To take Rita home or not?

[JemarsSerena]

Originally Posted by klandry

So you guys think we should try to make her an inside dog then?

Is there any other way? I keep Serena in for many reasons, but best of all she stays clean for the most part unlike the animals that live next to me (including a litter of 5 pups in 95 degree heat). It protects them from insects, etc... Best of all, you'll learn that rotts have a great sense of humor that you don't want to miss!

[observer]

Absolutely make her an inside dog... she deserves to be a member of your family, and that means being in the house. I think she will adapt just fine. Mine has a dog door and occasionally goes out and snoozes on the patio for a while, even during the night, but she spends most of her time inside.

[tangelo53]

It sounds like you found a wonderful dog. that is great. I think you should go for it! Have you taken her to ver to get checked out? I would hate to think that Rita may be sick and that is why she is not moving around too much. I love hearing stories like this.....I hope everything works out for you.

[2rotts]

Out of curiosity was this dog ever scanned for a microship, does it have any tatoos? I just wonder because of her wonderful temperment if maybe there is a family out there that would love to have her back home?

[klandry]

No microchip and no tattoo. I immediately thought of that because my Bulldog is tattoed. We've checked with everyone around our facility to see if they've lost a dog. We didn't name the breed or gender because we were afraid she'd go to someone who wanted her for the wrong reasons rather than her belonging to them. There are all kinds of sites and fliers now, filled with people who have lost their pet during the storm. I hate to say it but even if she had a microchip or a tattoo; I'd still be hesitant to send her back to the "wonderful" family who left her to fend for herself during what was a Category 5 storm when we received the madatory evacuation. If she was such a beloved member of their family they would have taken her with them. We are right on the Gulf of Mexican, all the small towns that took a direct hit, Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, Orange, Sabine Pass, we all knew the storm was headed this way and what destruction it was going to deal us. They weren't that great of a family to have left her here knowing what was coming. If they showed up today looking for her, I'd probably tell them I haven't seen her.

[spoiledbabies3]

So have you decided whether or not you are taking her to your home to make her a member of your family?

[klandry]

Thanks to the insight from everyone who has replied to my question, I have. I can't get Rita into our vet until late next week and I want to have her evaluated and caught up on shots and things before I do the introduction with my Bulldog, Winston. We have not told our children yet so it will be a pleasant suprise to them. This also leaves me enough time to get the necessary things she will need such as a crate, food, leash, collar, etc. etc. If anyone has any tips or expert advice on how to make the transition easier, please let me know.

Once again, thank you all for your help and support!

Karen

[observer]

I hope you do decide to take her home, but I agree with whoever suggested that you take her to the vet for a checkup -- especially since she spends so much time lying around. Being that you are in Texas, I would definitely have them check for heartworms.

[SABELLESMOM]

Well, good luck with your new girl! I'm certain she'll make the most pleasant addition to your family.

Advice on coming home? Lots of love, a couple of new toys, some ideas for classes down the line, perhaps. Just let me say, you'll never regret one moment of positive training you and she participate in. Your rewards will be greater than the effort it took.

[MissingTalon]

I am so happy and I am certain you are making the right decision. Rita is very lucky to have found you. Please keep us posted :)

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by klandry

If anyone has any tips or expert advice on how to make the transition easier, please let me know.

From what you say about Rita, she sounds like a stable, temperamentally sound dog. I think she'll make a fine addition to your home.

We're active in Rottie rescue. The second the foster boy steps foot into our home it's NILIF. I find it much easier to relax rules as the dog proves mannerly rather than grant the new dog all sorts of freedom that I have to remove or curtail because the dog got too much freedom and responsibility too soon.

Good luck with Rita. Please let us know how her vet check goes and how she settles into your family.

[fostermom]

One suggestion that has worked well for me with fosters and adoptees: when bringing ANY new dog into my home, he/she is always leashed to me for at least the first day or two...maybe longer if there are any issues (usually too much interest in the cats!!). It helps her bond to you, and enables you to immediately correct any unwanted behaviors (jumping on the bed, counter surfing, etc). If she needs a refresher in housetraining (even solidly housebroken dogs will tend to have an accident or two when introduced to a new home) you can IMMEDIATELY catch and correct her...remember to praise when she goes outside to potty. Leashing also gives you alot more control of her interactions with your children and the bulldog pup. Every new dog that has been brought into my house has been anxious to please....leashing them to you makes it easier for them to understand what the houserules are and sets her up to succeed. Make everything as positive as possible...a quick leash correction and verbal "no" is sufficient for her to understand. Praise her when she gets it right. Within a week all my new dogs were behaving like model canines!!
Again, best of luck with Rita!

[klandry]

I just want to give all those concerned for Rita an update. My vet had to cancel my appointment for Rita until today. When we did go in I did not get very good news. Rita has a very bad infection in her left front leg near the joint and a possible tumor on the right front leg near the joint. The vet is keeping her overnight to administer antibiotics and run tests. In addition to the infection and tumor, she has heart worms and our vet also thinks she may have a problem with her lungs. He did confirm that she is an older dog and stated that he thinks she is a full blooded Rott. I asked him if any of the problems were bad enough to need to have her put to sleep. He said that it was too early to tell and would only know more after all the test results were in. He will be calling me in the morning to let me know what our options are and what route to take from there. I do feel a little guilty for taking so long to decide to bring her home to live with me; it may not have been as bad as it is now if I had of decided earlier. I will continue to keep everyone posted on Rita's condition.

[MissingTalon]

I'm so sorry to hear this. You are an angel to Rita right now. I hope everything turns out ok. Please keep us posted and let us know what the vet says tomorrow. My thoughts are with you.

[observer]

I'm so sorry to hear this, too... I was afraid that something might be wrong when you talked about how she would just lie around. You have been her angel to take care of her now... do not feel guilty about waiting to take her home. Do let us know what is happening. You and Rita will be in my thoughts and prayers.