Almost a year later
Please note the other post, OES in need of rescue and what to do, written by Roy and Elby occured almost a year ago in 2004. [ http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=764 ] Some of you may want to read the lenghty post which covers five pages as so many on this forum at the time were instrumental in assisting that he ended up with me. At the time of my post I hadn't considered taking in a rescue..but as the story enfolded ..just seems like it was meant to be. Even if I wasn't involved it's a moving story and reads like a small book. Those of you out there considering rescue's I highly recommend it, yes there are many difficulties at first and I've often said for every step foreward..sometimes two back. It may take months or even years for your new boy or girl to settle in. Those of you that are thinking of it..if you feel you can devote the time and energy than I would highly recommend it. I've never regretted it. Marianne |
|
|
| Marianne,
I just read all five pages of Pandas story. You are a truly special person which is obvious through your posts. The stories you tell are amazing. I wish you continued success with all your boys. Holly |
| I second the motion. Taking in a rescue is so wonderful. Yes it is hard and chalenging at first but it pays off 10 fold!! I will always take in a rescue from now on! Words don't discribe how imprortant it is and how much the pups are greatful to you for saving them from bad situations!! They truly are dedicated to you for saving them. I highly recommend it!!! |
| All your puppies are lucky they found you! |
| Here I sit at work, crying, trying to explain to people what I'm reading. This is such a heartwrenching, beautiful saga. Who says that angels aren't walking on earth.
Marianne, you're my hero! You Go Girl!!!! |
| I remember that long post... It's about the time we rescued Sofa too.
You're still a Hero, Marianne! |
| Marianne:
I read all the posts and is such a moving story, you are a real angel, best wishes to you and your boys. |
| 3 cheers for all the rescuing sheepdog people and the challenges that they overcome without knowing anything about the dog's history! |
I remember....  Thanks for posting the link to such a wonderful story, and happy almost anniversary! LOL |
| Being new here, I had read some of the earlier posts. But I never put two and two together to end the story. Wow. You are so special to take on a big..big...umm, big commitment. Hugs to you and Panda, I'm glad this had a happy ending. |
| Hi Everyone,
Apologies for not responding sooner as I was having computer problems. 
While this worked out and we are continuing to make progress it's been tough at times and so I don't want to make it sound all sugery if that makes sense? I think in my situation there were a few factors that made it successful. Here's some of the reasons why I think it worked and what I would change if I could. I was lucky that I had my children when I was very young , which in turn meant I had no young children in the home to distract the attention I paid to a new rescue. I was also still young enough to handle those several walks a day but also old enough that it meant rarely going out and I didn't miss it as much. I'd socialize at dog parks or have friends that were dog lovers come over. I've turned down so many invitiations to parties and no way would I go out at Halloween or New Years when I saw Panda's reactions to fireworks. (He was so stressed he literally ran around the yard and threw up when he heard them go off.) I was lucky that I was doing the job that I do, and only working a few mins from home. It meant I would go home at lunch and check up on things. The difficult part was not being able to sit in the staff room and have lunch with my friends but rather grab a sandwich on the drive back and forth. It meant not eating gooey things for an entire year as it's impossible to do and drive at the same time. 
I was lucky that my yard has a 8 ft high fence and I have many rooms in my house to seperate the dogs. Most often I found it was the lack of other distractions that led to the success of Panda. At the time he arrived my 17 year old son was working at a job with his dad and so stayed at his house for a few months.My older son worked night shift and so although he was home he was quiet during the day. When my younger son returned he was constantly leaving his shoes, gadgets and other items around that the dogs would have chewed but by then Panda had learned not to touch. I think I would have gone crazy with the constant reminders but since it was just me at the beginning it was easier. When friends or family visited, I would have to constantly remind them to not block the doorways so that Panda and Blue did not come face to face with each other. Blocking a doorway meant no escape route and may escalate into a fight. Because it was just me the majority of the time I was always constantly observing the interactions and could eleviate or difuse a problem. At first, Blue would not even allow Panda upstairs without a challenge. Over time with distractions, Panda eventually could sit in the same room and continues to do so with no problems. It took months to get that far however and it meant constant supervision. I honestly don't think I could have done it if I worked longer hours or had a busier home. Food and balls are triggers for fights and it's much easier it it's just me in the home. It's been a bit tougher for reminding my son not to leave stuff on the counters or eat a plate of Nacho's while watching TV. Panda and Blue can't be in the same room if food is anywhere around. It means always being aware and observing as to what's going on. I know it would have been far easier if Panda had been female as three males in the house was challenging, especially since Blue has trouble relating to other dogs at first. Blue who is my son's dog was originally supposed to go with my son to his dad's house. Since they worked long hours it meant he would have been left alone. I decided to keep him with me although it made it more challenging. My sister also offered to take him but I felt it he returned he may have been more defiant over someone else (Panda) living in the house. I knew it was going to be difficult and time consuming the first year or so. I've often said and to the point where I sound like I'm preaching...all the work you put into initially does pay off. I don't want to sound like I'm tooting my own horn as that's not the case, I'm only suggesting it worked out for Panda as my situation allowed me to devote the time to him. A few years ago I couldn't have done that. Just last week my teenage son and I got into an arguement and for the first time I saw how Panda would react to loud voices. He started with a low growl and immediately raced over to where we were standing. It startled both of us and I immediately saw how Panda would react to someone yelling or getting angry. It was kinda funny how both my son and I stopped in midsentence and focused on Panda. I had no doubt that Panda would have reacted if our arguement has escaladed and so we just stopped. Ironically my son was yelling over the fact that his brand new cell phone which he left on the coffee table was chewed up. Merlin decided for the first time in his life to decide to taste it ...grrrr  (It was the nifty leather covering on it.)
So ends my long ramble..overall not all rescues are as challenging although each takes a bit of work to get them to mesh with a household. Panda had a lot of baggage he had to deal with, and my current living and job situation gave me the time to deal with it. He's turned out to be a wonderful dog but even after almost a year where I feel confident when he's around other dogs and people, especially children, I never turn my back or become distracted to continue to watch. I'll probably continue to do this for the next year or so. Not all rescues have had abuse in their past and so some require less work than others. One shouldn't feel bad if they can't devote the time required if they see it's not working out as in the long run it's for the betterment (is there such a word?) of the dog. Marianne and the boys |
Hmmm...after reading this I am guessing that training sheepies is much easier then boys  !. Mine is 8 and I foresee trouble brewing ahead....all kidding aside,  to you for taking a chance! |
| Hi,
Oh I'd take a hundred sheepies compared to one teenager living in the house!! Someone once told me that a strange thing occurs ...you one day put an angel to bed and they wake up an alien. Something just happens to that previously good natured person and supposedly it has to do with hormones... Shudders...yup...Sheepies don't ask you for money, clothes, or hang out with their buddies and pretend they dont' know you. Nope a sheepie doesn't care who knows it !! Ha Ha! I've come to realize that even a challenging Sheepie is much easier than a teen. 
Marianne |
| I must be insane!! I am going to the beach with my 13 year old and 2 of his friends!! Do they sell Vodka at the beach! Just kiding! |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|