11.20.2010

November 20, 2010

White Dog and I cannot help but observe how differently AWD and SAWD have handled their first few days as a part of the family. Nuka came in fearful but feisty and curious from the start. She has, in less than a week become comfortable enough to invite herself along for car rides, to ask for attention, to demand "tastes" of new foods, and to have a voice. The first night she settled into her bed on the floor of our bedroom and slept soundly.

Puff is almost like a post traumatic stress victim in many ways. She huddles and shakes at the prospect of human contact, in fact runs and hides from it. When she is held, SAWD melts into your arms but her heart races and is almost resigned in her acceptance of the act. We had to beg her tonight after more than 24 hours before she finally had water and a small bite to eat. We had to crate her last night (something I have never done before and feel guilty about) but we feared she would run outside, as she had earlier, into the yard and try to find a place to nest. This morning she was pressed against the back wires and refused to come out even when the door stood open. Finally, she did, only to head for the dog door and outside, where she spent the morning and early afternoon. Puff has never walked on a leash or worn a collar. Earning her trust will not be easy.

We assumed that our deaf girl was going to be the big challenge in blending our family into a pack, but it seems AWD, Nuka, is going to be our little clown, our cuddle bug, and our happy-go-lucky one who adjusts with attitude. SAWD, Puff, will need lots of time to mend and to heal and to hopefully learn to trust. We will give both furbabies their own space and time to evolve, but we desperately pray that Puff's spirit has not been broken beyond repair.

12 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Puff will soon know she's safe and home and that it is OKAY!

Soon may be longer than one hopes but it will happen -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Ozark Mountain Cats said...

It is very common for puppy mill dogs to be traumatized. Most of the human interactions have been negative.

Do not think of the kennel as being bad. Many dogs LOVE being in their kennel.

Dan, the guy who I got princess from spent months rebuilding her confidence. Basically he worked to turn her back into a puppy so she could experience joy and being carefree. Then he started teaching her manners.

Pamela said...

Poor little Puff. She has no idea how lucky she is to be with you yet. But hopefully it will come in time.

I'll agree with Ozark Mountain Cats that the crate could be a very safe and comfortable space for her. Just because we're claustrophobic doesn't mean our dogs are.

Good luck!

D.K. Wall said...

Hard to tell from just a couple of paragraphs, but I heard similarities to Miss Kiska when she first came to Chez Herd. I was trying to pay a lot of attention to her and felt like I was going backwards.

Finally, I received some terrific advice. What I needed to achieve first for Kiska - because it was her greatest need, not necessarily the other dogs - was security. Thus, her crate was a huge plus and still is to this day, regardless of whether the gate is open or closed.

What I was taught was to sit with my back to her. Just read a book, newspaper, watch TV - the activity did not matter as long as it was quiet and my back was to her. That allowed her to sniff my presence and watch my interaction with the other dogs.

It took days, yes, days, but I felt her creeping closer and closer. The day she placed her head against my back, I almost cried but I still just sat there. If I had moved too quick, I would have taken steps backwards.

And, finally, she placed her head on my shoulder and sighed. I scratched her gently under the chin.

Today, she is my velcro dog, but if I had not been taught to wait on her, I might still be trying.

Not sure the situation is the same, but thought I would share. Not sure I would have figured it out on my own.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Puff will recognize very quickly that she is surrounded by love, even if it takes her a bit longer to accept it. Fear is a terrible thing for dogs, and her deafness just complicates things. We bet there are help groups out there who would be able to give you lots of suggestions for ways to help Puff.

For now, loving her is the best you can give her.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

How Sam Sees It said...

Poor thing - this whole mess must have been so stressful on her...

Sam

Jacqueline said...

God bless you for taking in such a beautiful, yet broken spirit; gorgeous Puff is so lucky to have found you and I have no doubt she will thrive in time under your loving guidance in your safe home...You guys continually thrill me with your huge, kind hearts; I send my love, admiration and big hugs to all...xoxo...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Once again tears are being shed here. That poor little broken darling. She will take time, love and patience to heal but I am sure with all these things she will find that there is another kind of life for her and a good life at that.I so pray for her and that soon she will realise. She has though now got the best people to help her. You will I am sure win through. Hugs GJ x

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Chock it up to old age, the Momster mixed up Nuka and Puff or just blended them together:) Sorry about that, but our wishes for two happy pups are still the same:)

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Brian's Home Blog said...

I think she can do it, she is just not used to love yet. I believe your love for her will reach her.

Kari in Alaska said...

poor Puff, I am sure she will come around

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

Sagira said...

I think if anyone can fix it, you guys can! :)