GSD Found!

[Christine Animal]

Don't forget that we don't know where he has come from.  Morse is right, someone may be crying about him every day and regretting they did not have him identified.  That doesn't mean they didn't love him.  On the other hand they may not.  We cannot judge until we know. 

The wonderful thing is that he fell upon Morse instead of some pound who wouldn't have bothered and there he might have been put down.  Now he has either the chance of finding his family or staying with Morse.   [:)]

 

[Suandpete]

    I too am crossing my fingers hoping he can stay with you.

I get quite upset at the way animals are sometimes treated - immediately across the road from us at the moment there is a circus; quite apart from the obvious problems of three female lions living permanently in half of a lorry trailer (the only time they get out is to go into the tent to perform, on days when there is no performance the covers on the side of the trailer are left down, presumably being in half dark keeps them quieter); there are a large number of other animals.  As I type this I can see a lovely brown pointer type dog which is tied to a notice board with a chain about four feet long - she has been there since Monday morning and has an extremely small amount of hay for bedding - not even enough to cover 2 sq ft.  The overnight temperatures are below freezing and she is very pregnant.  I can imagine what will happen when she has her litter.  We have 2 rescue dogs and they are nice and warm and cosy just about 10 metres away from where she is - I have very nearly gone and collected her a number of times during the last few nights - but I know they would just replace her with another - she is supposed to be guarding the entrance to the circus.

And then there are the camels and llamas tied to the car park posts, and the turkey tied to a bush by a piece of string round one leg.........

I shall be really pleased when it moves on for selfish reasons - I know the animals will be treated in the same way but at least I won't be able to see it everytime I look out of the window.

[Panda]

I know it would kill me if I could see that going on, it's so horrible, do they do much business, do people really pay to go in there in this day and age, it's horrific!

[Suandpete]

    Yesterdays performance was about 50, the day before maybe 40.   We have them about two or three times a year and they vary tremendously.   Once there were only 5 people and they gave them their money back rather than do the show.  Some of them don't have any big cats and seem to look after the animals a bit better than others.  Most of the animals like the 3 camels, 4 llamas and all the goats and ponies are just there to attract attention - they don't perform.

[Morse98]

[quote user="spg"][quote user="Morse98"]

Lets just keep our fingers crossed someone comes forward and he is pleased to see them.[/quote]

No sorry can't do that - he is obviously very happy where he is, so I would prefer to cross my fingers and hope he can stay with you.

[/quote]

Thanks for that, in a way I hope just the same.[;-)]

 

I have however been to the Gendarmes this afternoon to see how I stand with regards to finding the owners. They have basically told me that they are not interested in the dog unless the owner turns up and then they want me to inform them so they can have a word with them as they tell me the owner is in trouble for not ensuring the dog was identifiable! Hmm! Not sure if I could do that should they turn up. However the Gendarmes have also told me I have a couple of choices hand the dog into the SPA or another rescue centre or keep him myself as they don't think the owner will turn up and probably will not go to them to ask as the owner will know he will be in trouble.

Anyway at Suandpetes' suggestion I am changing Chances' name to Lewis and will take the risk of him having to return to his owners and me being upset. Thanks suandpete it's a great name[kiss] Hubby will love it when I tell him,lol he is in the UK at the moment!!

[suein56]

[quote user="Morse98"][quote user="spg"][quote user="Morse98"]

Lets just keep our fingers crossed someone comes forward and he is pleased to see them.[/quote]

No sorry can't do that - he is obviously very happy where he is, so I would prefer to cross my fingers and hope he can stay with you.

[/quote]

Thanks for that, in a way I hope just the same.[;-)] [/quote]

Right, here's hoping for a happy ending! [B]

Sue

[Morse98]

Well I'm not sure he is that happy here bless his heart!! 

He seems absolutely fine during the day however last night and tonight he has been whineing and howling since about 8pm and he only stops for about 20-30mins at a time and then starts again. He just can't seem to settle when it gets dark, in fact last night he didn't settle until about 5.30am! I have been walking him to see if he needs to go to the toilet and a couple of times he has however sometimes he just wants to carry on walking. He has been fed and has water at his disposal and he doesn't appear to be in any pain (well physical that is). There seems to be more of an urgency when he is walked at night tan during the day as though he thinks he has to be somewhere. I have kept him on a lead as fear he will just run off and whilst I hope he would find his way home and back to his owners I fear he will end up hurt or just wandering again and no one will take him in next time or even care.

[val douest]

That must be very hard for you - not just the disturbance to your sleep but more the knowledge that he is pining for elsewhere and not yet ready to accept your place as his new home.  But he is so much better off where he is than wandering to find where he came from.  It could well be that he is a victim of changed circumstances (owner died or in care) so there isn't even his own home to go back to.  Meanwhile he is in good safe hands and being well fed and treated: I'm sure that in time the memories will dim and he will relax and become more content and settled with you.  I know you have done all you can to trace his owners and it may be that they will contact you -  but as each day passes this seems less likely.  I think that six months from now you will be posting to say that 'Lewis' and Lancia and you have settled into an easy routine and although he hasn't and never will replace your beloved GSD he is part of the family and it seems strange to remember a time when he wasn't with you.  Dogs do adapt to new circumstances, though some take longer than others. Just as your Morse will always have the number one special place in your heart so the new dog's owners may have the number one special place in his - but he can still become your happy and devoted companion and you can become his.

Good luck and here's hoping for less stressful nights all round,

Val

[Catalpa]

Life is rarely simple. [:)] I'm sorry there are settling down problems. It may be something as simple as him being accustomed to walking at night. Perhaps he slept during the day and moved around and hunted for food mostly at night. So he still expects to be out doing stuff once it's dark. As someone else commented, those paws look as though he has walked a fair bit. Does he want to walk in any particular direction when you take him out? Given the chance ([;-)]) on a lead, would he take you in one direction?

Whatever happens, he'll probably settle down given another few days and his drive to be out at night will diminish. If he looks as though he's in the early stages of hip problems, could he be in more discomfort at night for some reason? And walking eases that discomfort? Impossible to know, isn't it? [8-)]

[Russethouse]

Could he have belonged to a security guard who worked at night ?

[Pixie Toadstool]

Our old dog (who may have been a GSD cross) used to howl when other people looked after him.  He was kept downstairs at their house whereas he was used to sleeping upstairs on the landing with us and he seemed to be howling to be back with the pack.  As soon as they let him sleep upstairs he was as happy as Larry!

So it may just be separation anxiety from you - just a thought!

Pix

[Christine Animal]

Have you put him in the local papers Morse, that's the best way to try to find the owners in rural areas.  If you like I can do it for you if you can give me the name and numbers of the papers by email.  There is no charge when it's for dogs who have been found.

[Morse98]

Thank you everyone for all your kind words and thoughts.

All our accomodation is on one level and he is allowed the run of the place so he can come into the bedroom and sleep with me however he prefers(when he does sleep!)the sitting room. As I say he is absolutely fine during the day and even lays out in the garden without going anywhere near the gate or fence! and just toddles back into the house as and when he wants. Just at night if let out into the garden he tries to get through the gate and the fencing and if I take him for a walk the he just wants to keep walking although not in any particular direction.

I have been and discussed the situation with the vet this morning as I hate to see him gettng himself in such a state and we are trying him on some calmers for a few days until he settles a little at night and hopefully he realises he is safe. Anyway I will NOT give up on him in trying to find his real owners or if necessary then keeping him and letting him live out his days in peace and happiness.

Christine, Thanks for that you are an absolute star.[kiss] Luckily Domfront Commune are doing that for me so that another way of us trying to track down his owners.

 

[Morse98]

Just abit of an update.

So far Lewis is settling in well(well other than at night time,lol!) He recognises his name now and is great on the re-call even without a lead or extendable on. He will walk to heel and if I let him off his lead down our
lane on the way back to the house he always just heads straight back to the garden unless I tell him to wait and then he stands and waits until I catch up, Bless his heart! hey and all of this in English,can't be bad.

He has been for a check up with the vet this morning and everything is ok other than as I already knew his back end is going.She thinks that is probably the reason he was a stray! Also his feet are in a mess and one of his claws has been infected at some stage but not treated.[:(] Anyway he is having lots of rest and short walks throughout the day and he is getting stronger so hopefully things are looking up for him. We just have to get him to realise night time is for sleeping and not going out hunting! However that is just a time and patience thing. Although have got a D.A.P collar from her so hoping that will help him settle at night unfortunately she didn't have any diffusers or I would have got one of those. Also a friend is bringing me some rescue remedy from the UK today so will try that as well. Also asked her about having him chipped and she informed me that I wuld have to wait for 3-4weeks in case the owner turned up and I would need a letter from the Mairie to say I was claiming Lewis! So if no-one comes forward by then I will have him chipped and innoculated.

Would just like to say Thank you to all those that have contacted me privately and wished me well and given lots of advice,It is appreciated.

[Morse98]

Just abit of an update.

So far Lewis is settling in well(well other than at night time,lol!) He recognises his name now and is great on the re-call even without a lead or extendable on. He will walk to heel and if I let him off his lead down our
lane on the way back to the house he always just heads straight back to the garden unless I tell him to wait and then he stands and waits until I catch up, Bless his heart! hey and all of this in English,can't be bad.

He has been for a check up with the vet this morning and everything is ok other than as I already knew his back end is going.She thinks that is probably the reason he was a stray! Also his feet are in a mess and one of his claws has been infected at some stage but not treated.[:(] Anyway he is having lots of rest and short walks throughout the day and he is getting stronger so hopefully things are looking up for him. We just have to get him to realise night time is for sleeping and not going out hunting! However that is just a time and patience thing. Although have got a D.A.P collar from her so hoping that will help him settle at night unfortunately she didn't have any diffusers or I would have got one of those. Also a friend is bringing me some rescue remedy from the UK today so will try that as well. Also asked her about having him chipped and she informed me that I would have to wait for 3-4weeks in case the owner turned up and I would need a letter from the Mairie to say I was claiming Lewis! So if no-one comes forward by then I will have him chipped and innoculated.

Would just like to say Thank you to all those that have contacted me privately and wished me well and given lots of advice,It is appreciated.

[Christine Animal]

I thought about his nightime business starting at about 8 pm when he seems calm in the day, could it be that he was alone all day while his master was at work, so slept, and in the evening he gets excited as that is when his owner would have come home and he wants to find him?  Just a suggestion, but looks as if we shall never know.

Do you have any information or a link on the DAP collar?  I've already mentioned on other threads and have heard there are good results from Anxitane for anxiety and stress, no drugs, green tea.

http://www.wanimo.com/fr/chiens/comportement-sc99/anxitane--sf1052/

Good luck with him Morse !   [kiss]

 

[Morse98]

Hello Christine,

As you say it looks like we will never know his history! however that is a very good point you have made.

The Anxitane tablets are the ones I got from the vet last week and have been trying however they just don't seem to have made a difference to him (Lewis not the vet!).  Here is a link for the DAP Collar and the diffuser: http://www.mikalo.com/boutique/fiche_produit.cfm?ref=7821556&code_lg=lg_fr&type=14&num=2

http://www.mikalo.com/boutique/fiche_produit.cfm?type=14&ref=7672381&code_lg=lg_fr&pag=1&num=2&marq=29

However if you google DAP a few suppliers come up and give a fair bit of information regarding the use of these. This is the blurb I have for it: 

D.A.P. (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) - to help dogs overcome fears and stress.

Proven to help comfort both puppies and adult dogs in challenging situations outside, the D.A.P. Collar is recommended:

• To help a puppy settle into a new environment away from his mother and siblings
• To help a rescue dog adjust to a new home and family
• To help dogs remain calm during a stay in kennels
• To ensure a puppy’s first experiences of new activities are positive, especially during the socialisation period
• To help dogs cope with novel and unpredictable situation away from the home
• To help dogs exhibiting fear related reactions outside the home when encountering traffic, other dogs, thunderstorms, gunshots etc.

The D.A.P. Collar works by releasing a constant stream of synthetic dog appeasing pheromone for a period of about 4 weeks. The dog appeasing pheromone is a substance produced naturally by a lactating bitch to reassure and calm her puppies, as they explore and learn about the world around them.

Importantly this pheromone is also proven to have a positive relaxing and comforting influence on adult dogs, increasing their confidence in the outside world and make the process of accepting new or difficult stimuli more relaxed and less challenging.

Combining the D.A.P. Collar with the D.A.P. Diffuser may provide optimum results for dogs showing indoor and outdoor fears and for puppies or adult dogs settling into a new home. In multi-dog households, it is recommended that all the dogs wear a D.A.P. Collar or that a D.A.P. Diffuser used. The D.A.P. Collar should be left on the dog at all times.

What causes dogs to bark excessively, whine and tear up the house when left alone?
Dogs are social animals and can act out destructive behaviors due to separation anxiety. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety exhibit undesirable behaviors associated with stress, fear and anxiety, such as restlessness, excessive whining and barking, and adult destructive chewing and house soiling.

What types of situations can cause a dog stress?
Separation Anxiety: physical separation from the owner/pet guardian to whom it is attached.

New People/Things: moving or major changes in the household, remodeling or redecorating, new pieces of furniture.

Fear/Phobias: thunderstorms, lightening, fireworks.

Temporary changes: being transported, hospitalized or boarded.

What is D.A.P.?
Developed for pet owners by veterinarians, D.A.P.™ (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) mimics the properties of the natural pheromones of the lactating female. Within three to five days after giving birth, the female generates pheromones that give their puppies a sense of well-being and reassurance, known as appeasing pheromones.

How can D.A.P. calm dogs in stressful situations?
Pheromones are picked up and detected by an animal`s sense of smell producing specific responses. By replicating this signal of comfort, D.A.P.™ helps alleviate fear and stress related signs in the puppy and adult dog.

How long should D.A.P. be used?
To address behavior caused by temporary events, plug the diffuser in for 30 days. Each vial attached to a diffuser lasts approximately four weeks. Repeat as necessary.

How well does D.A.P. work?
In clinical trials with D.A.P.™, destructive behavior and vocalization (excessive barking and whining) were improved or resolved by 72 percent and 85 percent respectively. (Clinical trials were conducted by Ceva Sante Animale between November 1999 and November 2000, and were under the specific direction of Dr. Patrick Pageat.)

Does D.A.P. have any effect on cats?
D.A.P. is a chemical copy of the canine appeasing pheromones in lactating females. The pheromones are species-specific and should not have any effect on cats. The product has not been tested on cats.

What does it smell like?
D.A.P. has no smell and is odorless to humans when dry.

Is it a sedative?
No, D.A.P. is a solution that helps calm and reassure puppies and adult dogs.

Should any precautions be taken with pets and children?
Proper product use will not harm children, adults or pets. Plug diffusers into electric sockets in an open area most frequented by the dog. Do not place behind furniture.

How is D.A.P. used?
D.A.P.™ is an easy-to-use "plug-in" diffuser that consists of an electrical plug-in unit and disposable (30-day) bottle that will deliver the pheromone 24 hours a day. It continuously releases the active ingredient into the dog`s environment and allows trouble-free treatment in a 650-square-foot area for approximately four weeks.

[Christine Animal]

Thank you for the DAP information.  I don't think Anxitane has an immediate effect, it's over a period of time.

 

[Morse98]

No problem Christine,

It appears the DAP has more of an immediate effect! No howling at all last night and just whimpering a couple of times to go out to the toilet so all in all a great night, actually managed to get 6hrs sleep so am feeling fantastic this morning. Lewis seems much better too not so hyped which is lovely in fact he is stil fast asleep. Just hoping it stays like this and he remains as calm in the night from now on although I suspect there will be a few hiccups along the way.

By the way so glad to hear a few of the ones you have been trying to save Christine have now found new homes and I hope they all settle and have wonderful lives with their new families. Well done to all those that have helped.

 

 

[pawsy]

5 years ago when we were back in the UK we to found a GSD. [:)]We took her to the vet and he checked her all over. She had no chip, he thought she was around 18 mths and he seemed to think she was unable to have pups and that someone had been trying to breed from her without luck.[8-)] We had her chipped wormed and rabis jabbed as we wre planning to move abroad sometime in the near future.

We already had one GSD called Bracken so we named her Fern. [:D]We all now live in France along with her  2 sons!!! an extremly happy pack we all are to.[:)][:)][:)][:)]

Enjoy Lewis and may he bring you many years of love and companionship. When he has truely settled he will NEVER be a wanderer again.

 

good luck to you both x

[Morse98]

Pawsy,

It just seems they come into your life when you least expect it don't they! By the way love the names of your two.

A bit of an update on Lewis, he is doing really well no more howling in the night and seems more than happy here. Have to wait another 10-14days before I can have him chipped so if no one has come to claim him prior to then then I will have him chipped. A few pics taken today, think he's looking alot better now he's put some weight back on and he's even got a bit of a shine to his coat now.

lalalala I'm so happy!

[IMG]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x51/Morse98/Lewis/P1010146.jpg[/IMG]

Did you call me?!

[IMG]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x51/Morse98/Lewis/P1010144.jpg[/IMG]

Oh, ok I'll wait for you, you slow coach!!

[IMG]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x51/Morse98/Lewis/P1010145.jpg[/IMG]

Just gotta love these country smells!

[IMG]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x51/Morse98/Lewis/P1010149.jpg[/IMG]

Flippin heck, I'm shattered!

[IMG]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x51/Morse98/Lewis/P1010143.jpg[/IMG]

[:D][:D]

[val douest]

Wonderful pictures - Lewis looks very much at home, especially in the last one.  It's good to have news of how you are

both getting on together and especially to hear that he is happier at night.  I would think by now it's very unlikely that

anyone will claim him, but it will be reassuring to have him chipped in a week or two's time.  There was a new episode of

'Lewis' on TV last week and someone commented that Morse was a very hard act to follow but that in his own way

Lewis was not doing so badly - a totally different character of course, but with his own appeal.  I thought that applied

quite well to your Lewis, too!

Val

[Morse98]

Val,

Glad you liked the pictures.

What a wonderful analogy... Thank you! I will think of that often and you are quite correct a different character but with his own appeal.