Hi Famous Seamus: It is rewarding to see them come along from looking like a breathing corpse to a fully animated being. He has a sense of humour that, while sometimes can frustrate the heck out of us, demonstrates there is a bright little imp in that furry little body just trying to come out. Lucky for him I bred westies for years and you learn quickly that in order to maintain their character and be able to show successfully you have to manage them as opposed to "train" them. I'm sure you have a lot of wisdom in aiding the recovery process and I will always be open to input. As far as writing a book, the thought has crossed my mind. It might be a way of educating children and their parents on the hazards of buying from mills. I wish my friend Madeline was still alive as she was a writer and editor as well as a breeder and exhibitor and I know she would have been delighted to help. In the meantime, I hope that Tinsel's journey will help someone that is considering rescue.
Tinsel's Journey
- Thread starter Tagg
- Start date
Hi Toffee's Mom: I don't think I could live up to hero status but thanks for the vote of confidence.
Our small animal clinic is made up of a wonderful, knowledgeable and open minded group of vets that will try and accomodate me in anything I ask of them. When we discussed doing Rhiannon's teeth, she can't be caged in any fashion, they were more than happy to have me be hands on until they had her down and then sit knitting in the waiting room until they were done and she was ready to come off Iso. I took over in the recovery, I use to do it for a living, and held her upright until we flushed her with fluids and she was ready to go home. I did let them take Tinsel for a blood draw the last time he was there. It was 6 of one and 1/2 dozen of the other on whether he would be better to not trust them or to lose trust in me. One thing I do know is that they would be kind and patient. The owner of the practice is strict about how the animals in there are treated and I would raise you know what if any of my furry friends were needlessly stressed. These are the types of questions that are really hard to address and really need people with experience to help me with. I would love to hear about your experience with operant conditioning so if you would be open to it could you PM me?
Our small animal clinic is made up of a wonderful, knowledgeable and open minded group of vets that will try and accomodate me in anything I ask of them. When we discussed doing Rhiannon's teeth, she can't be caged in any fashion, they were more than happy to have me be hands on until they had her down and then sit knitting in the waiting room until they were done and she was ready to come off Iso. I took over in the recovery, I use to do it for a living, and held her upright until we flushed her with fluids and she was ready to go home. I did let them take Tinsel for a blood draw the last time he was there. It was 6 of one and 1/2 dozen of the other on whether he would be better to not trust them or to lose trust in me. One thing I do know is that they would be kind and patient. The owner of the practice is strict about how the animals in there are treated and I would raise you know what if any of my furry friends were needlessly stressed. These are the types of questions that are really hard to address and really need people with experience to help me with. I would love to hear about your experience with operant conditioning so if you would be open to it could you PM me?
famous seamus
Forums Enthusiast
Boy oh boy, do I recognize the look in Harper Lee's eyes in that second picture! How old is she? In the latest picture it almost doesn't look like the same dog. She looks like a much happier, more settled matron. You've done good. Give her a scritch from Tinsel and me and thanks for sharing what can be.
OntarioSheltie
Forums Celebrity
Its wonderful to see the before and after photos of these dogs who came from such dire circumstances and are how living happy fulfilled lives. 
I don't know what was in the water this morning that made Tinsel wake up in such high spirits but I had to share. While making his breakfast he ran over to his bed then through the kitchen and into the computer room. He usually stops at the bed and waits to be carried to the door to the carriage house. Not this time though! I put his bowl down and he ran in and took a few bites, realized he hadn't peed yet and ran over to his bed. I put the bowl up, took him outside for a pee and then he sheltie spun all the way back in. Gave him his food and stood with Rhiannon and Phoebe so they wouldn't try to sneak in for a taste. He finished up and then leaped around bouncing into me, throwing himself on his back for scratches, up again and into a play pounce, tried starting a game of "chase me" by running into the room off the kitchen and then running back and play pouncing again. He kept this up for at least 5 minutes and then he decided he needed to poop and went back to his bed and looked at me expectantly. Guess I have inadvertantly trained this boy that I am his lacky that lives for the opportuntity to carry him for his - ahem "needs". That's okay, his "cousin" Connor, my daughter's little male, taught me that if he steps over my leg and rests his privates on my foot that he wants to go out and pee. There must be a big "S" for sucker on my forehead! No matter how many issues we have to address, it is this kind of moment that makes me want to persevere and find the spirit within his soul.
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OntarioSheltie
Forums Celebrity
Thats wonderful news. Tears are stinging my eyes. He's come a long way in a very short time. :sadsmile:
OntarioSheltie
Forums Celebrity
He sure is handsome!
danisgoat
Moderator
What a face! He looks so content in this picture.