02/06/2024
I've not shared much about our journey with Gandalf but here it goes. Gandalf is from our first litter (born July 2021) and has been back with us for almost 6 months. He was returned to us because his former family had recently had a human baby and said Gandalf was uncooperative and grumpy toward his dad since the baby was born and even though they waited it out for several months, he hadn't gotten over it. (I don't want this post to end up being about them!)
My overall assessment is that he was very insecure and untrusting. Not sure how to receive positive and loving attention, constantly nervous peeing, always acting like he was in trouble, terrified of just about everything- car rides, new doorways & surfaces, unsure of all treats and toys we offered, uncomfortable with most interactions, and very apprehensive of new people but especially men. He was not a happy secure dog.
When we got him to our house it took over 6 hours to get him to come inside and only because he let his guard down enough for us to lift and scoot him in. Another several hours before he would make another move. At 3am I had finally dozed off on the couch and I felt him nudge my hand. That was the beginning. I pet him for a few minutes and then began hand feeding him. He finally ate - his entire meal had to come out of my hand but that was ok. He also finally drink some water after I used my fingers to rub some water on his gums for him to get a taste. I had to make paths out of blankets to get him to move from the spot he planted himself. And that's how we've moved forward ever since. I'm just there & ready whenever he's ready for me.
I know our first order of business was not going to be pleasant. We needed to get him to the vet - he was overdue for everything and it was time for his neuter & gastropexy. I had spoken to our vet before bringing him home so they knew what to expect and were ready for him. So on day 2 we coaxed him and used the handle on his harness to "help" him into the car (the floorboard of a sedan was as far as he would go) and headed to the vet. Even with all the preliminary calming meds and initial sedation he was so scared and stressed that his adrenaline burned off all the meds so fast that it was a lot for them to get him "under" for the vaccinations and to do the surgery- lots of fear aggression towards the vet & techs. Because it was such a traumatic experience, I was honestly afraid that he would be aggressive towards me when I picked him up. But he wasn't. I could see the trust and relief on his face when I picked him up from surgery. I made a bed for us and slept on the floor with him for 2 weeks while he healed. He slowly went from sleeping near me to cuddling up to me and finally to snuggling with me and laying his head on me. He has come so far and is such a good boy!! We have taught him to trust. We have shown him how to play and to snuggle. He knows how much he is loved and he is happy. We go slow and celebrate his accomplishments. It took over a month of desensitization but he will now, willingly, jump in our SUV. He took his first ride over the weekend. I sat in the back with him and he was nervous but eventually even laid down. It was a short ride that was rewarded with ice cream but it was a huge step for him. Especially since once we got home, he jumped back in and out of the SUV on his own. Maybe after a few car rides we can make a few trips to the vet just to say hello and get some treats!
I could not have helped Gandalf this much if it weren't for my husband and kids. They have also stepped up and been there for him and dealt with a lot of "constructive criticism" from me in the process π¬ My husband and son have done an amazing job of earning his trust despite his appreciation of men and it hasn't been easy. As you can see in the pictures, my son has created quite the bond with Gandalf (But I'm still his favorite π) π₯°
I am so proud of Gandalf!! As heartbreaking as it is that he was not placed with a family that would make his forever a priority, I am forever grateful to have the chance to get it right for him now πΎπ©Ά