After losing my DEAR Rhodesian Ridgeback, Roma, to old age a couple of months ago, I'd been checking out the local Animal Humane/Rescues', and Albuq. Animal Welfare, websites for awhile. Visited several, but missed out on those due to other things going on that kept me from getting back into the city in time. Wed. evening a new face appeared on the Alb. Animal Welfare website, and she 'called' to me. My gut feeling was that I'd best move fast, so gathered up my two little elderly lapdogs for a 'meet and greet'(they require it if you have other dog(s), and I agree it's a good idea) and headed for town Thurs.AM. End result: I have adopted a 5 mo. old purebred German Shepherd, who'd been 'owner surrendered' for killing a parakeet(I ask-- who allows such a pup ACCESS to a parakeet, then blames it for BEING a pup?)
I picked her up yesterday PM, as she had to be spayed before leaving there. I will take her for a 'free' basic exam by my own local vet next week, per a list the City has(thank goodness I won't have to drive back into town for it). She had shots, including rabies-and deworming- but will likely need one or two boosters-will see what vet recommends.
Don't be too horrified; I know what I'm doing
-- for now, she is staying in my horse trailer. It is cleaner than about anywhere else(just my way)...there is NOTHING she can get into trouble with, or get out of, in there, but it is quite roomy, and I pulled it into the aisle of my insulated, well-ventilated barn, so totally comfy.It may be a challenge, but am trying to keep her 'quiet' for the recommended time after the spay!
I leash her EVERYTIME she is out, have been taking her for long walks everytime I go out, letting her meet the horses, visit the little dogs(who bark ferociously, as I knew they would, at her!) and get to know the place. Last night she drank a good bit of water, but would not eat...sure enough, she vomited up the water(expected due to the anesthesia for the spay surgery). This AM, still none of her 'Blue Buffalo' puppy food eaten,but after a couple of good walks, and clearly feeling more 'herself', she ate a small meal, and I've given her a couple more small meals since, and everything seems to be going well.Although my place is fenced and cross-fenced, they are not high fences, so I am going to try to do everything possible to convince her that she BELONGS HERE before I will EVER let her 'loose' on the premises!
She seems a sweet, smart, pup, if pretty much undisciplined. So far has 'held' her bodily functions, even over last night(I walked her last @ 10:30, then was out to take her out by 7 this AM. When I am ready for her to come into the house, I may try puppy pads. She is a bit mouthy,wants to bark at the little horses, and wants to jump up on me, but when discouraged, seems to get the message. If the timing works out, I will take her to basic obedience classes this fall, but if not(I don't like to drive that far at night, and it gets COLD here in winter!), I will work w/ her on my own, and maybe look at classes in the spring.
A corollary benefit to me may be all the (extra)walking!! Just as long as my knees hold up!!
Seriously, I am already very fond of this little lady(who I've named "Ali"),and even though it is a challenge to deal w/ such a youngster at my age and stage, I'm actually looking forward to it!
Of course, I know NOTHING of her background/breeding; just that she needed someone to love and care for her, which I intend to do to the best of my ability. The gentleman I first spoke w/ at ACC said they'd had 'a LOT of interest' in this dog; one had wanted AAC to 'hold' her for 'an hour' Thurs. AM while they went to get their checkbook; for obvious reasons, they won't do that...but they came back while I was 'in the process, and seemed pretty grumpy about missing out! I was just glad I got moving when I did!!
Will try to get some pics soon; when I have the chance(or someone to help!)When that happens, I will enlist the help of someone here to post them(since I haven't a clue...)
Margo and 'Ali', with Angel and Mia who wish she'd just disappear!!
I picked her up yesterday PM, as she had to be spayed before leaving there. I will take her for a 'free' basic exam by my own local vet next week, per a list the City has(thank goodness I won't have to drive back into town for it). She had shots, including rabies-and deworming- but will likely need one or two boosters-will see what vet recommends.
Don't be too horrified; I know what I'm doing
I leash her EVERYTIME she is out, have been taking her for long walks everytime I go out, letting her meet the horses, visit the little dogs(who bark ferociously, as I knew they would, at her!) and get to know the place. Last night she drank a good bit of water, but would not eat...sure enough, she vomited up the water(expected due to the anesthesia for the spay surgery). This AM, still none of her 'Blue Buffalo' puppy food eaten,but after a couple of good walks, and clearly feeling more 'herself', she ate a small meal, and I've given her a couple more small meals since, and everything seems to be going well.Although my place is fenced and cross-fenced, they are not high fences, so I am going to try to do everything possible to convince her that she BELONGS HERE before I will EVER let her 'loose' on the premises!
She seems a sweet, smart, pup, if pretty much undisciplined. So far has 'held' her bodily functions, even over last night(I walked her last @ 10:30, then was out to take her out by 7 this AM. When I am ready for her to come into the house, I may try puppy pads. She is a bit mouthy,wants to bark at the little horses, and wants to jump up on me, but when discouraged, seems to get the message. If the timing works out, I will take her to basic obedience classes this fall, but if not(I don't like to drive that far at night, and it gets COLD here in winter!), I will work w/ her on my own, and maybe look at classes in the spring.
A corollary benefit to me may be all the (extra)walking!! Just as long as my knees hold up!!
Seriously, I am already very fond of this little lady(who I've named "Ali"),and even though it is a challenge to deal w/ such a youngster at my age and stage, I'm actually looking forward to it!
Of course, I know NOTHING of her background/breeding; just that she needed someone to love and care for her, which I intend to do to the best of my ability. The gentleman I first spoke w/ at ACC said they'd had 'a LOT of interest' in this dog; one had wanted AAC to 'hold' her for 'an hour' Thurs. AM while they went to get their checkbook; for obvious reasons, they won't do that...but they came back while I was 'in the process, and seemed pretty grumpy about missing out! I was just glad I got moving when I did!!
Will try to get some pics soon; when I have the chance(or someone to help!)When that happens, I will enlist the help of someone here to post them(since I haven't a clue...)
Margo and 'Ali', with Angel and Mia who wish she'd just disappear!!
