As if life could get any crazier, Astro has been with me for almost two weeks now. He is my major buddy-pal and an absolute sweetheart, but we are deep into training to help us get off to a strong start and moreover, to try and remedy some of the guy’s fears and stresses after three years in a Pennsylvania puppy mill. I am capturing Astro’s first year here in a 365 days set over on flickr, updated with his progress daily. His big accomplishments in our first 12 days together: No more accidents in the house… he learned to go up and down the stairs right away… after some training, he now goes out the side door to do his business by himself … he will “sit” very nicely… and he will leap our dining room steps down on demand like an agility champ. Our big challenge: After some initial success taking walks, he has become super afraid of being outside and just shakes like a leaf when we try to walk on a leash. We think he may have been in a cage or very confined quarters most of his life. I’m working with him several times a day to help him overcome the fear. I am confident we will make good progress, but it will take time.
The Astro Chronicles
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Peter in Jax says
Pam – the key is to truly be patient, which it sounds like you are. Abused dogs have been conditioned to respond in what we would consider to be a negative way. Reconditioning the response works in time, but there are times when the old response comes to the fore, particularly when the dog is stressed. We have two Catahoula Leopard Dog mixes and the small one was an incredible challenge that way. She is now delightful, but the does revert to old behaviors at times when she is afraid or unsure.
handyandy says
Astro’s ‘real’ life has begun now that you have him. A lucky dog, indeed. We adopted a severely abused cat several years ago….the emotional scars have faded, but will never be gone. Hope your luck is better~
Barbara says
I love the pic of him in the comfy bed. It’s probably the first he’s ever had.
Thank you for taking in a rescue…it’s so rewarding.
___
Barbara
RetroSandie says
Congrats Pam on beginning a life of love with Astro! BTW, I love the name you chose. Perfect! Best of luck but I am sure you will win him over. Little by little his doggie personality will come out proving your patience so worthwhile.
Alice says
Good for you Pam! We have a Springer Spaniel that we rescued and we are in love. Astro is so lucky to have a good home with patient, attentive you! Question: when Astro lets himself out to use the “outhouse” how do you keep your floors and furniture clean when he lets himself back in? (We have a hard stop at the back door so we can wipe off paws; I’d love a new system!)
Margaret Roach says
Um, is that a *vintage* doggie sweater? That last photo is hilarious. I’d say the blessings are mutual in this new relationship — he got rescued and you got a new buddy to get you away from the computer sometimes (pot calling the kettle black on that last bit…maybe I need an Astro). Big love to you both.
pam kueber says
Ha, Margaret. Funny you should ask because I have an idea for a doggy sweater product already. Trying to convince Denise (of miniature schnauzer- and Astro-rescue fame) and also is an artist who makes beautiful sewn creations, to make the prototype. Another one of pammy’s gazillion ideas. I need nine lives — like your cat Jack!
Susan Croft says
Hi, found your website a few weeks ago and love it. Yeah to you for saving Astro! I am a groomer and see many puppy mill dogs and some are so damaged. With love and patience they are the best pals. The puppy mill situation is horrible (don’t get me started!). Good luck to you. I’m renovating my pink bathroom so your website has been great. Thanks again!
sablemable says
Pam, all of our furkids have been rescues, but the one that was abused the most was one of my female Rotties, Diamond. We think she had been beaten with a leash and was so scared of it that she’d get down and crawl on her belly. What I did in her situation was take her out every day for a few minutes, put the leash on her and when she started belly crawling, I’d have her get into the sit position and comfort her (petting her gently and talking softly to her). Then I’d take the leash off and we’d go in. I also made a lot of happy sounds about going for a walk After a while she looked forward to going out with the leash on. These poor little souls don’t know who to trust when they come into a home, but you are showing love to Astro and he senses it. He will soon learn that you, the leash and the yard can be trusted thoroughly. Good job!
pam kueber says
Sablemable – thanks for that advice! I’ll work in your tips. I’m so happy to hear that it IS possible to get beyond this, I was kind of worried. And thanks, Susan, for your support. Hey, I used to say “some people save dogs” and “some people save pink bathrooms.” We can do both!
CindyD says
What a great face! Looks like you have a great buddy. Your patience with him will pay off in spades!
Michael in Worthington says
Glad to hear about the progress. He sounds like such a sweetie! You’re his hero for giving him a real home!