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View Full Version : New pup woes - Yorkie mix. Long



DeanneD3
12-15-2004, 12:34 PM
I adopted a 6-month old partially blind yorkie pup mix just a few days ago. I'm thinking I might have to have his rescue organization come and get him already. :sob:

I wanted a playmate for Isabella. Instead, I got a pup with both behavioral problems and major medical issues. I'm so torn. I feel like I'm giving up on the poor puppy and under most circumstances, he is the sweetest dog I've known. All he wants is a lap to sleep on. However, the rescue didn't mention that he snaps at people and actually lunges towards them in public. :( They encouraged me to believe he was playing with Isabella when they brought him over to introduce him to her. I believe now that he was actually trying to defend himself from her. He can't see her, so he thinks she is trying to attack him.

He's at the eye dr for blood tests today. The eye dr suspects a liver disorder is the cause of the blindness. If the liver disorder can be resolved (would possibly require major surgery by a specialty clinic), he *may* regain his vision. If he regains his vision, I'm hopeful that the behavorial problems would go away and that he would begin playing with Isabella. However, the treatment for the liver disorder might be more than I can pay for and there is no guarantee that fixing it will bring back his vision or that the behavioral problems will go away. I know I need to wait for the results of his blood tests, but I did send the rescue a message that they might need to come get their puppy. I'm hoping they'll step up to the plate and offer to pay for his surgery, while letting me keep him to see if it corrects the behavioral problems. :pray: If they don't, I'll definitely have to let him go. My credit is maxed out over a kitchen remodel / dry rot repair.

TessieMom
12-15-2004, 01:19 PM
I am so sorry that you are having problems with the new puppy. It is understandable that he would lunge and snap when he is afraid, is small and cannot see. He has not has a chance to learn to trust you yet. If you decide to keep him (and can financially) I would get him into obedience so that he develops trust in you. It would be great if he can be helped by surgery or by one of the new liver medicines like Denosyl! Sending rays in hopes that you can work it out!

dappledoxie
12-15-2004, 04:14 PM
I'm so very sorry, I hope everything works out in the end. I wish things like that didn't cost so much. :( -hugs-

Joyce
12-15-2004, 07:02 PM
So sorry to hear of your problems. That is so sad. I know you want to help, but sometimes the financial burden can be to much. So sorry, hope things work out.
Joyce

MARTHA
12-15-2004, 08:58 PM
I agree with Rena, a lot of his snapping is related to the fact he can't see and has to learn that you you will not hurt him or let anyone else . Obedience class should be a great help. Good luck!

DeanneD3
12-16-2004, 05:16 PM
Thanks for your encouragement. I realize his behavior is all out of fear and I have him signed up for obedience class starting in mid-January. In the meantime, I'll keep him close to home as much as possible to help him feel more secure. I introduced him to the trainer already and she said she was doing some research on working with blind dogs. A lot hinges on what comes from the blood tests I had done on him yesterday.

babajay
12-16-2004, 07:54 PM
is a message board that you can join. The members all have experience with blind dogs of all breeds. They're very helpful to one another and I'm sure you could get some suggestions from them. I have a blind double dapple doxie and she does very well with my other dogs, including a great pyrenees mix that she plays with. There's also a book that's recommended called "living With Blind Dogs" - I don't recall the author, but I'm sure you can find it at Amazon.com. Barbara

DeanneD3
12-17-2004, 11:02 AM
Martha pointed me to the blind dog forum and I've been posting messages there, too.

I saw a sign of hope this morning! I'm soooooo excited. Ichabod was playing back with Isabella. For the first time, his tail was in the air and wagging when she tried to play with him. :D Coincidentally, he didn't eat his breakfast this morning. He isn't diagnosed yet, but from what I read, symptoms of a liver shunt get worse after meals. If he does have a liver shunt, this could be confirmation that he can see better and he feels more perky when fasting. Of course, if it turns out the two pups will be able to play together, it also means I'll have to come up with a way to pay for an expensive surgery if he has a liver shunt. There's no way I'll send him back to his rescue if he's going to do well in my home.

Patt
12-18-2004, 01:51 AM
Aww poor baby, sending :rayz: :rayz: and :pray: :pray: that things will work out for both of you. Here's a couple of sites that might help you financially I would think the rescue group would help in some way. Good luck and please keep us updated.

http://www.imom.org
http://www.help-a-pet.org

DeanneD3
12-20-2004, 05:20 PM
The blood tests are back. Ichabod is healthy! I guess I'm just so used to doxie ways that anything else seems abnormal. I hope over time, he'll learn to play with other dogs and will gain some confidence. He starts obedience school on January 15. I hope the instructor leaves time for socialization issues in class.