Hello and Welcome to YT!
My Peek a Boo was 5.5 years old when I adopted him. He had 5 previous homes. He'll be 13 this December. He still has memories from his past, and it took him a long time to really bond with me. I just tried to be very patient with him, but I think the thing I did that had the biggest impact on him was that everyday, whether or not he was good or bad, I took a few minutes to hold him and tell him "What a good boy!". From his first reaction, I don't think he ever heard those words before. It's very sad to think of what they may have been through in their previous homes. The first time I picked his bed up to wash it, you should have seen the panic in his eyes. I almost cried. I held him the whole time it was in the wash and had assured him that no matter what he did, he would never have to leave, that this was absolutely his home and he could stay here with me forever. I went and bought a second cover for his bed, so I can wash one and still keep the bed in it's place, so he won't get upset. This works, and I try to pick up on little things (little for me, big for him) that bother him so I can minimize his fears and worries. Too much for such a little guy to have to handle. He has gotten much better about things, I think he feels better about himself, too. He needed to feel like he mattered, like he was Number One around here. Of course that went a bit too far, so we cut back a bit, but it helped his self esteem greatly.
Bless You for adopting your pup. Just be sure to let her know how special she is and that you love her, no matter what. Your love will be returned. Good Luck! |