Kozanna doing well, but so sad

[ladyj]

Originally Posted by jamiesaari

She is just as beautiful as she can be. Thanks for sharing her story and photograph.

How did you end up with Kozanna? The reason I ask is that I have the time, love and patience to take in another baby (in addition to my Yorkie/Chihuahua mix).

I belong to a discussion group about Bichons, since I have two Bichons. I joined YorkieTalk because my granddaughter has a Yorkie and I wanted to learn about them. Someone in the Bichon group usually hears about puppy mills being closed or dogs that need homes. I heard about the puppy mill where Kozanna was through that group and send an e-mail inquiring about the Chihuahuas. I have had two Chihuahuas in the past and love them. The lady sent me a picture of Kozanna and I it really tugged at my heart. Those big sad eyes and knowing how she spent the first nine months of her life really got to me. I had to fill out an application to adopt her. She isn't a foster dog. I went to pick Kozanna up the next day. I would love to rescue Bichons, but have some arthritis in my hands and wrists and keeping up with grooming them, even between trips to a professional groomer, is getting to be more than I can handle. But Chihuahuas don't need professional grooming and I can manage Kozanna just fine. I am retired and at home, so can give her all the attention she needs. My Bichons are very calm and kind and accept other animals well, so they will be a lot of help in getting her used to being a house dog. I know Kozanna may never be house broken or be like a puppy raised with people since she came from a puppy mill and I am prepared to deal with that. I have high hopes that she will get over being afraid and maybe even learn to use a newspaper to potty like my Bichons. She is showing signs of settling in and isn't so afraid. It's just going to take some time.

If you're interested in getting into rescue work, I'm sure there are many organizations that would love to have your help. If you want to rescue Yorkies, I'm sure someone here on YorkieTalk could put you in touch with an organization. You might do a search on the internet and make some inquiries where you live, maybe ask at the local animal shelter. The animal shelter here where I live has my name and phone number in case they get a Bichon at the shelter. Even if I couldn't take the dog, I know other people to get in touch with. There is a big network out there of rescue groups and they all need foster homes. It is very rewarding work, but can be heartbreaking, too. Sadly, we can't save them all, and that is a hard reality. Rescue work will give you a lot of joy, and a lot of sadness, too.

There are a lot of things I can't do, but I could save one little Chihuahua from a terrible life, so I did that. And I will give her the best life I can.

[livingdustmops]

What a wonderful story and I love how you realize that she might always have some issues but you are willing to put up with them...what a wonderful person you are.

The only experience I had with one rescue that really was fearful of people was the other woman who was fostering her was, she bought an over the shoulder carrier (sling) and kept her attached to herself all day long except to eat and sleep at night. She treated her as a new born pup (which she wasn't) and soon the little one (about 2 weeks) was always looking to her as her protector. My friend did a fabulous job of making this little girl trust again.

[ladyj]

Originally Posted by bettyeanne

God bless you for rescuing little Kozanna!! It takes some a very long time to "warm up" but it's the most amazing thing when they do! Thank you so much for keeping us updated ... I'm waiting for the day when that shy little one creeps up on your lap all by herself, and I know you are too! It does take a lot of love & patience!

Goodness, having Kozanna actually creep up on my lap will be a happy day. I think it will take some time, but have faith that it will happen.

[Sookie]

I just read this thread and wanted to wish you the best of luck with little Kozanna. I had three Chis at one time and know how sweet and lovable they can be. My little Petey was my best friend. Good luck with Kozanna and bless you for taking her in and making her a happy, safe life.

[jamiesaari]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Kozanna is truly blessed to have you in her life.

I'm going to do the same thing you did and make sure as many local shelters know that I have a loving home available for a Yorkie that may come into their care.

[Grizzley Bear]

What a blessing you are and a cutie you have taken in. I am so amazed at your story. You kindness and thoughtfullness is a ray of light for Kozanna. I wish you all the happiness in the world for you so deserve it. I don't know much about puppy mills but you taught me enough to know that these babies are very special and it really takes a special person to love them. By the way those eyes on Kozanna are just breath taking. Hugs to you and all you babies.

Mary

[jrsygal37]

It's a great thing you did taking in a puppymill rescue. All but one of my Yorkies are rescues. I'd like to share with you a special story about my Noel. Noel came to me at about the same age as your Kozanna. Noel also came from a puppymill. When we got her, she was in very bad condition both physically and emotionally. She was bleeding from her rectum, had Coccidia along with other parasites, but more then that, she was so emtionally tramautized from being beaten.

The first day we brought her home, she ran straight to the washer and dryer and got as close to gettting behind it as she could and just sat trembling in fear. When you reached for her, she would roll over on her back and just tremble. Within two weeks she fell in love with my two sons and became their protector. Guarding their every move. My sons and I became her world but she wanted no part of my husband. After a good six months my hubby was able to pet her, but she was cautious and it had to be slow or she would just take off running and hiding.

We were not abe to take her out to parks or to the boy's baseball games because anytime anyone would come to pet her or talk to her, she'd pull violentlly to the point of where she'd be hurting herself, just to get free of her harness. And, company forget. She'd hide under the table and cower, shake and bark at them.

Housebreaking was an effort. She tries and will tell you, but you get one warning and you need to take her out right away. We believe that the beatings she took caused her damage in that she cannot hold her bowels long.

Noel is now a little over three years old. At the time we got her (around 10 months old) we were told by our veterinarian that because she was so young when she was abused that she will always have a timid streak. To a point he is right but I'm happy to report that just the past year she has made so much progress with strangers. Noel has learned that they will not hurt her and she will now slowly let our company pet her and she will bring a toy to them. AND, she now sleeps right next to my husband while he's watching TV. She still shows signs of what happened to her as a pup but she has gotten so much better and keeps getting better. She is such a good girl and so appreciative like ALL rescues, that she has a good home.

Keep working with her and over time you will have the best dog. Rescues are so happy to have a home. They just want to please you, so they learn fast.

Best of luck and if I can help in any way, please feel free to PM me.

Elaine

[saphire]

Well done on your rescue. I hope you have many happy years with her. I admire all of you ladies who take these little lost souls into your hearts and homes.

[ladyj]

Elaine,
Thank you so much for your post. Kozanna actually took a nap curled up in her blanket on my lap this afternoon and gave me a kiss on my nose, which made me smile. I hope she will come around and relax and enjoy life.

Thanks to all of you who have posted kind words for me and Kozanna. I fell in love with her and will do everything I can to make her life comfortable and happy. I hope she will relax and learn to trust and have fun. That's what I want for her.

[SugarMama]

Thank you for sharing your story. You sound like a wonderful person. I'm so glad this puppy found you.

[Bizzymammabee]

Congratulations to you both on finding each other. God bless you and your family for giving her a chance at having a loving home.

[yorkiecrazy]

God bless you for rescuing little Kozanna!! She is a little doll. I'm hopeful one day she will creep up into your lap.

Go bless you for rescuing little Noel and sharing your story.

[yorkie mom-3]

Ladyj,

Roo was around nine years old when we adopted him. He has some deep seated issues that he will probably have always. He was used as a stud dog and only four pounds. It has been so rewarding for me to work with him and show him what a dogs life is supposed to be. He has given me his trust now so I cannot ever let him down. Our other two yorkies are not mill dogs and Roo has watched them and their behavior. It has helped. Alot of mill dogs will attach themselves to their caregiver more than others in the household. He is not too fond of my husband or men in general so I assume that men probably handled him the most. It saddens me so when I think of these babies torturous lives and how they struggle to survive. All in the name of greed!! God willing we will adopt another mill dog but for now three are enough as I have horses that require my attention as well. Once again, bless you for adopting her.

[xnatalie]

i'm so glad you found each other eventually, she'll warm up to you i think. she's still young, and it sounds like she's starting to come around pretty quickly for a dog that came from the situation she came from. best of luck with her, she's beautiful

[ladyj]

Originally Posted by yorkie mom-3

Ladyj,

Roo was around nine years old when we adopted him. He has some deep seated issues that he will probably have always. He was used as a stud dog and only four pounds. It has been so rewarding for me to work with him and show him what a dogs life is supposed to be. He has given me his trust now so I cannot ever let him down. Our other two yorkies are not mill dogs and Roo has watched them and their behavior. It has helped. Alot of mill dogs will attach themselves to their caregiver more than others in the household. He is not too fond of my husband or men in general so I assume that men probably handled him the most. It saddens me so when I think of these babies torturous lives and how they struggle to survive. All in the name of greed!! God willing we will adopt another mill dog but for now three are enough as I have horses that require my attention as well. Once again, bless you for adopting her.

If Roo came around at his age, I do have high hopes for Kozanna at only nine months old. She's just a puppy and still learning, so I hope to show her what life is supposed to be like for a puppy. My Bichons are good dogs and I hope she will learn from them. My female, Lacy, is a born mother, although she is spayed, and mothers any little animal around. Little Kozanna is already showing signs of being more relaxed. She doesn't just stand in her crate, but curls up in her snuggle bed. She calms down quickly when I pick her up in her blanket and hold her. She gives me kisses! She romps in the kitchen and plays with her toys some. She joins in when my Bichons bark and gets excited if I leave and come back. She gets all wiggly when I go up to her crate and comes to the side and licks my fingers. When her panties get here and she can be loose in the house, I'll work on getting her to know her name and come when called. I say her name over and over all the time and my Bichons know who Kozanna is. She is very alert and watches me and pays attention when I talk to her, so I think she is going to learn. It will only be two weeks tomorrow and I have lots of time.