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oldchristine1950

Rescue help needed

10 years ago

I'll try to make this brief, 4 months ago our local spca got a court
order to remove 12 yorkies from a hoarder, they were in such bad shape
I'm sure I dont need to go into the horrid details.Since I know the
president of the shelter I told her when they win the court case I
wanted first pick, so after them spending 3 months in the shelter the
judge awarded the spca only 5 and gave back the hoarder 6 why, I dont
know ..
I was finally able to bring Lily home 3 weeks ago and she is starting
to come around, she has never touched grass but does use the p-pads I
put down, she doesnt like being held but I'm taking baby steps with all
things new to her,my problem is my 2 cats which have lived with my other
dog that passed away, the hoarder had 20 cats, well Lily has started to
attack my cats when ever they walk into the room we happen to be in,
last night Lily was sleeping at the foot of my bed and my cat jumped up
on the bed by me and Lily went into attack mode and i know I handle it
badly, I yelled at Lily and she jumped off the bed and went to her bed
and wouldnt even look at me, it took her over 2 hours to forgive me, all
is well now, but how should I handle this since she is starting to be
way to alpha??? Any & all advice we appreciate, oh by the way Lily
is around 8ish and my vet said in very good shape considering what she
came from. THANK YOU in advance Lily & Christine

Comments (9)

  • 10 years ago

    lukkiirish, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for responding to my post, you have brought up so many issues that hadnt entered my mind, and it all makes so much sense to me now, I had borrowed a crate from the store I work at and Lily wouldnt go in it, so last week I brought it back and it sold just a few days ago, I will see if I cant borrow one from someone else. I will keep you posted on her progress, once again Thank you for all your input. Christine & Lily

  • 10 years ago

    Good suggestions from lukkiirish. Only thing I'd add is when it comes to crate training and rules around the house, try not to treat her with kid gloves but pretend she's a puppy you've just brought home. She may have some issues with the crate at her age so be sure you place all her food, water and treats in it. That will help her learn to trust it.

    I wouldn't let her on your bed at the point and would keep another crate next to your bed for her to sleep in. Although, it sounds like she already has a bed in the room since you said she ran to it. If she'll stay in the bed at bedtime and not bother the cats, then leave her in her bed. IMO, the fact that she jumped off the bed and went to her bed after you yelled at her is a good thing. She did something wrong, you corrected her and instead of you placing her in the dog bed she went to it herself. She owed you no forgiveness since you were protecting your cat and she was in the wrong. I think the whole scenario turned out well..........and hopefully you didn't reward her afterward with hugs & kisses. :)

    Try to keep routines normal for your cats since the last thing you want to do is create behavioral problems in them.

    christine 5b thanked annztoo
  • 10 years ago

    Thank you ann, you have also been a big help to us, here she is, I forgot to post her picture, she is still getting use to being outside on the grass, so we spend alot of time just standing and taking in all the scents and new sounds, her hair is starting to grow back in since they had to shave her, she was so matted. The first picture with the green grass was 2 weeks ago, the one with brown grass was yesterday, I see a big change in her body language, Do you?

    ,

  • 10 years ago

    Have you considered the possibility that the behavior she is exhibiting is resource guarding?

    christine 5b thanked dekeoboe
  • 10 years ago

    I have to agree with the previous posters, she is afraid of everything right now and it will take time for her to adjust to her new life.

  • 10 years ago

    I think time will tell if Lily is afraid of your cat jumping on the bed, or if Lily is marking you as her territory. If she's alpha, it's going to be seen quickly.

    The best thing for all is that Lily sleep in a crate for now.

    I know what you're going through! When we brought home our male bichon puppy, he and our older dog didn't make good bedmates. Lots of sudden snarling at night.

    2 alpha dogs on a bed. Not good.

    Our older dog passed away and now we have a female rescue lab. The difference is...night and day.

    Lot of positive reinforcement is needed for Lily. Buy a treat pouch and keep it stocked at all times. Giving her treats in the presence of your cats may help her associate her good behavior and cats with yummy food.

    The positive reinforcement should continue outside with all things new and wonderful.


    christine 5b thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    See! I told you lots of great advise. What a little lovey...she'll be ok, she just needs time to acclimate.

    christine 5b thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    I volunteer for an animal rescue group and crating is a very common issue. We advise that the crate be "dog friendly", i.e. filled with a frozen Kong and/or fed her meals in there so she will associate it with good things. She should be allowed to sniff around it with the door open so she can enter and leave at will. Some dogs like it to be darkened, with a blanket covering it. White noise background may be soothing as well.

    Like everyone has said, these are very common adjustment issues and time and patience is needed for her to integrate into your household.

    christine 5b thanked nannygoat18