What were they thinking???? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Bentleys Momma · 12-26-2009, 10:29 PM

We had only begun discussions on expanding our Yorkie family from 1 to 2 babies. Having gotten my first baby before realizing the horrible conditions some "breeders" put their dogs through I was adamant about ensuring we contacted a reputable breeder this time. But just before the holiday my husband heard through a coworker of a friend of a friend (you know the drill) that a 6-mo old little girl needed a good home. After driving 2 hours to their home, there was no way I was going to leave without getting her out of there! We entered the home which was chaos with stuff everywhere and lots of noise... "my wife's boys make mess and that noise is their Akita... I put her in her cage so she wouldn't knock you over"). Are you serious???? This little 3-lb baby has an Akita for a playmate? She is so horribly matted (I assume from being the Akita's play thing and always being covered in slobber). These people obviously have no common sense. --- OH, and I love that this man (who was told twice that my Yorkie was neutered) was lecturing me about how I couldn't breed her with Bentley (6-1/2 lbs) because of the size difference. Maybe he did care about her well being but just didn't know how to take care proper care of her. I don't know but I just smiled and kept right on walking to the front door.

She is the most precious little thing and just as sweet as can be but is of course absolutely terrified. She is finally following Bentley around a bit but if Bentley tries to play she just cowers. I just want to pick her up and cuddle her and tell her all will be ok. I need the strength to know when it is ok to push her a bit to help her grow into her new environment and when to hold back and not push too hard. I love her so much already. It just makes me overwhelmed with sadness to see her in fear. Will she ever trust fully or even trust at all? Will I ever get all the matted hair untangled? Is it better to just do it all or in little sections? Or should I just have it all taken off and let it grow back in?

If you are still reading this, I thank you for letting me vent to someone who will understand. And there is some good news... We have a clean bill of health from our vet so no physical issues that we have to deal with. Thank heavens because the psychological scars run deep with this little one. I decided to try to put everything that happened there behind us both so we started Christmas Eve with a fresh new look on things and a BRAND NEW NAME for her to go with it. Madeleine (aka Maddie) could use some prayers to let her know that this world does not have to be a cruel one.

Lioncross4 · 12-26-2009, 10:33 PM

Welcome home Maddie! Love her name and know she will be well loved with you. Right now, she needs lots of snuggles and to know that you are safe. Due to her trauma in her previous life, I would shave her down and let her hair grow in again. Combing out all of the matts will be very painful--even with lots of conditioner.

I think if you are consistent and loving...she will settle in time and be a confident young pup. She is young.

capt_noonie · 12-26-2009, 11:36 PM

I agree, shave her down and let it grow in. She's only 6 months, so that black puppy hair has got to go sometime anyway. Good for you for getting that precious baby away from those crazies!!! Akita for a playmate! OMG! Those things are HUGE!

Don't worry, she will eventually trust and love you guys. Esp since it seems she was not that loved before. She is in a better place now.

kjc · 12-27-2009, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I agree, shave her down and let it grow in. She's only 6 months, so that black puppy hair has got to go sometime anyway. Good for you for getting that precious baby away from those crazies!!! Akita for a playmate! OMG! Those things are HUGE!

Don't worry, she will eventually trust and love you guys. Esp since it seems she was not that loved before. She is in a better place now.

Ditto!

BridgettesMomma · 12-27-2009, 12:51 AM

I had an almost IDENTITICAL story when getting bridgette. she was living in a home where she was only used for breeding not for being a pet. She lived in a home with 12 other dogs. yes 12!!! two of which were great dames. She was terribly matted and very skinny.

We took her to the vet got all her shots a teething cleaning, got her nails cut and I got her hair cut at a groomer. She brushed out her face and got a close cut. And shaved the rest of her down. She was to matted to save her hair.

So here we are three years later and she LOVES people. She prefers people to dogs though because she lived with so many. But Bridgette was already 2 1/2 when I got her. She is still VERY fearful. Any loud noise or argument we have sends her into a panic. And she'll hide for hours. BUT on a day to day basis she is very happy and well adjusted. I believe BECAUSE we saved her she loves us so much.

Give her time. Be patient. Don't force her to be confortable, let her take it at her own pace. She'll come around with love and patience.

Thank you for rescuing her. Keep us updated!

diane boden · 12-27-2009, 01:30 AM

Poor little girl, well done for getting her out of there, I cant imagine any of us would have done any differently. Perhaps it was fate that you and she found each other at this time. Forget her past, only think about the future, she's yours now and in safe hands. they go forward much quicker if we dont dwell too much on where they came from.

Ringo1 · 12-27-2009, 06:21 AM

What a lucky girl little Maddie is for being taken into your home and heart. I'm sure she will be just fine once she gets used to her new surroundings. Merry Christmas Maddie - you were just given a great gift of a new and loving home!

Lovetodream88 · 12-27-2009, 06:35 AM

I agree with everyone about shaving down thats normally the easiest thing to do when dealing with matted puppy hair. Congrats on your new addition! Hopefully with lots of spoiling and love she will thrive in her new environment. Its so awesome that you were thinking of getting another yorkie and then you found her and rescued her.

yorkymom1 · 12-27-2009, 06:46 AM

That little puppy is so lucky to have someone like you come and whisk it away. I agree with the others that it would probably be best to just shave her down and let it grow back in. This would less tramatic for her....but you'll probably want to invest in lots of little sweaters.

I'm not sure where you live but I've heard that even in a warm climate a pup can get chilled if its fur is too short. We live up North so we have lots of sweaters for our babes.
She's also young still so hopefully you can help her overcome her fear of the world completely. My freind has a similar story with her dog who is actually a mixed breed and things have turned out just great! One of the things she did when she brought hers home was so always keep him at her side and oh did (and do) they cuddle! He turned into the most loving and happy dog!
I wish you the best.
You seem very caring and have a great attitude. I'm sure things will work out well.

ritzydaisy · 12-27-2009, 07:35 AM

What a lucky little girl to have found her way to you! I think she needs a new start with a clean hairdo and a few pretty things of her own.

I know many on here do not care for Cesar M. However, he says that dogs live in the moment and not to feel sorry for abused pups. So take a lesson from the Lion King. Pumba says, "Put your behind in the past."

Keep us posted on her progress and what you find to be the best way of dealing with her issues. We all can learn from the experiences of others.

Nikitta34 · 12-27-2009, 09:49 PM

I'm so glad you rescued her! Post pictures when you get a chance!

kpstoybox · 12-27-2009, 11:43 PM

Maddie!!

Can't wait to see her pics!

Mom to Hot Rod · 12-28-2009, 05:32 AM

Awww, welcome home Maddie! sounds as though you are right where you belong, in a new loving and caring home.

I am sure that with her new surrounding and all the love that is being given to Maddie, she will come around and thrive! Keep us updated and cant' wait to see pictures of this little precious bundle.

MI Yorkielover · 12-28-2009, 07:43 AM

Congratulatins on bringing Maddie to her new home . It's wonderful you didn't walk away. It sounds like she hit the jackpot in new parents. You obviously are taking excellent care of her and giving her a fresh start!

Bentleys Momma · 12-28-2009, 01:21 PM

It is good to hear from others with similar stories and to know that you have well adjusted babies. I had to log in to see if anyone responded since I had just scared the living tarnation out of Maddie and was feeling miserable about it. I simply stood up from my chair to get my pen that fell and she started climbing onto my end table. I was not thinking and, since I have always corrected Bentley with a loud noise, before I thought the sound was out of my mouth. She froze and then began to shake something fierce. It took 5 minutes cuddling, rocking and humming a tune (I think she forgives me for my lack of musical talents tho) before she finally settled down.

By the way, she has played with Bentley 2-3 times over the last 24 hours. They have played race & chase and it is so much fun to watch, especially when she is chasing him. It doesn't last too long before he will start his "talking" to her (I have encouraged him to be vocal since first bringing him home). She will then decide the game is over. But for now at least it is a start! OH, and most important... she wagged her little nubby last night when I was preparing their dinner. It brought tears to my eyes.

I will get some pictures posted soon. Thanks again for the very kind words and encouragement. I have been praying that I am not in over my head in trying to create a happy life for her. After reading your comments, I now think that even if I am over my head, I have yorkietalk friends as a life preserver.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a safe and happy New Year. Many Blessings!!!

12-26-2009, 10:29 PM	#1
Bentleys Momma YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 793	What were they thinking???? We had only begun discussions on expanding our Yorkie family from 1 to 2 babies. Having gotten my first baby before realizing the horrible conditions some "breeders" put their dogs through I was adamant about ensuring we contacted a reputable breeder this time. But just before the holiday my husband heard through a coworker of a friend of a friend (you know the drill) that a 6-mo old little girl needed a good home. After driving 2 hours to their home, there was no way I was going to leave without getting her out of there! We entered the home which was chaos with stuff everywhere and lots of noise... "my wife's boys make mess and that noise is their Akita... I put her in her cage so she wouldn't knock you over"). Are you serious???? This little 3-lb baby has an Akita for a playmate? She is so horribly matted (I assume from being the Akita's play thing and always being covered in slobber). These people obviously have no common sense. --- OH, and I love that this man (who was told twice that my Yorkie was neutered) was lecturing me about how I couldn't breed her with Bentley (6-1/2 lbs) because of the size difference. Maybe he did care about her well being but just didn't know how to take care proper care of her. I don't know but I just smiled and kept right on walking to the front door. She is the most precious little thing and just as sweet as can be but is of course absolutely terrified. She is finally following Bentley around a bit but if Bentley tries to play she just cowers. I just want to pick her up and cuddle her and tell her all will be ok. I need the strength to know when it is ok to push her a bit to help her grow into her new environment and when to hold back and not push too hard. I love her so much already. It just makes me overwhelmed with sadness to see her in fear. Will she ever trust fully or even trust at all? Will I ever get all the matted hair untangled? Is it better to just do it all or in little sections? Or should I just have it all taken off and let it grow back in? If you are still reading this, I thank you for letting me vent to someone who will understand. And there is some good news... We have a clean bill of health from our vet so no physical issues that we have to deal with. Thank heavens because the psychological scars run deep with this little one. I decided to try to put everything that happened there behind us both so we started Christmas Eve with a fresh new look on things and a BRAND NEW NAME for her to go with it. Madeleine (aka Maddie) could use some prayers to let her know that this world does not have to be a cruel one.

12-26-2009, 11:36 PM	#3
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	I agree, shave her down and let it grow in. She's only 6 months, so that black puppy hair has got to go sometime anyway. Good for you for getting that precious baby away from those crazies!!! Akita for a playmate! OMG! Those things are HUGE! Don't worry, she will eventually trust and love you guys. Esp since it seems she was not that loved before. She is in a better place now. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

12-27-2009, 12:51 AM	#5
BridgettesMomma Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ca Posts: 207	I had an almost IDENTITICAL story when getting bridgette. she was living in a home where she was only used for breeding not for being a pet. She lived in a home with 12 other dogs. yes 12!!! two of which were great dames. She was terribly matted and very skinny. We took her to the vet got all her shots a teething cleaning, got her nails cut and I got her hair cut at a groomer. She brushed out her face and got a close cut. And shaved the rest of her down. She was to matted to save her hair. So here we are three years later and she LOVES people. She prefers people to dogs though because she lived with so many. But Bridgette was already 2 1/2 when I got her. She is still VERY fearful. Any loud noise or argument we have sends her into a panic. And she'll hide for hours. BUT on a day to day basis she is very happy and well adjusted. I believe BECAUSE we saved her she loves us so much. Give her time. Be patient. Don't force her to be confortable, let her take it at her own pace. She'll come around with love and patience. Thank you for rescuing her. Keep us updated! __________________ *THE BRAT PACK* Bridgette & Teddy the Yorkies Harley & Roxy the Pugs Lizzie the Cocker Spaniel *Bandit the Papillon X

12-27-2009, 06:35 AM	#8
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	I agree with everyone about shaving down thats normally the easiest thing to do when dealing with matted puppy hair. Congrats on your new addition! Hopefully with lots of spoiling and love she will thrive in her new environment. Its so awesome that you were thinking of getting another yorkie and then you found her and rescued her. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

12-27-2009, 06:46 AM	#9
yorkymom1 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: New York Posts: 885	That little puppy is so lucky to have someone like you come and whisk it away. I agree with the others that it would probably be best to just shave her down and let it grow back in. This would less tramatic for her....but you'll probably want to invest in lots of little sweaters. I'm not sure where you live but I've heard that even in a warm climate a pup can get chilled if its fur is too short. We live up North so we have lots of sweaters for our babes. She's also young still so hopefully you can help her overcome her fear of the world completely. My freind has a similar story with her dog who is actually a mixed breed and things have turned out just great! One of the things she did when she brought hers home was so always keep him at her side and oh did (and do) they cuddle! He turned into the most loving and happy dog! I wish you the best. You seem very caring and have a great attitude. I'm sure things will work out well. __________________ Joanne There is no better love than that of a 4-legged friend

12-26-2009, 10:33 PM	#2
Lioncross4 YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 338	Welcome home Maddie! Love her name and know she will be well loved with you. Right now, she needs lots of snuggles and to know that you are safe. Due to her trauma in her previous life, I would shave her down and let her hair grow in again. Combing out all of the matts will be very painful--even with lots of conditioner. I think if you are consistent and loving...she will settle in time and be a confident young pup. She is young.

12-27-2009, 01:30 AM	#6
diane boden YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: england Posts: 676 Blog Entries: 23	Poor little girl, well done for getting her out of there, I cant imagine any of us would have done any differently. Perhaps it was fate that you and she found each other at this time. Forget her past, only think about the future, she's yours now and in safe hands. they go forward much quicker if we dont dwell too much on where they came from.

12-27-2009, 06:21 AM	#7
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	What a lucky girl little Maddie is for being taken into your home and heart. I'm sure she will be just fine once she gets used to her new surroundings. Merry Christmas Maddie - you were just given a great gift of a new and loving home!

12-27-2009, 07:35 AM	#10
ritzydaisy Crazy Miss Daisy Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 1,904	What a lucky little girl to have found her way to you! I think she needs a new start with a clean hairdo and a few pretty things of her own. I know many on here do not care for Cesar M. However, he says that dogs live in the moment and not to feel sorry for abused pups. So take a lesson from the Lion King. Pumba says, "Put your behind in the past." Keep us posted on her progress and what you find to be the best way of dealing with her issues. We all can learn from the experiences of others. __________________ Yorkie Talkin' with Paula & Daisy!

12-27-2009, 09:49 PM	#11
Nikitta34 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 764 Blog Entries: 1	I'm so glad you rescued her! Post pictures when you get a chance! __________________ - Nicole, Megatron, and T-Bone Check out our blog! http://nicoleandtim.blogspot.com

12-27-2009, 11:43 PM	#12
kpstoybox Do you like Parti's?" Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,337	Maddie!! Can't wait to see her pics! __________________ Karen and the PartiTime Kids There's always a parti at my house!

12-28-2009, 05:32 AM	#13
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	Awww, welcome home Maddie! sounds as though you are right where you belong, in a new loving and caring home. I am sure that with her new surrounding and all the love that is being given to Maddie, she will come around and thrive! Keep us updated and cant' wait to see pictures of this little precious bundle. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

12-28-2009, 07:43 AM	#14
MI Yorkielover Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan USA Posts: 3,317	Congratulatins on bringing Maddie to her new home . It's wonderful you didn't walk away. It sounds like she hit the jackpot in new parents. You obviously are taking excellent care of her and giving her a fresh start! __________________ Jackie Loves Sophie R.I.P ."Baby"* our little girl 1993-2009*

12-28-2009, 01:21 PM	#15
Bentleys Momma YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 793	Thank you all the kind words It is good to hear from others with similar stories and to know that you have well adjusted babies. I had to log in to see if anyone responded since I had just scared the living tarnation out of Maddie and was feeling miserable about it. I simply stood up from my chair to get my pen that fell and she started climbing onto my end table. I was not thinking and, since I have always corrected Bentley with a loud noise, before I thought the sound was out of my mouth. She froze and then began to shake something fierce. It took 5 minutes cuddling, rocking and humming a tune (I think she forgives me for my lack of musical talents tho) before she finally settled down. By the way, she has played with Bentley 2-3 times over the last 24 hours. They have played race & chase and it is so much fun to watch, especially when she is chasing him. It doesn't last too long before he will start his "talking" to her (I have encouraged him to be vocal since first bringing him home). She will then decide the game is over. But for now at least it is a start! OH, and most important... she wagged her little nubby last night when I was preparing their dinner. It brought tears to my eyes. I will get some pictures posted soon. Thanks again for the very kind words and encouragement. I have been praying that I am not in over my head in trying to create a happy life for her. After reading your comments, I now think that even if I am over my head, I have yorkietalk friends as a life preserver. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a safe and happy New Year. Many Blessings!!! __________________ "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." — Will Rogers