Aww,your story broke my heart...

I can imagine how frustrated you must've felt and how hard it must've been to give him up. I hope the best for both him and you.

Welcome to YT!

Thanks again to all of you who have posted.

Today is a better day, so far, and I hope that it continues. It would be better if I was working right now, to take my mind off Rascal, but that's not meant to be at this time.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

~Melena

I feel so bad for Ras, that he was abused. Those people are so cruel!!! I hope he finds a home that can give him that speacial care he needs. You tried your best and have a good heart for taking him in. Maybe you should get a younger one if you are going to get one again. If you take another abused dog you might have the same problems.

Thanks. We're talking over our options, we just would prefer to get a rescue, so that we can save one, you know?

What we've experienced with all of our rescues, is that people get animals for gifts, and then don't really want them, or older people can't take care of them. (This happened with my Granny, she had to give away her baby, for she was a danger, ie: tripping over her, not being able to take her out in the ice, etc.) Also, like my mom, who got a dog after I moved out, and realized that I was the one taking care of our previous dog, and she couldn't give it the attention it deserved, so she had to get rid of it. Man, I sound like we're a bunch of good for nothings!! But, in all honesty, my husband and I have owned several dogs over our lifetimes, and would welcome another into our home. The time will come, and it will be right. I know this sounds crazy, but it's one of my prayers lately. And, I pray that Rascal is in a safe, warm, loving place tonight.

~Melena

Melena,
It sounds to me like he only bites when he is intimidated. Is that what you are saying? If so, I personally feel that maybe you could help him. It just takes a very long time and a whole lot of patience.
I had a biter, my Maxwell, for 11 years and he bit me often in the beginning and much less in his final years. Yes...I am saying that he did bite me still after all of that time; but I grew to love him probably more (and I hate to say that) than any of my babies. He was a very special guy who really only knew to use his teeth to defend himself. Heaven only knows what happened to him prior to him walking in front of my car many years ago.
I now have another biter who is very similar, but thankfully has not bitten me quite as many times. Maybe I am just getting better at avoiding it. As for yelling and spraying water....I found those things to be quite useless. It only seemed to reinforce the fear they had that something would happen if they protected themselves. With Matty, my new one, when I see his head go down, I simply walk away from him. It is normally triggered by something such as an accident he has had in the house (I am sure he got in huge trouble for being a dog) :( ... or if he sees something new. I took the ironing board out the other night and he was in the corner looking frightened. I tried to call him over and he would not budge, so I ignored him. Eventually, he walked over and sniffed it. I then praised him and let him know what a good boy he was. I was advised by a trainer to let Matty know that I am the alpha....well that did NOT work...at least not in the way that they insist. Matty knows and listens to me...he is just frightened. I plan to continue only positive reinforcement with him for some time. I believe he will change just like Maxwell did...once they know they are no longer going to be hurt, they settle. As I said...Maxwell did not totally lose the fear...but he got to be such a wonderful pet and my friends all loved him. Everyone knew what things bothered him and we avoided putting him in those situations.
All in all it takes a TON of patience and it is not for everyone. I can hear in your message that you really care, so I shared my story so that you can take another look. In the end you might still believe it is too much...or maybe you can try again...and let him go at his pace. It could be much much longer than a few months.
Best wishes in whatever you decide to do. I think it is wonderful that you tried. It is so sad that people ruin these poor babies.

Thanks, Jane. What a truly wonderful story.

How I wish I had met you people even just last week! For, I fear that it is just too late for Rascal in this house. And, although it pains me to say that, my number one reason is that I don't think that I could make him any better. I tried the Alpha thing to, and that did not work. We saw that his 'demonism' was progressively getting worse, unfortunately. It had NEVER been as bad as it was last weekend, and I don't know what triggered it. And, as I have said, I am just so afraid that I will make him worse if I bring him back into this house. And, I feel like he's already gone from here. I hope to a good, loving, warm home. I pray that every single night.

What a brave woman you are, though, for going through that! I commend you. Thank you for sharing your story.

~Melena

You did all that you could do or knew to do and trust me, not many people will even do that. I hear about biters a lot and it saddens me because there are not a lot of places that will take them.
I do not buy that alpha training with fear biters. Many times people mishandling them has made them that way and treating them in a forceful manner exaccerbates the problem.
I give them space and plenty of love. When they act crazy, I walk away and let them know they will not be hurt. Many of them are only biting at people because that is their only defense for what they fear is coming.
Of course I am not a dog trainer and that is only my theory and I only have two dogs as an example. They both came to my home like little wild animals and became sweet little ones...with some issues, but nothing like where they started. They also were both small...I am a chicken at heart and would not try it with a large dog.
Rascal will be fine...if that woman has promised to help him, I am sure she will. You are a good person for worrying about him and following up. And...you never know...someone might read all of this and want to go see him...or someone you tell the story to might do it. If I lived closer and if I did not have a biter now that I am working with, I would definitely have considered it. There are people out there who really do like to work with these guys to give them a second chance. I, myself, feel it is a rare dog that comes out of the womb mean and biting.
To me it sounds like you exhausted yourself trying and like everyone has said, you are to be commended for trying. It is a hard, hard, job and it is not for everyone.
I saw that you don't want to pay a rescue group's fees...but remember some are less than others....especially the all breed groups; and the dogs normally live in a foster home prior to adoption so you have a better idea of their temperament. Just look around and ask...your pet is out there somewhere.
Best wishes to you in a search for a pet.

I am going to ring in on this discussion. Ceasar's approach for an abused dog is not the answer to your problem with Rascal. He was hurt mentally and physically. Dogs that have been abused need so much patience and time to gain trust. Trust is the big issue. Charlie is frightened with a quick movement and today, he saw from the car window a person walking with a cane and growled until they were out of sight. Obviously, the poor little pup was hurt with a metal cane during his years of instability.

It is sad, but an abused dog will even be grateful for any attention they receive especially from the abuser. You tried but it sounds like this wasn't the right time for you.

Hopefully, he will go into a rescue situation that has no expectations from him. That is one of the greatest problems with abused animals, our expectations for them to be normal in a short amount of time.

This note is not directed at you because you gave him a memory of kindness but to others who think the neglected pup is the same as one loved and cherish from puppyhood.

Hi Sophie!

I know you said that your post wasn't directed at me, but I do want to say this.

We never expected him to be perfect, ever. We didn't even expect him to grow out of most of his problems over the period of time that we had him. What we did expect was to see some positive change, and what we were seeing was a 180 from when he got here regarding the growling/snarling/not letting us in the room, or being able to touch him. It was actually getting worse every day.

Just wanted to say that! It's been a week today since Rascal has been gone. I haven't cried since last Tuesday, and even though I still miss him GREATLY, I still think I did the right thing. I've been really really busy lately trying to get my new house in order for my MIL to see it on Friday and our Memorial Day party on Sunday with about 40 people, so I'm hoping that even though that's taking him off my mind, that I won't crash once everything is over with. Meaning that this may be taking him off my mind, but it could be a bad thing as well, for I could just be blocking it right now.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!

~~Melena

I am sure you didn't expect him to be perfect. He was just scared and has probably been scared all of his life. When I wrote, the message addressed the earlier thread telling you to use Ceasar's way (Alpha male, etc).

That method of training just doesn't work with an abused and/neglected dog or any animal.

You did try your best and even though there were moments he seemed to relax, he just couldn't trust.

Take care and please remember he wasn't a terrible dog, just a scared dog.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss ....

I'm so sorry your baby is gone!! I hope he returns home safe and sound soon!!!

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope you can find one soon.

oohhh I feel soooo bad for you! It sounds like you did everything you could. I do wonder if the poor pup has neurological problems from being hit & kicked so much in his previous house. I know your heart is breaking for this poor baby. I mean its not his fault that he was abused and now hes so protective of himself and his territory! Very Sad! You are a wonderful wonderful person for doing what you did to give him a good quality of life. Sadly, like some people even, sometimes there is nothing you can do to help them. I do hope he finds a rescue that can work with him, or give him medical attention that he maybe needs.

(((HUGS))))

Thanks again to all of you for your wishes, hugs, and advice. It's really helped me so much, you just can't understand.

Today, I was able to tell Rascal's story to a friend who didn't know, without crying. I think...think...think..I'm over the worst. I know that my forever baby will come, and I just have to be patient. I also know that I have to remind myself that I can give a good home to a pet, and that they are loved and safe here. When Ras started acting out so much, I began blaming myself, and afterwards was even questioning bringing another into my home. I know, though, that a dog would be happy here...especially one who didn't have anywhere to go.

Again, thank you for the kindness that's poured out in this thread.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!!

~Melena

Rascal
 

You absolutely did the right thing. I find it hard to believe that a shelter would adopt out a dog knowing it was a biter and not knowing or at least having a good idea of why he bites. Don't blame yourself, you did all you could. There are some cases where no matter what you try, it just doesn't work to stop the behavior. I can tell you that biting isn't always caused by abuse....... sometimes the owners don't stop the biting behavior as a puppy because then it seems cute and only playful. They let the dog become the boss. The dog becomes the dominant one in the relationship. The dog continues to become more and more dominant with time, the owners, who've let the dog take control, become afraid of the dog, then get tired of being bitten and turn it over to a shelter.

Please don't give up on rescues......... you can find wonderful, well adjusted dogs in many of them. Most will be honest and tell you everything that is apparent about the dogs' personality. Most will not take biters and certainly will not adopt them out because of the liability. Sadly, through no fault of their own, some can't be adopted. I can give you many examples of biters who were taken in by kind people, with the best of intentions only to end up causing tragedy for those who took them. Personally, and sadly, I will not take biters. It's too much of a safety risk for my own dogs and my family. It's an issue that constantly comes up in rescue.

Get another Yorkie, no matter where - find one!!! They are wonderful little companions...

Wow, what a terrible time you have been through. I don't think there is anything else you could have done to help him. If he was abused for five years, it just might take five years for him to trust someone...I think another little dog is just what the doctor ordered and wish you luck on your search.

Oh Melena, I am so sorry for you and little Rascal. I know you did all you could and hope you believe that too. Don't doubt yourself on being able to take in a rescue and providing a forever home. Just keep looking and the right little baby will come your way. By the way, welcome to YT and I hope you big memorial day party was a big hit. Patty

heart breaking story ... hope you decide to get a new baby when you are ready ...

Thanks everyone.

I haven't given up on rescues...our current dog, the one my husband had before we were married, is a rescue, and I hope, hope, hope, that I can find another Yorkie through rescue.

I'm just biding my time, and being patient now. My forever baby will come. And, when she/he does, I will be ready to give it lots and lots of love!!

My party went well, except for the terror of an eight year old taking one of my floating solar lights and purposely throwing it at the side of the pool and breaking it. Then, acting as if she did nothing wrong, and shouldn't be punished. She won't be back to my pool!!

Thanks again to everyone who has replied to my story. It's been two weeks yesterday since Ras has been gone, but it seems like it's been longer for some reason.

Have a great Wednesday!!

~Melena

I found a rescue for yorkies located in moulton alabama 35650 there e-mail is yorkie tuff@aol.com. I hope that helps find you a rescue there.:animal36

Im sorry i found out her name is Berverly Harvey and her e-mail is
yorkietuff@aol.com, yorkie friends rescue corporation, i would e-mail her.


Donna

sad story
 

this story almost sounds like this baby has some health problems as well. It' s hard to imagine a yorkie being that bad. If he had been so abused, why is he healthy now? What would you have to do to a dog to get them to act that way??? makes you wonder......go and find another one....these are the sweetest of the sweet dogs!

Is it possible that on top of Ras abusive history and trust issues that he suffered from some kind of chemical imbalance? Can dogs have chemical imbalances? If so, can they be treated holistically?

It probably sounds like a crazy notion, but I had a cousin who was an absolute terror and could go from being the sweetest kid to demonistic. He was about 5 and I was 16 and I was terrified of him. This went on for years and his mother refused to put him on medication that the doctor's were recommending. She tried everything and ended up dissecting his diet and his food and through the process of elimination, determined that he had a severe reaction to red dyes in his food. Once she eliminated the red dyes from his diet, he became the most affectionate and sweet kid. He's 20 now, extremely well regarded and sociable and an absolute darling.

I often wonder if people are overlooking dietary causes when animals are aggressive. It would explain why he seems bi-polar. One minute he's a sweetheart and, unprovoked, he changes in an instant. I'm not overlooking the abusive history and the subsequent fears, but is it possible that he suffered from aggressive behavior as a result of food allergies from birth and the abusive family he was raised with actually reacted to his aggression with abuse in return, not understanding his aggression?

~ Kelly

Sure does make a person wonder...could be some type of allergy...chemical imbalance, don't know. But keep looking for that special baby, if it's meant to be...it WILL be, that's my motto...will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!!!

Thanks Donna, I'm about to email her now. The funny thing is, Moulton is only about 20 minutes away from where my parents live, and where I grew up! Also, my dad lived in Moulton for years until recently.

Thanks again for all your replies. I haven't checked in lately, and I was surprised to see this thread still on the second page!!

About the food allergy...makes me wonder. I don't know, I wouldn't discount anything at this point.

Ras has been gone almost a month, but it seems like longer. I still miss him, and I hope that he's found a good home by now. I want to call and ask, but I'm afraid of what she'll tell me. Maybe I'll have my husband do it.

Thanks again to everyone....this is the best group of loving, considerate, giving people I have ever met!!

Melena

:angel2dl: Melena My heart poors out to you. I am so sorry that you could not help little rascal. I know you did everything you could for him. Just know you did the right thing and a rescue will be able to give him what he needs hopefully. I hope that you will be able to find your perfect baby and give him/her the same love and devotion you gave rascal. you are a sait for trying to help him.

Contacted the Moulton Rescue Group.....no response yet.

So, we shall see. My baby will come, eventually.

Just as important as that right now is my job search!! I've been out of work for seven months due to the move back to Bama, and then the move from our rental house to our 'forever' house in April. So, now I'm really focused on the job search, and have a test with the city next week. That's keeping my mind off the sadness of Rascal right now.

Oh, that and....(I know this doesn't belong here, but have to say this!)...I'm going to a used-to-be-good friends wedding this weekend. First, she's having it on Father's Day weekend, and 9 hours from most everyone. Second, she did alot of decorations for mine, and even though we paid her and she didn't get us a gift..(didn't really care)...I still felt I wanted to get here something. I emailed her and asked where they were registered. Her response..Pay Attention Here...'We're not registered anywhere. We want Monetary Gifts.' Ummm..what?? Excuse me? I'm sorry but that's just a little unclassy. So, that has positively been taking my mind off Rascal this week!! I did get her a gift...a nice gift..but it was only $13. I went with the purpose of buying cheap...which I NEVER do!! My DH said we should make a donation in their name to the Cancer Society or something. My aunt said...'Send her a $1 bill in a card.' But, I'll just go ahead and send the present to her. Apparently, it's not 'cool' to take a present to a wedding. Or, that's what my MIL told me before mine.

Sorry for putting that in.....but that has been renting space in my head for awhile.

Hope everyone is cool....and that you've been getting rain. We haven't had rain here in about two months. I feel really bad for the farmers. It's raining some out there right now....but it'll stop soon.

Have a great weekend!!

~Melena