This is my first visit and I need some help please - YorkieTalk.com Forums

purplemusic56 · 06-30-2015, 03:12 PM

I have adopted an 11 year old purebred Yorkie who had the same human "mommy" since he was six weeks old. He was placed up for rescue because his mom had two children under the age of two and was expecting a third. She felt he was not receiving the attention he deserved and was in a state of depression. I have only had him about six weeks, but I am so worried! He doesn't eat very much no matter what I cook or offer (he is only 4.3 pounds). My vet says he could stand to gain a pound or two. He also still seems depressed. When we go for a ride in the car he gets so excited and I can't help but wonder if he thinks I'm taking him back to his mommy. He does like to snuggle and follows me everywhere, but that little tail still drags. Will he ever be happy with me or am I expecting too much?!! I love him so much and I can't stand for him to look so sad. Thank you for your help! I have had many rescues, but this is my first Yorkie.

navillusc · 06-30-2015, 03:50 PM

You are so wonderful for giving this baby a loving home. It's tough to be uprooted to a new place, and he is undoubtedly confused at present. I think he will adjust if you just continue to show him the love you have for him and how much you care. My Yorkies are very attached to us now, but they all had previous owners. If he likes to ride along with you, I would take him whenever possible. I think he will come around. Welcome, and congratulations. Do you have a photo of him?

purplemusic56 · 06-30-2015, 06:12 PM

Thank you so much for your kind words. I will keep hoping and praying that he will learn to love me almost as much as his first mommy! AND as soon as I figure out how to upload a picture....I'm not very techno savvy.....I will let you see him in all his cuteness!!

JadeD · 06-30-2015, 06:33 PM

I took in a 9 year old Yorkie in January of this year. He was not getting the attention he deserved as well as he was in a family that had young children. My little guy was so happy to have a stay at home mommy though instead of having to be left home alone all day that he adjusted pretty quickly overall. It took many weeks for him to want to play with me.

Keep loving him and spoiling him. Give him toys and see if you can get him to play. Do take him everywhere in the car that you can. My Yorkie loves to go to Lowe's with us. Our Lowe's allows dogs, I would ask before you take him in. Take him to pet stores. Anywhere that you can. Some banks will allow you to bring dogs in.

I think he will come around and hopefully lose his depression as he grows to love you and enjoy seeing you. What does he do when you come home from somewhere? From day one mine was so happy to see me even if I only left him for a couple minutes. Mine will not eat now unless I am home. My husband and teenagers can be home with him all day, but if I am not here he will not eat until I get home.

We now have 2 Yorkie puppies and he is adjusting well to them.

Good luck with yours and thanks for giving him a home when he needed one.

AbbysMom08 · 06-30-2015, 09:34 PM

It sounds like a sad thing for this little guy not knowing why he isn't with his first mommy But you are his angel on earth to take him in and hopefully he will come around soon and his depression lessen.
Please keep us posted.
God Bless you.

( By the way......welcome to Yorkie Talk )

matese · 07-01-2015, 12:08 AM

Welcome to YT, keep in mind this baby was with his prev. family for 11 years, Now he is with a stranger, in a new home, new smells, new schedule, he is confused. Just show him lots of love and coax him to play with you, and yes, car rides if you can, lots of walks. You can cook him boneless chicken breast mixed in with his food, or sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on his food to get him to eat. He will come around, at 11 y/o it may take a bit longer, he does miss his human mom and family. When you see his little tail down or looking depressed, try giving him a treat, coax him to play, or pick him up, hold him close to you and snuggle him. It is so sad to give away a baby you have had for 11 years, at least his human mom realized it would be better to place him in a home where he will get the attention he needs, you are an angel to take this little boy. There will be other members coming along to offer up advise and suggestions. I have a rescue, he was 2 1/2 y/o and came from a loving family, I was very lucky he bonded very fast with me, we are together 19 months now, but he is a young baby, be patient, speak gently, he will come around. Please keep us up-dated.

dinkster · 07-01-2015, 12:56 AM

He will come around. Yorkies are particularly emotional. He is confused and unsure still, but when he realizes he is part of your pack, he will settle in.
One thing I would suggest is "obedience."I know it sounds funny, but if you establish a rule that he can follow, he will feel as I he knows the routine and has a place in the family. It can be something like sit before I give you your dinner, or come to the door before I put your leash on. Once he starts to obey you, he can see you as his leader-his new mommy.
I don't know if this is good for his diet, but I knew a skinny Yorkie once, and her vet advised a teaspoon of vanilla ice cream at night to help with the weight.
Good luck!

Wylie's Mom · 07-01-2015, 04:19 AM

You are just so wonderful for taking in a senior kiddo like this - bless your gigantic heart! It sounds like he was depressed even before you took him, so you have to wonder at how much he was really neglected before, ya know? So, this state of mind could be something that has really settled into his psyche for a bit. I think with you love and care he will eventually pull out of this and blossom. And ya know, if worse comes to worse -- there is nothing wrong w/ trying an anti-depressant for the little precious one either.

purplemusic56 · 07-01-2015, 04:56 AM

Thank you ALL so much - not only for the suggestions, but for the words of encouragement! I am so glad that I found those who would understand and offer assistance! I will keep you updated and please continue to advise as you think of things. You make me feel like family!

yavenay · 07-01-2015, 08:46 AM

I was in the same exact boat. I got my Duchess from a woman who had a 1 yr old child, worked full-time and went to school part time. She had Duchess before all of these changes. Duchess is now 3.5 yrs old. She told me that Duchess was spending as much as 16 hours a day alone and she felt it wasn't fair to Duchess. She would leave around 7 in the morning and wouldn't return until sometimes as late as 10:00 at night.

She loved Dutch very much as she was very well taken care of. In fact she texted several times to check on Dutch. For the first few months I also felt Dutch was depressed. At 3 yrs old she is still very playful and puppy like. Since I am single and live alone, there isn't much excitement going on in my house. I briefly fostered a kitten and Dutch lit up like a christmas tree. She was so happy to have a playmate. I found the kitten a home but if the lady had changed her mind, I would of keep the kitten. The kitten and Dutch had bonded and had reached a point that they were doing everything together even sleeping together. I wished I would of kept her because Dutch had a best friend.

When the kitten was gone, Dutch went back to being not depressed but not really excited about anything except going out for long walks. Who can blame her, there was nothing in the house to get excited over. Because of this, no matter how tired I am when I get home from work, playtime is mandatory. We go for long walks and training sessions or games at home. She goes crazy over our game of hide and seek that we play everyday. It is up to me to try and figure out what excites her and then try to provide it to her.

Your little one came from a busy household. I'm not sure what your household is like but if is like mine she could be bored. I knew Dutch was bored and not depressed because of how she got excited over certain things. Also not sure how long you had her, it could be she just needs time to adjus

Here are a few items on how to relieve boredom
Quick Ways To Relieve Dog Boredom - Crafty Petz Blog

AlexandraKimbal · 07-01-2015, 05:33 PM

I adopted my Frankie a few months ago.....he was much loved but was not getting much attention so was pretty nervous and yippy.....he has transformed into a quiet gentleman....always up for a challenge but with a consistent routine (I am happily retired ...) he is no longer nervous or skittish....

Time and patience will be your best tools!

06-30-2015, 03:12 PM	#1
purplemusic56 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Georgia Posts: 6	This is my first visit and I need some help please I have adopted an 11 year old purebred Yorkie who had the same human "mommy" since he was six weeks old. He was placed up for rescue because his mom had two children under the age of two and was expecting a third. She felt he was not receiving the attention he deserved and was in a state of depression. I have only had him about six weeks, but I am so worried! He doesn't eat very much no matter what I cook or offer (he is only 4.3 pounds). My vet says he could stand to gain a pound or two. He also still seems depressed. When we go for a ride in the car he gets so excited and I can't help but wonder if he thinks I'm taking him back to his mommy. He does like to snuggle and follows me everywhere, but that little tail still drags. Will he ever be happy with me or am I expecting too much?!! I love him so much and I can't stand for him to look so sad. Thank you for your help! I have had many rescues, but this is my first Yorkie.

06-30-2015, 03:50 PM	#2
navillusc Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: FL, USA Posts: 2,767	You are so wonderful for giving this baby a loving home. It's tough to be uprooted to a new place, and he is undoubtedly confused at present. I think he will adjust if you just continue to show him the love you have for him and how much you care. My Yorkies are very attached to us now, but they all had previous owners. If he likes to ride along with you, I would take him whenever possible. I think he will come around. Welcome, and congratulations. Do you have a photo of him? __________________ - Cat Brody Mia BriaStormy

06-30-2015, 06:12 PM	#3
purplemusic56 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Georgia Posts: 6	Thank you! Thank you so much for your kind words. I will keep hoping and praying that he will learn to love me almost as much as his first mommy! AND as soon as I figure out how to upload a picture....I'm not very techno savvy.....I will let you see him in all his cuteness!!

06-30-2015, 06:33 PM	#4
JadeD YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: NC Posts: 1,201 Blog Entries: 1	I took in a 9 year old Yorkie in January of this year. He was not getting the attention he deserved as well as he was in a family that had young children. My little guy was so happy to have a stay at home mommy though instead of having to be left home alone all day that he adjusted pretty quickly overall. It took many weeks for him to want to play with me. Keep loving him and spoiling him. Give him toys and see if you can get him to play. Do take him everywhere in the car that you can. My Yorkie loves to go to Lowe's with us. Our Lowe's allows dogs, I would ask before you take him in. Take him to pet stores. Anywhere that you can. Some banks will allow you to bring dogs in. I think he will come around and hopefully lose his depression as he grows to love you and enjoy seeing you. What does he do when you come home from somewhere? From day one mine was so happy to see me even if I only left him for a couple minutes. Mine will not eat now unless I am home. My husband and teenagers can be home with him all day, but if I am not here he will not eat until I get home. We now have 2 Yorkie puppies and he is adjusting well to them. Good luck with yours and thanks for giving him a home when he needed one. __________________ It's raining Yorkies here! LOL Teek ,Rowan , Raksha (Grand Puppy) , Raelyn

06-30-2015, 09:34 PM	#5
AbbysMom08 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,268	It sounds like a sad thing for this little guy not knowing why he isn't with his first mommy But you are his angel on earth to take him in and hopefully he will come around soon and his depression lessen. Please keep us posted. God Bless you. ( By the way......welcome to Yorkie Talk ) __________________ Jan, Mommy to Abby Last edited by AbbysMom08; 06-30-2015 at 09:35 PM.

07-01-2015, 12:08 AM	#6
matese Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: E.Stroudsburg, Pa. Posts: 67,956	Welcome to YT, keep in mind this baby was with his prev. family for 11 years, Now he is with a stranger, in a new home, new smells, new schedule, he is confused. Just show him lots of love and coax him to play with you, and yes, car rides if you can, lots of walks. You can cook him boneless chicken breast mixed in with his food, or sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on his food to get him to eat. He will come around, at 11 y/o it may take a bit longer, he does miss his human mom and family. When you see his little tail down or looking depressed, try giving him a treat, coax him to play, or pick him up, hold him close to you and snuggle him. It is so sad to give away a baby you have had for 11 years, at least his human mom realized it would be better to place him in a home where he will get the attention he needs, you are an angel to take this little boy. There will be other members coming along to offer up advise and suggestions. I have a rescue, he was 2 1/2 y/o and came from a loving family, I was very lucky he bonded very fast with me, we are together 19 months now, but he is a young baby, be patient, speak gently, he will come around. Please keep us up-dated. __________________ Joan, mom to Cody RIP Matese Schnae Kajon Kia forever in my A House Is Not A Home Without A Dog

07-01-2015, 12:56 AM	#7
dinkster YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Michigan Posts: 344	He will come around. Yorkies are particularly emotional. He is confused and unsure still, but when he realizes he is part of your pack, he will settle in. One thing I would suggest is "obedience."I know it sounds funny, but if you establish a rule that he can follow, he will feel as I he knows the routine and has a place in the family. It can be something like sit before I give you your dinner, or come to the door before I put your leash on. Once he starts to obey you, he can see you as his leader-his new mommy. I don't know if this is good for his diet, but I knew a skinny Yorkie once, and her vet advised a teaspoon of vanilla ice cream at night to help with the weight. Good luck!

07-01-2015, 04:19 AM	#8
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	You are just so wonderful for taking in a senior kiddo like this - bless your gigantic heart! It sounds like he was depressed even before you took him, so you have to wonder at how much he was really neglected before, ya know? So, this state of mind could be something that has really settled into his psyche for a bit. I think with you love and care he will eventually pull out of this and blossom. And ya know, if worse comes to worse -- there is nothing wrong w/ trying an anti-depressant for the little precious one either. __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

07-01-2015, 04:56 AM	#9
purplemusic56 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Georgia Posts: 6	Thank you ALL so much - not only for the suggestions, but for the words of encouragement! I am so glad that I found those who would understand and offer assistance! I will keep you updated and please continue to advise as you think of things. You make me feel like family!

07-01-2015, 08:46 AM	#10
yavenay Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 2,663	I was in the same exact boat. I got my Duchess from a woman who had a 1 yr old child, worked full-time and went to school part time. She had Duchess before all of these changes. Duchess is now 3.5 yrs old. She told me that Duchess was spending as much as 16 hours a day alone and she felt it wasn't fair to Duchess. She would leave around 7 in the morning and wouldn't return until sometimes as late as 10:00 at night. She loved Dutch very much as she was very well taken care of. In fact she texted several times to check on Dutch. For the first few months I also felt Dutch was depressed. At 3 yrs old she is still very playful and puppy like. Since I am single and live alone, there isn't much excitement going on in my house. I briefly fostered a kitten and Dutch lit up like a christmas tree. She was so happy to have a playmate. I found the kitten a home but if the lady had changed her mind, I would of keep the kitten. The kitten and Dutch had bonded and had reached a point that they were doing everything together even sleeping together. I wished I would of kept her because Dutch had a best friend. When the kitten was gone, Dutch went back to being not depressed but not really excited about anything except going out for long walks. Who can blame her, there was nothing in the house to get excited over. Because of this, no matter how tired I am when I get home from work, playtime is mandatory. We go for long walks and training sessions or games at home. She goes crazy over our game of hide and seek that we play everyday. It is up to me to try and figure out what excites her and then try to provide it to her. Your little one came from a busy household. I'm not sure what your household is like but if is like mine she could be bored. I knew Dutch was bored and not depressed because of how she got excited over certain things. Also not sure how long you had her, it could be she just needs time to adjus Here are a few items on how to relieve boredom Quick Ways To Relieve Dog Boredom - Crafty Petz Blog Last edited by yavenay; 07-01-2015 at 08:48 AM.

07-01-2015, 05:33 PM	#11
AlexandraKimbal Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Mechanicsburg, OH, USA Posts: 22	Great ideas! I adopted my Frankie a few months ago.....he was much loved but was not getting much attention so was pretty nervous and yippy.....he has transformed into a quiet gentleman....always up for a challenge but with a consistent routine (I am happily retired ...) he is no longer nervous or skittish.... Time and patience will be your best tools!