We got River a week ago. Before we got him, he was living in a kennel. The breeder gave him to us, free, so that he’d have a better life than that of a breeding dog. When we took him in I thought River would come happily into our house and blend seamlessly into our family. Reality was a little different than my dream.
Before us, River had never been inside a house. He had never had anything to eat but kibble. He had never been around any humans except the breeder and her husband. He had never seen a child. He had never walked on a leash or even had a collar on his neck. He had never had a fluffy toy.
Our house was a steep learning curve for him.
The first time River walked into our home, he crawled in on his tummy terrified. He didn’t know where to go or how to behave. The first time I gave him a bit of cheese, he sniffed it and left it. He didn’t know he was supposed to eat it. The first toy he found, he shredded…and then proceeded to also shred my slippers and a boot and a towel. He tried to eat the soft blanket we put inside his crate until we had to take it away. He didn’t know it was for comfort.
Still, there are some positive signs.
I’ve taught him to sit and come. He’s starting to slow down when he eats (he used to swallow his food whole). He’s starting to walk around the house and not freak out. We’ve bathed him and not only does he smell great, he feels so soft, it’s hard to stop petting him. He’s met friends, family and children and growled a little but also licked a lot of hands. He’s accepted his collar and learned that a leash means good things (like walks and training). He’s learning what a clicker is and he’s discovered that he loves cooked liver and cheese–though boiled eggs remain a mystery.
To help him adjust, Ocean has been nipping at his legs, stealing his treats and trying to take toys away from him. On the other hand, she also sleeps next to him when he cries for company and plays with him ‘king of the snow mountain’ outside until they’re exhausted.
Tomorrow, we’re going to try tuna. And more training.
P.S. Yes, those incredible pictures were taken by yours truly. Sigh. I hope you can see the dog and that you forgive the terrible quality.
Taylor Grace 
Aww, poor baby. It brings tears to my eyes to think that he didn’t even know what a comfort blanket or toy was. He is so lucky you found him.
Awww! You’re so kind!
I love this story. I hope River works out. It sounds like he has a good home now.
Aw. Thanks so much! We’re not Cesar Milan but we’re trying.
Awesome Taylor. River is very lucky that you took him in and understand the learning curve a kennel dog must go through. I have become an advocate of the mature dog. They hold a treasure chest of love that just needs to be opened. 🙂
I love the way you put it! There is something about rescuing a dog and giving them a second chance. I think River knows that, if we don’t always get it right, at least we’re really trying. 🙂
Poor fellow. All too often, animals deserve so much better than they get. Glad this one gets to have another chance.
Thank you so much for thinking we’re ‘another chance’! What a lovely compliment!
Well you seem to have quite a lot of patience with him, which is more than I can say for many folks. He sounds like he’s got a much better life ahead than he had before.
That’s our hope. Thank you for the lovely comment. He already enjoys playing outside, watching the birds and the extra attention we give him. He’s so huggable! He keeps getting extra kisses and hugs. 🙂
What a lovely thing to do, I am so pleased to hear you are giving him a second chance! A bit of love and training and I’m sure he will be doing great 🙂
We hope so too! He keeps destroying our shoes…:-)
Birds can be * hours * of entertainment for Akitas.
Ima confused . . . who’s pics are we looking at in this post?
And I know you know this, but . . . don’t leave him unsupervised with any kids, especially if he’s used to being around only two peeps.
Hours is right for the bird thing. The pics are both of River. I tried to get him outside but he sun was at my back and it was awful so I got one inside. And I do know about kids. That rule goes for all dogs no matter how ‘trained’ they are.
Oh! I was going to ask also . . . are they both blowing their coats now? We are here, so I assume spring is coming, even though you’d not know it tonight.
You’d think they blow their coats in unison but no. Ocean is blowing hers and River is not. Who knows why. I’m grateful because otherwise, our house would be covered by dog hair! 🙂
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That’s so sad. I think you’re doing a great thing. I’m sure River will be very appreciative – in my limited experience rescue animals understand what their adoptive parents have done for them.
Aw! That’s such a lovely comment! I’d like to think he knows. Thank you so much!