adopting a furkid (I hope)

[kijibwa]

Hi everyone,
I looked through many of your interesting posts before joining. I'm glad there are people who have malteseX's, and I noticed someone who even got furkids from the rescue shelter.
That's where I'm going tomorrow to meet Kimmy. She's a 2 year old malty cross, rescued from an abusive home. At the moment she's nearly bald! She had to be shaved, the report said she probably hadn't been brushed ...ever! And she's been "wool-blind" for months. The ulcers on her face have healed but she's sensitive about that area still.
I'm too nevous to sleep, so I thought I'd look up what sort of brushes she will need, what food they like and how maltese usually get on with cats. I have 2 cornish rex cats (usually refered to as Psychokat and the OneEyedWonder). There is so much information on the net.
I don't even know whether we will be suited to each other. I'm taking my daughter and twin grandsons with me to meet Kimmy, she lived with a child in her former home and I'm sooo hoping it wasn't a negative experience for her and that she'll at least be willing to consider having contact with other kids.
Kimmy will be the first small dog I've lived with, and the first long haired dog.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.. tomorrow will tell whether the comb, bowls, collar, lead, toys, chewies and bed were premature purchases.

Erin

[ladyjazz]

Awwww I am soo glad you are gettting a little fluffbutt:) Congrats! I hope all goes well for you. Keep reading on MT because there is a lot of useful information and ask lots of questions. I may not be able to answer your questions as I am still learning a lot because Cosmo is my first dog ever, but there are plenty of other people on this forum that can help:D Make sure to keep us updated and post pics of your Kimmy's first day home:) Oh and before I forget...WELCOME TO MT:welcome: and I am glad that you are posting. You are going to make lots of friends here:D

[malteseplease]

welcome :coldsm: :coldsm: :coldsm: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cake4: :brb:

[maltesemum]

Welcome to the Forum:D

I hope all goes well when you meet Kimmy, sounds like she's had a hard wee life so far & she needs someone to love & care for her like.

there may be extra work involved with a rescue but if you've got the time with lots of love to give you'll do just good & bond with each other in no time.

Dont forget to let us know how you get on:big_hug: you will be her special rescue mummy:D

[Morkie4]

:welcome: :welcome: You are such a kind person even considering to adopt an abused dog.......sometimes they are a bit timid due to the abuse but once shown a little love and attention, they make the best companions. I do hope it works out for you. Do keep us updated and we will also try to help you with any problems you may encounter. Poor baby sounds like she was in a really neglected state......she needs someone to love her!:smlove2:

[bek74]

Welcome to MT :D . Good luck with getting your new baby today. Can't wait to hear all about her.

[dogloverx4]

Erin , I looked Kimmy up she's a maltese x shih tzu with grey ears just like my Princess Charlotte . I own 2 rescue dogs from Australian shelters , my boys give me so much pleasure . I notice that you live in Tasmania , I'm soon to move down there near Hobart . Sarah

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/DSCF0059.jpg

[MaxJack'sMom]

Welcome to MT. You will love it here on this site with all these wonderul people. I hope all goes well and just be patient and loving. Miracles happen all the time and the unconditional love and loyalty you'll get will be unbelievalbe. Happy to have you on board.

Cheryl:mickey: :dogwalk: Jack:hearts6:

[chocolatecoffe]

How exciting!!! Please update us when you meet Kimmy. The poor girl sounds like she had a rough past, but she's about to hit the jackpot!

I have a one-eyed wonder as well, a rescued Maltese X :D.

Good luck! The paws and fingers over here are all crossed for you!

[kijibwa]

thank you all so much for the encouragement and the welcomes.
I did read through last night but I was so exhausted and emotionally drained I couldn't reply.

Everything looks better this morning!
I have purchased earplugs so that Kizi's (formerly Kimmy) barking doesn't set off another head-ache. I have also purchased a few rolls of coloured contact (the stick on shelving/book coving stuff) to apply to all reflective surfaces. Kizi doesn't seem to have any experience with her own reflection, nor with clear glass. But those two are easily solvable issues and in no time she will learn what's going on.
The 17 piddle puddles she made on the lab floor ( in 1 hour) when I called into work after picking her up may be a sign of something more serious. She's doing the same at home, but not in the car and not when walking. This leads me to think it's marking/scenting more than incontinence, but she's booked into the vet this afternoon for an in depth exam.

She was silent when I met her, and silent in the car for an hour. We stopped for breaks after she embarrassed herself in the car. Easy to clean, but the smell is persistent. I was wondering whether she could bark at all.
Turns out that's not a worry. The question now is how to stop her barking.. I know there must be a thread or two in this group somewhere about this:D .
Her barking started an hour from home, along with snarling and growling.
I wondered whether I'd adopted Jekyll and Hyde. I had, on impulse bought a restraint and seat belt attachement for her and she was in those so couldn't do too much damage. I pulled off and talked to her, but she wasn't having any of that.
I don't give in easily but at that moment I was considering turning around and returning her to the pound. She hadn't behaved like this at the pound or they would never have put her up for adoption. She didn't behave like this with the twins and cats at my daughters.
I took her for a walk then changed her to the back of the car where there is a spare rear seatbelt clip. She barked and snarled all the way home.
I have, in the 24 hours we've been together, come to the conclusion that she has very little world experience. She crashes into glass, sees a reflection of herself and wants to play, don't seem to know what house-training is, doesn't walk well on her lead. Doesn't seem to have a clue what 'sit' means, and couldn't work out whether pine bark mulch was a toy. She wouldn't settle inside so slept outside .
She's probably never been in a car, or not to the extent of yesterday and today . So I'm not going to get upset about it. First is to get her used to things of her own (including a human) and build her feeling of security. She has her own bed which now travels with us. I'm hoping the vet will be able to put me in touch with someone who can help me train her, that I really want to start right away.



I didn't think I had any expectations but now I realise that I did. The main one being that this was going to go so well there wouldn't be any problems that affection couldn't resolve.
I still believe that, but it's going to be a VERY steep learning curve for both of us.. I know we will reach the top of the hill eventually :hands:
Kizi is adorable, but I think all she inherited of a maltese is the coat. She couldn't work out what the brush was for, or the comb but she didn't seem to mind, got very excited by the attention (round and round in circles) even though she has very little to groom right now.

I'm still tired and hoping I've done the right thing, the Australia Day long weekend alone will do wonders for us both.

Erin

[dogloverx4]

Erin , I know exactly what you are talking about . Henry my little rescue shih tzu had a fear of the entire world when I rescued him . Henry didn't understand commands , housetraining . toys , food , and was fear aggressive with men , short haired women and anyone touching his tail or feet .After 6 months of training and love , Henry became the family crowd pleaser , clown and the most cuddly member of my family . It is really worth all the effort , rescues give more back then they receive . I like to use a squirt bottle if they bark excessively . Sarah
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/precious20pups20002.jpg

[Gregswife]

Erin, congrats on your new family member. I guess it probably seems pretty overwhelming right now, but I know with lots of love and attention, Kizi will become a well adjusted companion. How sad that things we think a pet should take for granted are so foreign to her, but with TLC, she will come to accept them. Please post pics of her, we would love to watch her progress. God bless you for opening your heart and your home to this little one.

[bek74]

Erin, I am sure you and Kizi have a long road to travel, but the fact you have taken her in and are willing to put in the time, effort and love, I am sure Kizi will be a wonderful addition to your family.

CONGRATULATIONS.

I would also suggest a play pen to keep her in to help with toilet training. I would start from the very begining like you would a 12wk old puppy. Make sure she goes to the toilet as soon as she wakes, after meals, after playtime, etc etc. The pen is way to limit the accidents, you can even lay News paper in there for her.

My Ernie is toilet trained, but when I know we are going to be gone for a long time I always lay down news paper and he uses it evertime.

Good luck and enjoy

[Kanga]

I don't know how I missed this thread but I am rapt to welcome another fellow aussie to our Maltese community.....

I too used a spray bottle, but only a fine needle spray on the rear, enough to stop the barking and give me time to distract.

Goodluck with your little girl, you are fortunate to have Sarah here as she has a vast knowledge and experience of rescues. ;)

[maltesemum]

Congrats Erin in bringing home little Kizi!

It will be hard work but one day you will wake & feel the love she has for you & the rewards will be great:D keep up the good work!

If you have a problem don't hesitate to ask for advice, as Bren says Sarah has 3 rescues & will be able to offer plenty of advice.

Welcome to our group Kizi;)

[ladyjazz]

Congrats on your new little one Kizi! Don't worry it will take time to train her and get her adjusted but it will all work out. Lost of people on this forum can give you great advice so ask all the questions you need. Goodluck! You know I never would have thought of ear plugs. Wow I wish I had thought of that when Cosmo had his short spell of barking all the time. I will keep that in mind for next time..well actually hopefully there is not a next time:) Goodluck:)

[Morkie4]

Kizi will take a few days maybe weeks to adjust to her new master, her new surroundings and the kindness that she is not use to! A lot of love and patience and accepting the good suggestions given here by the MT members will get you through it. If you need to just talk about it, here's the place to do it..........we will do all we can to help you through this tuff time. Just hang in there and she will reward you with many years of loyalty and love.:)

[KMitchell]

Congrats! I hope everything works out! Post some pics of your new baby so we can see :D

[kijibwa]

What a difference a day or two makes.
I took Kizi to the vet, she had very high temp and bacteria in her urine, also a large grass seed hooked in her upper eyelid.

The barking in the car is improving, or diminishing, Kizi only barked for the first 10 minutes.

I have been using the pen at night, the cats are grateful for the freedom it gives them to wander without being chased. The 'accidents' have reduced greatly but mainly because Kizi does understand 'stop', or she happens to stop when I call it. But the paper remains unused so far.

Every improvement makes me glad I found Kizi.

[I Found Nemo]

What a difference a day or two makes.
I took Kizi to the vet, she had very high temp and bacteria in her urine, also a large grass seed hooked in her upper eyelid.

The barking in the car is improving, or diminishing, Kizi only barked for the first 10 minutes.

I have been using the pen at night, the cats are grateful for the freedom it gives them to wander without being chased. The 'accidents' have reduced greatly but mainly because Kizi does understand 'stop', or she happens to stop when I call it. But the paper remains unused so far.

Every improvement makes me glad I found Kizi.
:D Im so happy Kizi is with you, I wish you all the luck. Sounds like you two are doing great!!!:)

ANDREA~

[lilybellesmom]

:welcome: :welcome: