The trainer came yesterday and evaluated Sunny and we talked at length about his issues and his good qualities.I appreciated her candor and respected her opinions as she helped me to articulate what I've been feeling about Sunny since he came to us. Having a dog that you care about trying to bite you and growling at you is literally a visceral slam to your gut. Your heart feels a betrayal of trust by a canine that you are very fond of and you feel a rip deep in your soul. The behavior issues that Sunny has are not ones that can be solved. Yes, exercises and training could be done to help lengthen his short fuse. But he refuses to wear a harness (believe me, we've tried) and so in the moments of every day life when his collar is accidentally grabbed to keep him from taking something, or you simply ask him to stop what he's intent on doing, it will be difficult if not impossible to avoid being bitten by him--And experience is starting to prove that will happen. Because of this, it's the feeling of the trainer and mine as well, that Sunny cannot and should not be placed up for adoption to the general public.
Based on the evaluation given by the trainer, the decisions about Sunny's future are being discussed by the board of directors of the rescue. I've spoken at length to my contact on the board and my recommendations are also part of the discussion. The decisions about his future will not be easy to make. But for tonight and this moment, the future seems so far away. Right now he is sleeping at my feet. His body, legs and eyes are twitching and there are short woofs and whines as he dreams. And I find myself so fervently hoping that in that place that I cannot see, that his fears and the scars that have become a part of him in this life are gone and that he is free.
Oh Kim!! :````-(( My heart is breaking for you... for Sunny... for everyone on the board of the rescue group. How hard. How terribly hard this must be for you.
ReplyDeleteSunny needs an experienced dog person to live with... one where he will be the only dog & one where he will be understood. We rescued a Chow who sounds very similar to Sunny. We rescued him from drowning in our neighbor's swimming pool. He was heartworm positive, we spent our entire tax return check that year in getting him treatment plus neutering & vaccinations & such... only to hit a brick wall in finding a home for him.
Francis fit well into our family except for one issue...he did NOT like our 2-year-old daughter. Our children have all grown up with animals & believe me, they have all been taught from a very early age how to treat animals with respect. Our little Bailey LOVED Francis & never ever did anything to hurt him. But boy oh boy, for the 2 weeks he was in our home, he was sending signal after signal that he did not like our little Caboose in his presence. Low growling ramped up to loud growling ramped up to ever so slightly showing teeth ramped up to really bearing his teeth ramped up to backing her into a corner without the slightest provocation. Francis was never alone with anyone or anything the entire time he was with us, so I had my eye on him constantly.
He was 24 hours away from being euthanized because, try as we did, we could not find an educated home for him... a home where he could be accepted for what he was & the hang-ups he had. Then *finally* the perfect home was found... a single gal 40 years old, childless.
Francis lived out his years with her & never caused her one problem. She loved to take long walks on the beach & at first Francis would never get near the water (probably due to his near drowning incident) but over the years he frolicked at the water's edge with glee.
I will pray, my friend, that a perfect home can be found for Sunny. There's one out there... it's just a matter of it being discovered.
Blessings & prayers~ Andrea
XOXOXOXOXO
Oh Sunny, what you must have had to endure before you came to Golden Pines. Just know that whatever is decided, it is with love and compassion. Something that is new to you. OUr hearts cry for whatever has happened and hope that there is a forever home for you somewhere.
ReplyDeleteLove
Bert and My Vickie
i am sorry that there is not hope for rehabilitation. truly. i can only hope a situation will present itself as an alternative for him. i know this is terribly hard on you.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to hear that Sunny had such a cloudy past to make him so reactive. I hope you all can find him the perfect home, but know that might not be possible either.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Oh Dog this is heart breaking. I too hope that in those dreams they are one that are sweet and worry free. He is such a dear. I know what decisions that need to be made are for Sunny's best interest. I've said it before and I know I will say it again....bless you Kim for your selfless caring soul.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
Oh Kim this makes us so sad especially after attending a Rescue event over the weekend. We met many senior Goldens. Sending you Lots of Golden LOVE.
ReplyDeleteOh Kim
ReplyDeleteI know how your heart is feeling crushed as you realize how things really are right now in Sunny's world.
You tried and I know you would do anything to make him all better.
Our hearts are with you.
xoxoxo
Oh my goodness Kim! This is such a difficult decision! My heart breaks for what Sunny went through in his prior years. My only hope is that the people that have treated any animal badly get what is coming to them. Sunny and you will both be in my prayers. A friend just had to give her dog back to the rescue group where he came from. He had been with her for five years...but the teeth baring and growling ramped up and he broke the skin on her grandson's arm and that very tough decision had to be made. Bless you Kim for caring so deeply for these wonderful souls!
ReplyDeleteWe hope he's having sweet dreams, too. What a life he must have had to continue the behaviour when he's safe and loved...
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
I can see its a heart-breaker, Kim, but I really have to take some hope from Andrea's letter and hope rescue can find that special person for Sunny. Hopes and prayers for Sunny who has had too much hurting over the years.
ReplyDeleteJo
I understand that this is a very difficult time for you...but was wondering if in the interim could you possibly try a harness on Sunny? Have him wear it all the time, 24/7, and that way if you have to re-direct him away from something tempting or perhaps dangerous you could quickly grab the harness, instead of the collar. Just a thought, to buy you some time.
ReplyDeleteSuch a difficult situation, with many issues to try and balance up. I know you will all do your best for Sunny, like you always do.x
ReplyDeleteKim, this is so sad, and hard, for you and all involved, and for Sunny too. I'm sure that there is a loving home out there for him, just like Andrea said. He deserves so much, and right now you are giving him it all. He will know this, but whatever happened all those years ago is ingrained in his mind. What is in his loving heart will be in his dreams too. Much love, as I think of you in the weeks ahead. Greetings, Jean.
ReplyDeletePoor Sunny... :(
ReplyDeleteHow sad that poor Sunny is going through this and you and CArl as well. I am sure it feels like a punch in the gut. I go through that sometimes with Roscoe. I am with him all day, made him his foods, play with him, take him with me where ever he can come and yet when my husband gets home from work, I am no longer existing to him. I feel like a punch to my gut has been given. But it is all good, he does come to me when he is not feeling well or scared of the thunder and rain.
ReplyDeleteHope that you can find a good and positive solution to Sunny's life.
Ana
It breaks my heart that something in his past has made him behave this way. How can people do that to animals....it defies belief. I love the idea of his freedom in dreams, poor love. I wonder what will become of him. So pleased he's safe with you now.
ReplyDeleteKim, I know how difficult this is. However, as I mentioned before, Copper HAD issues...aggressive behavior...when he came to us at 10 months old, compounded by once again being mistreated when he vanished from our yard in VA and was gone for nine days. He returned, starved and even more aggressive when anyone tried to pet him. He is now a luv muffin!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteMorning Kim, my heart is heavy for you and sweet Sunny, who knows what terrible abuse he went through....so sad, pray you both find a good solution, Blessings Francine.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about this. Someone has injured Sunny deeply. I wish people would pay attention to what they are doing to their animals. I hope you can find someone, to love him as he is, a sweet understanding person - with a fenced in yard and collar would not be an issue.
ReplyDeleteCould you get a harness on him if he were sedated? Maybe he could wear it and learn to get used to it. The poor guy was obviously abused and it's heartbreaking to think that his scars can't heal with the right home and given time. Sending you good thoughts and hugs.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, problems problems! I do hope a good resolution is found for Sunny. He looks such a nice golden.
ReplyDeleteI had this problem with Tinker --do you remember Kim???
ReplyDeleteYes she was the only one dog that ever bit me and a lot more then once--it broke my heart!!
You've always known that these Goldens you rescue have a bag full of issues when they come to you. Seldom do they result is aggression and biting. Kim, you are handling this exactly right. There is someone out there that Sunny will thrive with. Bless you for giving him a sanctuary and a chance at a normal life. Dogs have that capacity to heal emotional and behavioral scars - they just need the right medicine. Without GP, Sunny would be cast off and forgotten. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteKim... a thought that just came to me as I'm sitting here, thinking & praying about Sunny....
ReplyDeleteHas anyone thought about tranquilizers for Sunny?
I'm trying to think of the "perfect scenario" for Sunny:
~ A home with a 6-ft fence & access to that area from the house.
~ No need to wear a collar at all.
~ An owner who has "connections" with other animal groups or a kind-hearted vet. In other words, someone who could come to the new owner's house & give Sunny any vaccinations he might need, etc. without him having to be taken anywhere.
~ A daily tranquilizer mixed with his food, to take away some of his anxiety & to get him to relax a little bit.
Over time I'm sure the collar anxiety would leave him but even if it didn't, in a home like the one I've described, he wouldn't need to have a collar on.
There's GOT to be an experienced rescue person (maybe someone retired from rescue work) who would be willing to work with him for awhile. I personally wouldn't put "all my eggs into one basket" handed to me by one behavioral specialist. Yes, Sunny can not be offered up for a general adoption but boy, other than the collar issue, he seems to be just fine for an experienced person who is willing to go the extra mile.
Being slightly sedated everyday is better than not living at all, especially since he's older to begin with.
I'd love to get ahold of the person who did this to him. *sigh*
Love you & am praying~ Andrea
XOXOXOXO
PS~ One of our Standard Poodles was a counter surfer. He was tall enough & big enough to get anything he wanted off the kitchen counter or dinner table. So for 14 years I just made sure I left nothing within his reach. My kitchen counters have never been so neat & tidy since, as when Mozart was alive. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou touched a lot of raw spots with this post. Sebastian cries in his sleep every night. It breaks my heart to think about what this gentle sweet animal has experienced. Someone or something injured him and we're still trying to fix the physical damage. Who knows what mental damage has been done?
ReplyDeleteSydney's fate is also under discussion. She has a short temper and I've been badly bitten. She doesn't get along as well with the other dogs as we'd like either. I think she'd do best in a home with no other pets and no children but I so hate to give up on her.
We know whatever the decision, that it was made by people who love Sunny and want the best for him.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs,
Sam
Such a heartbreaking story. I know in my heart there is a perfect home out there for Sunny...I pray he finds it.
ReplyDeleteHow hard this situation is Kim and I know how it hurts it you.
ReplyDeleteLike Andrea said, I think there must be some place for Sunny, but it would have to be the perfect place.
I was remembering when Delilah came to us, she would only allow us to rub her chest. She never sought attention or liked to be touched anywhere else. BUT over time, with lots of patience and building of trust she now comes to us and actively seeks to have her ears rubbed or her butt scratched. It's something I've kind of taken for granted as it happened so gradually but reading about Sunny has really made me realize how far we've come.
I'll be praying the right opportunity presents itself to Sunny.
This just makes me sick inside. Poor Sunny. I pray for healing for this dog and hope for the best. I will never understand how people can be so mean.
ReplyDeleteThis makes us so sad. We are praying for only the best for him and for you. We know that whatever decision is made will be the best one for him.
ReplyDeleteOh damn this post is so hard to read and it must have been a hundred times worse to write...it's so awful when you realize that no matter what best efforts you use some problems just can't be fixed...My heart goes out to you and to Sunny today
ReplyDeleteI am sending hugs your way. I know the right decision will be made, no matter how hard it may be
ReplyDeleteStop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI understand the heartbreak of having a dog you love and facing the biting issues. Don't let it go too far. The last fight I broke up between Arabelle and Hanna almost landed me in the hospital when my finger joint got infected. Of course, your options aren't as good as mine. I was able to place Arabelle in a new, loving home.
My heart always gets very heavy to see a dog so insecure that it cannot trust the person who loves n cares for him. I believe a dog always knows. That is why it is so heartbreaking that in spite of knowing he cannot overcome his fear. There is no knowing what atrocities a dog must have endured to become so... how so very sad.
ReplyDeleteYes Kim, I do hope that in his dreams at least he is in a happy place.
Sunny might do well with being an only dog, in a home where he will know love and nothing else...prayers he finds his home...
Hope you are having a good week..
Sad to hear, Kim. *hugs* ♥
ReplyDeleteDo you think a soft chest harness would help like the ones Puppia makes? There is no need for anything around the neck and all the pressure is on the chest and the leash hooks up is on the mid back. Maybe some herbal remedies could be considered--one vet I have used in the past was homeopathic with very good results. We have our paws crossed for a solution.
ReplyDeleteWhat a heart wrenching post. Sunny in name, if only he could be helped to be Sunny in nature too, free from all his anxieties.
ReplyDeleteHoping, as so many of your readers, for a good outcome.
Cheers, Gail.
Oh dear Kim, I am so sorry to hear about Sunny's troubles :( My mother has also had to face similar situations and difficult decisions when she was involved with German Shepherd rescue. A few of the dogs that were problem dogs she kept herself since she is a qualified trainer and could handle them, but that could not always be an option. I will keep you and Sunny in my prayers and hope that a solution that is best for everyone, but especially Sunny, is found.
ReplyDeletePlease don't give up on Sunny.
ReplyDeleteI wish there was something I could suggest Kim, to help Sunny let go of his past -- but I know you are much more knowledgeable about these things than I and have no doubt tried everything you know.
ReplyDeleteHoping for some divine intervention at this point. Hugs.
I do not know what this pup must of suffered that took away his gentle nature. This saddens me and my peep. Prayers for you, Sunny, and the board.
ReplyDeleteAroo to you,
Sully
I so hope that Sunny is free of his demons while he dreams. And, I hope that somehow, some way, there's a place that it's safe for him to live. He sure looks like he has a sweet heart, and it's just been terrified by what has happened to him in his life. I feel certain that he is in hands that are trying to figure out the best thing for him.
ReplyDeleteThere will be someone who fits the bill.
ReplyDeleteHow sad, first that Sunny was so mistreated. Very unusual for a Golden Retriever to act this way. Secondly, is the outcome of his behavior. I have been there with a mixed lab, to the point we were actually scared of the dog. It would be a happy ending if someone was found that could handle Sunny. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Kim! I hope you'll get a good and happy solution. Sunny looks so innocent and vulnerable when he's sleeping. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm late to this post, Kim. My heart is full of sadness for you and especially for Sunny - it is so unfair that he bears these scars, through no fault of his own. How difficult for you to be involved in these decisions about his future, and how truly, truly wonderful it is that you can separate out these learned survival behaviours from the precious creature that he is. Much love to you, Kim.
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteJust catching up on some blog post and wanted to say I know how much your heart is breaking over Sunny.
I feel so bad for a dog that must have been badly treated that it still bears the scars and can't seem to get over it. It would be hard to make this decision but I would always be afraid of being bitten or worst someone else.
I hope you have a great time away and that being around your family will lift up your spirits.
Oh how heart breaking for you and for Sunny. Couldn't he get medication like dog Prozac? I've heard of that but know nothing about it.
ReplyDeleteHi Y'all!
ReplyDeleteSigh...I've been reading the many posts I've missed...you were really between a rock and a hard place with Sunny. Since I already know how things turned out, I'm sure that the "pack" and a quiet loving family will make a huge difference in his life.
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog