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)

[WhiteRabbit]

aww Tracy! what a sweetie! And bless you for giving him a good home! A new name for his new life might be a good thing. Seperation anxiety may take a while for him to over-come - you're the first person to show him love and affection - of course he's worried you're gonna disappear on him poor baby.

I've been down after reading about Dorothy's passing - I haven't even been able to post something yet - so your happy news is very welcome! Please keep me updated on your pup's progress, adventures, whatever is happening!

Thanks for opening your heart and home to this poor neglected dog - he will repay you with his undying love and loyalty

[mollycart1]

Tracy, he is so cute. I am so happy to hear that you rescued him from the life he does not deserve. He will be a great companion for many years.

Thank you for sharing.

[Becca]

Thanks for rescuing him Tracy! I can't believe people treat animals that way! I don't understand why, if your going to do that to an animal, why have it in the first place? Some people are cruel! And obviously you are the opposite of that! You have a kind heart!

[Junebug]

He's absolutely adorable. How on earth can people be so cruel to their pet. He's very lucky and so are you. Here are a few names: Zeus, Toby, Buster, and Bach.

[Eyebabe]

omg!
He is so cute!
My good friend has a "chug" which is a chihuahua + pug mix and his name is "Shooz".
Your pup looks just like him
I think it would be a cute name for your extra set of feet following you all around!

You may guess he also has a cat called "Soxx"

[DebsC]

Why, he's just a baby! Poor kid! I'm so glad you found out about him and gave him a home and good care. He'll be your best friend forever!

Don't ask me why, but he looks like a 'George' to me. Strange, huh?

God Bless You, Tracy.

[Nic100]

Tracy, thanks heavens for guardian angels like you. He's gorgeous, and is clearly thriving with you already. Thanks so much for sharing this with us - it's so lovely to hear about these happy endings. Can't wait to hear what you call him.
(BTW - shooz and sox!!! Priceless!!!)

[LinhT]

Thanks for all the support! He does look like a George and a Shooz and a Bach or Toby. Thanks for all the suggestions. I thought about it last night before coming back to this thread and decided to give him a Chinese name.

Mr. Pickles was raised by his previous owner since he was a puppy. He said the dog is a year and a half old. So I really thought that this dog would come to me all fearful, uncontrollable and angry or sad. It's the opposite! He is so affectionate, friendly, sociable, happy, enthusiastic and as I mentioned before, fairly obedient.

Even after all he's been through, his spirit is not broken. He is so brave and courageous to endure what he did for so long. So I did lots of searching on the internet and found this:

Courage - Others - Japanese Kanji Images

The Japanese pronounciation is much easier to say for people who don't speak Japanese or Chinese so I decided to call him Yuuki. I hope he can leave behind his old "Mr. Pickles" life and realize he is now, my Yuuki.

[PaphMadMan]

He's adorable, and deserves a guardian angel like you...