Annie 03-114 [1]

Annie is 8 months old and was born at a puppy mill. She has a deformed front right leg and alternates between trying to get around on 3 legs or trying to use the bad leg, which throws off her balance and causes her to fall on her face.

One week ago, I drove to meet her and had to lift her from the other car into mine. She was so terrified that she didn’t (couldn’t?) move and peed and pooped all over herself and me. Upon coming to my home, she dove as far as she could into the crate and buried her face in the back corner. She smelled horrible and had a bath, much needed. She did not like it much, but did tolerate the process.

3 days later, she ate for the first time. Until that time, she refused hamburger, steak, hotdogs and other yummy treats. I would carry her outside to the yard and she would cower in fear, peeing all over both of us in the process. Then back inside to clean up the crate, her, me, the floor……It took 2 days before she would even lay in the crate with her face towards the door. To get her out of the crate, I had to take off the lid and lift her out.

Each day has been a new baby step for sweet Annie. She is now proud to say she can go outside without bolting for cover. She will lay in the grass and sniff the air (as long as there is no noise in the neighborhood!) and yesterday she even play-bowed and wagged her tail at my dog. He was running around, playing with his toys, dancing up to her and barking in invitation. At first, his bark had her dropping to the ground, but now she almost gets excited. I feel sure that they will soon be playing. The past 3 days have also had her NOT peeing on me when I carry her outside. She still won’t walk on lead – bucks and throws her body around in a frenzy if she feels any tension on her collar. Thus, I carry her out into the grass and she goes to the bathroom OUTSIDE! BIG NEWS! She will follow me around the yard, keeping a distance unless I am low to the ground and not looking at her. Then she sneaks up and sniffs me. I have even been licked on my hand a few times, which was quite the thrill. Annie is eating her food, keeping her crate clean and starting to pick up bones and balls to investigate them.

She has made huge strides in just this one week, and although she is far from what most of us would consider a calm, well-adjusted dog, she is on her way. She is very smart, curious and gentle and wants so much to be loved.

Annie goes to be spayed next week. Her front leg may be amputated at that time, to improve her balance and mobility. Her heartworm test was negative, which was good news. Annie gets along well with my dog and the other puppy mill female I am fostering,Sandy 03-116 [2]. She has seen but not yet interacted with my cats.

Click here for  more information on Puppy Mill Goldens [3].