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Need Answers Please--Orphaned Puppy

Celedon Jul 31, 2006 06:19 AM

June 3 started events that have devistated our family, and are physically killing me. I have Lupus, severe chronic anemia (transfusion in 2 weeks) and I have sever injuries from a hit and run accident that nearly killed me (another 2 surgeries this fall needed) I said all of that to express the fact that the stress, greif, and often days without sleep are killing me. But, I can't let down my little girl, or the treasured little mama dog that died for her babies.
Only two of the 5 puppies she had survived--the female(the only healthy pup) has a good home. We have Cheza's little boy. We didn't breed her for profit, but felt obligated to repay the dear lady who gave her to us because our daughter's 6 month old puppy had gotten out of the fence and been hit by a car.
My husband is in Bible college and preaches in Children's Church. We have little money and massive medical bills so this was a way to repay her-though she requested no money.
Cheza met all conformation standards and was the most precious creature I have ever seen. She delivered 5 babies like a pro, and amazed me by giving each clean licked pup to me. (I held them in a towel worked to help them breath and stay warm. She licked me each time.
She did so good in the beginning, but after 4 days of no sleep, following vet instructions, and fighting so hard to keep her here, pulling a groin muscle from the innumerable times I stood the same strained position over the box as I work on her and the puppies, she died. 3 days later I lost my grandmother (can you see where we have maybe just about had it with grief?) The vet said there was nothing else to be done for this little mother and basically she had given everything she had to her puppies.
The little boy that survived (originally I could close my hand over him he was so small) lives with us. His name is Kiba and because he is her baby I have fought so hard to keep him here. The vet said he was impressed and amazed he was alive. He now weighs 1 lb and 8 oz.
HERE IS WHAT I NEED...SOME ANSWERS!!! I need someone with breeding experience covering raising orphaned pups, preferably Yorkies--but any with the knowledge is fine. I have health questions, behavior and training questions relating to dogs that due to human rearing don't even know they are dogs, also, questions on hydrocephalus, open fontanel, hypoglycemia, chilling, everything!!
I have tried to get information, but most is "theoretical" not practical, and I really need to know how to train him as he is different in his thinking. In the past I have never had a problem training a dog--I'm always alpha and I enjoy the process.
He's small, he thinks I'm mama, he's behind in physical development by 2 weeks (the vet speculated that he was the last pup concieved and that due to his start in life it put him behind), but he's smart. Every method I have tried so far to communicate with him concerning a behavior has been useless.
I would love it if someone would be willing to talk with me--instant messaging, phone, or just e-mail.
I'm so tired, and I hurt all over, and the worry about how to be sure he is healthy and trained so that he is a joy to my husband and daughter is making me worse. I accept that my health will not allow me a long time, but I want to leave them with a treasure, not a little furry aggrivation that pees everywhere, chews shoes, and bites my daughter or that I outlive because I didn't have the knowledge I needed to keep him healthy. I just want to know what to do. Also, any REAL sources of infomation would be great to have.
Thank you!
Celedon_tears@yahoo.com

Replies (2)

Chelle Jul 31, 2006 12:11 PM

It sounds like a terrible situation overall. I'm so sorry for you and your family.

The only thing I'm able to help you out with is training. Dr. Ian Dunbar is by far my favorite trainer. Get his book, Serious Puppy Training and use those methods to teach your puppy.

Beyond that, I hope someone else can come along to help you out.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

abbey_road3012 Aug 01, 2006 11:43 AM

I'm very sorry for all that's happening right now. On the subject of the puppy- is there someone you could count on that would raise the puppy for you? It sounds like you've got your hands full. I do have to say, though, that most people in your situation would not be so generous as to give their time and energy to a little baby, so good for you! I live near St. Louis, and if you're anywhere nearby I'd be more than happy to keep a baby for a little while. I'm a stay-home mom and I once hand-raised a litter of rat kittens from before their eyes were open, plus numerous birds, squirrels, etc. If you could find someone who has a bit of experience in raising orphaned animals that you trust, send the baby over! You could also see if you could find another dog person to help you out with training. Yorkies are about the cutest little dogs there are! Once a little teacup yorkie walked up into our driveway, she was lost, and I called the number on her tag hoping no one would answer! She was so sweet. I hope your little puppy does well. I'll be thinking about you and him both. Post whenever you find something!
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Kadee Sedtal
home of old lady Lucy (boxer/lab/garbage disposal), pretty girl Fancy (beagle), and our new rat pack- Gershwin, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Joshua

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