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Search Results for: rehabilitating ricky

REHABILITATING RICKY

September 2, 2013 | 61 Comments

in hiding

in hiding

The girls at the front desk told me ‘he’s not friendly, be careful.’

I worked my way down the list of names before finally reaching him.  In the cage was a ‘hide-a-box’ and in the ‘hide-a-box’ was Ricky.  Quietly passing another day, perhaps resigned to the idea that this was to be his fate.

I opened the cage door and he leaned further back into the box: his shelter within the shelter.  I assured him that I wasn’t going to hurt him; I only wanted to take some photos of him for his adoption profile, so we could find him a loving, forever home.  He would not be coaxed out of the box.

When I had my photos, I thanked him and attempted to give him a little fuss.  Slowly, I reached toward him, treat in hand.  As my arm reached the box, Ricky hissed, and growled.  Standing on guard in his tiny cardboard box; he reached out and wildly tore at the flesh of my arm.  I looked into his beautiful green, almost yellow eyes and saw fear, anger, and most obvious – pain.  Ricky was suffering emotionally.  I could not, in good conscience walk away from this cat.

After discussions with the shelter supervisor, and my husband, I took Ricky home and began the process of rehabilitation: working to socialize him and build his trust.

I made Ricky comfortable in our laundry room: a large room with ample space for bed, food and water, and his litter box.  The space was hardly an issue, as Ricky chose to spend his time wedged behind the washing machine.  Even when it was on, he would not come out from his hiding place.  As I folded laundry, I would carry on ‘one-sided’ conversations.  At breakfast and dinner times, I would sit by the laundry tub next to the food and talk to him.

After a couple of weeks, I decided it was time to initiate the second phase of rehabilitation: tough love.  I put his food down, picked up the broom, and gently manipulated Ricky out from behind the washing machine.  I gave him space, sitting more than a few feet from him and I spoke to him over his moaning and groaning, for as long as I could before he ‘high-tailed’ it back to safety.  He would not eat his food in front of me.

Another week passed.  As soon as he saw the broom, and without needing persuasion, Ricky would give me a look of repugnance and make his way to the side of the washing machine.  He would sit, under the laundry tub, biding time until I left him in peace.  He had only just stopped moaning at me during this process.  That would start again soon enough!  This week, I decided to attempt contact.  As I spoke with Ricky, I told him of my intention to reach out to him.  The forewarning didn’t help.  Again, the hissing, moaning, scratching, and even the occasional bite ensued.  I powered through, moving away only after successfully imposing the positive version of a ‘scratch’ on top of his head, behind his ear, or under his chin.  I ensured that he knew where my hand was, at all times, by keeping it in full view, in front of him.  No sudden approach from behind that would frighten him.  I believed, establishing this physical connection was vital to gaining Ricky’s trust.  This week seemed the most difficult of the process, and although the next couple was not without a few war wounds, I felt I was winning the battle.

Over the following weekend, we were away for five days, and my dad stayed with the furries.  My dad accepted the challenge whole-heartedly: he too, a lover of animals had developed a soft spot for Ricky.  Success was his!  Upon our return, we learned that Ricky was not only eating in front of my dad, he would take the occasional treat from his hand!  This was great progress.

I decided to take away his refuge, and moved Ricky into the guest bathroom.  I left the door open, and secured a baby-gate across it (to keep Henry and Reese out).  He spent most of this week behind the toilet; however, he would come out when we arrived with food and would greet us verbally.  Ricky no longer hissed, and rarely did he swat us when contact was made.  In fact, he would occasionally purr!

As I wandered downstairs to serve dinner one day, the following week, I caught the ‘tail end’ of Ricky sailing over the gate.  I tried to contain my excitement and remain calm.  One morning, as I made my way to the coffee-maker, in a zombie-like state, I caught a glimpse of the little lion as he flew back down the stairs.  I removed the gate.

The process of integration was not seamless.  Although Charlie; our senior feline, had dealt with many additions to the family, and guests, her patience was running thin.  Henry and Reese; our small puppy-mill rescues, displayed herding tendencies (thankfully not predatory): they chased Ricky, would scruff him gently, and when he slid from their grasp, the chase would begin again.   So, now we needed to work with the dogs as well as continue our work with Ricky.

The next few weeks were a mix of emotions and a continuous test of will and faith.  During this time, Ricky found his confidence and learned how much fun can be had with dog toys.

The sound of his purr now fills the room and if the dogs get too frisky, he stands his ground and will give them a little smack.  Reese chooses to ignore him and Henry will engage in what is now more ‘play’, than rough-housing between the boys.  Often, it is Ricky that initiates the game.

Like so many beautiful beings sitting in their cages, Ricky had a rough start in life.  Finding themselves’ homeless and without companionship, some will lose hope, and give up.  I have seen that empty look in the eyes of far too many and it breaks my heart.

Let’s not give up on them.  We can make a profound difference in their lives: with the dedication of time, patience and a whole lot of love.  Please consider fostering or adopting.  In my opinion, there is nothing in the world more rewarding than witnessing such transformation.

GAC 2013-08-11 005

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Categories: HAPPY TALES & TRIBUTES Tagged: Foster, Hope, Love, Trust

FOSTER FAILURE

July 28, 2016 | 44 Comments

IT IS AN OPTION

The term I prefer is a foster-to-forever companion.

Our foster-to-forever companion Ricky (Rooster)

Our foster-to-forever companion Ricky (Rooster)

Some of you may recall the experience we had rehabilitating Ricky.  The Rooster, as we lovingly refer to him can be a cuddle-bug.  He can also turn on a dime and become quite rough.

I believe, as a foster-parent or rescue organization that it is imperative to disclose fully any concerns that might be deal breakers or result in an animal being returned to rescue.  These animals need to be given their best chance for a successful placement.

Including the rehabilitation period, and because Ricky was an unpredictable and slightly older cat, he was with us for several months with only two inquiries.  The first did not follow up to schedule a meet and greet, and the second lady had a small child. Small child plus a feisty cat, did not, in my opinion, make a great match.

I sport scratches like some people model bracelets!  Proudly.

I realize that seems an odd thing to say.  If you could see the difference between the fear aggression Ricky first demonstrated and this new cattitude, you would understand why we tolerate the bad with the good. The war wounds are a badge of honour symbolizing the before and after. A reminder of the work we all did and how it has paid off. The Rooster is not perfect – none of us are. Where’s the fun in perfection?

One day, my husband stopped by the shelter for Ricky to have the ‘once over.’  While there he was told that a rescue would be arriving to take some cats from the shelter.  My husband was given the choice: Let Ricky go with the rescue, or keep him. Forever.

That was that!

“Ah, yes, the foster failures” acknowledges Jan.

Says Jan, ‘two of my four are FF’s. My Macie came to me with a broken pelvis and crushed elbow. After months of fostering and healing, we decided she was ours. My Bunny is also a foster fail. She came as a cutie just needing somewhere to crash until she was adopted. With her, I broke my ‘rule.’ We fell in love and adopted her.’

‘My family dog was old and sick,’ says Elizabeth.  ‘The Foster walked into my house and laid down on my sofa to watch television with the kids.’

Ruth keeps the dogs that she feels cannot be placed safely in another home.

Leanne confesses:

It was always my plan to make my Foster dog Lucky a permanent companion. I just needed to get him into the home to help my hubby see he was a good fit for us

Do you have a Foster Fail story?  Please share below.

Special Thanks to:

Elizabeth Copeland – Water Rolls Up Hill

Jan Todd – Justice For Pookie

Leanne Tucker – Speaking of Dogs

Ruth Wozniak – Speaking of Dogs, TAGS, Vaughan AC and Georgina AC

 

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Categories: HAPPY TALES & TRIBUTES Tagged: Cats, Dogs, Forever Home, Foster

OUR UNION WITH JACK

October 26, 2016 | 44 Comments

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST PACK MEMBER

Jack - our newest pack member

Jack – our newest pack member

At one point our pack consisted of three cats and two dogs. Some time after our reverse transition to two dogs and one cat, I tried to convince my husband that we should rescue another dog. Instead, we added a cat. Read Ricky’s story here.

Charlie was our sweet English rose and the first pet John and I rescued just before we were married.

As sad as it is, we all know there comes a time when we will have to say goodbye to our beloved companions. There was something more than sadness when we lost Charlie. She was an extraordinary cat – the matriarch of our pack from the day we rescued her. Her absence created a vast shift in the dynamics of our household, and the void did not pass with time.

When my heart healed enough to consider it, I began to review the adoption profiles of animals in need of loving homes.

Creating harmony within an existing pack is more of a challenge than making a love connection between people and their first animal companion. We had to create a list of requirements for our future family member.

Hypoallergenic: despite having cats and dogs, hubby is allergic to both. Hypoallergenic does not mean allergy free, but it does make a difference when you have multiple pets.

Age: with three senior companions in the pack we decided it best to avoid having to deal with the issues and expense that come with age, times four. We also felt that a puppy would be too much energy for our seniors. Plus, puppies are the first to find homes.

Size: It matters! My husband has commented, on several occasions that if we did adopt another, he would prefer a larger dog. A running companion. I was concerned that a larger dog might accidentally trample or knock over my itty bitty senior lady. Plus, I often walk the dogs by myself and had to consider how I would manage all the leashes.

Special: We wanted someone that might be considered, by others, to be less adoptable. We’ve never figured out why. In our experience, these are hidden gems and every bit as loving and loveable. As most of our followers know, Henry and Reese are both Puppy Mill rescues. These dogs tend to do best in homes with other dogs. We were aware of the work required to rehabilitate mill dogs and how rewarding it is to witness their transformation.

After nearly two years, we met Jack. He was worth the wait.

We filled in our application and were invited to bring Henry and Reese to meet him. I can’t stress enough how important it is for all family members to meet potential pack members.

The meeting went incredibly well. Reese was our concern. She has never expressed interest in any other dog except her Henry. In fact, Reese has always run away from their advances. However, she remained calm and not at all fearful when she met her new, larger brother. That said, Jack was taller but not much heavier than Henry. Although his foster parents had been working to improve his health, we could still feel his ribs through the frizzy, dark coat.

He was the one

The rescue organization implements a twenty-four-hour ‘cooling off’ period, in case potential adopters have a change of heart and to avoid spontaneous adoptions. We agreed that I would return the following afternoon to collect our boy.

To say our first night did not go well would be an understatement. In fact, if we had gone to sleep at all, it would have been referred to as a nightmare!

After learning that Jack was crated by his foster family, my husband and I decided it would be a good idea to keep up with that. We thought it would give him a sense of security in his new environment. I had researched how to crate train but when it came to implementation. Sigh. Suffice to say, we survived. Check back for our future post about crate training.

This poor guy was confused and didn’t understand why he was in yet another house. It wasn’t a puppy mill, but we had a lot of work ahead of us to gain his trust.

Jack followed Henry and Reese everywhere and took to his new papa fairly soon after arriving. He took much longer to warm to me. That’s okay; people have different levels of energy, and it is important to be patient and let them figure us out. Jack and I are now the best of friends.

My Pack

My Pack

When we first adopted Jack, he was a ‘Bucking Bronco’ when something frightened him while he was on a leash.  Off leash, he would pace incessantly, tail down in new situations in which he was uncertain. The pacing and bucking have lessened.

His coat was dull and frizzy, and his skin was dry, and he had dandruff. As I have mentioned previously, our groomer is fabulous and worked patiently with him during his first grooming sessions. These plus a nutritious diet have made a huge difference already.

We still had to work on potty training. It was as much for us to figure out Jack’s schedule as it was for him to learn how to let us know he needs out. Jack does not ring the bells like his brother Henry, but will go and sit by the back door.

Initially, Jack was a pukey traveler, but after our first holiday with him (5000 km), he is a pro!

Jack did not know that dog beds were there for his comfort. With confidence, he started to lay next to the bed and rested his head on a corner. Now, he takes full advantage of this luxury.

Comfy bed

Comfy bed

We are introducing Jack to all kinds of new experiences, and he is learning to trust us and know that we are his people and will protect and care for him. He has attended level one puppy training (level two starts next week), and he has accompanied Henry to his agility training for socialization with other people and dogs.

I can’t believe how the time has flown by. Jack has been with us for over four months. It is incredible how quickly these companions make a mark on your heart.

Jack is a sweetheart with a goofy side. He is incredibly gentle. He does rolly-pollies and likes belly rubs. He has perfected the downward dog yoga pose even though he has long lamb legs and is still a bit clumsy.

In the mornings he is super excited when everyone wakes up. It’s like Christmas morning. He walks around the bed on his hind legs with his front paws working their way around the top of the mattress.

Until now, I had not witnessed the meaning of the term ‘the tail wags the dog.’ Jack’s tail forms a perfect circle over his back, and it wags most of the time – shaking the rest of his body at the same time. When I scratch his lower back, he folds himself completely in half and kisses my hand. When I rub his ears, he leans into the fuss entirely.

Happy Jack

Happy Jack

Jack likes long walks on the beach and frolicking in the sea. Oh, and cucumber and peanut butter.

Jack fits into our pack perfectly!
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Categories: HAPPY TALES & TRIBUTES Tagged: Family, Forever Home, Puppy Mill Dogs, Rescue, Trust

I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

January 27, 2014 | 2 Comments

one of Ricky's favourite hangouts

one of Ricky’s favourite hangouts

It was nearly a year ago that I brought Ricky home from the shelter with me.  When I looked into his eyes, I saw a beautiful soul hiding within that matted and scratched up little body.  Ricky would need rehabilitating; an opportunity to socialize, and once again learn to trust people.  This would be his foster home.

We worked diligently with him for several months, and it worked.  We felt Ricky would do best in a home without children as he is still a bit of a ‘tough guy’ and doesn’t always know the difference between a ‘love bite’ and the real deal.  We received a couple of queries about Ricky; one person thought he may be their missing cat – sadly, he was not.  The second person requested additional photos.  After sending the photos, I didn’t hear back from them again.

After a certain period of time, shelters will work with rescue organizations to try increasing exposure for the cats that have been waiting……….and waiting, for someone to come and take them home.

Ricky had become one of those cats.  My husband – allergies and all, decided it was not in Ricky’s best interest to go to another shelter.  He would regress; retreat back into the shell it took us so long to coax him out of.  My husband decided Ricky would stay with us; this is his home.

Ricky seems quite happy here; at least if his purring is anything to go by.  I laugh every time he gallop through the halls as if to announce his presence.  He seems to adore Reese (she is indifferent), brushing up against her, trying to rub noses.  Ricky and Henry act just like you would expect brothers to act; one day soon I will have the camera ready to capture a wrestling match – the pair of them standing on their back legs, arms wrapped around each other, stepping around the ring.

He has come such a long way………..the long way home.

The full story; https://herandherdogs.com/2013/09/02/rehabilitating-ricky/

 

Categories: HAPPY TALES & TRIBUTES Tagged: Cats, Forever Home, Love, Trust

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