Charlie Bear was up for adoption. Now he lives with us.
But he was not without “issues” as we learned when we read his profile online. The site stated: “Poor guy spent his impressionable months fending for himself on the streets with an owner who didn’t care for him. As a result, he developed some ‘issues’ – resource guarding, being sensitive to touch, and throwing tantrums. He starts to chase his tail when he is nervous, over-excited or unable to do what he wants to do. However, when he settles into his daily routine and feels secure and relaxed, he turns into a Charlie Bear…the sweetest, affectionate, cuddle bear.”
It went on to stay that he’s very focused, smart, eager to learn and to please and that he was currently living at a foster home with 2 other dogs, one big and one small. That was important to us because we have a Golden Lab, Rex.
There were hundreds of dogs in our area (thousands all over the place) that needed homes. Why did this one stand out for us? What about his “issues?” We wondered if we should take on a dog that would need so much from us. Then I asked myself, “Why not?” He deserved a home, just like others. He’d been through so much. Yes, he’d need behavior training reinforced (but don’t they all?), and he’d need patience (what dog doesn’t, especially when they are young?). He’d also need love, lots and lots of love.
I went through behavior training classes with Rex (who almost flunked!) when he was a puppy, but I sure don’t know it all. And, I hate to admit it, I’m ten years older! This old brain needed to be jump-started. There’s a great book out that I’m reading: Good Habits for Great Dogs. Here’s the Amazon link: http://amzn.to/9DKwUy What I like is that it’s appropriate for dogs of all ages. I’m also looking into a group class where Charlie Bear and I can bond and learn together.
Now that you know Charlie Bear’s “issues,” I’d like him to tell you all about them. Maybe we can figure out why some dogs do what they do, and in the end have more patience and understanding. Charlie Bear’s Chat called Something to Chew On will begin soon. Stay tuned.
If you are looking to adopt a pet, check out www.adoptapet.com. You can type in your zip code to find the pets nearest you.
QUESTION FOR YOU: Have you adopted a dog in your lifetime?
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FEATURED PET PHOTO:
These handsome dogs are three of the puppies Kimi raised for Canine Companions for Independence. That’s Titian, Emilio, and Lieb (left to right). As a volunteer puppy raiser, Kimi devotes almost 18 months to raising each dog, bringing them as much socialization and training as she can. Then she turns them over for advanced training to CCI. Canine Companions for Independence® provides highly-trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities, free of charge. To learn more about what Kimi does, or about CCI, click here: www.caninecompanions.org.
Thanks, Kimi, for sharing your special friends with us.
Stay tuned for more favorite pet photos in blogs to come.
We also adopted a dog (years ago). He had issues, and since he was not just a puppy, it was more finding out what worked. He had been taken from an abusive owner, and we had to prove we were adopting, not taking him back. Then we got a pal for him, and took that pal through obedience training. Guess what? Deno (the first one) had actually had training as well, and taught Gyp by example! Gyp failed because in the part where they are supposed to stay and i walk away – his friend at class wimpered and Gyp had to find out why! No we have two dogs who adopted us! We had 3, but gave the male away. Then took down the invisible sign telling dogs to come to our farm for love
Marianne, such great advice to find out what works and to keep working at it. Thank you so much for sharing, and for having that “invisible sign” that tells dogs you love them.
Some days I feel like I’m chasing my tail. 🙂 I love that dog–wish I could come visit him.
Julie, we wish you could come visit too!
Can’t wait to get to know Charlie Bear through his chat. You have taken on quite a challenge but he is worth it, as you know. We will learn from you and apply it to Crosby.
Jean, thanks for the encouraging words! I think we’ll learn from Charlie Bear as well.
Sounds like the same issues my adopted children have : )
Kathy, thanks for commenting! I think it’s a lot like kids’ issues. Heck, I remember my little ones throwing tantrums back in the day. And resource guarding…sharing was not a favorite activity between siblings! We’ve got lots to learn from Charlie Bear and I can’t wait to have him voice his opinions.
I think you’re going to develop a wonderful bond with Charlie Bear! Kudos to you for adopting a dog despite his “issues”. I think through building a bond as well as his confidence through training you’ll have a fabulous companion on your hands! What a lucky dog he is to have found you as his forever home 🙂
Love the photo of “my kids”! Emilio is leaving us on Nov. 13th to start advanced training at CCI! Fingers and paws crossed he does well and has a blast 🙂
Hi Kimi, I will for sure pray about Emilio in advanced training. He’s a beautiful boy and you’ve done your best with him, as you have all the others. Hugs to you!