Rescue dog and thier memory
 

Sophie was our golden lab/retriever and she was a rescue dog who had suffered some terrible abuse for her first year before we got her and although she lived with us for 14 and a half years i think that previous abuse was always with her as she remained a very very timid dog.

Whenever new people would come in she went straight into bed until she was sure they were okay. She never played with toys and i wonder if this was becuase it wasnt something that was introduced to her as a puppy she was a year old when we got her. She was a very happy dog and loved going out for walks and was a great companion but i wonder if people realise just what they are doing to a dog when they beat it all the time or lock it up.

Sophie despite being with us for all those years remained constantly warey of men for the first year after we got her she would pee on the floor in the corner when a man came into the house and shake terribly. She did stop doing that the more confident she became that she wasnt in any danger but she would never approach a man she didnt know and if i went out to work she would go upstairs and lay under my bed right where i would sleep.

Sophie lived a long and happy life with us and was a great dog, rescues can be every bit as great dogs as any others, but you have to be willing and able to put the work in as i do believe that no matter how great you are they always remember what has happened previously and it leaves its mark.

I've attached a picture of our beautiful Sophie who we all miss terribly particuarly Lily our Yorkie who always followed her around:D

Yvonne
xx

Sophie Was a Fortunate Rescue
 

I loved reading about Sophie. It is so wonderful to know she was loved and shown kindness until the end of her life. It seems hard to believe any animal could "forget" cruelty and abuse. I think sometimes we underestimate the brainpower of these creatures. But, that doesn't really matter. Sophie was loved and cared for and learned that humans can be loving. Thanks for sharing her story.:thumbup:

I don't think they forget. But I do think you made a huge difference for her during the remaining years of her life. How sad that someone was mean to her at first. Your story brought tears to my eyes. So glad that you made the choice to make a difference for her. Thank you for sharing.

Sophie was beautiful, and I'm glad she had you to care for her and love her! 14 and a half years with her - wow, that is amazing! I'm sure she knew how loved she was with you.

I agree that rescue dogs remember the abuse, neglect, or cruelty they faced. My Yorkie is a rescue - he is a sweet, happy, healthy, wild little boy, but he definitely has some quirks that can only be attributed to the first year and a half of his life.

What a pretty girl. Thank God she found her way in to your loving home and had 14 1/2 years knowing what love was.