Update on Oliver (Rescue)

[Snowbody]

Lynn - wow. He really had been well cared for for most of his life. Even taking him to a specialist for his skin; not just the local vet. I'm sure that Oliver's mom had a very hard time giving Oliver up but couldn't afford and or handle having a dog anymore. Really sad and I think of "but for the grace of God go I." I think if she found out that Oliver is safely out of the shelter and being cared for and loved that it would probably help her a lot emotionally. He sounds like a gem and this sort of does sound like it was meant to be whether you foster or keep Oliver. He's in such good hands. Can't wait to see what the girls think about this.

[Yogi's Mom]

You Are Such A Good Person. She Is Still Going Thru So Much,Iam Sure.
I Think its Ment to be. Oliver is right were he should be. After Loss We All Know-The Feelings We Suffer,And Our Minds Seem to be so off tract. That Dear Needs alot of healing time. All Things happen for a reason I Firmly belive.
Maybe Peace of Mind Will Be All She Needs.

[TLR]

Lynn, that is such good news about his past care. What exactly did they diagnose him with? Does he have Seborrhea? Just curious because his symptoms sound like what my sisters dog went through and she was diagnosed with Seborrhea.
Oliver is so lucky that he is in your loving care.

[Lacie's Mom]

Tracey -- the records I have simply state "Allergies -- food and/or environmental". The records indicate that allergy tests were never ordered but would be the next step. Looks like they've tried a number of meds, shampoos and sprays to provide relief as well as different foods. The Specialist had recommended Rabbit and Pea diet which he was on back in March.

I really do want to talk with the lady that owned him just to give her some peace of mind as well as to let her know that I understand because I recently lost my DH too and to let her know that Oliver will be OK whether I keep him or find a wonderful home for him. I want to tell her that she's not a "bad person" for not being able to handle Oliver's health issues at such a difficult time emotionally.

Bridget -- I don't feel that I would be obligated to keep him just by talking to her. I just want to give her some peace of mind that he's safe, OK, getting medical treatment and will be in a good furever home -- whether it's mine or an adoptive family.

I would not want her to visit him until he has settled in more. I also think that she probably would be too emotional at this time and that it wouldn't be good. I am not going to suggest visits at this point, but would offer updates if she wants or if not, I think just talking with her will bring her some closure.

And the girls have now officially met him through the baby gate. They can visit him that way for a day or so and then we'll get them together over the weekend.

[Summergirl73]

So glad you have so much peace and direction about Oliver and his care. What a healing blessing this little one will be for you. I think it is such a loving idea for you to talk to his previous Mom. Sometimes those gentle gestures make all the difference in the world to a broken soul. Big hugs and can't wait to see how the girls get along with their new brother. I bet they love him and his energy will be a great balance in the household!

[aprilb]

Sounds good, Lynn...ask the vet about using the Virbac Cortisone shampoo and conditioner..I have used this before and it works really well..it is a prescription but I have ordered it online without one...

[Grace'sMom]

When I got sick I had to rehome my Border Collie mix. she was an extremely high energy dog, which fit me perfectly before getting sick. We did 2 hour run in the morning and 2 hour walk at night... Then suddenly I was bedridden.

I was heartbroken. She was a beautiful dog and I loved her as much as I love my two now. I did everything I could to keep her... but her needs were not being met.

I share this because when I had to relinquish her she was put into a foster home (right away, no shelter, thank goodness). And I worried and worried. I chose a local breed shelter because I wanted her rehomed to safe family who understood the high energy Border Collie. They are exceptionally smart, and endless energy... So I didn't try to rehome her on my own. But I still worried.

But what helped me.... Is her foster mom sent me an update, and a new photo. She let me know that my girl was doing wonderfully and having so much fun with her pack of Borders. She was going to get to do agility, and they went on a long hike every day. I knew she was in 7th heaven! She also told me that if they couldn't find a home for her within a year, they would be keeping her themselves. That was such a help for me.

I chose to get updates from them. And they adopted her officially after the first 6 months. And I get a photo every year now, she looks so happy and well loved. I never would have been able to give her that. She is going to live a long life now, which is what every dog deserves.

So Lynn, I do think contacting his previous owner is a good idea and would help her. Not every owner relinquishes a dog for bad reasons. Sometimes an extreme life change causes these decisions.... and for an owner who does love their dog, they believe it is the BEST decision for the dog. That the dog will have a better life. I'm sure it broke her heart to give him up.... Letting her know he is in a good home not at the shelter...and that he will stay in your home until you find his furever one - I have a feeling she will appreciate it more than you can know.

[Lacie's Mom]

Tori -- thanks for sharing your story. I feel the same way. I even check on Nellie (Jerry's black lab) who is with the owner of her sire. I know the couple well and they have Nellie's sister, Sedona, but I still want to here how she's doing. She was Jerry's soulmate. And she lived with us before Jerry got sick and had to live in Phoenix again. Nellie is a sweetheart and I know that Jerry wanted only the best for her. I talk to her new owners now and then just to make sure she's OK and doesn't need anything.

I will contact Oliver's previous owner after I go to the Dermatology Clinic on Tuesday just to provide her peace that he is doing fine and being loved and taken care of. I believe it was probably very difficult for her to give him up and that she felt she could no longer take care of him. It's so obvious that he has been well loved and well cared for.

[edelweiss]

Originally Posted by Grace'sMom

When I got sick I had to rehome my Border Collie mix. she was an extremely high energy dog, which fit me perfectly before getting sick. We did 2 hour run in the morning and 2 hour walk at night... Then suddenly I was bedridden.

I was heartbroken. She was a beautiful dog and I loved her as much as I love my two now. I did everything I could to keep her... but her needs were not being met.

I share this because when I had to relinquish her she was put into a foster home (right away, no shelter, thank goodness). And I worried and worried. I chose a local breed shelter because I wanted her rehomed to safe family who understood the high energy Border Collie. They are exceptionally smart, and endless energy... So I didn't try to rehome her on my own. But I still worried.

But what helped me.... Is her foster mom sent me an update, and a new photo. She let me know that my girl was doing wonderfully and having so much fun with her pack of Borders. She was going to get to do agility, and they went on a long hike every day. I knew she was in 7th heaven! She also told me that if they couldn't find a home for her within a year, they would be keeping her themselves. That was such a help for me.

I chose to get updates from them. And they adopted her officially after the first 6 months. And I get a photo every year now, she looks so happy and well loved. I never would have been able to give her that. She is going to live a long life now, which is what every dog deserves.

So Lynn, I do think contacting his previous owner is a good idea and would help her. Not every owner relinquishes a dog for bad reasons. Sometimes an extreme life change causes these decisions.... and for an owner who does love their dog, they believe it is the BEST decision for the dog. That the dog will have a better life. I'm sure it broke her heart to give him up.... Letting her know he is in a good home not at the shelter...and that he will stay in your home until you find his furever one - I have a feeling she will appreciate it more than you can know.