It’s about 11:45pm on Sunday. We hear high-pitched whining coming from our neighbor’s yard. We go outside to our adjoining fence in the backyard with a flashlight. We see a little head pop up only four inches from the ground, it’s a puppy! It’s 30 degrees F outside, why is this little puppy there?!
(Click the images to see them full-size)
Apparently the neighbor’s friend lost their house and had to get rid of their dogs, including three puppies. Two were given away and the other one the neighbor took to bring to the SPCA. Since the puppy was only six weeks old, the shelter could not care for it and it would be euthanized. So my neighbor decided keep it a week and then the shelter could take it.
Sounds nice right? Then why did he have it out in the yard when temperatures were near-freezing, empty food and water bowls, and crying? Because, he said, it was too loud in the garage. Okay, I’ve never had a dog before but that was just wrong! So, we decided to take the puppy in our home for the night.
I had been researching dogs recently as we were contemplating getting our own. Probably a rescue dog that was 6 months to a year and cuddly like a retriever mix but smaller. Yet, we were not prepared for a Pit Bull/Staffordshire Terrier that was only six weeks old! My husband ran to the store to pick up some food and I tried get the house a little ready. It was now after midnight yet we had to wake our daughter so she could see our little furry friend. I spread out newspaper (thank goodness we used those airline miles to get a subscription), got some water, and tried to warm the little guy up. He was shaking non-stop. After eating and getting warmed up, he was much better.
Crate-training is a way to help a dog feel secure and to keep it from destroying things, hurting itself, and relieving itself all over. Having nothing of the sort we put a towel down with an old t-shirt and threw our laundry basket (upside-down) over it. We happened to have a few dog toys that I bought out of impulsive excitement the week before so gave him those.
But then, we realized we were in over our heads. The puppy, who we affectionately call Fudge, woke up crying every hour. He was lonely or had to pee/poop. We were exhausted and worn out by the time morning came. The next day was full of whining, biting, peeing, cleaning, pooping, etc. That night he whined every two hours and had to pee or poop. Can you tell I am not yet acclimated to cleaning up dog waste? And on my kitchen floor?
Today I’m calling all local shelters and rescues but it seems no one takes them that young (actually 8-10 weeks is the minimum pups should be separated from their mom/siblings). Worst case is we have to give it back to the neighbor and just hope he’ll responsibly care for it…though I doubt it. In the meantime I’ll be busy losing sleep and sanity while I watch Fudge and pick up his ‘fudge’.
14 comments
He is incredibly cute!!! I’m so glad people like you were there to bring him inside. It was cruel to leave him out in freezing temps! I just want to pick him up and cuddle his little wrinkly face! I hope he finds a great home.
Me too!
He is so cute!! What a nice thing for you to do. If they would only stay that small and cute forever. 🙂
I know. The cuteness is quickly wearing off with the constant whining for attention, 2/4/6am pee breaks and seeing it eat its own poop (if I don’t pick it up immediately).
He is still just a baby, if you get a real crate it will be easier. This stage doesn’t last forever. Hang in there.
Thank you. We got through the night and actually found it a home this morning 🙂
Oh, he is sooo cute! Please do not give him back to your neighbor. Having a puppy is just like having a baby-you will get through this. And maybe even keeping him!
We’d love to but, as first time owners, we are not confident in raising a happy, thriving Pit. With the right upbringing they can be the best pets but without, it could be disastrous. I brought him to a foster home this morning and 45 minutes later he was adopted. Yay for Fudge. Now off to get a rescue dog to adopt for our own, just a bit older this time 😛
I am so glad to hear that! Good Luck to you with your future adoption!
Thank you! We’re planning to see a cutie tonight – maybe we’ll come home with a new fuzzy daughter!
oh man..how can anyone do that to a little puppy?? 🙁 he’s adorable!
No clue. Weird thing is that he has a little daughter – would he ever put her outside because she’s crying too much?!
I can’t believe someone did that to a puppy. I do have to say that when we got our now 7 1/2 year dog, he cried every two hours every night for weeks. I was exhausted. When they are really little or just left their litter, they do that. It’s so sad and heartbreaking. I just saw your other post, so glad you found something for him!
We’re sooo happy we didn’t have to give it back to the neighbor. Now the tough part is finding a rescue dog that will fit us and us him/her.
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