Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Jan 27, 2013 - 09:08am PT
The growth under Maddie's lip has returned...it's a bit bigger than it was a few months ago, when it was removed and diagnosed as melanoma. I'm in something of a quandary as to do anything about this one- it doesn't seem to be bothering her much (she eats ok, though she can't do a wide-open yawn), and the effects of the last surgery were short-lived.
I've been looking around for another Rat Terrier, too...digging around Rescue Groups and foster homes, preferably in the local area. Maddie was a rescue dog, but came to me via my sister. Though I'm committed to adopting an adult dog, I'm a bit dubious, too- I really want to be sure they are a good fit before making the leap. How does one do that with rescue dogs?
Golden Gate Lab Rescue has a policy that every adoption is "pending". Meaning that after a reasonable time, usually a week or so, sometimes up to a month, if the adoption is not a "fit" the dog is returned to the rescue organization. We've had dogs go out and be returned and moved on to another family and it was ideal, and the surrender adopter then finding the next dog a perfect match! It's very much like adult human relationships, what can appear to be so promising, just doesn't work out. It becomes better for both to move on. Unlike a puppy you raise from puppyhood, we never know for sure if a rescue will fit into a particular situation and commitment ability of the owner. Doesn't mean the dog is "bad" or the adopter is "not committed" just that the relationship and situation isn't a match. GGLR also has a policy that even after a successful adoption if months or years later the dog must be surrendered back to them if circumstances change...such as a move, an owner dying etc. Check out the policies of the group you may rescue from and it may address your concerns of an adoption that doesn't "fit". It's very hard on adopters when it doesn't work, but it's much more stressful and difficult for the animal to be maintained in a situation where its just not working because of the guilt of the adopter. There are other homes that will be a better fit and the animal's needs must come first.
Good luck with Maddie, tough stuff, tough stuff indeed. I'm glad she's comfortable. Give her hugs from me and the menagerie of critters I currently have!
Good luck with adding to your family, also!
On the plane this morning, I saw an interesting news segment on findings (about how freaking smart dogs are) out of the Duke Dog Cognition Lab. Here is a link to a similar story and a video I found on YouTube with the investigator.
^^^funny to hear the start of that tv show after hearing the Duke researcher note that the science is debunking the idea of man creating dog in his image. And, really provocative to consider breeding in light of the point that evolutionary anthro theorists now think dogs chose people and not vice versa.
Looking forward to being lulled to sleep by a babbling brook, beneath a canopy of stars, on the perfect mushed out pad, and waking up with my dog.
DRL Compound, W. Line.
Let us know!