(For my new followers: Daisy, formerly "Roxie", was a neglected and abused black Labrador who decided to adopt us as her new family by showing up on our doorstep not once, but twice, last summer. She was underweight and had not been receiving her medication on a consistent basis to relieve her arthritic pain. Her prior owners neglected to use heart worm preventative. Daisy also had suffered several injuries to both front and hind ACL's and a terrible chest wound that almost killed her when she was younger. This was not a case where the family couldn't afford proper care. This was pure, simple, and willful neglect.)
Daisy has integrated herself well into being part of a loving family. She has gained weight. She's no longer in arthritic pain and her heart worm treatment has, thus far, been effective.
We are, however, experiencing a few minor issues. Now that she's gained weight she is much stronger. Now that she's no longer arthritic she is quite hyperactive. Now that her heart worm has been treated she has much more stamina. She's pushing boundries, that's for sure.
I used to be able to take her for walks without her lunging in every which direction trying to chase that rabbit, meet that dog or sniff that human. She used to be so sedate and sweet but now I'm having to pull out every Dog Whisperer trick in the book to try to get her to behave on her walks. She has even dragged my poor son literally off his feet to get at a couple of chihuahuas out on their evening jaunt.
She knows the commands sit, stay, lay down and heel. I think she has decided that maybe we really don't mean what we say. It's like having a 2 year old all over again.
Regardless, we love her and are very glad to have her as a part of our family.
17 comments:
I'm so glad she's doing well. I think she'll probably settle down soon. She's just not used to having all that pain-free energy!
Sounds like my dogs. All 200 pounds of them! She is adorable though!! Oh, and next time you take her for a walk, swing by and pick up mine, will you??
Oh...maybe she's finally getting her chance to be a puppy! She feels good, she's happy...she wants to enjoy every tree, butterfly, and dog butt she encounters!!! So glad to hear that she is doing well!!!
Hi There! Thank you for visiting me yesterday to celebrate my SITS Day! U are deeply appreciated!
Stopping by from SITS:)
We had a sweet black lab last winter show up in our neighborhood too. She was abandoned in the dark. (I think her family lost their house and left her.) Anyways, she was sick. Her ears looked like and felt like an elephants. (all dry and crusty.) We tried to find her owners, but ended up adopting her, or her adopting us. We put her on a special diet, and got rid of her allergies. She is the most loveable, patient black lab I have ever seen. Maybe it's just in there demeer. Our other lab was jealous of "molly" at first. Infact they fought a little. We couldn't afford to take her to the vet to get her nose stitched, so my husband stitched it for her. She didn't flinch once!!
Have a good day! Glad to hear your dog is doing good.
We have a rescue dog that is much the same way. He was so docile when we got him, but now now he is a ball of energy, but I wouldn't give anything for him. I adore him.
That is one Happy looking Dog, thanks for the update. It sounds like she is so comfortable with you guys that she is letting it all go.. to the dogs, shall we say :)
Coming from SITS. Gorgeous dog! I don't have dogs just 2 cats that lick spilled milk off the floor. HEHE!
Just blog lurking. And I like what I see!
Hope you have a wonderful day!!!
our dog had kennel cough when we got her - a severe case - so all she did was sleep and i thought I'VE GOT THE WORLD'S BEST DOG! and then she got better
Sweet Daisy! I think she's reliving puppy-hood :)
Thats a touching story. I love dogs and it always breaks my heart when they are mistreated. You guys are great for taking her in. Thx for stopping by my blog
Ooh, she's just beautiful and what a great family you are to give her loving home.
We adopted our Black Lab from SPCA few years ago. She developed epilepsy and she died last Christmas during one of her seizures.
Anyway, you have a very nice blog.
Stopping by from SITS
Beautiful dog. I also love your beautiful heart. Oh...and yes...we can be a big naughty sometimes...sorry about that:) Anyhoo, we just got a chihuahau over the summer. Dog ownership is no small task. I feel your love and your pain. Try checking out Victoria Stillwell's show "Its Me Or The Dog." You can look it up online if you don't have TIVO to record by title. She really is great. D.Whisperer I find hard to use his techniques at home. Victoria is all about positive reinforcement to train. I like her no bones about it style. A little punn there! Holly at lifelaughlatte.blogspot.com
Wow - a big furry 2 year old. Good luck!
What a lucky dog. I am a feral cat magnet myself. Since I put food out for my own orange knucklehead cat that comes around we have caught about a dozen other neighborhood cats at the trough, as well as a raccoon and an opossum.
I edited this post because I spelled 'opossum' wrong.
It is absolutely amazing how animals have the good sense to find the right home on their own (if given the opportunity). Sounds like Daisy might be ready for "school". Even though she's not a puppy, the structure of a class might do the trick. Our local humane society offers classes, as does the Pet Smart chain. It's worth a shot ~ definitely sounds like she's worth it! Best of luck!
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