© 2024 24 Paws of Love

Protected by Copyscape© 2010-2024 24 Paws of Love.com All content (pictures, videos and text) from this blog and its feeds may not be displayed or reproduced. Please request permission from Mark or Patty before using at 24pawsoflove@gmail.com Thank you.
Current blog look inspired by and dedicated to Chance, Blaze, Fiona and Zappa who all kicked ass against cancer and liver disease.

Brut Quote

Brut Quote

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Chance's healing


Chance was one of the pups that came back, abused and neglected.  We made it through the trauma stages of his return and the fear of abandonment issues, but are still working out his anxiety.  We knew his former owners did things to him, but we were not sure of the details.  He freaks out when I try to examine him, give him medicine, or touch him with a foreign object. It usually takes both of us to give his flea medicine or look at an injury.  He will sit on Daddy's lap while I get to be the "bad guy" and play doctor.  His panic is decreasing, but it is always there.

Over the course of the last year and a half being with us, Chance has become such a strong and confident dog that  I've almost forgotten that the trauma still exist.  Chance reminded me when I tried to give him some ear medicine by myself.  He reacted.  I tried to handle him as gently and quickly as possible while he fought me.  He made the task difficult, but I was finally able get the drops in.  Though his reaction was better than in has been in the past, it was still strong. 

I was shaken by his reaction and what Chance was telling me.  They had hurt him with things.  Objects.  As he lay quietly on his pillow, I knelt beside him and began to caress his head and his body with a gentle soothing touch.  When he lifted his head I would talk to him, letting him know it was me and that he was safe.  This caressing helped me work my way down his body.  I was amazed when he didn't flinch and let me touch his feet and put my fingers between his toes.  Then I took the ear drop bottle and rubbed his head and ears with it.  I stopped several different times when he lifted his head, showing him the bottle and continued to comfort him.  He felt safe.  I was able to check him over and he handled it well. 

I didn't realized the origin of the abuse Chance's reaction stemmed from.  I'm still slowly learning how to handle situations with an abused dog.  I am a survivor of abuse and there are situations that are still very delicate for me.  Even though Chance is doing fantastic, he too has these delicate areas.  It has shaken me to the core, the pain and fear he still feels, even with someone he trust.  They don't forget any more than we do.  We know when someone has hurt us, so do dogs.  It is amazing how tender and sensitive their hearts and feelings are.  They are caring beings, as any real dog lover knows.  To see them hurt in any way is heartbreaking, but to see them still suffer from the actions of someone who was suppose to love them, is crushing.  Chance made me aware of a delicate area for him and the reasons why.  It gave me a deeper insight into his fears and pains and how to help him through them.

Chance knows there are many rescued pets out there and wants to know what your human is learning about you and your tender issues. 

7 comments:

Maggie Mae and Max said...

Puppy prayers for Chance, I hopes he realizes how lucky he is now. I can't begin to imagine what he has been through.

Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae

Unknown said...

Thanks for telling us about chance. Most abused dogs will realise where their true loyalties lie. Although at some times, the memories will flood back, he knows he is safe with you.

Kellee the Caffeinated said...

Oh Chance, I am so glad that you found your way back to a place where they love and take the time with you!!! You so deserve it...

I am a board member to an animal rescue fund... We raise money for medical emergencies such as dogs dumped at the shelters with bones sticking out, or chemically burned animals, etc... I'll spare you the details... I have found that animals are extremely forgiving... much more so that I would ever be! Two of the three of my dogs were abused and neglected. It's taken years, time, and patience to help them get through their fears! But believe me, nobody is more appreciative than a rescued animal.

*Hugs to you*
~The Mama Monster

24 Paws of Love said...

I agree Mama Monster, Chance and another puppy that was brough back to are both so grateful and appreciative. I can tell a big difference from the dogs a I kept and never being abused, having all their needs met, that is just normal to them as they have never experienced the "other side." Thank you for your comment and the great and difficult work you do. We are so blessed that Chance and Blaze's abuse was minor to what some dogs experience.

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. A big woo-woo to all of you.

V.L. Locey said...

Thanks for sharing about Chance. What a handsome dog he is and how lucky he was to be saved by someone who truly cares.

Pup Fan said...

Thank you for sharing this story about Chance... it's so hard to hear about dogs that have been abused, but it's wonderful to hear that Chance now has a loving home with an understanding person like you.

Puppy Love Petwear said...

Aww i am so pleased he has come back to a loving home & you have the patience to help him heal. 7 years on with my neglected pup he is now so full of life & hardly recognisable as the frightened & hurting little doggie I rescued. I look forward to seeing Chance's progress and know with a loving family like urs he will soon be back to fully happy & healthy :) M xx