For anyone who missed it, I am now a first-time foster mom for an adorable little girl from Red Hook Dog Rescue of Brooklyn, NY. She came with the name of “Gorda” which, in my opinion, is a horrible name. Gorda means “fat” in Spanish and, not only is it insulting, it is simply not true. When she arrived, this poor girl looked like she had not had a decent meal in quite a while. But, despite the protruding bones in her spine and rib cage, and obvious fear and confusion, she already seems quite happy, wagging her tail and giving kisses to everyone she meets. One of the first orders of business, I decided would be to find her a nice name befitting such a nice dog, which I will get to in a bit.
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.
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.
That was the plan anyway. The dogs however, seemed to have other ideas. First of all, Gorda did not want to leave my side and became extremely stressed when I tried to crate her, and Mickey is always with me and I did not want him feeling displaced. So I had a dilemma. Fortunately for me, I didn’t have to resolve it. The two of them worked it out themselves. They hit it off immediately and separating them was not even necessary. I kept Gorda on a leash for a few days so I could grab her if there were any issues but I never had to use it. Each dog found a spot near me and they pretty much ignored each other although neither strayed far from where I was. As the week progressed they began hanging out a little more and now they like to share a bed or couch for naps.
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.
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.
On Sunday morning, the most amazing thing happened. Because of her house training issues (she will go in the house when I am not watching, even if she does not really have to), I have crated her for short periods of time in the mornings while I prepare for the day. Some days are better than others but Sunday was a particularly stressful day for her, maybe because we had to get up very early as I had an event to attend out of state. While I was getting ready she was crying in the most heartbreaking way and then suddenly, it stopped. I thought perhaps she had gotten tired and resigned herself, but I was wrong. When I went to check, I saw why she had stopped. Mickey had let himself into the room and was laying on the bed where she could see him. My boy had realized that she was upset, opened the door and went in to comfort her.
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.
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.
She and Mickey spent the rest of the day with Matt and her other new friend Cam (a Plott Hound). I was not sure if this was too much too soon, but the alternative would have been to leave her in the dreaded crate so I decided to go with this option. I brought her to see Cam a couple of times during the week and they seemed fine. It turned out to be the right decision. Everyone had a relaxing day, hanging out on the couch together and watching sports. She was just one of the guys, so to speak.
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 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.
An awesome dog should have an awesome name and I spent days looking through websites and lists and names from all different cultures searching for the perfect name. I also received a number of suggestions from friends and family and even took a poll on Facebook. I thank everyone who took the time to suggest a name. There were so many I liked and I had a very hard time choosing one so I did what any self-respecting crazy dog person would do – I asked her!
I said each name and waited for a reaction. In most cases I got none. Finally I hit upon one she seemed to like. The name she chose is Macy. She responded to it immediately and already seems to know it is her name. It is a pretty good choice, I think. The English meaning of Macy is “enduring, happy and upbeat.” all the things I wish for her. It also goes nicely with Mickey – Mickey and Macy.
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.
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.
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