Well, we went to the Toronto Humane Society's Mega Adoption Event on Friday morning. We were among the first in line to get in. There was a long line of volunteers clapping at all of us as we entered and I made a beeline straight to the back for the dogs. I saw two dogs that I liked, but I didn't fall in love. So we sat to the side and I got up every time I saw a new batch of dogs come in from local animal service divisions. Around 12pm, a group came in from Fort Erie, ON.
I happened to be standing right at the cages they were going in and then I saw him. I saw the dog for me. We were the first to ask for his information and the adoption form. There were two other families behind us who also wanted him. I really hope they found another dog to love and take home that day. He's absolutely been worth the wait!
So meet my little Indy! Because Friday was Independence Day and I am American, that is how he got Indy for his name. If you ask my husband, it's because of one of his favorite movie heroes, Professor Indiana Jones! And that last one might be more accurate, since we have a little explorer on our hands! Both of these pictures were taken with my phone, just because I don't want to scare him with my big camera yet.
He's a bit jumpy and getting used to his new surroundings. He has a bit of anxiety when I leave the room, but I'm working with him to conquer it. I've never had an older rescue dog, so I'm going at a slow pace. They believe he is a 3-4 years old mixed Border Terrier and they got him after he had been roaming the streets for four days. Poor thing! He is house-trained and knows to sit to have the leash put on, which is a huge plus!
Jade (my cat) hasn't hissed at him, but she's in the hiding stage right now. She's slept with him in the same room, so that's progress. I think she might be a hide and seek champion, because I can't find her at all today. Indy has been really good with her, people, and other animals. He only whines or barks a bit when I leave him. Have you had a dog do this? I'd love some tips to help him realize that when I leave that I am coming back. I've been going out for a bit, hanging outside the door, and waiting on him to stop whining or barking before I come back in, just to build up the trust.
I prayed that I would find the perfect dog for us and I am pretty sure we did!
11 comments
Absolutely! Just hover over either picture you want and pin away. So happy to be a dog owner again! :)
Oh, Wendy!!!!! That last picture!!!! He will know you're coming back in time, once he gets used to everythin, and knows you are his Mommy. Considering he was roaming the streets, but is house trained and knows about wearing a leash, apparently someone left him. So he probably has trust issues. Thank you for sharing this - it truly made my night!!!! xo
Oh. My. God. He is such a cutie! I just got a puppy here in SF and it's my first time having a dog. It's made me realize that dogs are so precious! Congrats on the newest addition to your family!
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. Indy is absolutely adorable!!!
Amy @ http://nystateofmind5.blogspot.com/
Aww, hello new friend! I can see why you picked him, he looks so sweet.
I'm thinking because Border Terriers are escape artists, that he might have gotten away from his last owner. I'm also thinking that it might have been a woman, because he's been much more attached to me than my husband. Hoping to get him past his separation anxiety soon, because he whines and pulls out anything he can that has my scent on it. Breaks my heart!
How is Buffy? Can you take her out yet? And how are you liking life in SF? I'd love to go there one day. So picturesque!
Thanks, Amy!
Right?! All of the dogs there were cute, but I saw him and just knew. And he makes friends wherever he goes! :)
She is doing well! She can finally go outside now so we are slowly getting her used to walking on a leash :) You should totally come to SF at some point, there is so much to do!
Congrats on your new addition! Love his name. :-)
Our pup had/has separation anxiety as well. It's not nearly as bad now, but it took some work. Here's a link to help: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/separation-anxiety
Crate training was definitely helpful for us. It's not necessarily about keeping them locked up when you're gone, but making sure they have a safe space just for them.
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