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A PET IS FOR LIFE - THINK ABOUT THE INVESTMENT!
FEN was saved from a high kill shelter in Texas where dogs often have only 3 days to be saved. FEN is neutered rabies, core vaccines, heartworm/tick disease tested negative for all. He is de-wormed, monthly preventatives and microchipped. At the time of rescue in the middle of January 2021, he weighed around 15.00 pounds and has an estimated date of birth 7 January 2018 . We cannot say for sure what breed he is, so we expect families to do their own research on his look and size and decide what breed you think she is and if you have the lifestyle suitable for his needs.
FEN arrived at the rescue on 15th January 2021 and was lucky enough to be adopted on 18th January 2021, however, sadly on 28 January we had an email from the adopter saying things were not working out with Fen and the young daughter. He had growled at her when she was feeding him, nipped at her face (didn't break the skin) when she went to kiss him and chased her when she came out of her bedroom. FEN had only been with the family for just over a week and clearly was not comfortable with the young girl and his prior communication of uncertainty were clearly missed to the point where he escalated to nipping at her face. Although this is not something to be ignored, it should be noted that had he wanted to hurt her, he could have easily caused significant damage to her, but he did only what he felt he had to do to show his unease at the situation he was in - her putting her fact to him to kiss him, clearly scared him, and made him very uncomfortable - dogs very very rarely bite or use their mouth without showing other signs of discomfort, it is very important for families to take the time to learn and educate themselves on their dogs body language, more so with a dog that is new to the home, where there is no past history.
Other than these issues with the young daughter, FEN had been great, he had been to the groomer and did fantastic having a full spa, bath, nail trim, ears cleaned and teeth brushed. He has gained some very much needed weight and the family was trying to teach him what toys were.
Fen has clearly had a rough life before he ended up in the shelter, he has scars on him, was extremely skinny and just looked exhausted, no doubt from trying to survive in the extreme heat and living on the streets in El Paso. At the time of writing, Fen has only been back at the rescue for a few hours, however, he is living up in the house with 25 other dogs ranging from small terrier, up to 120 pound German Shepherds with all breeds, ages and sizes in between. He has curled up next to me on the couch and is happy just chilling out - but keeping a watchful eye on the other dogs.
Fen would benefit from a family without small children, who can let him settle and decompress from another change this poor boy has had to adapt to. He would be great as the only dog, or with another dog. Fen doesn't know how to play and the family had been trying to introduce him to toys, whilst at the rescue before his adoption he was living in a communal area with 15 other small dogs and did great and he enjoyed chewing on cow hooves. Fen is a very sweet boy who since being back is so very desperate for love and affection.
Although a smaller dog, we are looking for a family who will take him on walks and let him explore different places and lead a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle
More pictures and possible video's can be found on his page on the rescue website.
All dogs use dog doors to go out and do their business or to enjoy the cool, fresh weather in their dog runs or communal areas. We cannot say if a dog is house-trained, however, we expect families to understand that all dogs need a transition period and accidents could happen and training is most definitely needed.
You MUST understand that dogs need time to decompress and adapt to their new environment and home. It is a HUGE transition they make from the kill shelter, being vetted, on transport for 3 days and arriving in Maine where the temperature and such is very different to what they have only known. In rescue there is what is known as the "3 Point Rule" Days 1-3 your dog is stressed, anxious, confused as to where they are now. Weeks 1-3 your dog is adjusting, settling in, learning things. At the 3 month point, your dog understands they are home, and have built up a trusting relationship where they feel loved and secure.
All dogs are fed Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Western Grasslands Recipe with Bison. Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Dog Food receives the Dog Food Advisor’s second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.