my first dog was a 10 year old rescue (smallish,but not a yorkie). She had lots of issues. Was literally frightened of her own shadow. They think she spent some time as a stray, had been badly treated most of her life and had cigarette burns on her head. She was frightened of being on a lead at first, and walked for months with her tail firmly tucked underneath her. I had to be careful how i moved around her, because she thought she was going to be hit.
However...It was the most amazing thing to see her transform as she slowly settled in with me. I used to sit on the floor and call her to me for a hug, but she wouldnt come for weeks. The first time she did come to me and let me put my arms round her was just an amazing feeling, and she snuggled into my neck. From then on, she came on in leaps and bounds, and my only regret in the four and half years she was with me, was that i didnt have her for longer. She never learnt to play with toys, but did eventually run round the garden with me in a playful way.
If you can accept that this rescue may never be quite the same as your other pup, and that she might always have some issues, i think you will be ok.
I found that caring for Willow was so rewarding...i loved that little dog and i know she loved me back. She was never completely at ease with anyone other than me, but that wasnt a problem.
If you have endless patience and love to give that little puppymill dog, i'm sure you will find it rewarding. As she is younger, you will probably find she will adjust much quicker than my dog did, and hopefully your other pup will help her to settle.
__________________ Saving one dog doesn't change the world, but it changes the world for that dog.  |