Things you don't see coming. Hunter, my first ever male pet.
Discussion
I lost Beth, my 16 year old beautiful girl in December. I was absolutely heartbroken, and in some respects still am.
I had no intention of getting involved again for at least a year. Then Claire showed me a website picture of this guy. At a local shelter, found on the street, microchipped, but seemingly unwanted, as no one had claimed him. The shelter had already had a couple of enquiries, but were'nt happy that it would be a good match. After filling in the forms, we saw him today.
Hunter......
He's about a year and ten months old. He seems very obedient, calm, walks well on the lead, and endeared himself to me immediately by having a nip at my MIL, who has cats, and which we assume he got a whiff of and didn't like. Once she had gained his trust with a few treats, he was good as gold with her, and we're all experienced enough not to let that trouble us. I regard him being possibly a little flighty on first acquaintance to be expected given the life he's had to endure.
I like him very much. It was obvious before we set out to see hime that we'd be having him, it's impossible to get to that stage and walk away, and we'd done our homework on him anyway. He's thin, but that's easily dealt with, as he's food orientated. Which will mean he'll be easy to train. We're taking him for an unaccompanied walk on Monday, and he comes home with us on Thursday. Sometimes the things you don't see coming are the best things.
I had no intention of getting involved again for at least a year. Then Claire showed me a website picture of this guy. At a local shelter, found on the street, microchipped, but seemingly unwanted, as no one had claimed him. The shelter had already had a couple of enquiries, but were'nt happy that it would be a good match. After filling in the forms, we saw him today.
Hunter......
He's about a year and ten months old. He seems very obedient, calm, walks well on the lead, and endeared himself to me immediately by having a nip at my MIL, who has cats, and which we assume he got a whiff of and didn't like. Once she had gained his trust with a few treats, he was good as gold with her, and we're all experienced enough not to let that trouble us. I regard him being possibly a little flighty on first acquaintance to be expected given the life he's had to endure.
I like him very much. It was obvious before we set out to see hime that we'd be having him, it's impossible to get to that stage and walk away, and we'd done our homework on him anyway. He's thin, but that's easily dealt with, as he's food orientated. Which will mean he'll be easy to train. We're taking him for an unaccompanied walk on Monday, and he comes home with us on Thursday. Sometimes the things you don't see coming are the best things.
Heaveho said:
I lost Beth, my 16 year old beautiful girl in December. I was absolutely heartbroken, and in some respects still am.
I had no intention of getting involved again for at least a year. Then Claire showed me a website picture of this guy. At a local shelter, found on the street, microchipped, but seemingly unwanted, as no one had claimed him. The shelter had already had a couple of enquiries, but were'nt happy that it would be a good match. After filling in the forms, we saw him today.
Hunter......
He's about a year and ten months old. He seems very obedient, calm, walks well on the lead, and endeared himself to me immediately by having a nip at my MIL, who has cats, and which we assume he got a whiff of and didn't like. Once she had gained his trust with a few treats, he was good as gold with her, and we're all experienced enough not to let that trouble us. I regard him being possibly a little flighty on first acquaintance to be expected given the life he's had to endure.
I like him very much. It was obvious before we set out to see hime that we'd be having him, it's impossible to get to that stage and walk away, and we'd done our homework on him anyway. He's thin, but that's easily dealt with, as he's food orientated. Which will mean he'll be easy to train. We're taking him for an unaccompanied walk on Monday, and he comes home with us on Thursday. Sometimes the things you don't see coming are the best things.
What a lovely looking doggo and bonus points for the blurry tail, he must be a happy boy. I had no intention of getting involved again for at least a year. Then Claire showed me a website picture of this guy. At a local shelter, found on the street, microchipped, but seemingly unwanted, as no one had claimed him. The shelter had already had a couple of enquiries, but were'nt happy that it would be a good match. After filling in the forms, we saw him today.
Hunter......
He's about a year and ten months old. He seems very obedient, calm, walks well on the lead, and endeared himself to me immediately by having a nip at my MIL, who has cats, and which we assume he got a whiff of and didn't like. Once she had gained his trust with a few treats, he was good as gold with her, and we're all experienced enough not to let that trouble us. I regard him being possibly a little flighty on first acquaintance to be expected given the life he's had to endure.
I like him very much. It was obvious before we set out to see hime that we'd be having him, it's impossible to get to that stage and walk away, and we'd done our homework on him anyway. He's thin, but that's easily dealt with, as he's food orientated. Which will mean he'll be easy to train. We're taking him for an unaccompanied walk on Monday, and he comes home with us on Thursday. Sometimes the things you don't see coming are the best things.
And thank you for getting a rescue.
I'll look forward to the updates as he settles in.
Hi all, thanks for the replies. I only ever consider rescues. I worked for a shelter in Crete when I lived there, so it's in the blood. The shelter Hunter is at have asked for £250 to cover costs. As I did with the shelter when I got Beth all those years ago, I'll be giving them a grand, as I know only too well about how the costs mount up for places like this.
I'd far rather give that sort of money to places like this than to a breeder, selling animals for profit is something I fundamentally disagree with when so many are in places like this.
I felt a real connection to this dog immediately. It wasn't something I expected to have happen, and I'm still quite moved by how attached I already feel to him. He really did seem a bit special. Beth was the apple of my eye, and I was worried that my expectations from another dog might be unfair towards it, but I've come through that now. I'm really looking forward to bringing him home next week.
I'd far rather give that sort of money to places like this than to a breeder, selling animals for profit is something I fundamentally disagree with when so many are in places like this.
I felt a real connection to this dog immediately. It wasn't something I expected to have happen, and I'm still quite moved by how attached I already feel to him. He really did seem a bit special. Beth was the apple of my eye, and I was worried that my expectations from another dog might be unfair towards it, but I've come through that now. I'm really looking forward to bringing him home next week.
So we were back at the shelter today, and took him for an unaccompanied walk on his usual route. Lots of sniffing, as that's obviously where all of the dogs are taken, and he has his favourite spots for scenting etc. Very well behaved on his lead, very responsive to his name, and even to the clicking of fingers to get his attention, which was something Beth had also learned. There were some large puddles from the rain last night, he showed no interest in going in them, which is a bonus as far as we're concerned, as we live in a city centre with two parks, each with a lake with swans etc in them, which is where he'll be walked a few times a day, and not having a dog that's constantly attracted to water or the birds in them will make life significantly easier for us. I also took the opportunity to see how he reacted to having his feet handled, as our cleaning and drying off routine involves warm water in a garden sprayer, followed by a gentle towelling off, and he was perfectly ok with it.
He's a bit "scavengery". but I'm not surprised, given how thin he currently is. Despite that, he's very gentle when receiving treats, one of Beth's few bad habits, where the word " GENTLY " had to be repeated every singe time a treat was offered, in order to avoid being up to your elbow in greedy collie cross.
We met some of the other shelter dogs who were out with their handlers, all on their leads, which in my experience isn't always ideal, but they were all good natured with each other, even though he hadn't met some of them previously. We also bumped into some of the locals walking their dogs off the lead, and again, nothing of concern. He's a generally very calm, friendly and well behaved dog, and every member of the shelter staff adore him, which is a fair vindication.
We're back at the shelter on Thursday, at which point we'll again walk him, then he's in the car for the short drive back to his permanent new home. That's one of the last real tests, how he travels. Very much hoping he's happy in the car, as we always tend to plan our lives around taking the dog with us whenever possible.
More pics from today............
I'm no David Bailey, but you get the gist.
He's a bit "scavengery". but I'm not surprised, given how thin he currently is. Despite that, he's very gentle when receiving treats, one of Beth's few bad habits, where the word " GENTLY " had to be repeated every singe time a treat was offered, in order to avoid being up to your elbow in greedy collie cross.
We met some of the other shelter dogs who were out with their handlers, all on their leads, which in my experience isn't always ideal, but they were all good natured with each other, even though he hadn't met some of them previously. We also bumped into some of the locals walking their dogs off the lead, and again, nothing of concern. He's a generally very calm, friendly and well behaved dog, and every member of the shelter staff adore him, which is a fair vindication.
We're back at the shelter on Thursday, at which point we'll again walk him, then he's in the car for the short drive back to his permanent new home. That's one of the last real tests, how he travels. Very much hoping he's happy in the car, as we always tend to plan our lives around taking the dog with us whenever possible.
More pics from today............
I'm no David Bailey, but you get the gist.
Thanks all. He's down as a Whippet cross, but to my eye he's more Greyhound/Lurcher/Staffie.
Losing a pet is one of life's unavoidable tragedies if you want to enjoy time with an animal, and I agree, even after 18 months, very real pain can remain. I still carry Beth's collar when I'm out. When I saw Hunter for the first time on Saturday, the realisation that he was going to be mine also triggered in me the realisation that this was like saying a final goodbye to Beth, and even writing this now has me close to tears. Her loss has been very difficult in ways I didn't expect.
Hunter's a lovely dog. I feel very lucky to have found him. He has the added benefit of looking like a Scooby Do wish- I- was when he walks, and let's just say that his shamelessly excitable nether regions mean I may possibly be able to generate income by renting him out as a porn star!
Losing a pet is one of life's unavoidable tragedies if you want to enjoy time with an animal, and I agree, even after 18 months, very real pain can remain. I still carry Beth's collar when I'm out. When I saw Hunter for the first time on Saturday, the realisation that he was going to be mine also triggered in me the realisation that this was like saying a final goodbye to Beth, and even writing this now has me close to tears. Her loss has been very difficult in ways I didn't expect.
Hunter's a lovely dog. I feel very lucky to have found him. He has the added benefit of looking like a Scooby Do wish- I- was when he walks, and let's just say that his shamelessly excitable nether regions mean I may possibly be able to generate income by renting him out as a porn star!
geeks said:
He looks great and welldone for getting him towards having a home.
Your old pets never truly leave you, our old dogs name tag still live on my car keys as a tribute to her
There are so many of them needing help, there's always a twinge of guilt knowing how many you're leaving behind. As happy as I am to be giving Hunter a good life, it's a very sad business going to the shelter and leaving with only one dog. There were some real heartbreakers in there.Your old pets never truly leave you, our old dogs name tag still live on my car keys as a tribute to her
Heaveho said:
Thanks all. He's down as a Whippet cross, but to my eye he's more Greyhound/Lurcher/Staffie.
Losing a pet is one of life's unavoidable tragedies if you want to enjoy time with an animal, and I agree, even after 18 months, very real pain can remain. I still carry Beth's collar when I'm out. When I saw Hunter for the first time on Saturday, the realisation that he was going to be mine also triggered in me the realisation that this was like saying a final goodbye to Beth, and even writing this now has me close to tears. Her loss has been very difficult in ways I didn't expect.
Hunter's a lovely dog. I feel very lucky to have found him. He has the added benefit of looking like a Scooby Do wish- I- was when he walks, and let's just say that his shamelessly excitable nether regions mean I may possibly be able to generate income by renting him out as a porn star!
Yes, I would have said bull lurcher, but that could still make him a whippet cross. His temperament as you describe it would fit a bull lurcher - I've had at least one (several lurchers of indeterminate parentage!) and they are amazing dogs. Losing a pet is one of life's unavoidable tragedies if you want to enjoy time with an animal, and I agree, even after 18 months, very real pain can remain. I still carry Beth's collar when I'm out. When I saw Hunter for the first time on Saturday, the realisation that he was going to be mine also triggered in me the realisation that this was like saying a final goodbye to Beth, and even writing this now has me close to tears. Her loss has been very difficult in ways I didn't expect.
Hunter's a lovely dog. I feel very lucky to have found him. He has the added benefit of looking like a Scooby Do wish- I- was when he walks, and let's just say that his shamelessly excitable nether regions mean I may possibly be able to generate income by renting him out as a porn star!
Warning - if he is a lurcher, his 'scavengery' tendencies are unlikely to change!!! The name derives from a word for stealing...
Looking forward to more pics. Best of luck for tomorrow.
PS - Beth will have had a paw in sending him to you I'm sure
moorx said:
Heaveho said:
Thanks all. He's down as a Whippet cross, but to my eye he's more Greyhound/Lurcher/Staffie.
Losing a pet is one of life's unavoidable tragedies if you want to enjoy time with an animal, and I agree, even after 18 months, very real pain can remain. I still carry Beth's collar when I'm out. When I saw Hunter for the first time on Saturday, the realisation that he was going to be mine also triggered in me the realisation that this was like saying a final goodbye to Beth, and even writing this now has me close to tears. Her loss has been very difficult in ways I didn't expect.
Hunter's a lovely dog. I feel very lucky to have found him. He has the added benefit of looking like a Scooby Do wish- I- was when he walks, and let's just say that his shamelessly excitable nether regions mean I may possibly be able to generate income by renting him out as a porn star!
Yes, I would have said bull lurcher, but that could still make him a whippet cross. His temperament as you describe it would fit a bull lurcher - I've had at least one (several lurchers of indeterminate parentage!) and they are amazing dogs. Losing a pet is one of life's unavoidable tragedies if you want to enjoy time with an animal, and I agree, even after 18 months, very real pain can remain. I still carry Beth's collar when I'm out. When I saw Hunter for the first time on Saturday, the realisation that he was going to be mine also triggered in me the realisation that this was like saying a final goodbye to Beth, and even writing this now has me close to tears. Her loss has been very difficult in ways I didn't expect.
Hunter's a lovely dog. I feel very lucky to have found him. He has the added benefit of looking like a Scooby Do wish- I- was when he walks, and let's just say that his shamelessly excitable nether regions mean I may possibly be able to generate income by renting him out as a porn star!
Warning - if he is a lurcher, his 'scavengery' tendencies are unlikely to change!!! The name derives from a word for stealing...
Looking forward to more pics. Best of luck for tomorrow.
PS - Beth will have had a paw in sending him to you I'm sure
If he's even approaching the dog he appears to be on brief acquaintance, it's a match made in heaven for me. I guess I'll be finding out soon enough, tomorrow's the big day, for him and us. He has a 15 minute ride home, followed by pretty much what he wants to do. Exploring his new home, sleeping like the dead, having a walk in pastures anew, whatever he seems to want will be what he gets.
He's home. Talk about settling in. What an absolute diamond.
We went to the shelter at 11am, did the paperwork, paid the required donation, and gave them a " contribution " for his collar and harness, which we wanted him to keep, as he was obviously used to them and comfortable with. They didn't open the envelope with the contribution in while we were there, and we didn't say anything about it, so hopefully they had a pleasant surprise when they did finally get around to it.
We then took him out to give him the chance to relieve himself before his journey home. We invited his handler to come with us, as he was clearly extremely attached to Hunter, and they had a real bond. I got on with the guy really well, he doesn't live that far from us, and we exchanged phone numbers, as I felt it would be great for him to be able to see Hunter when he was nearby. There's the added benefit that I can call him for advice should I need it, given that he's had months of experience with Hunter.
We got him home about 12.30. It's a short journey. Hunter showed no fear of getting into the car, and once in, alternated between having a look around, and lying down, and seemed very much ok with the experience. We took him in, and he spent the next hour exploring the living area, showing significant interest in the drinks trolley, which bodes well for future pub visits.
He had a small meal of the recommended food, which he inhaled in a heartbeat, then I took him over into the local park to let him see what he could expect in future. First thing to happen of note was his first toilet stop, which was spectacular in that he has Olympic standard squirts, something I'm not especially surprised by, given he's a shelter dog, and something I half expected. We're dealing with this initially with his food, and he's had a decent sized meal of chicken and rice to start trying to calm things down in that dept.
I took him around the lake. He's obviously still on his lead at the moment, I let him go to the waters edge, and after a sniff at the surface, he displayed zero interest in going in. His attitude to the local birdlife has indicated that this may need careful handling in future if we wish to avoid eating swan for dinner every night! Fortunately, he's very responsive to the appearance of treats, and getting and holding his attention isn't particularly difficult.
He's made himself completely at home. He's displayed little interest in climbing on the furniture or jumping up at the worktops. He's also pretty good at understanding that he's to stay out of the kitchen while food is being prepared, and not to bother us while we're eating, something he gets rewarded for, and we think will be easy to instil in him. He had a play with his octopus toy, has shown himself to be a lovely natured thing, and then collapsed and slept in an extremely relaxed manner, amusingly wagging his tail in his sleep when we were talking. He knows the word "cuddle", and and seems to enjoy having close contact. It's also apparent that I have a new shadow.....
This is him a couple of hours after his arrival.........
It's obviously been a big day for him, he's already adapted extremely well, and he has every right to be exhausted. He's currently in his bed sound asleep, at my feet, and I'm trying to overcome my natural instincts to pet him, and just stick to the old adage of letting a sleeping dog lie. He's earned it. What an absolute result for all concerned. I feel blessed.
Just seen him like this and felt obliged to document his obvious unhappiness and distress at his recent change in circumstances!
We went to the shelter at 11am, did the paperwork, paid the required donation, and gave them a " contribution " for his collar and harness, which we wanted him to keep, as he was obviously used to them and comfortable with. They didn't open the envelope with the contribution in while we were there, and we didn't say anything about it, so hopefully they had a pleasant surprise when they did finally get around to it.
We then took him out to give him the chance to relieve himself before his journey home. We invited his handler to come with us, as he was clearly extremely attached to Hunter, and they had a real bond. I got on with the guy really well, he doesn't live that far from us, and we exchanged phone numbers, as I felt it would be great for him to be able to see Hunter when he was nearby. There's the added benefit that I can call him for advice should I need it, given that he's had months of experience with Hunter.
We got him home about 12.30. It's a short journey. Hunter showed no fear of getting into the car, and once in, alternated between having a look around, and lying down, and seemed very much ok with the experience. We took him in, and he spent the next hour exploring the living area, showing significant interest in the drinks trolley, which bodes well for future pub visits.
He had a small meal of the recommended food, which he inhaled in a heartbeat, then I took him over into the local park to let him see what he could expect in future. First thing to happen of note was his first toilet stop, which was spectacular in that he has Olympic standard squirts, something I'm not especially surprised by, given he's a shelter dog, and something I half expected. We're dealing with this initially with his food, and he's had a decent sized meal of chicken and rice to start trying to calm things down in that dept.
I took him around the lake. He's obviously still on his lead at the moment, I let him go to the waters edge, and after a sniff at the surface, he displayed zero interest in going in. His attitude to the local birdlife has indicated that this may need careful handling in future if we wish to avoid eating swan for dinner every night! Fortunately, he's very responsive to the appearance of treats, and getting and holding his attention isn't particularly difficult.
He's made himself completely at home. He's displayed little interest in climbing on the furniture or jumping up at the worktops. He's also pretty good at understanding that he's to stay out of the kitchen while food is being prepared, and not to bother us while we're eating, something he gets rewarded for, and we think will be easy to instil in him. He had a play with his octopus toy, has shown himself to be a lovely natured thing, and then collapsed and slept in an extremely relaxed manner, amusingly wagging his tail in his sleep when we were talking. He knows the word "cuddle", and and seems to enjoy having close contact. It's also apparent that I have a new shadow.....
This is him a couple of hours after his arrival.........
It's obviously been a big day for him, he's already adapted extremely well, and he has every right to be exhausted. He's currently in his bed sound asleep, at my feet, and I'm trying to overcome my natural instincts to pet him, and just stick to the old adage of letting a sleeping dog lie. He's earned it. What an absolute result for all concerned. I feel blessed.
Just seen him like this and felt obliged to document his obvious unhappiness and distress at his recent change in circumstances!
Edited by Heaveho on Friday 5th June 01:03
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