Sheba in TN
 |
|
|
| I don't think there are many members from TN... not sure though....
Anyway, if you are considering her, maybe you could foster her for a bit first to see how she does? |
| Anyone interested in this cutie? |
I think if you are interested in Sheba you should go for it! She looks so sad  , how wonderful for her to have a loving home  Barkley would want to have such a pretty sister and someone to play with. I wouldn't worry too much about finding someone in TN, you sound like the right person for her. Good luck and let us know what happens. |
| Although I'm not in a position to take in Sheba, if I may I would like to share some thoughts with you resulting from my taking in Maggie as a rescue last June, with the thought of giving some company to Barney. Barney was almost 9 months old at the time, and Maggie 22 months. She originally was purchased as a pup, but the original owner had several back operations and could no longer take care of her. A "friend" took her in for a month while trying to find another home for her. The friend had her tied up outside 24/7 during the hot month of June. When I met her she was badly matted and filthy. We introduced the two dogs on neutral ground and the meeting seemed amicable enough. However when we got home and I let them loose in the yard, Maggie proved to be a very domineering bitch and Barney was just old enough to challenge her. They fought to the point that I thought one of them would be hurt and so I then kept them separated for a week until I could get some profession advice from a trainer.
The point I want to make is: don't take compatibility for granted; If you can, take her home for a week to see how things work out. Trouble may not necessarily be something you can't deal with, but may take some special help. Another point: if you can, get details about the abuse; it can help alert you to her "hot buttons." In Maggie's case I quickly discovered that I had to be careful in reaching for her collar if I didn't want to get bit. I guess if I was tied up that way I would be rather defensive when someone approached me also. We're still working on that. It may well be that Sheba will have no issues with other dogs. That is more of a dominance thing, and if she establishes herself as dominant, you have to respect that; which would mean you may have to relinquish your special favoritism you would prefer to show to Barkley. For example: in grooming and training sessions, Maggie goes first, then Barney; whereas Barney used to lay next to my bed at night, that has become Maggie's prerogative; sometimes she won't even let Barney in the room. He still gets his share of attention, but if I pet him or give him a treat, I better do the same for Maggie. In reading other posts regarding rescues fitting in, some situations just take a little more effort and patience, and sometimes a bit of professional assistance if the situation is really out of control. But Sheba needs a good home - hopefully you're it. Hope this helps; feel free to PM me if I can be of further assistance. George |
| I think both you and willowsprite have a good point about a trial period. If I decide to go ahead and take Sheba I will ask Cynthia about taking her for a few weeks to see how it goes. I have many concerns about adopting another Dog. Barkley is my first ever pet. I was very concerned that I would make a lot of mistakes with him and even though I have--he's done so well in spite of them. When I got him--he was so out of control and wild. He's calmed down a lot. He stays in the guest room while I'm at work and though he's still really excited when I get home he's learned not to leap up and knock me over with his enthusiasm. He doesn't bite or chew me anymore--and he listens--most of the time. He still drags me around when I take him on his walks but he's so much better and he's learned to sit and lay down. The vet asked me if I brushed him everyday because his coat is so much better than when I first brought him home. Still I'm an inexperienced dog owner. Barkleys problems were simply that he wasn't socialized enough with people. Sheba's issues are much deeper. She not aggresive at all, she's just timid and frightened. And I wonder if I can give two dogs the time and attention they both deserve. I know Barkley misses having other dogs around to play with. Everytime he see's another dog he whines because he wants to play so bad. Humans just aren't as much fun. So there's a lot for me to consider. I just want to see Sheba in a happy forever home where she's adored. Cynthia is a great foster mom, but she has 4 or 5 rescues that she's taking care of and Sheba needs to be some place where she can be nutured permanently. I also didn't think about the dog to dog aggression thing. So I'm glad you pointed it out. It's something else to think about. |
| The only other thing I might add: I didn't think I could handle another dog either, but I find the added committment was good for me and I've learned a lot in the process; furthermore the two dogs if they get along, will entertain each other. My two stay in the kitchen while I'm gone all day with bones and toys and no problem. Most of the time none of the toys appear to be touched; I suspect they sleep most of the time. As for behavior problems, you will have an awful lot of help and support from us all. |
| I just wrote to Cynthia and told her I would be interested in taking Sheba for a trial period to see how things will work out. I'm waiting to hear back from her. If she agrees, then I'll pick up Sheba on Sunday. I'm going to Tennessee this weekend anyway to visit my family |
| it's true. one will learn from the other. somtimes that's good, other times not so much! it's definitley louder around our house. both of our dogs are very vocal. |
deograine wrote: I just wrote to Cynthia and told her I would be interested in taking Sheba for a trial period to see how things will work out. I'm waiting to hear back from her. If she agrees, then I'll pick up Sheba on Sunday. I'm going to Tennessee this weekend anyway to visit my family That's exciting!
Keep us posted. |
| Well its official. I'm picking Sheba up Sunday afternoon :) |
 Congratulations, hope everything turns ot great. |
| Congrats! Even though you'll get a feel of interaction between the 2 of them within your trial period, please understand that sometimes the bonding can take longer. Rebecca came to our household in March and to this day I still see changes in her always for the better. She didn't really come out of her shell & play with Frank until she was here for a few months. I think it all depends on their age and where they came from as to how long the adjustment period will be. |
| cool! |
| Hi Deograine,
Since I viewed Sheba's photo the other night and instantly thought how much she resembled my beloved Shaggy whom passed to the Rainbow Bridge almost 2 years ago. She looks like such a sweetheart and I am so happy she is going to a home where I have no doubt she'll get the love and attention she deserves. Congrats to you all! Marianne and the boys |
Thanks Marianne! She's had a very rough time of it, but I'm hoping this will be a place where she can heal. Hopefully Barkley won't scare her to too much the first day  |
I brought Sheba home today. I can't begin to tell you how heartbreaking this is. This is the saddest dog I've ever seen! She walks around with her head down all the time. Since we got home (around 7pm) she has stood in front of the door. She won't even sit down. Any time Barkley gets close to her she lets out this little growl. She's fine with me. But doesn't want Barkley anywhere near her. I put her in the crate hoping that would make her feel more secure, but she didn't want to be in there either. This is so sad  |
| Her picture just breaks my heart. You are wonderful to take her in - she needs lots of love and time to get to know you. |
| BE CAREFUL, but give it a few days for her to become acclimated.
Now remember, she may be more at ease after 3 days and either warm up to you, or start to terrorize you... BE CAREFUL! I hope she perks up.... I hope you can be patient and loving and get more in return. |
| i'm sure it will work out
when i was growing up my mum and dad took in a german shepherd from some people they knew how were moving abroad and could not take their dog. well they seemed like really nice people but on the day they moved and dropped of the dog we found out the truth. they had muzzled her and beaten her all her life. i still have memories of my mum ringing the door bell and my dad on his hands and knees barking at the door to teach her how to bark because in there last home she was not allowed to bark. if you read the paper or used a spray can of anything she would run upstairs get in the bath and wet her self. she did this so she would not get hit and to got potty as she was kept in all day and would get hit if she had an accident in the house. but my parent worked really hard with her and she became a wonderful dog always a little nurvous but a great family dog and my brother and i were only 6 and 8 at the time, it could take days it could take weeks but i'm sure all the hard work will be worth it eventually she will see that barkley just wants to play and she will let her self join in when she is comfortable and more confident in her self. unfortunatly our beloved eva passed to the bridge in 1992 due to the damage that her previous family had done to her that our vet could not fix but she had 18 months of joy and happyness with us days of play and long walks and swimming in the cannal. may it work out with sheba and may you and your family have many many years with your two beautiful sheepiesit just takes time and a loving heart. best of luck and sheepie hugs zoe and einy |
| I hope that all works out deograine as she obviously needs time and lots of gentle love, poor lil thing, she must of had such a rough time in her past.
Wishing you and Barkley all the best with sheba and sending wishes all will work out well ((( Hugs))) |
Give her time and plenty of love and attention. Once the bonding starts, she'll be all over you.  |
| Poor thing. She must have had a horrible life. Be patient, tell her that she is safe. She will eventually come around. Thank you for adopting her! |
| Abby was very fearful when she first came here too.... I didn't push her, just let her warm up to us at her own pace. Some things took longer than others... she started to enjoy being petted without cringing as much after about a week, after about three weeks she finally wagged her tail when we said "good girl". It took about 2 months for her to stop wolfing down her food and seeming afraid someone would take it.
She's still not a "bubbly", affectionate dog, but she is happy and just more subtle about showing it. |
| She finally laid down last night next to my bed. That was Barkley's spot so I don't think he was very happy but he let her have it with no fuss--just kept looking at me with this confused look. Finally he just laid down on the other side. She finally ate a little this morning too. I also let them both outside together this morning and she was a little more explorative with Barkley outside with her. She growls at him everytime he gets close to her, but she seemed to like having him outside with her. I stayed home from work today to see how things will go. I didn't feel comfortable leaving them alone together just yet. |
| Bless you for taking this sad girl in! She's probably so confused right now but with time and affection, I'm sure she'll see that life CAN be good. Please keep us posted!
Chris |
| Every bit of progress is so encouraging. Sounds like maybe the growling is just her way of establishing protective boundaries and is not necessarily aggressive (as long as barkley heeds her warning). I agree that leaving them alone unsupervised is probably not a good idea. If you are not going to use a crate, do you have a room you can keep her in when you are not home? I am so hopeful that every safe day will help ease her fears. . . I think it is wonderful that she chose to sleep next to you. Very heartwarming. I'm sending good vibes your way. You are doing something special for her mangled spirit -- and someday soon, I hope it pays off in the form of a wonderful buddy for Barkley. . . |
| I'm so happy to read that Sheba is making progress. You are so wonderful for helping her. It's very sweet and encouraging that she doesn't seem to have any problems with you and chose to sleep next to your bed. She may actually help you train Barkley! |
| Good news! |
| Can you take them somewhere where they can get to know each other on more neutral ground? It might help them get used to each other a little bit without her feeling on the defensive on Barkley's territory. Good luck-- I know it's tough when you just want everyone to get along and be happy! |
I finally got her to eat and drink by hand feeding her and sitting down in the floor with her bowl of water. I couldn't help but think while I was doing it how much I'd like to go after the man that did this to her with hammer  |
| Butterstotch has a great idea. Have you tried walking her on a leash yet. You might try walking them together if she is ok with the leash; one on each side of you. That way they're together, yet separated by you. |
| No I haven't tried that yet. Barkley is just so horrible on a leash. He ends up walking me, and sheba is so slow. It's kind of hard to describe but its like she thinks about every step she takes before she takes it. She does seem to tolerate him better in the yard though. I put them on seperate runs where Barkley couldn't quite get to her, in the hopes she could explore the yard a little in peace, but still feel safe with him out there too. I got her to play a little too. Her foster Mom called and told me she loved to chase squeeky balls. Unfortunately she jumped up on me while we were playing. Apparently her nails haven't been trimmed in quite a while and she scatched me pretty hard. I said ouch really loud and Barkley immediately jumped between us and started growling at her. I took a while to calm everyone back down again. |
| I have to tell you--I have the sweetest Dog! Barkley was playing with a a squeeky ball and Sheeba started growling at him--so Barkley pushed it over to her with his nose. |
| Hi,
Your last post just warmed my heart and it's defiantely a moment to stop typing and say AWWW. I was so happy to hear that she is learning to trust you and you have provided a loving home! Yeah to you!!! I think the resemblance to Shaggy is also in the eyes - the windows to the soul. Shaggy was also an abused dog when I adopted her at a year old. It took several attempts at obedience and lots of work the first year. I know I spoke of it many times on here but she eventually became both the "spokesdog" for the Humane Education Society and went on to become a Therapy dog. The first year of the hard work became dim as the years passed. You are an angel for stepping up and helping Sheba and I can see why she's already endeared herself in your household as she's stolen my heart already. Give this girl a belly rub from me. Marianne and the boys |
| That's great news, Deograine. Barkley's a good boy, protecting his mom and now sharing with his new sister. I think these two will eventually be good playmates. |
| That's so sweet! |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|