Hi. I posted after getting Flynn, our rescue Lab x Collie asking some advice about him barking, I mentioned that he had reacted badly to me touching him when he was wound up, turning on me, but not biting badly enough to break skin. Sadly, this happened a few more times, escalating to the point where I had to fight him off on the last occasion, as he kept coming at me. I was in the house on my own, and got such a fright that I was in a right state by the time my husband came rushing in. I had been back to the rescue kennels to get some one to one help, but after the last occasion, I lost all trust and confidence, and ended up making the difficult decision to return him. That was on my birthday, the 9th of July, it's still haunting me that I had to return him, but really didn't feel confident around him at all in the end despite the help from the rescue. The rescue felt that he had suffered abuse in a previous home, but had no prior knowledge of this behavior, the person who had him before me only had him a few days, and never mentioned any difficulties like this. We don't know what to do now, we have such a gap in our lives after losing our other dog earlier this year. Our remaining dog, Misty, is a rescue, she was a puppy farm breeder, and we wanted to rescue again, but after what happened with Flynn, I feel quite wary. Feel like a bit of a failure having to return him, we thought we were going in with both eyes open after everything we went through with Misty, and felt fully committed to working through his known issues, but I never expected what happened, and to then end up scared of him.
I'm sure this has been terribly difficult. I think you did the right thing though. Some issues are too challenging and also unsafe to deal with. Someone let Flynn down in his past, but that person is definitely, definitely not you. Don't blame yourself. I'm sure we all understand how tough this has been.
I am really sorry that it's been difficult for you. I have been researching rescue places to offer them my help and I was looking on a Romanian rescue one yesterday; they had some lovely young dogs that would have appealed to me had I been looking. It was a good sight with the name of the vet practise that works with them, which I looked at also and it seemed very swish. I think they are in the Midlands. When you start looking you find loads of rescue places. Also, how about dogs bred for the police or guide dogs that aren't suitable for those jobs. Good luck
So sad that you has to take Flynn back but the fault is not yours and neither is it Flynns. He is obviously a dog that will need a lot of help to overcome his problems and it may be that he is better in a home without another dog. I'm sure the right dog is out there waiting for you and that you will be able to provide a loving, safe home for him/her
So sorry, but please don't blame yourself, you did everything possible. Thank you for coming by to update us - do let us know if and when you decide to get another dog.
That's very sad, sad for you and sad for Flynn, poor boy - this sadness hasn't been caused by you though, it was caused by the person who treated Flynn so badly. All you did was try to help him, and unfortunately you couldn't - that's a shame, but thank goodness there are kind hearted people like you who will try. I hope things work out for him, and you find the right dog for you and your family.
So very sorry to read this but I understand perfectly as I also had to return a terrier two and a half years ago due to very deep rooted aggression . Unfortunately , many dogs go into shut down in shelters and only show their traits once they feel secure . Please don't blame yourself , rescue can work , I went on to rescue again , our little Millie who has now been with us for over two years .
Poor you and poor Flynn my heart goes out to you. The lady that lives in the next street to me has five rescue greyhounds I'm pretty certain most if not all are from Romania. She definitely had them from somewhere in the Midlands. We usually just shout hello and give each other a wide birth as her dogs absolutely hate Labradors and Mabel is everyone's best friend. My neighbour said they are lovely gentle creatures. One has a leg missing and another one has scars round his neck where he was hung up in the air. It's incomprehensible how cruel people can be, thankfully there are still very kind people about. If you want any further information I don't mind going and knocking on her door with any questions you may have. Good luck in your search. xx
Flynn will get there, as you will too. Please don't let this little setback put you off rescue. There are too many dogs in shelters for whom there is often only one inevitable, sad end. I would always go for rescue over puppy (though I DO miss that gorgeous puppy stage).
Sorry to hear about Flynn's behavioural problems - he'd obviously had a difficult past and it wasn't good that his agressive-sounding actions meant that you lost that essential trust in him. The right dog will be there for you and for Misty too.
Thanks all. I don't understand how some people can be so cruel to animals, it really is beyond my comprehension. I know the rescue will do all they can for Flynn, and find him a more experienced home. We're just taking our time, and mulling things over, my OH would prefer to get a puppy now as he's in love with Labs, but I've pointed out there are breed specific rescues too.
