My new rescue pooch

[LinhT]

My cousin, Ange, asked me to save a Pug/ Rat Terrier mix named Mr. Pickles, who was owned by her friend. He got fed every few days, was locked in a bathroom for most of the day and let out around midnight on some days to be allowed to sleep with his owner. Whenever other dogs were over, Mr. Pickles would let them dominate him. He had a shock collar on for a while because he was barking too much in the bathroom. Ange felt he was severely neglected and saw that many of his bones were showing. He threw up when he ate because he ate so fast. I could not say no, even though I do not want another pet after my 17 yr old Shih-tzu passed last summer. When my cousin and I went over to get him, Mr. Pickles bolted out the door and ran like crazy. I gave him food and he ate like he had not eaten in weeks. His little body was all tense and shook when he ate, didn't even chew. We went into the bathroom, hoping to give him a bath before taking him home but there was poop and pee all over. So I took my boy home.

The owner's room mate gave me his 3 belongings. A collar, Twins jersey and a bag of training pads. No toys, no doggie bed, no water or food bowl, no travel kennel, nothing else. I gave him more food and bathed him. Even though I was a stranger, he quietly let me clean him. Got him vaccinated, neutered. Teeth cleaned, nails trimmed. Got his oral gum and ear infection taken care of. The vet said his kidney and liver tests were off, possibly due to dehydration from a lack of clean water (maybe he was drinking out of the toilet bowl), malnutrition or the oral infection. Today is day 7 that he's been with me. He's gained some weight and eats at a normal pace now. We go outside for walks. He loves to play with his toys, chill in his dog bed, wants to be petted often and sleeps in my bed at night. I'm amazed at how obedient and smart he is (compared to my beloved, diva Shih-tzu)! In the short time I've had him, I've taught him several commands and he stays still for me when I put his harnass on to go outside. The only downside is, he freaks out and goes nuts when I leave the house, even though others home can play with him. If you've read this far, thank you for letting me share Mr. Pickles' story. Many of us pet owners want purebreds and prefer to buy from respected breeders, etc. Please remember though, there are many neglected/ abused animals out there who need good homes. You never know what a sweet, wonderful companion you might end up with

Since I did not care much for "Mr. Pickles", I gave him a new name (see post #9)