Yesterday started as a wonderful day. The day to get our new pup. To get Sophie's playmate after a month of her being alone. It was also Annie's birthday which gave us great comfort that we were doing the right thing. We got to the adoption office and filled out all of the paperwork. Then they brought her in. Kimba. What a beautiful and playful puppy she is. She gave everyone kisses and jumps and wiggled all over the office.
I had taken some dry food in a baggie to hand feed her to make sure she wasn't aggressive. She was great with it. She was also starving. Only weighed 48lbs and every rib showed. We finished up everything and after taking her by the vet for her microchip we came on home. She rode in the truck like a pro. Mostly in my lap and looking over the seat to make sure Steph was back there. We were all so happy and felt good for having been able to give this sweetness a good home.
Then we got home. We changed her collar immediately since she had on a very weak one. We fed and watered her then let Sophie come out and meet her. Kimba immediately started to fight Sophie. We corrected her and tried again. The same thing happened. We thought it was because she had not eaten enough so we let her eat some more and them put the food up. We brought her in the house but every time Sophie would come up to her she would either growl or try to fight her. We realized very quickly that she has a very bad food aggression.
To make a long and very disappointing story short, we will not be able to keep Kimba. She will make someone a great pet but she needs to be an only pet. They had told us that she played really well with other dogs but that was not what we experienced.
I sent an email to the SPCA to let them know what had happened and needed to know what we could do. I hate it so much. We so much wanted to give her a home and keep her forever. But food aggression is something that has to be corrected before an animal is adoptable. I can't risk Sophie being hurt or worse yet Abby or Leah being hurt. So she will go back and they will find her a home. They are a no kill shelter so I feel good about that part. Other than that I feel so bad. She can't help the way she is. Kimba is a gorgeous animal that was used as a puppy making machine. I don't think she is a year old yet and she has obviously had puppies. I will be sure to ask them to let us know when she gets a home.
We will eventually get another dog but it will be sure to be a puppy. It might be a while though. Sophie will have to get past this incident. She will be ok of course, but we won't push it.
We tried...we really did.
16 comments:
I am really sorry, but I completely understand. You are so right--aggression of any kind is not to be tolerated because of liability to humans and to Sophie. I think that you did the right thing as hard as it was on you.
Unfortunately, the shelter didn't do a good job of screening her. Perhaps there will be a dog that has already been fostered through Boxer rescue.
Oh honey it doesn't always work, even with the best intentions. If it makes you feel any better you know most places won't put 2 female boxers together. Ever. No boxer rescue will place or foster females together. Your family with your 2 girls is a rarity. As a general rule females will kill each other, and no I don't know why. You can put 10 boxer males in a house and they'll get along dandy fine but the girls? No. This is why I only have 1 bitch in my house. She only rules the roost when the boys get obnoxious but I've seen her when she puts them down. They don't question her authority when she delves it out. Maybe you should try looking for a male. They are really much easier to deal with when introducing a new dog. Sophie will have less problems putting one in his place. Trust me on this, I have way more dog behavioral experience than one person really needs.
You'll find another puppy, that will be just the right fit for your family. Don't get discouraged -it will work out!
You are doing the best thing for your family.
You tried ,that is all you can do
I can only imagine how hard that must have been, but you did the right thing. I hope that they will be able to help train her to get over her aggression.
bummer.
There is a home waiting for Kimba. And there is one on the way for you.
How disappointed you must be! I admire you so much for doing the right thing. For Sophie, for your family. When the right puppy comes along, you'll know there was a reason for this.
Ah, it's too bad the shelter didn't tell you about her food/resource aggression before you adopted Kimba. You can feel better knowing they are a no kill shelter. Puppy mill dogs can come with so many issues some of which they can overcome with tons of patience, consistency and a long time. We have had several puppy mill boxers come into our rescue.
There's a dog out there waiting for you and when the time is right you will find each other. :-)
I'm so sorry Kimba didn't work out. You did the right thing. I believe things happen for a reason. The right baby will show up when you least expect it.
HUGS!
Oh, I know how disappointed you guys must be. What a shame.
Bummer. But you did the right thing for all concerned.
Dan
Sad news, but you have a good outlook on it. She wasn't the right dog for you, and her forever home is still out there. I'm glad you guys tried. Keep us posted on the search. The right pup will come along when it is time! ;)
I am so sorry TB! I know how it is with the dog to dog aggression, and you made the right choice. Dogs that have been starved can have food aggression, and I am so sorry that Sopie had to experience that.
Hopefully Kimba will find a good, loving home.
That happens. At least you saw it now and not after you attached yourself to this dog....a puppy will be great...sophie will take right to it....i will talk to you when we get back..headed out and will be gone 10 days!!!
Michelle is right. Two female Boxers together is not a good idea. I've seen it before - they're very aggressive toward eachother. So sorry this didn't work out and I hope Kimba finds a suitable home soon. You must be so disappointed but you made the right decision.
Maybe you can adopt a male Boxer when the right on comes along.
Linda and Chef
Post a Comment