Barked: Sat Jul 11, '09 9:14am PST |
 |  |  |  | A friend of mine adopted a rat terrier in Nov/07. This little girl came from a hoarding rescue and spent the majority of her first 6 months in a crate. She had no socialization or tender loving care. She was in foster care for almost a year before she was adopted. However, she was also there with several other fosters so no real big breakthroughs were made although she was given love and safety.
Initially when she was adopted, she had a lot of issues.. growling at strangers, skittishness, reclusive, snapping at other dogs. However, after much love and patience.. she came out of it and was a new dog by summer 08. She was friendly to people she would meet, liked to meet new dog friends, was very playful and let others pick her up. Even if she hadn't seen you for a while, she would be all over you, giving kisses and being an all around sweetheart. The power of love!!!!
However, my friend had a massive heart attack in February. She has recovered well, but it was a long road as you can well imagine. Since that time, the little one has been different. Has become overly possessive of my friend and has regressed in some ways. It came to a head when my friend went on a vacation with her husband for 10 days back in May. My sister was babysitting/housesitting and had no problems with her.. but when my friend returned.. the little one has regressed even further. She is even more possessive about my friend and bit the gardener. There was no provacaton at all. The gardener was never left alone with her at any time and when she bit him, he was standing there talking to my friend and then all of a sudden she came from behind him and bit him. Since then, she has bit 2 other people and my friend is terrified she will get reported and the little one will be deemed a vicious dog and be put down.
They are going away for 6 weeks leaving at the end of July. She is taking just the little one with her and the other 2 dogs will be back home with her husband. She is hoping that the one on one time with her will help and she will be seeking out the help of a behaviourist where she is going.
Does anyone have any advice or possible understanding of this? |  |  |  |  |
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