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Originally Posted by yorkieusa  Contact Adi-and-Missy. She's doing some rescue and could help to give you advice and probably put you in touch with some others who have done rescue. You really want to talk to someone who has been thru this, because you are working and aren't at home. I don't want to discourage you, but neither do I want to encourage you to do something that may not be right for you. Talk to some of the others doing rescue and get their opinion. Good luck.  |
Excellent advice. I would definitely talk to people who are experienced with the issues puppymill dogs come with so you can make an educated decision.
I know many people in rescue who help rehome puppy mill dogs say having another dog in the home is a must. Since they have been so deprived of human contact, their pack is especially important to them. They need the security of another dog and a role model.
Puppymill dogs can be difficult or impossible to really housetrain. The poor things have been forced to pee and poop in their cages all their life so the normal instincts not to soil their "dens" is not there. Someone experienced with puppymill rescue could give you advice on potty training and whether it is possible.
Probably one of the most important questions is to ask yourself if you can accept her current behavior. She may make huge progress, but she will likely always be fearful, and never fully housetrained. Is that something you can live with?
You say you are afraid to take on a really challenging dog. Sophie will be very challenging. It sounds like Marty never worked hard with her to help her overcome her issues. With the right person who loves her in spite of her limitations, she would probably do very well.