My dog Mickey is very sweet and welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes into our house, but there have been instances where other dogs have picked on him, so I always worry a little when a new dog comes to stay with us. My plan was to keep them separated for the most part so they could kind of ease into this new relationship, especially since in the previous four weeks, “Gorda” had been in a home, dumped in a kill shelter, rescued, adopted, returned and sent to a boarding kennel and then brought over 100 miles away to live with me.
The first week has been pretty uneventful. The only issue I have is that she seems to be afraid to do her business outside. She will, but it takes a while and I have to stay outside with her. She also will not go if she is being walked on a leash, although her leash manners are impeccable. Mickey seems to be trying to teach her the ropes as best as he can and when she feels up to it she will follow him around the yard.
This made me so happy I nearly cried. After praising Mickey abundantly, I opened the crate door to let her out and he immediately tried to get into the crate and steal her toys – just Mickey being Mickey. She gave him a little growl to put him in his place and he got the message. That seems to be the relationship and, as long as it stays that way, I think we are all good.
So now we will be working on her confidence and reinforcing her potty training. I am keeping a close eye on her and taking her out frequently and there seems to be some progress. All in all the first week was the best I could have hoped for. Now I look forward to seeing her blossom and become the incredible dog that she was meant to be and actually already is. She just does not know it yet so it will be my job to teach her!
I should mention that I avoided using that name as much as possible. I did not want her to get used to hearing it because I knew I was not going to keep it. And, while I know the name really would not affect her confidence and self-esteem I felt like I was being hurtful by calling her that. Yes I know it is ridiculous, but I felt that way all the same.
So, welcome Macy! Let’s hope this is just the beginning of many great things to come. As much as it has already crossed my mind to keep you, I still believe you were meant to be the top dog in a family of your own. That decision will come later, but for now you are here and Mickey and I are happy to have you.