My wife and I just got a new (old) dog. Not too newsworthy, right?
Our dog, an eight-year-old beagle, recently acquired from the Talbot Humane Society (THS), is a stray. We know nothing about its history. She came to THS from the Caroline Humane Society, which had too many beagles, so we understand. When advertised in The Star Democrat, she was Gladys. Now she is Sadie, my grandmother’s name. No resemblance—just a name.
Sadie seems unsettled, ill at ease and very shy. Who knows what her life was as a stray? Was she in continual fear? Was she abused?
She also doesn’t bark. That’s not a bad thing.
We just returned from spending Thanksgiving in Rehoboth, DE, where she seemingly, at least briefly, came out of her shell. She enjoyed exploring the large beach house. She loved our grandchildren, at least initially. She got along with Max, my daughter’s big Black Lab.
Then she retreated upstairs for most of our visit, commandeering Max’s bed.
It’s tough to understand Sadie’s behavior. She probably has the same problem with us.
It’s been nearly two weeks since Gladys became Sadie. We need more time to determine if we have a good family fit. Liz and I have agreed to be patient.
A good sign would be a wagging tail. Not one constantly between her legs.
..
Lois and Robert Hamilton says
Dear Howard and Mrs –
We saw Gladys on the internet and fell in love with her too.
Wasn’t right time, but we seriously considered adoption.
We hope so much she will fit in with your family. We have found it takes a while for our adopted pets to trust and feel comfortable.
Do keep us informed. L.
Alan Boisvert says
It sounds as if Sadie is on trial with her new owner. Another way to look at it is you saved a
this dog from death. Be proud of that and make the best of what she gives to you. She was a rescue,
you knew that going in. You have no idea what’s going on in this poor little dogs head. Sadie
should be testing you, not the other way around. Some dogs are naturally shy all their lives.
So some reading.
Ann Jacobs says
As the guardian of 4 rescue dogs, I can only say – be patient. Sometimes they come out of their shell within weeks – sometimes months. She will settle down, but it will be on her terms. Whatever she experienced before will lessen as she learns what it means to be loved and cared for unconditionally. You gave her the gift of life when you rescued her. Treasure the times to come with your fur baby.
Nancy and Larry Young says
Congratulations on your new furry friend and thank you for taking her into your home. Six weeks ago we adopted a shelter dog that was 4 years old. Like Sadie we do not know her background and it took her a while to come out of her shell. She is so very loving and follows Larry every where he goes but it did take her time to make the adjustment. She still gets anxious when he leaves and doesn’t take her with him. We took her with us to Pittsburgh to visit our grand kids and then to the beach for Thanksgiving. She is a very good traveler. Please be patient and give Sadie time to adjust, you will be glad you did. Please keep us all posted.
Suzi Peel says
What a beautiful photo of pure love and TLC, and you have written with such empathy about getting to know one another – across species in this case.
Thanks Howard!
Liz Freedlander says
Looking at the photo of the woman holding the dog, gives you a pretty a good idea that this pet is a good fit for our family and is not going anywhere. The following data related to the author of this piece would indicate he agrees: spending Sunday sawing landscape timbers to fit along the inside of our picket fence yard to insure that Sadie can not dig her way out again; not saying a word about a vet bill yesterday of $240 which included antibiotics for infected ears and tacitly agreeing to a future oral surgery bill that could be more than $1,000 to manage Sadie’s very damaged teeth and gums.
I think he is a softy.