From Mill Dog to Real Dog

On January 9th, we received 4 dogs from an Amish puppymill in OH. All are 2-3 years old - a small (10 pound) white Miniature Poodle male, a cream Miniature Poodle female (possibly mixed with Bichon), and two black-with-white female Cocker/Poodle mixes. They're all shy, but coming around. Scooter, the male poodle, is making the quickest progress.

Scooter was quarantined in the half bath off my bedroom for the first week. He was a mess when he arrived, his fur matted 1 inch thick all over his body, his head and face obscured by big dreadlocks, big ball-shaped mats on his front legs. It took 7 hours over 3 days to get the worst of the ick off, and I've been gradually working on the rest of it with scissors. He's starting to look pretty good!

Before:



Today:

A week ago I moved him out into the living room, into his own crate. He's doing extremely well. He follows the other dogs outside to potty and get a drink, and follows them back in. He enjoys running around the yard, and he loves to scoot around inside too. He loves to be skritched and petted, and will snuggle in my arms for hours. He's learned that "Up!" means I want to pick him up, and when I tell him Up! he comes close then hunkers down and waits for me to pick him up. He was neutered yesterday, and did very well with the "strangers" at the clinic.

Scooter has taken to being a "real dog" with gusto. I think he'll have completely put his past behind him in another couple of weeks. He's a delightful little guy who gets along with everyone - both other dogs and cats - and is liked by all in return. Such a nice little dog!