Last Saturday Rob spent hours talking to Rocky’s previous owner about his past and life and the care that she provided him. She made mention that he isn’t fond of men but Rob figured he would spoil the dog rotten and all would be good over time. Over the next couple days as we requested vet records and witnessed Rocky growling at everything that moved we realized his apprehension of men was a lot more serious.
Rocky is wanting to get in our bed
We decided to take Rocky to the vet, get him up to date on his shots, get tested for virus and worms and immediately start his preventative medications. We bought him a new bed, new food, new leash, new snacks and invested in a Thundershirt to help with his fears and anxiety. Here we are almost a week later, he’s not much better with Rob but he’s still working to gain his trust. Rocky on the other hand has taken a liking to Shae and is using her as his personal pillow.
Rocky napping with Shae
Last night we get a message from his previous owner fessing up about Rocky’s past. He was physically and emotionally abused, she only had him for 2 months and didn’t provide any medical care. She lied to us because she thought we wouldn’t take him. DUH!!!!! Had we known how damaged he was we wouldn’t have done it. Call us selfish but after dealing with Sam and his extreme anxiety and various medical conditions we were completely drained just after 3 months. The choice to rehoming him was the best decision but I couldn’t deal with letting go of another dog.
Rocky showing a little personality as he plays with a toy
The shocker here is the lady said she wants Rocky back! No way in freaking hell is she getting her hands on him. We’ve committed to working with Rocky and making him understand that not all men are going to hurt him. While it bums Rob up when Rocky won’t sit with him Rob knows it’s going to take some time.
Poor puppy!!
Why on Earth would that crazy lady want Rocky back?! Does she care for many dogs? If so, I think I’d be calling someone if she isn’t giving them proper care!!
rob did say she had another dog, locked up in an outdoor shed 🙁
Oh my goodness Melinda!! What a tough situation. I hope things go much better with Rocky!
i’m hoping too, my heart can’t go through another dog loss
Poor Rocky, he is doing his best to protect himself. It will take lots of time to gain his trust for the men in the family. Patience works wonders. It is wonderful that he has taken to Shae, such a cute picture.
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since we are home with him constantly he really has no choice but to bond with me and shae LOL
I agree, why would she want him back? Ugh…so sorry but I commend you for trying. Have you talked to a professional dog trainer? They may have some tips on how to get Rocky to warm up to Rob, like having Rob feed him. I know dogs really bond with the person in the household who feeds them. Good luck!!
I’m a total dog lover, our pets are our family members…I guess that’s why I don’t understand people like Rocky’s previous owners. Once Rocky feels comfortable and not like he will be shuttled to another house, I’m sure he’ll open up to Rob. Hugs!!
he’s the kind of dog that doesn’t eat a whole meal, little bits throughout the day so we leaning towards bribery with treats LOL
We’ve taken in a couple dog that had been abused- it’s definitely a long adventure. It really sucks that his previous owner flat out lied about his past. She must be having second thoughts, but it sound like you guys will be the best home for him. Kudos to you for getting him to the vet and putting work toward gaining his trust!
My dog was similar when we first got home. He is from the shelter so we don’t know his past at all, but he basically hated all men and all tall people. We have had him for about 1.5 years now, and he is great with almost all people. Be patient, he will come around 🙂
I work with a colleague who brings his dog to work. Chuck is an adopted stray who also has some emotional problems. Specifically, he hates me. One afternoon, Mike asked if I would look after Chuck so he could run out and grab a sandwich. I said “sure.” As soon as Mike left, the dog’s anxiety level skyrocketed. I could see him pacing, then eyeing me, then pacing again. Finally, (i wish this was a joke) he walked onto the balcony (we’re on the second floor). He then jumped over ledge of the balcony. I nearly crapped myself when I saw it. I immediately raced over thinking that the dog was dead. What I didn’t know was that there was a ledge between balconies. He tried to commit suicide in front of me and failed. I grabbed him by the collar, yanked him back over the ledge, locked the door and called Mike. As many problems as your dog has…be grateful he’s not our Chuck!
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I am so sorry Melinda. I really hope things get better!
Me too, I am trying to spend time with him and pet him on his terms so he knows that I am not trying to hurt him. It is just going to take some time for him to trust me.
He will get there. We had a dog when I was younger that was abused by his previous owners. He loved us the children so much, but it took a lot of time to get him used to my parents. He ended up being the sweetest dog.
It upsets me that woman wanted him back grrrr
Poor Puppy!! I am so sad for him that he went through that. I hope you keep a record of everything you can in case she tries to take him back… Glad he is in a loving home! Good luck with helping him transition into a loving and trusting environment again. xoxxo
That is horrible that the previous owner lied to get you to take him, and then actually wanted him back! That poor dog would feel horrible being shuffled around like that. Bless your heart for giving him a loving home! Hopefully he will adjust soon!
It stinks to have to work through this, but I would not give Rocky back either. I would save that doggy! Hopefully you can get through this and Rocky can learn to love & trust people again!