all often. I still cry when they go but know I have helped another life. You have done a wonderful job with this boy. I have enjoyed following his story. So does he have Bouvier in him?????? |
| I don't know about Bouvier??? It is so hard to tell with these Muppets! I looked at photos of them, and he could..........if nobody cropped his ears or docked his tail....something about the round back end/rump of the Bouvier reminds me of him........ |
| I can't believe how much I missed of Watson's story... not sure how that happened...
I'm glad he's doing so much better, he looks fantastic What a sweet looking boy.
I think Bouvier is a more likely possiblity than oes/poodle mix.... maybe oes bouv mix? I hope things work out for a possible new home... it's going to be so hard though, the longer you hang on the harder it is to finally let go even when the perfect person comes along |
| Okay. Now we have a strong possible home in Dayton, Ohio (my parents happen to live there). The lady saw him on dogster. She has a two year old female standard poodle who has seizures so they are used to medication and are not phased by Watson's need for the pill to help his kidney. They have also cared for two older dogs in their last years. We are trying to figure out if we feel okay doing this distance thing.........thinking hard.
Here is her dogster page for her poodle: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/367404 Sure seems to be a great home!!!! I even told her about Watson's early snapping/adjustment issues, and she was okay with it. |
| I wouldn't be to concerned about the distance.. WHAT I would be concerned bout is that Watson's might end up with a poodle type hair cut and foo fooey scarf.......
you know I'm just joking right Her Poodle is obviously a very well loved and spoiled pet.. I think it is at least worth a shot.. and if it doesn't work out.. he has to come back to you... |
|
I would love for him to end up with a funny hair cut and a hat! HA!
I would prefer for him to be close enough that I could run over and get him back in the middle of night if need be............the absolute worst comes to mind---that someone could dump him at a shelter or whatever if they were frustrated with him, and I wouldn't even know..........of course it doesn't seem like they would do that, but we all know bad people are out there.............. |
| I am thinking that maybe you should keep him. He seems very special to you. sue |
shelby,corky,&fergus' wrote: I am thinking that maybe you should keep him. He seems very special to you.
sueI would have to agree with Sue.. keep him.. No one is going to be good enough except you.....Watson loves you..
Brenda |
 Elementary, said your dear Watson! |
| I know.....it would be great to keep him, and he isn't going anywhere unless I have a great feeling about the people (I do in this case), but I know that a wonderful, pitiful lug of a dog (probably a Saint Bernard) will come along who needs us too...............and we can't help if we over-fill...........(remember we have three Saints). |
ElizFCDF wrote: :D
I would love for him to end up with a funny hair cut and a hat! HA! Uh oh, I think Watson needs to be rescued from the rescue! |
barney1 wrote: ElizFCDF wrote: :D I would love for him to end up with a funny hair cut and a hat! HA! Uh oh, I think Watson needs to be rescued from the rescue! Perhaps a scarf too! |
ElizFCDF wrote: I know.....it would be great to keep him, and he isn't going anywhere unless I have a great feeling about the people (I do in this case), but I know that a wonderful, pitiful lug of a dog (probably a Saint Bernard) will come along who needs us too...............and we can't help if we over-fill...........(remember we have three Saints).
Finding him a loving home is the best thing you can do, you have to keep the rescue motel open! I do know what you mean about keeping him close... but on the other hand that Poodle is clearly well taken care of and it may be worth a shot? |
| We are eager to hear back from her. She sent us some very good questions that we replied to. Her husband and her are clearly thinking this through very well. I like that. |
| Elizabeth the poodle is also named Elizabeth ! That has to be some kind of omen.............LOL
From the looks of her poodle they love their dog and if they do decide they want to give a forever home to Watson that would be so great !
You will know in your heart if they are the ones.
Oh, and by the way I think we need some new Watson Pictures !
You have done a great thing for the boy, It will all work out fine .......
Antoinette |
| I am very disapointed to report that her husband decided that he isn't quite ready for an additional dog. She is bummed. I am bummed. I am picky, I know, and I was sold on her-despite the distance-she even lives near my parents.
We will carry on! Watson doesn't seem to be too disapointed at all |
| Everything happens for a reason....... |
Dudster wrote: Everything happens for a reason.......
I know. All is well at our house. Watson is no bother. His sister Hannah (NOT a foster) is the NAUGHTY one! |
| Not Hannah.. I don't believe it.. not that big lovable face......
Tell us some stories about Watson and the Saints.. do they get along.. do they play together?.. how does he interact with your big lugs? Brenda Murphy (I got into a fight last night) Dudley (I was eating dirt while my brother was getting the #$IT kicked out of him...) |
| Elizabeth I am so sorry it didn't work out . As it was said before it is for a reason.
There is a family out there for Watson they just haven't found him yet. For now he is with a very special family who loves him and I know he loves you back.
I for One think the world of You for what you have done for him ! Antoinette |
Dudster wrote: Not Hannah.. I don't believe it.. not that big lovable face......
Tell us some stories about Watson and the Saints.. do they get along.. do they play together?.. how does he interact with your big lugs? Brenda Murphy (I got into a fight last night) Dudley (I was eating dirt while my brother was getting the #$IT kicked out of him...) Watson is more stiff and slow than the Saints, and he is the smallest. When the Saints get excited and start jumping around, he gets stepped on a bit. I think this is frustrating. He will now run down the stairs to patrol the yard with them, but he doesn't stay with very long-just long enough to see that nothing is actually happening. He doesn't lick them or stick to the pack like they do with each other. The girls don't bother him at all. He doesn't mind sharing the love seat or letting them have it. He is VERY ANNOYED by Lucas, the alpha male. Lucas is 165 pounds and Watson is about 84. I don't know if it is just because he is a male or what, but Watson will GRRRR at Lucas and try to challenge him for no reason. Lucas is VERY GRACIOUS in more or less ignoring him completely. Lucas has only occasionally barked at him when he couldn't take it any more. Watson is LUCKY. Watson might be in big trouble if he moved in with a less gracious male. He likes us better than he likes the Saints. I would be very upset if Watson picked on our smallest Saint girl but he doesn't. Lucas is the only one who Watson gets upset about. Our Saints are very much a pack with the alpha-Lucas, naughty Hannah-who would like to be alpha (but has mostly accepted her position), and little (95 pounds)Dottie who worships them both. Dottie eve tries to lick Watson, but he ignores her gestures. Lucas seems to know that Watson is no threat at all and that "fighting" with him would be unfair. |
| Well, we have another strong prospect. A professor and her husband who live about 4.5 hours from here in Bayou La Batre, Al. They lost an OES in December to cancer. They sound really great from the emails. I think my husband is going to talk to them tomorrow on the phone cause I am too sad/nervous. I think this might be the one. I told her the good and the bad, and she seems to be able to handle it. She has a fenced yard with a doggy door big enough for Watson. |
| It is happening on Thursday......he is really being adopted. She (his new mom) is great. I am happy and sad all at the same time............ |
Can you ask Watson's new family to PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE join the forum and keep us updated on Watson?  |
| Wow, congrats to you Elizabeth for working so hard with Watson, then to get him safely to the point of going to a great new home.
How exciting, for all of you! |
| I know she is going to be great. She promised to send updates, and I will pass them on! Here is hoping I don't embarass myself when he goes...........we are going to give him a bath and fluff him up the night before. We are sending him off with a month supply of his medicines and a few small bags of his food. I don't know if I already mentioned this, but her former OES was named Ruggles. I think that is very cute. He had his full tail. |
| Oh, I forgot to mention that she is driving the full four and a half hours to come get him! This is a wonderful sign in my mind. |
| It is very hard to let them go.. especially with all the hard work you have put into him these last few months.....but I'm sure he will be very well looked after in his new home.
Go ahead and cry.. you deserve it, you have grown attached to him, as we all have, and we are sad to see him go, hopefully his new mama and papa will join OES.ORG and give us regular updates. Have a FANTASTIC life Watson, you deserve it. Love Brenda Dudley and Murphy |
| AWww....it is really a bittersweet moment, isn't it? I usually cry too when the fosters leave and I've never kept one as long as you've had Watson. So, please, by all means, cry if it helps.
Sounds like he's going to a great home, though. I hope they'll keep us updated on Watson. |
| Elizabeth, How did everything go with Watson?
I am so curious. You should be so proud of yourself, you are amazing for what you did for him.
Antoinette |
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