New dog after emotional loss

[fliptuner]

As some of you know, late last year I had to put my 13yo Rottie, ChamCham, down after 11 years of loyal companionship. It was one of the hardest things I've ever experienced and takes a bit out of me to even write about it now. I think it took (and is taking) a bit longer than expected to get over it but I know life without a big dog around just isn't very fulfilling for me.

After 6 months of looking at different breeds, purebreds, mutts, rescues, cheap, expensive dogs, I decided life is not complete without a purebred Rottie and I've always had a soft spot for dogs that need help.

Meet Kona:






I picked her up in Calgary last week while visiting my dying aunt. She's 11 weeks old and very neglected. In her 3 months, she'd never been outside, seen another dog or smelled anything other than her own shit and piss. She was apparently owned by people who decided she was more than they could handle, so they chucked her in the basement and left her there. I mean I'm starting from less than zero with this one.

In the 4 days I've had her, she's been bathed several times, is now up to date on vaccinations, socialized with a bunch of new people and in general, finally experienced freedom and a loving home. Although I've owned many dogs (mostly rescues), this is my first puppy. I've never experinced the pleasure (read: pain and frustration) of a big puppy crying and whining throughout the night.... it's fucking LOUD!!! Getting up every 2 hours to let her pee and calm her down is not fun. It was easier to deal with the late night crying and feedings when my son was a newborn (I was a single dad at the time).

It is, however, great to see so much progress in such a short period of time. She's learning how to walk on a leash, pee outside and play nice with our 4yo Yorkie, Buster. Why just this morning when my GF took them out to pee, she gave Buster a golden shower...yay!!! Way to pee outside buddy!!!



.

[Matsuda]

omg so cute! i love rotties, my friend had to put theirs down a month ago and it was so sad =(

[derrick]

She looks like a great new addition to the family and is very lucky to have you as a new owner.

[Two Doxies]

OMG PUPPIES!! Let me know if you ever need a dog sitter!

[tonyzoomzoom]

That pup is such a cutie !!

[Smiley2010]

I've had 2 puppies and a grown cat growing up (at various different times).  I was never an animal person but I hear ya about how they become such a big part of your life...   And how much you miss them when they are gone.  They touch you in such a way that you don't really realize it until they're gone.

She is definitely a looker!  I'm glad she found a nice home and you found a nice puppy to shower with love!

[M Speed]

It is fate you met kona when you visit your aunt. I am sure kona will be a great addition to your family!

[Matsuda]

need to have a doggie meet

[Canada17]

Looks like a good 3-Hound! Have we ever started a pets thread here? Kev?

[epochxd]

Awh! Looks cute!

need to have a doggie meet

Kona should meet my Sam !

[OceanKitty]

Kona is one lucky puppy! Great name!

[aaronlee]

Glad she has a proper home now =)

[derrick]

Looks like a good 3-Hound! Have we ever started a pets thread here? Kev?

You guys can start your own threads, haha.

[Spunnel]

Looks like a good 3-Hound! Have we ever started a pets thread here? Kev?

You guys can start your own threads, haha.

WHAT?! WHEN WAS THIS.

[serpico007]

Puppies are a lot of work indeed. I never had a dog until now and got her at 8 weeks, she's almost 3 years old now. But that first year was hard for both of us with a new house and training a dog. Lot's of cleanup to do! But if you do a good job with training the dog will give you less of a headache later. Those cries at night are crazy the first month but settle down.

It was meant to be you finding her and giving her a home.

[fliptuner]

Thanks for the kind words guys and girls.

The day after I got home, she got a 10sq.ft. kennel lined with old towels and a few toys and an open door so she can go in and out as she pleases. This should help when we have to leave her in there later on since it's her own personal space.

I got her to stop crying at night by taking Buster's little kennel and placing it beside my bed, with a clock resting beside it. I lock her in there while we sleep and stick my fingers through the grate and she feels enough comfort to not cry unless she has to pee. I only had to let her out twice last night and got decent sleep. It's kind of dumb that I didn't put 1 and 1 together and realize she has a smaller bladder, so letting her drink a lot before bedtime wasn't the best idea - lesson learned.

I recently redid the floors at my place but never got to the kitchen, so it's still covered in linoleum - thank God. When I went to buy her kennel and run errands for a couple of hours, I left her in the kitchen and tied a 4ft leash to the bottom of the stove only to come home to a shitopia of mess to clean up. I mean the floor, cupboards, mats, leash and her. I can't even count how many times she's been bathed. Most of her accidents also happen in the kitchen, which is good until she's trained. Raising a puppy and being anal about cleanliness...uugghh.....

Unfortunately, it looks like her little big sister might end up being the submissive one. I was hoping she'd be the boss but I guess I'll be the only one with that job.

Off to Costco to return my shag area rug. She hasn't been on it but it's an accident waiting to happen and it's preventing her from hanging out with us in the living room. I'll buy another one next year when she's trained. Wicked return policy FTW.

[serpico007]

I agree being anal about cleanliness and a pup with a small bladder does not work. I adjusted after awhile but my wife took longer. Now we love our dog and are not as anal now that she is trained. I take her out every 6-7 hours because she has a small bladder so I can't expect her to hold it too long. Gives me a reason to get out of the house and walk too.   Enjoy the time because it won't last long and she will sleep most of the day after.