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Post by melonie on Jun 13, 2014 21:07:36 GMT -5
A long term shelter dog that I adore went home with a family the other day. He's coming back tomorrow because the family is effing stupid. Apparently he is 'not good with small children' because he tried to bite the families 3 year old. I am pissed. I don't know the full story yet, but treats were mentioned. First off, prior to taking the dog home the two week shut down was discussed and encouraged to be utilized. He's been there two days. Second, This dog has been around small kids. He's good with them. Kiaha absolutely loves him and asks to go see him often. When she gets to the shelter, all she was is that dog. There are other volunteers kids ages 5, 7 and 9 that play with him as well. Third, This dog doesn't care about food. He is gentle when taking food, and often doesn't eat his treat right away. He'll let a kong sit unless I make the frozen chicken yogurt ones. He also doesn't care about toys, nor does he play with them. I will be going in tomorrow to handle the intake and to get more detailed information. A dog doesn't just bite or snap at someone for no reason. I want to know where the parents were, what the kid was doing, and what the other kids were doing as well. We've had this dog since before Christmas I think. Not once has he ever acted aggressive towards any person. The dog this happened to was Diego. I honestly don't know how he will handle going back into the shelter yet again. His last potential home brought him back because he chased cattle.  |
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Post by melonie on Jun 14, 2014 16:51:55 GMT -5
I did the intake this afternoon on Diego and got the full story.
The board member that handled the adoption failed to give the family the two week
shut down information. The family just let the dog be a free dog in the home. Diego has never been a house dog before and found his way on top of the kitchen counter. When the 6 yr old son told him to get down and pointed down, he was growled at, then snapped at. The younger girl who is about 4 was trying to hug him around the neck. He snapped at her and got in on the cheek. He left marks. There was passive supervision, the parent was there but didn't see the whole thing happen.
On the other hand, he is a lover, bed hog, and didn't attempt to jump the fence to go after the neighbors cats.
The husband said he would keep him and handle the issues, except once his ex wife finds out what happened to the little girl, shit will hit the fan.
I'm looking at this like... here is a dog who has been in a shelter for the last 6 months. He's a level 10 on the stress scale already. Had one failed placement. A former neglected farm dog, put in a home for the first time ever, with kids. He doesn't know who is in charge, and hasn't had time to decompress and get to know the family.
Is this reaction to everything he's been through the last 6 months?
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Post by maryellen on Jun 14, 2014 17:58:31 GMT -5
Me personally i would never put a farm dog in a home with little kids as most farm dogs nip and herd and some cant transfer from farm to pet life.some, not all. It depends on the dog. But its possible the stress from the shelter/ to home and having a kid hug the dog was too much for the dog. I would prefer a farm dog go to a home with older children,as they dont have the jerky movements as young ones who were not taught how to be with a new dog. I wouldn't let him go back as the adults dont supervise te kids even when they were in the same room.
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Post by melonie on Jun 14, 2014 23:36:21 GMT -5
He's not going back with them, no worries there.
I didn't know the details of the home until I got the call last night.
Had I been present they would have walked out with information to help integrate him into the home.
Today they walked out w/ 2 week shut down print out and the dog bite prevention information I used with the school group last month.
I don't like to talk bad on people, but the person in charge of screening, approval etc. doesn't know what she is doing. Doesn't know crap about dogs and is just... has poor judgement due to frying her brain with her extracurricular activities. I have nothing against them having a dog, one w/out issues!
If we don't educate the people walking out the door, we're not doing the community a whole lot of good.
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Post by fureverywhere on Jul 5, 2014 13:30:16 GMT -5
I'm sorry about this situation...poor dog. I can't speak from experience because we didn't have dogs until my kids were almost grown but from observation it must be tricky sometimes. We had a border collie who used to herd people. She was rehomed to a working farm, the kids were afraid to walk her. That was my fault I didn't research the breed.
I would talk to the screener in a very direct way that perhaps Diego would be better with a family with older or no children and experience with dogs. I know from my Sophie...children and noise terrifies her. She would probably snap with a child trying to hug her or give her orders. But that doesn't mean she's dangerous with us.
Especially with a former farm dog adjusting to house living Diego needs an experienced household with time to devote to him.
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Post by RealPitBull on Jul 17, 2014 7:34:47 GMT -5
Me personally i would never put a farm dog in a home with little kids as most farm dogs nip and herd and some cant transfer from farm to pet life.some, not all. It depends on the dog. But its possible the stress from the shelter/ to home and having a kid hug the dog was too much for the dog. I would prefer a farm dog go to a home with older children,as they dont have the jerky movements as young ones who were not taught how to be with a new dog. I wouldn't let him go back as the adults dont supervise te kids even when they were in the same room. Good advice. Sorry this happened to Diego, I hope he finds his forever home soon. |
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Post by melonie on Jul 27, 2014 15:23:47 GMT -5
Diego is still looking for a home.
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I look forward to learning much here