I live with dogs. Lots and lots of dogs. DH Kenny and I do a bit of rescue since we have the room. Our friends call us "Spicewood's Unofficial Canine, Kitty & Equine Rescue" or SUCKER for short. *snicker*
The main way we rehabilitate a neglected or abused dog is to bring them in the house with us as often as we can. Doing that lets them know they are part of our "pack" and that helps them relax quicker and better, which means they gain weight back faster, heal any injuries sooner and respond better to retraining. It's hell on the carpets though. We've ripped up the living room carpet and will soon have linoleum or wood down. Can't wait 'til there's wood throughout the entire house.
It's hard dealing with the mess, but it's worth it! As I type this, two lab mixes are laying on my bed, relaxing. One of them is a recent rescue. She came to us in horrible condition ~ skin and bones, pregnant, and quite neurotic from being kept on a chain 24/7 for who knows how long. It's only been three months and she's settled in nicely. She refused to get up on the bed for the longest time, or even approach us much at all. She now knows not to get up on the bed unless I tell her she can (after I've made it) and just now settled down from begging for petting by breathing hard in my ear and 'smiling'.
And she's SUCH a GOOD dog!
Very well mannered, quiet, already housetrained, and definitely not a counter surfer. Her former owner had no idea what a great dog he had. Too bad, so sad for him.
The puppies are here, too. Oh, boy are they here! Now THERE'S where you get the laughs! They're so cute! What can you say about puppies except how adorable they are?! I've
got to get pictures to share with you all.