Maggie
Well, my family got a dog!
Saturday morning we set out our plan to visit three different rescue organization stands. We had applications for two dogs already sent in to two of the rescue groups, and the third we didn't know too much about. The very fluffy chow/golden mix whose photo I fell in love with was at the 2nd rescue organization on the list (they opened later), but there was also a very attractive lab mix that my mother found online Friday; this dog would be at the first place we planned to visit.
So, we didn't get too far in our search! The first dog we went to see was clearly the best option for my parents. She was a one year old (out of the puppy stage), medium sized (shouldn't get any bigger), housetrained (major plus), sweet and very attractive female lab mix who even knew "sit!" She needs some work on the leash and to learn some basic commands.. as well as her name!
We filled out the paperwork, bought all sorts of toys, leashes and collars, dog bowls, etc., and Maggie Mae (previously "Fawn") came home with us that afternoon! She spent most of her time in her crate, unwilling to explore the house or even venture out of the family room. I think the move was a bit much for her! She slept most of the day.
We've slowly been introducing her to the cat as well. I read that the best way to do it is to have the cat come in while the dog is locked in the crate, if the dog lunges or barks then you should immediately reprimand the dog and remove the cat from the area. You're supposed to keep doing this until you get no reaction from the dog. The next step is to have the dog on the leash with the cat nearby, same routine with reprimanding and separating. For some people this takes a while, for others it takes no time at all. Maggie hasn't lunged or barked, but she did give a little growl the first time. We're taking it slow, but it doesn't look like it's going to be a problem.
Her first vet and grooming appointment is this week. Unfortunately I won't see her again until the weekend of June 9. I'm sure there will be some big changes by that time, she should be much more comfortable.
I'm thrilled, incase you couldn't tell!
Saturday morning we set out our plan to visit three different rescue organization stands. We had applications for two dogs already sent in to two of the rescue groups, and the third we didn't know too much about. The very fluffy chow/golden mix whose photo I fell in love with was at the 2nd rescue organization on the list (they opened later), but there was also a very attractive lab mix that my mother found online Friday; this dog would be at the first place we planned to visit.
So, we didn't get too far in our search! The first dog we went to see was clearly the best option for my parents. She was a one year old (out of the puppy stage), medium sized (shouldn't get any bigger), housetrained (major plus), sweet and very attractive female lab mix who even knew "sit!" She needs some work on the leash and to learn some basic commands.. as well as her name!
We filled out the paperwork, bought all sorts of toys, leashes and collars, dog bowls, etc., and Maggie Mae (previously "Fawn") came home with us that afternoon! She spent most of her time in her crate, unwilling to explore the house or even venture out of the family room. I think the move was a bit much for her! She slept most of the day.
We've slowly been introducing her to the cat as well. I read that the best way to do it is to have the cat come in while the dog is locked in the crate, if the dog lunges or barks then you should immediately reprimand the dog and remove the cat from the area. You're supposed to keep doing this until you get no reaction from the dog. The next step is to have the dog on the leash with the cat nearby, same routine with reprimanding and separating. For some people this takes a while, for others it takes no time at all. Maggie hasn't lunged or barked, but she did give a little growl the first time. We're taking it slow, but it doesn't look like it's going to be a problem.
Her first vet and grooming appointment is this week. Unfortunately I won't see her again until the weekend of June 9. I'm sure there will be some big changes by that time, she should be much more comfortable.
I'm thrilled, incase you couldn't tell!
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