There's No i In Bond

How do I love thee?

The ways are numberless as

My hairs on the rug.

~Dog Haiku

To me, there is no greater feeling than the feeling of bonding with an adopted dog and giving them a great new life. I feel it with my own adopted fur kids and when other people tell me their stories of adoptions/fosters. It is soooo rewarding! My Hannah, for example, was a "hard case" because her life up until rescue was that of a breeder in a cage. She had been denied love and touch and was kept in a cage to do her job. She had no desire to be loved by people or to be near them. She cowered, shook, and hid away by herself. She never played or wagged her tail. At first, she wanted nothing to do with us, her toys, the other dogs, etc. With my dog experience, my devotion, and determination I knew I could help her. Me and my boyfriend adopted her. We've had her two years now and she's a different dog!! She's funny, playful, cuddly, bold, and relaxed. She loves giving us kisses and sleeping in bed!! I can't imagine life without her. Our bond is so deep and our love is immeasurable.

Rescue dogs come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. Some have known the love of a human, some have grown up neglected or stray, and some have only known abuse. Whatever the situation, dogs live with the memories of what was.... They remember smells, sounds, sights, and touch. To this day, Hannah is very nervous about new people especially if they are holding something. Much like humans, dogs have different coping mechanisms when it comes to stressful situations. Their coping mechanisms can be greatly affected by what has happened to them in the past. Unfortunately, most of the time we can only guess their past experiences, but sometimes we know their story. Fluffy was surrendered due to divorce. Maggie's owners had to move to an apartment. Spot didn't get along with their other dogs. Fido got too big. Jake's owner was charged with abuse and neglect. Molly's mom was a hoarder. Scout was beaten with stick and left tied to a tree. The stories never end..... Some situations are understandable, but most break our hearts. However, now they have a new story...a story that begins with you!!

Depending on your adopted dog's past, you may need to alter your normal routines, instincts, and behaviors. Remember, their old life is still fresh in their mind. Sometimes you may feel like your progress is slow, but don't worry. You will form a bond. Let him or her know that they are safe and welcome in their new home. Let them explore and smell. Don't force yourself, your other dogs/pets, or your friends/kids on them. Also, let them get settled for a few days or more (depending on their attitude) before you take them to pet stores, on play dates, to the dog park, etc. I recently read an article written by RMGDRI's own Laura Rubin and she had this list of examples on how to help you bond with your new dog.

• introduce games into your daily interactions
• increase the amount of praise you give
• include simple training exercises into your dog's routine
• take a walk
• bathe or groom your dog
• take them on outings
• allow them to be with you when doing chores
• establish a consistent daily routing (feeding, walking, playing)

Laura also referenced the book Bonding with Your Dog, by Laura Schade. According to Schade, it is NEVER too late to build a bond and she states, "It's never too late, your dog is never too old and your scenario is never too screwed up to commit to nurturing a stronger relationship." I believe this to be so true!! I loved Hannah instantly but our bond needed to be nurtured. Our relationship developed slowly but now it is stronger than I ever imagined. Remember, it all begins with you!!!