I am really happy to hear that Hollywood is joining the fight .. or family, I should say. I have been staying on top of all of the posts, but with a 12 week pup on my hands it's been a little hard to chime in.
What I want to add is that I too am new to the Sheltie breed (although I did years of research first), but not new to dog ownership. In your very first post you said:
"Maybe we are not the right family for him and he knows it?"
I believe that anyone who would go through what you have, to show the concern, to ask questions, seek answers and is willing to try EVERYTHING you did, means that you are definitely the right family for Hollywood.
We had 4 rescue dogs prior to getting Kai'a and I know that they take a lot of time, patience and love; beyond that of normal adoptions. Based on the information you have given us about the conditions Hollywood came from, I would be suspect of the breeder. I personally would be uncomfortable with that situation and it seems that you might need to look at your new baby as a "foster" to start out with. Even with the best intentions by the breeders, sometime things backfire on the animals. Hollywood needs love, socialization (with humans first) and an introduction to the world around him. Although it is tempting to try and put him with other dogs to perk him up, I personally would focus on you, your family and your world first. Adding in playmates after you have him completely socialized in his home and have a clean bill of health (not only from the vet but at home, eating, eliminating, interacting, etc).
Now that he is eating and eliminating better this might be moot, but I do think that there is/was some health concern = sickness. Depression can be a factor, as I am sure it is partly, but even in animals the type of behavior he displayed is very uncommon and to the extreme. I adore my vet, but it took me 10 years and 6 vets to find one that I trusted. Doctors and Vets
practice medicine; and sometimes you need to find a vet that practices medicine with you and your dog. If you ever have any doubts about something, get a second opinion. It never hurts and in the end you will find a vet you can be sure of. One your family can trust.
And lastly, I know that with the new house you were wanting to add another furkid into the mix. I agree that it would be a wonderful addition, but I would like to suggest that you wait until Hollywood is fully transitioned and comfortable with you and your home. Moving into a new space will be a whole new adjustment for him and that will also take extra time and energy. Make Hollywood the “king” of the home and allow him to help “foster” the new one into the mix. I also think that a personal trainer and then some structured training classes would be wonderful as well.
I know that you are the perfect family for Hollywood; the love and concern you feel for him is felt by everyone here. And I am so happy he has found his forever home with you. It takes a special person, I believe, to really care for and love a dog, it takes someone even more special to make them part of the family. Sometimes we are called extremists (or animal freaks as my neighbor likes to call me) but I think big kisses when you come home are just about the best things in the world, and pulling a chew toy out of briefcase when I go into a meeting, a moment of sanity (as well as grounding). Our dogs need us, and we really need them. You two are perfect for each other.
I will keep sending positive, happy thoughts your way and I know that Hollywood will be up to Sheltie antics in no time.
Jenny
PS He is a beautiful boy!!!
)
We might get him to come around after all!!!
so glad to hear that things are improving 