I have been keeping a word document with snippets of Bennetts progress but have decided maybe a blog would be easier.
We picked Bennett up from a breeder in Maine on 11/21/09. We had been looking for a puppy a long time and although I was checking shelters 2-3 times a week, no one had jumped out at me. Rick had his heart set on a 'mini Jeremy' (our collie) but I wanted another collie, so we were seriously looking at both shelties and collies. We knew we didn't want a puppy, and I wanted a sable colored female. Rick wanted a tri colored pup, so looks like he won out. :-)
We talked to a couple breeders who had older dogs, 3-9 years, but we were really hoping for someone a little younger. Jeremys breeder had puppies on the way, but as much as we LOVE Jeremy, I couldn't bring myself to take on a little pup. We finally came across a woman with a 16 month old tri color male sheltie, and decided he was it. She told us she had been showing him but it wasn't his favorite thing so she was looking to find him a nice home.
We are not entirely sure how true that was. We drove 7 hours to go meet him, and while all her other (13!) dogs were friendly and well behaved, Bennett was skittish and fearful. It made me a little nervous but she assured us he'd warm up quick, and Rick couldnt bear to think of leaving him there, so we took him home with us.
11/21- First day, car ride home
Bennett did not do too great on his first (half!) day with us. The car ride home was tough and long. He cowered in the corner of his crate shaking, so we pulled over and put the crate in the trunk and I put a blanket down on the seat and sat in the back with him. He ate a few treats but would not even look in the direction of our faces. His name from the breeder was Walker, but he did not look up when we said it so I just said names until he looked at me, and Bennett it was. His breeder told us the command she used for everything was 'showtime!' but he doesnt look up for that either. He would not drink any water on the ride but was panting a lot so I took some and put it in his mouth. He did not seem to notice he was being held or petted- it was almost like he was drugged. He had on a VERY tight rope collar from the breeder so we stopped at a pet store to get him one that fit. He is very nervous on the leash and pulls and runs in circles. We took him inside the store to fit a collar on him and he did ok- just as skittish but no nervous accidents. Picked up some different cookies (but stupidly forgot food- luckily the breeder gave us some.) a collar and a tag with our phone number on it. Spent a lot of the ride repeating his new name, but still not even a look.
At the house he sniffed around outside a bit and peed on the steps. We brought him in and took Jeremy outside so Bennett could have some time alone inside. He ran right to the coffee table and hid under the edge of it. Jeremy came in and sniffed Bennett, but Ben did not even seem to notice he was there. The cats also inspected him. He stayed in his corner all night and did not move but did eat and drink some when I brought it to him. I slept on the couch and he slept with me, although I had to pick him up to put him there. He did not move an inch all night.
11/22- Sunday
I am a little discouraged today. Bennett is very zombie like. We have to pick him up to get him to move at all. He is terrified of the leash and is fine once hes outside but will pull backwards when you put it on inside. He has still not so much as looked at us. He growled a little at Jeremy today when Jeremy stuck his nose in his face once too often, and snapped at him a little.
11/23 Monday
Much of the same. He will eat some cookies but only if we put them right in front of his face. He still will not go near the crate but seems to like a pink blanket we have so I've been putting it on the couch. His new spot seems to be the far cushion on the couch. He will sit there for the entire day without moving.
11/24 Tuesday
Slight improvement today. He perked up a little at the cats walking by and even wagged his tail a bit. He is also improving on the leash a little- less stumbling and walking under our feet- he seems to be picking up cues from Jeremy.
11/25 Wednesday
Today Bennett played with Jeremy for about 30 seconds before going back to Zombie dog. Taking more treats from us and is no longer shying away from pets. He isnt coming to us for them or leaning into them, but hes tolerating being petted. We let him sleep in bed with us last night, and he did fine. Did not move AT ALL.
11/26 Thursday- Thanksgiving
Spent the day in our bedroom and did ok. even hopped down to come and see ricks dad, although he didnt get close. Let my mom pet him for a while and seemed content. Tried to give him a small piece of turkey breast but he was not too interested.
11/27 Friday
Another ok day. He has moments of alertness where he'll look at us in the face rather than looking away. Also responds slightly to his name every time we say is, and is learning "cookie". Will jump off couch to drink water without help. If you call him he will come halfway then get spooked and run back to the couch. He did go outside then come back in and squat to poop on the carpet. Brought him back out and he wouldnt go.
11/28
Another ok day. Not much to note, no real changes. Has a few more moments of "doggieness" but nothing special.
11/29
A little set back today- Bennett peed and pooped on our bed. He was on the couch and jumped off, ran to my room and peed and pooped on the bed. Rest of the day he did ok- fairly alert and would take all cookies.
11/30
Bennett pooped and peed in the living room the second I left the house today. After that he was extra friendly. Met Dawn and did ok- was not friendly but no shaking/panting and walked a few inches to take treats. He sat on couch with me rest of the night and cuddled a lot- lots of rolling and wiggling and snuggling. Looked pretty alert most of the night. Pulled a little when I put leash on him but came off the couch and walked to door on his own. Baby steps!
