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Old 02-05-2006, 09:05 PM   #1
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Hi. I'm Eric. I'm also a new yorkie "dad." I found this site with a Google search (is there anything you can't find that way?) and am interested in learning as much as I can about this fascinating little guy.

Rufus is about two or three. I say "about" because he's one of about 120 dogs and cats rescued from New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and flown here to Michigan by the local Humane Society, so his life before the storm is kind of a mystery. I was one of a group of volunteers who spent nearly three months caring for these pets. There were all breeds and all ages. Many had health issues from exposure to the water. Each had a notice posted on petfinder.com which resulted in reuniting some with their owners. Others, like Rufus, were put up for adoption when no owner came forward or could be located.

When he arrived here, Rufus wore an "Elizabethan" or "lampshade" collar because he would bite anyone who'd handle him. He was dehydrated, had pretty serious infections in both eyes, and his coat was was stained and entirely matted. He was underweight. He had no collar or tags. Like a lot of the other Katrina dogs, Rufus had been housed at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, Louisiana, after being rescued from his flooded neighborhood. Based on what information I have, he'd been on his own for over a week by the time he was picked up. Once at the Society, he was vaccinated and given a thorough checkup. His coat was shorn off -- really short -- and his eyes started to clear with antibiotic treatments. His temperment with the volunteers was fickle, and he was nicknamed "Groucho." (I started calling him Rufus because he seemed to like the sound of the name, and... he looked like a "Rufus".) He absolutely hated some volunteers, would tolerate others, and with a select few (including me and the veternarian), he was a sweetheart. He had his own enclosure in a large area that housed about 30 doggies. Needless to say, it was quite loud in there much of the time. Rufus and his sidekick in the neighboring enclosure, a chihuahua we affectionately named "Mister Nippy" were among the loudest dogs and usually instigated the uproars.

Fast forward: In mid-December, I adopted Rufus after letting him stay in my home as a "foster" pet. Rufus got along well with Veronica, a ten year-old Himalayan (yep, stray kitten dropped off at a local farm) and Veronica puts up with him. He's putting on some weight and his coat is finally growing out. He's been neutered and is mostly housebroken. He's in his third week of obedience classes. He's quite a handsome kid and draws attention on walks. He's getting used to the snow, hates squirrels and the neighbor's tiger cat, and has his own faux sherpa coat to keep him warm.

But there are challenges, too, and that's why I'm here. Rufus is aggressive towards most women (I think he may have had some maltreatment in the past). He has bitten when he feels threatened, usually with warning. When he's really wound up, he'll transfer his anxiety and lash out at whoever's there -- and immediately feel shamed and sorry. He's the most vocal dog I've ever met. He's not afraid of anything. He's incredibly quick to catch onto new activities and insists on a daily routine. He's not dog aggressive but likes to pretend he's a tough dude. He's great on walks and knows how to pace himself perfectly. He thinks he owns the neighborhood. He's a velcro-puppy when I'm home and follows me everywhere. He now sleeps through the night without freaking out over small noises. He's losing his aversion to car rides. He'll look right at me and do something he knows is not a good idea, then he'll run over to me to show how proud he is of his misbehavior. He's impossible to stay cross with.

In short, he's the most complicated dog I've ever met and he makes me very happy. We're working on a lot of things and taking baby steps. We're both lucky to have found each other.

Any sage advice from veteran yorkie parents is most welcome.

Thank you!

(I'll post some pictures after he's a little more presentable.)
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Old 02-05-2006, 09:18 PM   #2
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Welcome to YT. Your's is a wonderful story that truly warms the heart. I don't really have any great advice to give you, you're already doing the right things. I'm so glad that you've found each other. I'm sure that some others on here will be able to offer some helpful suggestions. Please be sure to keep us updated on how you're both doing.

I just want to tell you again how heartwarming it is to know that there are still people like you out there and how happy we are that Rufus has found someone to love him.

Kathy, Tango and Gypsy
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Old 02-05-2006, 09:20 PM   #3
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Rufus sounds incredible and adorable. We've seen bad hair pups before and would love to see him. It sounds like you are off to a good start and seem to need some loving (and brave) female volunteers to help you work with him on his aggression towards women. Yorkies are very independent dogs and like to choose what they will and won't do. It sometimes gives the impression that they are not as clever as some, but that is not the case. Welcome to YT!
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Old 02-05-2006, 09:20 PM   #4
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You rock for adopting a Katrina survivor! I've been following the rescue and adoption efforts for these unfortunate animals. My heart goes out to them, but I'm not in a position to adopt one. Thank you to people like you!!


Good to meet you too! I'm new on here too - everyone has been so friendly though. All of these forums are so interesting - I'm addicted already! Hope it is not long until your little one is feeling well enough to be photogenic.
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Old 02-05-2006, 09:21 PM   #5
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Welcome to YT Eric! I must say your post was very touching.
It literally brought tears to my eyes. Bless you for being so
kind and caring and wanting to figure him out. The obedience
class should help out a lot. Ask at obedience if they have any
reactive classes that deal with some of the behaviors he is
showing. Good luck to you and Rufus and I can't wait to see
pictures!
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Old 02-05-2006, 09:29 PM   #6
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What an incredible story!!!! I am so glad you decided to join us here and I am looking forward to getting to know you and Rufus!!!! You two will be great together since I am sure he loves you to pieces for giving him a wonderful life and you obviously have a huge, caring heart. Congratulations on your new little guy!
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Old 02-06-2006, 06:12 AM   #7
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Welcome to YT!!!!
So glad you found our site! Bless you for taking Rufus in. I know how hard all of the Katrina Volunteers have worked. Bless you all!!!! You are all wonderful people with very big hearts. I'm so glad you were able to adopt Rufus, He now has a forever loving home. I think the work you have done with him is just wonderful. He is adjusting to his new home, it will take time, due to his past, he needs to learn to trust again. I just cried reading your story, and I jwant you to know,
I think you are a top notch guy, with a very big heart. And I think you have found a forever loving friend. The very best of luck to you, and I really can't wait to see pictures, and hear more about our new YT furbaby Rufus.
Again, Welcome to our Yorkie Family, we are SO glad you found us!
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Old 02-06-2006, 06:28 AM   #8
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Welcome Eric & Rufus!! You have a big heart to rescue this little fella who desperately needed someone! Glad you found us here .... lots of our advice/experience has been by "trial & error" so hopefully we will be able to share and help you and you, us! I have a friend who fosters for a rescue and it is so amazing to watch all the changes [sometimes heartbreaking] .... and the little personalities emerge! Hope you enjoy the forum and we would love hearing about all your adventures with Rufus!!
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Old 02-06-2006, 06:39 AM   #9
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Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement.

I feel that Rufus and I have met for a reason. Last fall, the last of my three dogs passed away. I'd taken care of Betty, a lhasa/cairn mix, for the last six years of her life. She died in October following a stroke. She was a stray when I found her, but my vet estimated her to be at least sixteen. She was preceded in death by Marty, a rescued collie/lab mix, who passed on in October 2004 at fifteen. My first dog, Bridget, was a spaniel mix who was my best friend since she was six weeks old in the spring of 1987. (She was a gift from my fourth-grade students.) She lived a long, happy life until her tired body finally shut down in July 2002.

Which brings Rufus into the picture at the time when the last of my kids has moved on. One door closes, another opens. It was a strange feeling to go from three dogs to two, two to one, and one to none, in the span of three years. And then all of a sudden I find myself in this huge room full of unhappy doggies all needing care and attention, with one in particular who seemed to need me most. I don't think it was at all accidental.

Reading through the threads on this forum has been a blessing! I'm relieved to see that a lot of Rufus' quirks and behaviors aren't all that unusual. I know that some of his naughtiness is pretty much due to lack of earlier training -- or acting out from post-traumatic stress -- but I'm relieved to see him settling a little more each week. I have to say I'm impressed most with his courage. This little guy has been through a lot, but is still dedicated to being my "protector." I don't think a hundred-pound pit bull could do a better job.

Now if I could just get him to quit throwing his nylabone at me when I'm working on the PC...<BONK>

Gotta go.
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Old 02-06-2006, 06:49 AM   #10
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Welcome and thank you so much for rescuing one of our little babies. Yorkies are a very strongwilled breed and I'm sure that's what kept him going. I have to admit when I opened the post I thought cool someone else watches Kim Possible on the disney channel(rufus is a naked mole rat) sure hope it's not a post from a younger person. But o well I guess I'm still the only 28yr old who watches it.

I can't wait to see pictures, I wish I lived near you I would volunteer to show rufus women aren't scarry.

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Old 02-06-2006, 07:05 AM   #11
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Welcome to YT and I loved your story and how heartwarming. I too believe you and Rufus were meant to be together and your story will only grow as this little dude takes over your life.

Yes, you are right, many of the things Rufus is doing is what a Yorkie does and I can tell you, as many members can, they are the BIGGEST, BADESS (You get the idea) , BRAVES, DUDES in the world.

As a person involved in rescue of Yorkies I can tell you, Rufus will never forget what happened to himself but he will forgive if he feels safe, secure and loved by you. But a word of warning and I can see you are already tuned into him, watch for signs of fear aggression. I agree with you that his original owner probably was a woman and so for the most part be careful around woman. You might want to read the thread about Harley bitting again. Some very good advise has been given for us with dogs that have fear issues and bite.

Don't you worry how Rufus looks either, since he now gets good food and vitamins (?) you won't believe how beautiful he will become. I have had to shave many a Yorkie down so their true beauty could come out. It is the most amazing thing to watch their transformation.

If I can help you with any questions please feel free to PM me but with the wealth of information on YT I am sure most of your questions will be answered.

You also are not the only man on YT and you will love reading about Alaska Eddie and now Jack.

Good Luck and keep filling us in on Rufus.
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Old 02-06-2006, 07:24 AM   #12
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WOW Rufus is so lucky to have such a caring, patient, loving dad like you! That is absoultly wounderful you rescued him and that you're taking so much time and energy in watching out for him and training him. It really sounds like you've bonded with him and that he loves you a lot already! That is wonderful! PLEASE post a pic! We love all yorkies no matter what their hair looks like...thanks so much for sharing your story and WELCOME to YT!
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Old 02-06-2006, 07:37 AM   #13
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Welcome to YT; You and Rufus have an amazing story.

Hopefully we'll get to see the little guy..
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Old 02-06-2006, 07:59 AM   #14
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Yeah, what they all said! Looks like you are well on your way to becoming a true yorkie owner and YT addict. I second everything everyone has said, I don't have to repeat it. I just wanted to tell you that you should check out some of the past posts by Alaska Yorkie (formerly Eddie's father, and now Eddie and Jack's father) with Eddie in the snow. Of course Eddie was raised with snow, but it shows how they can adapt. Yorkies do like to be warm and will lay in whatever sunshine comes in the doors and windows, but Eddie is proof that they can also have fun in the snow!

Welcome to YT, Eric and Rufus!!
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Old 02-06-2006, 09:47 AM   #15
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Welcome Eric and Rufus!!

you guys have such a great story! its great that you opened your heart and home up to rufus when he needed you the most<33 cant wait to see some pics and see how he progresses!!!
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