We now have two shelties from Texas

[alonsoe]

Welcome!

It's great that people like you that adopt shelties 're willing to help such a sensitive soul

A timid do not like direct eye contact and you may not walk right toward her.
For these early days what I would do is approach with your back without looking her and sit on the floor beside her at a distance that she is comfortable. Then give some treats if she does not go and if you see that she is quiet .

They need a long time to gain confidence , and should not force her because you can back everything you've advanced with her.

I hope all goes well with her.

 

[ghggp]

BLESS YOU for adopting!

You are the kindest of souls to help one so fearful.

I have seen this book and might help ...
http://www.sheltie4me.com/shop/item?ItemID=3323&CategoryID=727


"The Diary of Lucy Blue: A Puppy Mill Survivor's Story"

"Nominated by Dog Writers Association of American for Best General Interest Book in 2002"
Lucy Blue arrived at Second Chance as a survivor of a “puppy mill”, a filthy facility where the “business philosophy”. is to give breeding dogs as little care as possible in order to make as much profit as possible from their puppies. Puppy mill dogs often live out their lives in tiny cages, suffering from disease, injury, and near-starvation. Those who survive physically are often psychologically scarred: fearful, suspicious, frightened, stressed animals who alternately hide from, or lash out at, a world that they can’t understand.

When Sheltie Rescue took Lucy in, the obvious question was, “Who would ever want a dog like this?” The answer: Janice Mitchell. As Lucy began the long process of healing in body and spirit, Janice started a diary to record Lucy’s progress, to note information that might be helpful to other rescuers, and sometimes, by her own admission, “to keep from pulling my hair out!” This is the story of Lucy, the dog no one would ever want, and of Janice, the woman who never gave up on her.

Second Chance Sheltie Rescue, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization

100% of the proceeds from the sale of this book goes to the medical care of the Shelties in our program.

GOOD LUCK! Pictures and updates are always appreciated!

 

[sheltersheltie]

Thank you for all the advice and the thread suggested for Tinsel was very informative.

We took her on our morning group walk around the neighborhood after catching her with some cheese. She seemed to enjoy it and the other two dogs were good examples for her.

We hand feed her some food under the chair this morning and she gobbled two handfuls. After not eating but a few bites the last few days she was hungry! I wonder if I should put her bowl under her hiding chair? What do you all think?

We went to the vet for her post adoption checkup yesterday and she let the vet and vet techs touch her, but wouldn't accept a treat from them. We considered the first meeting with our vet a success.

Baby steps.

I will post pics when I can get near her and not scare her with the camera. I'm sure you all understand!

 

[trini]

If she is more comfortable eating under her hiding chair, I would definitely put her food bowl there for now. You can slowly move it out from under... an inch at a time as she becomes braver.

Sounds like the group walk was a big plus...other stable dogs are a good support system. And the vet trip went well...none of my shelties will take a treat at the vet's, but will happily munch one up on the way home once they know they are not staying at the vet's for anything. Smells and sounds at the vet's can be upsetting for any animal and often doubly so for a rescue who has been "dumped" at least once and is not yet secure that you are not going to dump them at the vet's and simply disappear.

Trini

 

[sheltersheltie]

If she is more comfortable eating under her hiding chair, I would definitely put her food bowl there for now. You can slowly move it out from under... an inch at a time as she becomes braver.

Sounds like the group walk was a big plus...other stable dogs are a good support system. And the vet trip went well...none of my shelties will take a treat at the vet's, but will happily munch one up on the way home once they know they are not staying at the vet's for anything. Smells and sounds at the vet's can be upsetting for any animal and often doubly so for a rescue who has been "dumped" at least once and is not yet secure that you are not going to dump them at the vet's and simply disappear.

Trini

I couldn't agree more with the bolded. My Golden has been a foster brother for numerous dogs we've fostered for a rescue group in our home over the years. His calm and accepting nature for all creatures is our best ambassador. Sophie watches him and the other sheltie like a hawk from under her hiding chair lair and has smelled him a few times. It's all good....

We moved her bowl this morning for breakfast. She ate it all in her safe place. I'm relieved she is eating and walking with us on our group walks. I have every confidence she will get more trusting day by day.

 

[Jess041]

Hello and welcome from Houston!

 

[sheltersheltie]

Good news is she is walking with us each day, even if not joining us without a little push. And ate for two days. New food, though, so that caused some GI distress.

Not so good news. She is so terribly nervous as evidenced by scratching herself, diarrhea, and a little vomiting. We also had a thunderstorm here yesterday which caused her to run around the house, pace, and pant.

This little girl has more than a few stress issues. These are the worst I've ever seen with any of our dogs or the dogs we fostered over the years. I really feel sorry for her.

We are just keeping our normal routine, talking to her if she engages us, and keeping the house activities as usual as possible.

After two previous owners (the most recent kept her for less than 5 months), not including her breeder, I anticipate this will be a very long process. She is so, so sensitive.

 

[Sharon7]

Glad to hear she is making some small steps in improvement - do you have a name for her?
Tinsel's story will seem familiar, and he came so very far with Joann's patience and love. I know your girl will get every chance to become her true self with time, and for that I thank you!!!

 

[Mally's Mom]

Good news is she is walking with us each day, even if not joining us without a little push. And ate for two days. New food, though, so that caused some GI distress.

Not so good news. She is so terribly nervous as evidenced by scratching herself, diarrhea, and a little vomiting. We also had a thunderstorm here yesterday which caused her to run around the house, pace, and pant.

This little girl has more than a few stress issues. These are the worst I've ever seen with any of our dogs or the dogs we fostered over the years. I really feel sorry for her.

We are just keeping our normal routine, talking to her if she engages us, and keeping the house activities as usual as possible.

After two previous owners (the most recent kept her for less than 5 months), not including her breeder, I anticipate this will be a very long process. She is so, so sensitive.

Note: Hoping she is feeling better. Members here on the forum have been discussing giving a spoon of canned pumpkin mixed in their dog's food at each feeding, which helps with the diarrhea.

ps I thank you from the bottom of my heart for adopting this sweet girl. Also, I thank your other 2 wonderful dogs for accepting her into your home so readily.

 

[alonsoe]

I suggest you talk to your veterinarian for advice if it can be appropriate to give some kind of anti-stress medication to help her get used to the new situation.

My previous dog had separation anxiety and took medication for 7 years .... she was also adopted (not a sheltie)