Hello everyone,
I have been reading a ton on this site trying to get a better understanding of my new rescue. I would love any advice/experiences from anyone that thinks they can help.
I rescued a 5 year old Cavalier from a puppy mill that was shut down for animal cruelty. She had two of the worst ear infections I have ever seen, infection in her nipples, blood showed signs of infection, as well as extremely anemic.
When I got her I took her to the vet a ton until all of these issues were under control and/or corrected. After a lot of work, her ears and infections are all better and she is on medicine for her anemia as well as on the best food possible.
The main problems I am having is with fear/anxiety problems. She was never socialized (not once) with other dogs, animals or any humans. She is terrified of the world and until she came into my house had never been in one. She does not have any aggression, just fear. Over the past 4 months I have been working hard house-training her (achieved) as well as trying to gain her trust.
She does not like to be held or pet and won't let anyone else other than me hold her. She won't walk on a lead and has no interest in playing with anything. When I go to pick her up she runs a way at first and finally lets me (sometimes I have to get her to put her in the car, etc.). She has very little energy (sleeps all day and night) and doesn't seem happy at all.
Does anyone have any words of advice or experience with a similar rescue? I know she had a different past and therefor will always be a little different but I have to have hope that at some time in the future she may want affection/cuddles/walks/etc. I hope her past hasn't completely stunted the possibility and that there is a chance for her to enjoy/be a part of life and create a bond with me at some time.
Any advice would be much appreciated!
I have been reading a ton on this site trying to get a better understanding of my new rescue. I would love any advice/experiences from anyone that thinks they can help.
I rescued a 5 year old Cavalier from a puppy mill that was shut down for animal cruelty. She had two of the worst ear infections I have ever seen, infection in her nipples, blood showed signs of infection, as well as extremely anemic.
When I got her I took her to the vet a ton until all of these issues were under control and/or corrected. After a lot of work, her ears and infections are all better and she is on medicine for her anemia as well as on the best food possible.
The main problems I am having is with fear/anxiety problems. She was never socialized (not once) with other dogs, animals or any humans. She is terrified of the world and until she came into my house had never been in one. She does not have any aggression, just fear. Over the past 4 months I have been working hard house-training her (achieved) as well as trying to gain her trust.
She does not like to be held or pet and won't let anyone else other than me hold her. She won't walk on a lead and has no interest in playing with anything. When I go to pick her up she runs a way at first and finally lets me (sometimes I have to get her to put her in the car, etc.). She has very little energy (sleeps all day and night) and doesn't seem happy at all.
Does anyone have any words of advice or experience with a similar rescue? I know she had a different past and therefor will always be a little different but I have to have hope that at some time in the future she may want affection/cuddles/walks/etc. I hope her past hasn't completely stunted the possibility and that there is a chance for her to enjoy/be a part of life and create a bond with me at some time.
Any advice would be much appreciated!