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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

VERY scared dog

186 replies

EmmrT · 29/07/2023 20:16

My neighbour has a rescue dog, 2 years old, with a bad history of abuse. She's had him for 6 months and he is still scared of everything.

She had to go into hospital today, she has no friends or family so of course I agreed to take the dog for her.

The poor thing is shaking in his crate. He's been in there for 5 hours now (the door is open), do I 'force' him out for a mooch around the garden for a wee?? I've tried gently coaxing him out with chicken and sausages. No luck.

Looks like my poor neighbour will be in hospital at least a week.

Any advice gratefully received. If it's better to leave him in there and just clean up the wee/poo then that's fine. Just want him to be OK.

OP posts:
Unluckycat1 · 03/08/2023 17:25

*are signs...

ghostofadog · 03/08/2023 17:40

What a lovely thread ❤

Adarajames · 03/08/2023 17:56

Def trusts you to be laying upside down. He’s lucky his Mum has such a great neighbour 🤗

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 03/08/2023 18:07

Ah wow, well done! That's a definite sign of trust on his part 😍

MyBrownEyedHandsomeBoy · 03/08/2023 18:36

I just watched this video on TikTok it reminded me of you OP

vm.tiktok.com/ZGJbcSqvC/

PimpMyFridge · 03/08/2023 18:38

Fantastic! You've done all the right things.. With fear that strong you can't rush the trust building.
Have you been able to report on his progress to his owner given she is in hospital?

tabulahrasa · 03/08/2023 20:33

Upside down is really good - that’s a definite, feel safe enough to be exposed thing.

FastFood · 03/08/2023 21:59

I think OP deserves the "best neighbour of the year" award.
What a fantastic thread ♥️

Anewuser · 04/08/2023 09:18

Good morning @EmmrT I hope it was another successful night.

Your thread is so heartwarming.

With all the awful things going on in the world, it’s so comforting to know there are truly good people around.

You will have a special bond with this pup now and I’m sure you’re going to miss him when he owned is home.

MrsLeonFarrell · 04/08/2023 09:57

Read the whole thread, you are such a lovely neighbour.

Original poster
EmmrT · 04/08/2023 12:45

Anewuser · 04/08/2023 09:18

Good morning @EmmrT I hope it was another successful night.

Your thread is so heartwarming.

With all the awful things going on in the world, it’s so comforting to know there are truly good people around.

You will have a special bond with this pup now and I’m sure you’re going to miss him when he owned is home.

Day 7, Another great night, he was settled the whole night, he even seemed...okay-ish when I checked on him at 6am! As in, he stretched out all four legs and made the lovely grrrarrrurr noise again when he saw me.

I can talk to him now and he doesn't shake, he's started to pop his ears forward as if he's interested in something; he will very keenly take a treat as I look and tell him he's a very good boy, and has given me a very thorough sniff!

He's got a couple of toys in his crate and as I was sorting his breakfast I heard him moving about and the toy sqeaked. And sqeaked again! Amazing that he's at least relaxing a little to play.

When I put his breakfast bowl down, I'd barely turned around before he came out and started eating.

I've been sending updates to my neighbour, she is doing much better thank goodness, and is hoping to be home next week.

I admit I haven't quite told her the extent of how scared he's been, I've glossed over that a bit and focused on the positives as I didn't want her worrying.

I'm already thinking I'm going to miss him. 😪

All your messages are so kind, honestly I'm sure anyone else would do a better job but at least he's alive and safe!

OP posts:
itsnotmeitsu · 04/08/2023 13:41

@EmmrT > It doesn't sound as if anybody could possibly have done a better job than you! You'll be returning a dog better equipped to cope in his new world thanks to all you've done. What a lucky dog to have you and his mum. If only all rescue animals could have such kind people in their lives. I have my fourth rescue Greyhound, so this type of thread really resounds with me.

Original poster
EmmrT · 04/08/2023 14:50

itsnotmeitsu · 04/08/2023 13:41

@EmmrT > It doesn't sound as if anybody could possibly have done a better job than you! You'll be returning a dog better equipped to cope in his new world thanks to all you've done. What a lucky dog to have you and his mum. If only all rescue animals could have such kind people in their lives. I have my fourth rescue Greyhound, so this type of thread really resounds with me.

DH and I were just talking and saying that if we were to get our own dog, I would very much like a greyhound, are they good dogs for someone like me, not very experienced?

Just...asking...

OP posts:
RandomMess · 04/08/2023 15:04

I would just borrow your neighbours!

Lots of love, joy, fun - no expenses and minimal commitment.

sandyhappypeople · 04/08/2023 15:10

EmmrT · 04/08/2023 14:50

DH and I were just talking and saying that if we were to get our own dog, I would very much like a greyhound, are they good dogs for someone like me, not very experienced?

Just...asking...

Show quote history

Just asking ay! 😀You'd be a brilliant dog parent!

I'd say greyhounds are a great breed for inexperienced owners, because for the most part they are chill as anything. I had a greyhound cross previously, and a lurcher now, they are both brilliant, very laid back, love to run freely but quite lazy at home as long as their exercise needs are fulfilled. They love to cuddle and are very affectionate,

The only thing you have to worry about is their prey drive, as it can be instinct to run after small animals like rabbits and squirrels, I seem to able to interrupt the prey drive on ours by recalling them, but some will just go on autopilot, so that's something to think about!

The other thing you could look at is fostering for a charity, a lot of them don't have room to keep dogs there so people look after them until they find their forever home.. assuming you don't fall in love with them of course!

DarkForces · 04/08/2023 16:14

Greyhounds are brilliant dogs. Only problem is they're small bladders. They're quiet, chilled and gentle. Just the most gorgeous dogs. This charity matched dogs based on your needs and their personality rather than kennel visits https://greyhoundrescuewales.co.uk/

Home - Greyhound Rescue Wales

https://greyhoundrescuewales.co.uk/

MrsRachelDanvers · 04/08/2023 16:36

I still miss my old greyhound-I’ve never replaced him as my lifestyle wouldn’t suit having another dog, but he was such a friendly, relaxed soul who liked everybody. Not small furries though-we had walks where it was fine to let him off lead but ex racers are used to muzzles as they wear them all the time. Then you don’t have to worry about them going into another zone when faced with small animals. I used to volunteer at a greyhound rescue-the stories were heartbreaking but they were very gentle dogs.

BiteyShark · 04/08/2023 17:06

I haven't posted before as nothing to say that could help you more than the other poster have.

But can I just say 'you are definitely a dog person' and clearly 'gets them' 😁

Original poster
EmmrT · 04/08/2023 19:14

I have a huge update!

Was feeding him treats, sat next to his crate (he looked comfy I didn't want to make him get out for treats), when he licked my hand - actually gave the top of my hand a few licks!

Then he stretched and rolled over, did a pose like he was superman, and I couldn't resist the little tummy again so I gently rubbed his tum and he did his usual grrrarrggr and then fell asleep with me rubbing his tum!

I know it seems ridiculous but I could cry!

OP posts:
Original poster
EmmrT · 04/08/2023 19:16

Thank you for the greyhound info, I think I might be doing lots of research...or, as suggested, just sort of half adopt this little mite 😆

OP posts:
cinnamonfrenchtoast · 04/08/2023 19:36

EmmrT · 04/08/2023 19:14

I have a huge update!

Was feeding him treats, sat next to his crate (he looked comfy I didn't want to make him get out for treats), when he licked my hand - actually gave the top of my hand a few licks!

Then he stretched and rolled over, did a pose like he was superman, and I couldn't resist the little tummy again so I gently rubbed his tum and he did his usual grrrarrggr and then fell asleep with me rubbing his tum!

I know it seems ridiculous but I could cry!

Ahhhhhh <3 well done you!

Anewuser · 04/08/2023 19:55

I can only imagine how happy that has made you feel. All the angst and heartache you’ve had this week have finally been paid off. Fantastic news.

itsnotmeitsu · 04/08/2023 19:57

@EmmrT > Greyhounds are brilliant pets, even for those who can't exercise them much due to mobility, getting on a bit, etc. They don't need loads of mental stimulation (unlike very intelligent dogs 🤔) and they tend to sleep most of the day (in our case, 22 hours out of 24). People think because they're viewed as athletes they want to be on the go all the time - no way! And, unless they've been ill-treated, they're such gentle creatures. Our current Greyhound is a very successful ex-racer, who was dumped at the age of eight once he was considered too old to carry on the breeding line. A previous adoptee was an Irish harecourser, presumably dumped when that was outlawed. We've adopted our dogs from Tia Rescue, and they wouldn't let a dog go to a home unless they were as certain as they could be they would be a safe bet for a home. If they don't think the dog would be safe to take on as a pet they live out their lives at Tia, not put down (unlike the RSPCA). When you chat to a Greyhound owner they generally have the same opinion - once a Greyhound owner, always a Greyhound owner!

Anyway, I really hope you do decide to take on a dog because I think you're just the type of person a doggy needs in their life x

Adarajames · 04/08/2023 20:13

Awwwww💖

itsmyp4rty · 04/08/2023 21:35

Greyhounds are great - if you want a smaller version then whippets are also great. I think both are a 1000 times better than all the cockerpoos and cockercavs that for some reason have become so popular.