I have put in adoption papers for this old girl, between 8 and 13 years old.


http://www.sisaveapet.com/showpage.php?page=detail.htm&id=22177&sid=6

The Humane Society has had her two months as a mascot dog, up for adoption but not kenneled.

Hambone met her. We walked long, slightly loose lead, meandered far away, near, far away, they sniffed, he snarked a not the face kind of snark, I popped with a quiet no, wandered, far away, near, he sniffed, snarked a tiny snark, but still not allowed), pop the leash, repeat and total ignoring. He did well and she ignores dogs and cats. Completely unreactive to him. She isn't as unreactive to little children but my grandson isn't allowed to be with Hambone alone and I don't see any need for my grandson to even be with her.

The Humane society and I talked extensively about her and Hambone. I walked both, one on left, one on right, and they did well. Hambone crossed in front (a test we were prepared for) and totally ignored her. Both stopped on each command of wait and ignored each other again and again.

Now, I have a crate and have done my homework on introducing dogs to the house. But, I wondered if you knew of some quirks older dogs have that younger ones might not.

She is food motivated, not toy. She is not excited, but quite chilled out, possibly fearful, but she doesn't appear fearful of Hambone. She would do well for short casual walks, but runs would wear her out. I am going to have her thyroid level checked just due to her facial expression, but other than that, her teeth are excellent, her coat good, and her eyes are just a little cloudy.

If they approve, and they talked like it was already settled, then I get her Wednesday evening. I am ready but need to know if there are other things I need to do.

Please share your wisdom.

PS Her crate is in a location Hambone has never slept in and the crate is brand new. I chose two spots in the house (one for when my grandson does come over and I can shut the door), both where Hambone shouldn't have an issue with territory.

Adopting a senior can be the most rewarding thing ever.

Ed's intro protocol will serve this girl and Hambone well.

I can't wait to see pics!!

Ed's intro is exactly what I plan. I am really wanting to have a good safe home for both dogs. I don't plan on skimping on any of the protocol.

I didn't plan on adopting this soon, or I would have ordered the DVD Pack Structure and gotten it before she comes home. I am going to send off for it tomorrow. Until then, I will print out the ebook.

I am excited about this old gal. She has a great nose. I will use that to my advantage somehow...still thinking about that one!

She looks like a sweet girl. I love senior dogs! Good luck with her

Thanks for having a big heart, Jo - I wish you the best with her!!

Hi Jo,

My husband and I adopted an older GSD (Wei Wei) from a rescue 3 months ago. He is probably between 6 to 8 years of age. We already have an energetic 3 yo GSD female (San San) and a 7 yo timid male Westie (Mo Mo).

We just followed Leerburg's advice on pack structure and ground work. After the initial social isolation, Wei Wei was tethered to my husband. We introduced the dogs to each other very slowly. It was not until the third week before we let the GSDs sniff each other on neutral grounds.

I guess it all depends on the personality of your dogs. Wei Wei is very easy-going and laid-back. Mo Mo took to him very quickly. It took a bit longer for San San to accept him, but now they can be in the same room (supervised) without any problem.

When we are at work, they are kept in separate parts of the house. San San is very energetic, she can be bossy at times, so I don't know if I will ever want to let them stay in the same room without supervision.

We did make sure that when Wei Wei was in his crate, it was in a room the other dogs did not have access to, so he would feel safe.

She looks beautiful Jo!

No advice past what has already been offered, but just wanted to say good luck/congratulations, and keep us updated!!! And that it sounds like you did great with her and Hambone meeting, so yay for that too!

Whats her story, Jo? Do you know any of her history?

Not that it matters. I'm just curious as to how she could be given up that late in her life. Not judging whoever, because it could very well be a valid reason.

She looks very sweet. It sounds like the walks with her and Hambone went well, too.

Is she going to be raw fed, too? If so, she has no idea what is in store, huh? Lucky gal!:smile:

First..thanks for the well wishes! I appreciate them!

Melissa...thanks for saying what I was thinking. And, being together in the house while I am gone, I don't anticipate Hambone and Lucy to be alone in the house loose together for a long time and never unsupervised. Ed protocol all the way.

Michael...she was wandering lost and darted between two cars and narrowly escaped being run over. A person who works at the shelter witnessed it, pulled over, got out, opened the car door, called to her, and she jumped right in. She went to the Society and has been there since. They have posted in the newpapers and various common Internet sites hoping that the owner of Lucy would find her. I have decided, that IF, later, the owner does come forward with a VALID reason---i.e. moved, and Lucy got loose and tried to make it back to her original home AND she appears excited to be found, I will give her back to the Society and they can determine if she should go home. If not, then she is forever my dog. They haven't suggested this, but it would be fair to Miss Lucy if she does want to go home with her original owner.

She does appear to be searching each time someone comes in the door, so who am I to keep her from her family if she does find them?

As to raw fed, I haven't determined that. I do need to get a work up done on her first, before I attempt anything. I was informed by one worker she dearly loves people food so if I do go raw, there shouldn't be a problem feeding her.

She has been well kept and I can't imagine someone throwing her away. It breaks my heart to see her searching, so, I am giving her my home until she is found or until her days are over.

Now, I just have to figure out how to use that nose of hers to my advantage in making her feel secure around me...

 Quote: Melissa Hau

We did make sure that when Wei Wei was in his crate, it was in a room the other dogs did not have access to, so he would feel safe.

That brings up a question...should Lucy's crate (which is now in the living room next to a couch and wall with the back to another wall...kind of like a cave), be put in the other safe place I have for her? I thought if I put it in the living room, she could see us, Hambone could see her, and she could watch the marker training we do in the living room. If she should be put in the other room, please let me know before I bring her home.
Safety at all times and a winning beginning is what I am striving for.