#Pomeranian – Rosepoint Publishing

I gasped when the CE perked up and said, “Yes! I want to see her!”

The lady at the rescue said the only other dog she had that would meet our criteria was a Pomeranian. What??

I had steadfastly maintained that after the loss of Frosty, I couldn’t go through that again.

As you’ll remember, Frosty was our seventeen-year-old Bichon Frise who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in January 2023. By September, I missed all those precious little Frosty doggy sights and sounds so much, I had to fill the void.

I couldn’t have another Bichon. That would not be fair to a new one and would hurt too much. The CE was a bit reluctant, but I showed him a number of possibles—small, mature, short-haired females, mixed breed. Most of the little girls I looked at, however, were spoken for immediately upon listing. One lady in Texas told me frankly that the cute little female (JR mix) I was interested in would not work for us (as old and mature as we are) as “she has no off button.” Uh oh…she might be right.

So when we finally passed all the applications, terms, and acceptable prices (they aren’t free), was disappointed to see that the dog still available to see not only had no interest in us, but clung heavily to her foster dad. She’d bonded already–maybe what others saw as well(?).

The lady from the shelter brought out a Pom alright. She was stiff with fright, wild-eyed, and so messy the lady said if we wanted her she’d bathe her first. (Then sent us off with a shivering wet dog wrapped in a towel.)

You may know the rest if you followed a few of my updates in the monthly review recaps, beginning in October 2023, with a follow up in November.

She shut down completely after we brought her home. She was 2 ½ days stirring from her kennel. The rescue could (or would) not give us any history other than that she was 4 ½ years old, had been a breeder. It quickly became obvious she’d never lived in a home before, had any training, or clue what toys or treats were. Never been walked. The rescue did a vet check and spay. (She still freezes stiff when picked up.)

Our first experience with a rescue dog, we are now beginning to realize that actually we were pretty lucky. Some of these animals are so traumatized it takes years to trust again and we have made great strides.

I recently finished several books from the Ryder Creed series by Alex Kava whose main characters are rescue dogs that have been trained as service animals. The protagonist discovered the special attribute each dog possesses and uses that ability to solve the mixed plots. It’s a fun series!

National Rescue Dog Day hopes to “bring awareness to the countless number of amazing dogs in shelters…who deserve a second chance…” Founded in 2018 by Lisa Wiehebrink who rescued Cooper from a LA shelter in 2009, she realized the need for attention. Abandoned, abused, owner moved, too much puppy or got too old. Few shelters are “no kill.” And there are so many dogs each looking for a furever home.

It’s amazing the number of ways canines can provide valuable services to their humans. Despite the challenges we faced with Punkin, she is blooming into a real dog with some major personality. It’s encouraging to watch the transition from terrified little dog to one who is patiently teaching us (although her patience sometimes wanes into frustrated little yips). Yeah, she has provided chuckles and astonished glances and watching her grow and change has been so gratifying.

And she is sweet. Such a sweet little thing.

Punkin the pom--running

But She’s a Huge Challenge

I mentioned in the October Recap that we took the plunge and adopted a Pomeranian who had been an ex-breeder (no idea how many litters she produced). We received no information on her history other than her age (now five years), and weight (now eleven pounds).

This was a snap decision by the CE—he wanted the dog—lacking any clue as to her background or not.

I also mentioned it appeared she was never housetrained, knew what treats were, taught any commands, or experienced living with humans in a house. Everything I read said the transition could take anywhere upwards of three months.

Cute, yes, but in my mind not a reason to adopt. Was I envisioning a puppy who’d been left ownerless after her senior owner passed? Pampered, trained, walked, and loved. Yeah. I think I was but this was his choice and I figured it’d work out.

Generous and loving pet parents who freely adopt rescues and shelter animals are my new heroes. I have a whole new respect for them. I wish I had chronicled every tiny little step we gained, only to take two back.

First, she was “terrified into submission,” the definition of which is the dog will “emotionally shut down. She won’t eat, drink, or interact in any way with the environment, people and other dogs…a posture often seen in dogs in shelters.”* She did this for several days and my heart sank.

Nothing I read suggested how to proceed except the mantra take it slow—let the dog come to you. Her crate is her safe haven. We’ve had her a full month on the eighth. We’ve also been testing words to see if she recognizes any at the same time as using consistent buzzwords; i.e., potty.

BUT, she is now (on an inconsistent basis):

Coming out to relieve herself. Sometimes that includes going through the deck door outside to poo.
Coming out to get water.
Coming out to grab a mouthful of kibble and run it back to her crate.
Sniff the CE’s fingers for treats (but won’t take it until he puts it on the floor).
Successfully driven to the vet for check and grooming.
Today came out just to be near him—BIG win!

She still:

Freezes when she is touched or picked up.
Hit or miss on her pee pads.
So far she is still running (ears pinned back) at the sound of my voice, if I turn to face her, or stand to move. (We’ve decided her previous owner was female, not male.)

But it’s only been a month. We are looking forward to having her housetrained and capable of walking on a leash. She’s still scared, but thankfully shows no aggression.

All the dogs in our lives have always come to us as puppies. I thought I knew dogs. I’ve read stories of rescue-shelter dogs, but learning to live with one is a lesson in how little I knew. If you’ve adopted a rescue, perhaps you have some advice for me. I’d welcome it!

2023 V Williams

*Popular Science, Special Edition Magazine, Secrets of a Dog’s Mind, September 4, 2023, Canine Choregraphy, Learn to read your dog’s body language by Jillian Blume, Page 74.

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