I am losing faith in humanity. (AKA, Meet Jemima!)
- Thread starter ihartgonzo
- Start date
She's had a lot of change in the last couple of days. She's understandably nervous and probably overly defensive.
It may be an issue that will stick with her, but it may not.
If it were me, I would chalk this one up to chaotic circumstance, and possibly less than stellar previous socialization, and be extra cautious and not allow her into situations that set her up for failure. At least for now.
ETA: Bear in mind that you may be the first and only person that's ever been good to her. She may (for now, until she gains confidence) perceive your guys as a threat, if she is in a way, resource guarding you, and the security you provide.
It may be an issue that will stick with her, but it may not.
If it were me, I would chalk this one up to chaotic circumstance, and possibly less than stellar previous socialization, and be extra cautious and not allow her into situations that set her up for failure. At least for now.
ETA: Bear in mind that you may be the first and only person that's ever been good to her. She may (for now, until she gains confidence) perceive your guys as a threat, if she is in a way, resource guarding you, and the security you provide.
I'm not going to make any hasty decisions... I'm just very stressed, and feeling horrible about the whole thing. Not only does it scare me, but I worry that as Jemima feels better this will progress, and I don't know if I'm ready to take on that responsibility. The dogs have already encountered her 3 times accidentally - up until yesterday, she would not react at all, really, and the boys came back to me. But if that happens again I don't know if one of my dogs will get hurt, or me in the process, and I do not want to put my dogs in harm's way. I feel afraid and nervous. On top of that, I cannot trust anyone else to walk her now.
I have seen my share of spats between dogs (having a snarky/reactive dog) but what happened really freaked me out. Dogs don't even growl at Fozzie, he is so unthreatening, and he was doing nothing to warrant what happened. Not even looking at her. I can always tell when something is about to happen between dogs, but this was very sudden and without a warning... and when I had her collar, she was still snapping and pulling towards him. That was the most energy I've seen her exert yet. I don't blame her, at all, I'm sure she has been through hell and the scars on her head and tummy look consistent with being attacked by another dog. I have been hoping and praying that she would be fine with my dogs with slow introductions, because I didn't know what I would do if this happened. I was hoping that she would just be submissive and fearful and it would be workable, and I thought that with her being so young DA wouldn't have kicked in, regardless.
One of my biggest issues of all is space. If I had found her a few months ago, when I lived at home, in a huge house, with a huge yard, and with people home at all times... this would be SO much easier, everything would be, but especially keeping the dogs seperate. Now that I live in an apartment, albeit a big one, it is exhausting keeping 3 dogs seperate at all times. It's so disheartening to think that my dogs and Jemima have to live like this for potentially months, depending on when I find a suitable home for her. I still don't know what I'm going to do, I just have to weigh my options. I'm going to call the SPCA and talk to them about this whole thing, I've volunteered there so I know their policies, but I definitely wouldn't take her anywhere with the posibility of her being PTS. I just feel like I would be doing the same thing to her that her d-bag owner did.
I have seen my share of spats between dogs (having a snarky/reactive dog) but what happened really freaked me out. Dogs don't even growl at Fozzie, he is so unthreatening, and he was doing nothing to warrant what happened. Not even looking at her. I can always tell when something is about to happen between dogs, but this was very sudden and without a warning... and when I had her collar, she was still snapping and pulling towards him. That was the most energy I've seen her exert yet. I don't blame her, at all, I'm sure she has been through hell and the scars on her head and tummy look consistent with being attacked by another dog. I have been hoping and praying that she would be fine with my dogs with slow introductions, because I didn't know what I would do if this happened. I was hoping that she would just be submissive and fearful and it would be workable, and I thought that with her being so young DA wouldn't have kicked in, regardless.
One of my biggest issues of all is space. If I had found her a few months ago, when I lived at home, in a huge house, with a huge yard, and with people home at all times... this would be SO much easier, everything would be, but especially keeping the dogs seperate. Now that I live in an apartment, albeit a big one, it is exhausting keeping 3 dogs seperate at all times. It's so disheartening to think that my dogs and Jemima have to live like this for potentially months, depending on when I find a suitable home for her. I still don't know what I'm going to do, I just have to weigh my options. I'm going to call the SPCA and talk to them about this whole thing, I've volunteered there so I know their policies, but I definitely wouldn't take her anywhere with the posibility of her being PTS. I just feel like I would be doing the same thing to her that her d-bag owner did.
I just feel like I would be doing the same thing to her that her d-bag owner did.
Sure as heck is different than tying a helpless puppy to a pole.
Don't beat yourself up over it...you really are doing good by this girl.
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update... again. I have been really busy, and stressed out, over this situation. But I have read your posts and advice and I appreciate everyone's input and support.
I brought Jemima in to the SPCA yesterday. I know people in Pit Bull rescue, through Flyball, and none of them were able to find a foster for her. A few people were interested, but none of them could take in a possibly DA dog.
I feel so horrible. I will never, ever forget her little, confused face watching us leave.
I know a girl who volunteers at the front desk, and I went and talked to her to get some advice. She told me what to say to make sure they would take Jemima in (as far as the situation/where I found her/etc), and reassured me that they adopt out DA/DR dogs often. They only had a handful of dogs in at the time, and she said she was sure that Jemima would be adopted quickly, especially since she's soooo lovable and cuddly with everyone she meets. I would not have left her anywhere with a chance of being PTS, but I'm worried about the affect that going into a kennel and being abandoned again might have on her.
I had been keeping the dogs completely seperate, 24/7. I was hanging out with Jemima in the living room, and I had to check something in my room, so I cracked the door to peek in. All of a sudden, Jemima came up behind me, jammed her head into the crack and proceded to lunge/snap at Gonzo, who was standing in the doorway. I had to slam the door practically on her face to keep her from forcing it open. I worry so, so much because if anyone else did anything with Jemima, or with my dogs, and they accidentally met again I honestly don't know whether or not she would hurt them. And I can't exactly stay home all day, every day to ensure that there are no accidents.
I had been doing parallel walking with some one else to help from the get-go, and she was not leash reactive in the slightest. Which is why the whole issue with Fozzie really shocked me. I think there was a huge lack of dog socialization in her life, and I'm sure the time she has spent with other dogs has not been pleasant. I feel so bad for abandoning her, just like her owner did, but I was scared for my dogs and I could tell the situation was upsetting them. Both of them randomly had BAD gastro upsets, which have suddenly disappeared. I had really high hopes, judging by their first encounters, but it became apparent that her issues with other dogs were getting worse, and I have had to face the fact that I am not capable of desensitizing/conditioning/training a DA dog while working with my dogs and keeping them seperate and maintaining everyone's sanity.
I'm going to be updated on Jemima's status, so I'll let you all know what happens. I have high hopes for her. Despite the issues with other dogs, she was a wonderful dog in practically every other way... she was looking beautiful already, she was well-mannered and gentle, and it did not take long at all for her to bond to me and my family and friends.
Here she is just before we brought her in. She loved cuddling and sitting on our laps, when she was invited up. It makes me so sad, because she was getting comfortable and healthy and her amazing personality was just coming out.
I brought Jemima in to the SPCA yesterday. I know people in Pit Bull rescue, through Flyball, and none of them were able to find a foster for her. A few people were interested, but none of them could take in a possibly DA dog.
I feel so horrible. I will never, ever forget her little, confused face watching us leave.
I know a girl who volunteers at the front desk, and I went and talked to her to get some advice. She told me what to say to make sure they would take Jemima in (as far as the situation/where I found her/etc), and reassured me that they adopt out DA/DR dogs often. They only had a handful of dogs in at the time, and she said she was sure that Jemima would be adopted quickly, especially since she's soooo lovable and cuddly with everyone she meets. I would not have left her anywhere with a chance of being PTS, but I'm worried about the affect that going into a kennel and being abandoned again might have on her.
I had been keeping the dogs completely seperate, 24/7. I was hanging out with Jemima in the living room, and I had to check something in my room, so I cracked the door to peek in. All of a sudden, Jemima came up behind me, jammed her head into the crack and proceded to lunge/snap at Gonzo, who was standing in the doorway. I had to slam the door practically on her face to keep her from forcing it open. I worry so, so much because if anyone else did anything with Jemima, or with my dogs, and they accidentally met again I honestly don't know whether or not she would hurt them. And I can't exactly stay home all day, every day to ensure that there are no accidents.
I had been doing parallel walking with some one else to help from the get-go, and she was not leash reactive in the slightest. Which is why the whole issue with Fozzie really shocked me. I think there was a huge lack of dog socialization in her life, and I'm sure the time she has spent with other dogs has not been pleasant. I feel so bad for abandoning her, just like her owner did, but I was scared for my dogs and I could tell the situation was upsetting them. Both of them randomly had BAD gastro upsets, which have suddenly disappeared. I had really high hopes, judging by their first encounters, but it became apparent that her issues with other dogs were getting worse, and I have had to face the fact that I am not capable of desensitizing/conditioning/training a DA dog while working with my dogs and keeping them seperate and maintaining everyone's sanity.
I'm going to be updated on Jemima's status, so I'll let you all know what happens. I have high hopes for her. Despite the issues with other dogs, she was a wonderful dog in practically every other way... she was looking beautiful already, she was well-mannered and gentle, and it did not take long at all for her to bond to me and my family and friends.
Here she is just before we brought her in.
She loved cuddling and sitting on our laps, when she was invited up. It makes me so sad, because she was getting comfortable and healthy and her amazing personality was just coming out.
Thanks for the kind words.
I have a feeling that her mooshiness will win some one over... the staff were all fawning over her in minutes. I still can't forgive myself. That sweet girl was not given a fair start in life at all.
I have a feeling that her mooshiness will win some one over... the staff were all fawning over her in minutes. I still can't forgive myself. That sweet girl was not given a fair start in life at all.
I am glad you took the whole situation seriously. You would not have been able to forgive yourself if she hurt one of your dogs. Their home is primary for your safety concern. I am glad you rescued her, i am glad you gave her a chance. (((HUGS))) and gold stars all the way for being the person you are.
Erica, hon, you did the right thing for your boys and you did right by Jemima, by not only taking her in and helping her get healthy, but by finding her a safe place to stay while she seeks a new home.
Remember Zaphod? I couldn't keep him. I just couldn't. He would harrass Eve until she snapped at him, then get even more violent over being corrected by such a small dog. I love that big lug so much, but I couldn't put my girl at risk by keeping him. It's not fair to your dogs to put them in possible danger by adopting a DA dog out of pity. Jemima is adorable and will find a good home, I'm sure of it. =)
Remember Zaphod? I couldn't keep him. I just couldn't. He would harrass Eve until she snapped at him, then get even more violent over being corrected by such a small dog. I love that big lug so much, but I couldn't put my girl at risk by keeping him. It's not fair to your dogs to put them in possible danger by adopting a DA dog out of pity. Jemima is adorable and will find a good home, I'm sure of it. =)
You girls are the sweetest.
I'm obsessively checking the website... she's supposed to become adoptable this weekend. Cross your fingers for her! While looking around, it sunk in how incredibly unfortunate this breed (or mix thereof) is. So many emaciated, scarred, and sweet looking Pitties without homes. =,( I had never been very close with a Pittie/mix before having Jemima, but I realize why it's so important to preserve the breed. I've never met a dog so in love with any person who will give her a moment of attention.
Grace, I never knew that about Zaphod. I'm so sorry. Ugh. I can only imagine how pain-staking that was, being how attached you were to him and how much he transformed with your care. I'm glad that Eve can live peacefully now and you found him a home.
I'm obsessively checking the website... she's supposed to become adoptable this weekend. Cross your fingers for her! While looking around, it sunk in how incredibly unfortunate this breed (or mix thereof) is. So many emaciated, scarred, and sweet looking Pitties without homes. =,( I had never been very close with a Pittie/mix before having Jemima, but I realize why it's so important to preserve the breed. I've never met a dog so in love with any person who will give her a moment of attention.
Grace, I never knew that about Zaphod. I'm so sorry. Ugh. I can only imagine how pain-staking that was, being how attached you were to him and how much he transformed with your care. I'm glad that Eve can live peacefully now and you found him a home.