Saving Ellie

[JennyeStear]

Just got Ellie last night from a family that said " she was becoming too much trouble" I haven't even had her a full 24 hours yet. She is underweight and very anxious. She has patches of missing hair on the back of her neck and little sores all over her neck. She has yeast in her nose wrinkles and very pink skin right now. (I was on the nutrition forum and got some very good advice on how to help her with most of these issues). Through out the day I have been having issues with Ellie growling over simple things.... Jagger getting too close when she has a toy, when Jagger would get close to her face.... and so on.

I do realize she is new to our home and on edge and anxious about everything. But Jagger is by no means aggressive or dominant. He is a lover to everyone and everything.

Ellie had been pacing most of the day and just full of anxiety. So, I took her and Jagger on a doubles walk. It started out a little rough but ended up being great. Before we were half way done they were walking side by side and their steps were in sync. I had the biggest smile on my face. She's not aggressive she just isn't settled and comfortable yet.

As the walk went on when a neighborhood dog would startle her, she would immediately go to Jagger's side. The walk seemed to rid her of her anxious energy and she is now calmly sleeping in my bedroom.

I just had to get this out there, I was so worried that even though she needed my help that she would not be able to settle into our home. Taking our first walk together made it alright. I know they can be close and get along, she just need reassurance that we are her forever family.

I was not looking for another bulldog but she needed a home and I could not get her out of my mind and had to have her.
I'm not telling this story for a pat on the back, I just felt that I needed to tell the begining of Ellie's story. She is only one year old and I am her fourth home. Which will be her forever home.
Ellie and her sad, concerned face
Jagger being Jagger

 

[Jennifer Clark]

Oh my goodness that look just says "Are you going to love me?" My heart just cries for her. Thank God you have her and will give her the kind of home she deserves. *HUGS* to you and that adorable little girl you have adopted and muzzies for Jagger for loving his new sister!!

 

[bullmama]

I'll be looking forward to hearing more of Ellie's story! Thank you for posting it.


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[mer55]

No pats on the back- just a big cyberspace hug for being such a loving person! What scares me is the stories we don't hear about and the fur babies that suffer at the hands of awful,people . Humans like you make all the difference in the world! Good luck! Elle and Jagger are very lucky to,ave found you!! Keep us posted! She will adjust just fine!!

 

[ddnene]

She looks so sweet... I'm so glad you took her in. Keep us posted on how it's going w/her transition...


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[Marine91]

It is nice to hear they are starting to get along. It will take time as she adjusts to her now furever home.

 

[Texas Carol]

There is nothing wrong with a pat on the back, I'm going to give you one right now!

Ellie is one lucky 'lil girl and like Jennifer says, that look on her face tugs at your heart.

GOD bless you for saving this precious baby girl, you are in for such rewarding devotion
from her...you ain't seen nuttin' yet!

 

[aprilemari]

aww Ellie looks like a little lovey bear

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[Relley Freitas]

She is absolutely precious!! She's one lucky girl!! :D

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[LariP]

So glad you figured out what she needed and I hope you all get used to each other quickly.

I don't know how experienced you are with two bullies interacting, but we weren't at all until we got Amelia 3 months ago. We have learned with our girls that every growl is not an act of aggression. They sound like they are really mad at each other when they are playing tug on a toy. But it really is all in fun on both their parts. Bruce even shot a video the other day of the girls playing tug. It's almost like they need to make sounds and growl at each other to make it even more fun. And most of the rest of the time HRH is a fairly silent girl (until the doorbell rings). But she has also put Amy in her place a few times too with a serious bark. Amy always backs right off on whatever she was doing that "offended". HRH has actually helped her learn not to bite. And mind her manners a bit. She's still a puppy that has a lot to learn, but we've learned every growl doesn't mean a bad thing. It's just getting a point across.

 

[JennyeStear]

Oh yes I totally understand that every growl is not aggression. Jagger is a very vocal dog. He growls , gurgles, barks and screams. She was growling and snapping at the same time. I think mostly out of nervousness. Also, Jagger is very touchy feely, I think it made her more nervous. Luckily, I am a stay at home mom so we have lots of time together for her to adjust. I don't think she is accustom to all the interaction with another dog or her people. From what I got from the previous owner she was kept outside mostly with a dominant German Shepard.

 

[kazzy220]

You are doing so well right now!!!!

I will say one thing, and it's only because I know it happens after being in Rescue, and I just want you to be aware of it!!

Ellie is basically a rescue bully, and when they first come in ALL of them are on their best behaviour because they are hurt/mistreated/tired/unsure/scared .. one, some or all of those.

So for the first 6 weeks or so you get this modified, "better-be-on-my-best-behavior" thing going on... and then SOMETIMES they wake up and realise how comfortable they are and they start to show their true personality and behaviour traits.

Which most of the time is absolutely fine because this new owner is informed and tuned in to what the bully may or may not do. But a lot of new bully owners are not and they get suckered in by the honeymoon period, they let themselves relax and suddenly find they have a bulldog trying for the alpha position.

So all I'm saying is that the strict rules you put in place now CAN NOT be let to slide until a long time has passed and this bully has become socialised and fully integrated into your family/pack.

 

[TubbysMom]

Congrats & thanks for saving your new angel she looks absolutely precious. Please keep us posted with Ellie and lots of pictures would be great too

 

[Ashleym]

She is beautiful. Hope she is able to relax and enjoy her new family.

 

[Davidh]

She is a beauty and you can tell she is still unsure of her surroundings. I hope things go well for her and she settles in well. Bless you for taking her in.