Doing something out of character?

[aleon515]

Ok nothing bad, but I was in Petsmart with my Corgi, and while she was getting her nails dremeled I looked at the dogs up for adoption. I always do that. But this was a greyhound cattle dog mix 30 lbs lanky smart but not scary so. Iow a "guy dog". I've never had any interest in this kind of dog. But in the end I am now a foster dad. Not sure how it will work out as he might have separation anxiety and might not be house trained. But odd sort of selection for someone who is interested in dog training and always looked at super smart and smaller dogs. Nor did I think I'd want a pick up game of basketball. As it turned out trans was no issue at all, told them I was Jay and when they had to do a background check I said well my given name is x, but I don't want to be called this.

Wonder if anyone else has gone thru an out of character change or experience?

Jay

[Nero]

Not that I can recall. But sounds like a good outcome there. Awaiting pics of your new friend. Trying to imagine what a greyhound cattle dog looks like. 

[Bastian]

I've not had an experience like this either, but good for you! Not just because it was both brave or you and i'm sure it helped you feel great about yourself but also cause you helped an animal =) Well done mate.

I second wanting to see photos. I've never seen a greyhound x heeler. Did you name him yet?

[aleon515]

Not so fast. I'm home today as I am taking Crane back to the shelter. He has extreme separation anxiety. I left him a couple (short periods--2-3 hours) and he had cried so loud I could hear him outside the house (I have insulated windows). The other dog is scared of him and won't be in the same room with him unless I am there. The cats are both scared, though Padfoot has taken to coming in and hissing at him until Crane backs down. But the other, I haven't seen Hermione much in the last couple days at all. She isn't eating. (Very bad for cats who can't fast.) He is not housebroken-- he's 10 months-- needs to go out every two hours. But I work.

So it's not really working out.

--Jay

[Bastian]

That's a shame it's not working out 

[Shang]

Not so fast. I'm home today as I am taking Crane back to the shelter. He has extreme separation anxiety. I left him a couple (short periods--2-3 hours) and he had cried so loud I could hear him outside the house (I have insulated windows). The other dog is scared of him and won't be in the same room with him unless I am there. The cats are both scared, though Padfoot has taken to coming in and hissing at him until Crane backs down. But the other, I haven't seen Hermione much in the last couple days at all. She isn't eating. (Very bad for cats who can't fast.) He is not housebroken-- he's 10 months-- needs to go out every two hours. But I work.

So it's not really working out.

--Jay

=/ I know how that goes.  We were going to foster a beautiful military puppy for 6 months or so, but my dog and my dad's dog were mean to him so we had to take him back.  He was a Malinois, which can be a breed that throws tantrums [just like kids] and is often headstrong and possessive, but was as sweet as can be.  He was just a bit rougher than the dogs liked because he was a puppy and a big one at that.  I loved the dog, but our dogs didn't get along with him...it's kind of frustrating when that happens.  It's generally why it's best to let the dogs meet prior to taking the new one home.  And even then they might not be compatible though often times after several days the dogs relax and settle into a decent routine.  Sometimes not, though.  It's always best to take them back if it doesn't look like it would work out. 

Anyway...

I went through a character change when I was 3.  I suffered paralysis from the chin down due to GBS.  My parents said that my personality before and after is entirely different.  Before I was sick I was bubbly and happy, but immediately after becoming sick that just wasn't there.  I was no longer as happy or willing to talk with others or interact with others.  My dad said it was like a light switch went from on to off.

A later one was when I was 19 and adopted my dog from the shelter.  I wasn't supposed to get her and I wasn't truly looking to adopt, but I went in and saw some cute puppies.  Originally I liked how her brother looked, but then me and y sister took him to the play room.  He didn't interact all that well with us so my sister went to get several other puppies and bring them into play room.  Harley Quinn was in the batch and she played with us before falling asleep on my lap.   So...she came home with me. ^^ It was the best $50 I ever spent in my life.  She really helped make life worth living and I doubt I'd still be alive if I didn't have her.

@ girl you look fierce:  Harley was technically an impulse buy. I had to have her and I've now had her for 5 years and she's properly cared for and has a good life. ^^  She's so spoiled.

[aleon515]

Dogs aren't impulse buys

I didn't buy him. He is a foster. That isn't even a buy. He was actually returned once for separation anxiety (they said barking in an apartment), but he was barking because he was upset about being left. The cat thing is not as clear but I don't like that one of my cats hasn't eaten in a couple days.

Not sure exactly how impulsive this was, but it was less typical behavior for me anyway.

Sadly I don't think his odds are good. If they had time to place him with someone who was not working and had no other animals.

--Jay

[AdamMLP]

I have a whippet, and they're fairly close to greyhounds I suppose. She's an absolute pain with being left alone, she got better though because my mother got a different job and so her and our other dog have to stay in the kennel from 6:30am until someone else gets up and are staying in the house. We have to work so she had to get over it, still whinges if she can hear my mother but not get to her.

If it's not working with your cat and it's making you worried for it then that's what matters. Our cat just does its own thing, as long as it gets food its happy.

[aleon515]

Well a bit of an undate: I took him back. Not so good for the dog, but I talked to the foster coordinator about 20 min. which was terrific. I told her all about the dog and what I would look for for a home for him. She was very nice about it and said any info would be helpful. Not sure the odds on the dog are great, but they do make an effort, from what I have heard. I think in the right home (somebody there much of the time) and no cats. (Actually Padfoot might have worked. I think Crane was a bit scared as he kept hissing at him over and over and maybe got the message across.) He is so sweet with people that this might help him.

Nevertheless, don't plan on finding out. I feel a bit sad, but Hermione has been back to walking around like a normal cat.


--Jay