River’s one year in his furever home

[Susky River Rat]

I do not normally get to personal on here. Today marks a special day for my wife and I. It is our dogs one year anniversary  being in our home.

 

I had always wanted a dog she was against it. She was always looking on the Davis dog farm a local rescue here at their dogs that needed adopted or fostered. She stumbled across a poor boy named river. A lab golden retriever mix that was heart worm positive. I said when a name like that we should adopt him. She goes fill out the application. So I did. We had a meet and greet with him. They told us he was crate trained  but, that was about it. They said he probably didn’t even n kw his name.  He was a feral dog down south. A kill shelter picked him up down there luckily they picked him up and rescued him from there. He was with the DDF about 6 months.
 

We brought him home he was so scared his whole world was turned upside down once again. He paced and panted all night to sleep for 20 minutes to do it all over again. He was scared of his own reflection.  We had to monitor how much water we left I. His bowl or hed drink it all till he threw up.

 

Day 3 my wife was finally home alone with him. She calls me at work crying because she can’t handle the dog. He’s pawing jumping up mouthing her none stop. She can’t get him in his crate. This was her first pet. She was scared and he was scared. At this point I did not know if we were going to be able to handle him. I said it’s going to take a lot of time at work. He’s been beat mentally and physically.  Scars on his ears and stomach. Dropping his head if you tried to touch him.  My wife had made the comment that she would never love him. I said you will and once’s he’s in your heart when he hurts you will.
 

All of the summer into the fall he was still a basket case. He had chronic diarrhea. Would pace all night till we went to bed. He would jump up on you, bat you mouth you. It was impossible to even put a jacket on in front of him.  He was fairly uncontrollable. We figured out he has food allergies and needed to put him on prescription food for it. We did however get the new he was officially heartworm free.
 

Christmas time he really started to make his change. He started calming down. Feeling comfortable and being more receptive to touch. 

Spring to now he has dealt with some sickness Pneumonia which the scaring on his lungs from heart worm makes him more susceptible too. We also just recently found out he has seasonal allergies.  He has become an amazing dog. My wife does in fact love him and worry about him just like I said she would. He is still not a cuddle type dog but, he wants us to be in his sight at all times.
 

Our next goal with him and we are going to have a trainer step in is with other dogs. He goes crazy. This is pretty much his only flaw. It’s not an excited crazy it’s full on protection mode.

 

Here is a time line of pictures from around when we first got him to now. You can see how much healthier he is. The only time he really gets that smiling dog look is on the boat in my truck or going for walks. That’s what he loves.

 

[NavyToad]

He’s a beautiful boy. Your efforts are paying off.

[Susky River Rat]

Just now, NavyToad said:

He’s a beautiful boy. Your efforts are paying off.

Thank you sir! It’s been a rough go at times but, it has paid off for us.

[Dwight Hottle]

You two have a done an outstanding job with him. Congrats on your perseverance with a trying situation. Most owners would have simply returned him to the shelter. 

 

[Mike L]

So glad things are starting to change for the better for him and you both. 
 

You should be commended 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[Susky River Rat]

14 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

You two have a done an outstanding job with him. Congrats on your perseverance with a trying situation. Most owners would have simply returned him to the shelter. 

 

Thank you! I am sure most people would have as well. We had to teach him trust and love. That  not everyone and everything is going to hurt him. 

3 minutes ago, Mike L said:

So glad things are starting to change for the better for him and you both. 
 

You should be commended 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

We are as well. Honestly he commends us when we get home from work and are greeted by a wagging tail at the door. He rubs his head against me then goes between my legs so I can pet him. It’s one thing my wife and I don’t take for granted is we are the only humans he’s ever  shown any affection for. 

[GreenPig]

That's wonderful. He looks like a healthy & happy pup.

[Susky River Rat]

4 hours ago, GreenPig said:

That's wonderful. He looks like a healthy & happy pup.

Thank you! He is. He got hamburger and ice cream to celebrate 

[gim]

As a dog owner myself, I can understand the companionship part of it.  That took a lot of patience and tolerance.  It appears to be improving.

[Susky River Rat]

1 hour ago, gimruis said:

As a dog owner myself, I can understand the companionship part of it.  That took a lot of patience and tolerance.  It appears to be improving.

It has improved tremendously. He is a completely different dog than a year ago.  We will always continue to work with him. Trust and love needed to be built before we could ever teach obedience.  

[GaryH]

Great job Donald. I commend you and your wife. ???

He’s a good looking guy.

[Susky River Rat]

9 hours ago, GaryH said:

Great job Donald. I commend you and your wife. ???

He’s a good looking guy.

Thank you. We try the best we can.

[Darth-Baiter]

awesome dog.

 

my pup also freaks out with other dogs.  bummer, but we adapted and manage the problem.   work in progress.  he got along with my mom's dog.  it was weird. 

[Susky River Rat]

16 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

awesome dog.

 

my pup also freaks out with other dogs.  bummer, but we adapted and manage the problem.   work in progress.  he got along with my mom's dog.  it was weird. 

thank you. He will always be a work in progress but, he is loved .