Paloma Visits the Vet (update on rescued dog)

I found out my rescue dog has a name. Paloma. Pretty sad that someone would name a dog and then abandon and abuse it, but I'll never understand some people.

The good news is that Paloma is doing great. She went to the vet today for her checkup and shots. She does not have heart worms which is fantastic. Her teeth and gums look good. She got started on Interceptor today and is currently getting a flea bath. I have Comfortis to give her to prevent further fleas, so she is just a spay away from being ready for a good home. The vet said overall she seems like a healthy dog, especially considering her situation.

Her temperament is still just as gentle as it was the day I found her. She played with Millie and Bailey yesterday. Well, I should say she played with Millie. Bailey wanted nothing to do with her. Paloma was immediately alerted that Bailey rules this house and is and will remain the alpha. Paloma tried to convince Bailey that she just wanted to play, but Bailey, in her crotchety old age, refused to submit. So, Paloma and Millie ran about 900 circles around my back yard. I will say this...Paloma is F-A-S-T! Millie was worn out from running so hard. Of course, she took her rest in the biggest, deepest mud puddle (she had about 20 to choose from since we seem to have gotten 5000 inches of rain over the past week. Finally, today is a sunny day!)

I am also proud to say that Paloma did GREAT at the vet. In the lobby, she sat right next to me the whole time. I didn't even have to grip her leash. I wish she could teach Millie and Bailey her waiting room manners. They go ape crazy. There was a sweet little boxer puppy in there and Paloma definitely wanted to play. They sniffed and jumped around a little bit together but then Paloma came right back to me and sat still.

As with most dogs who've been abused, she is very skittish to meet anyone new. But, you can tell that she wants to trust you, she just immediately goes into submission, crouches down and slowly approaches from the crouched position. She doesn't flinch though when you go to pet her, which is a good thing. I do not think she was physically abused as in beaten. I just think she was severely neglected. She had no problems with Dr. Brantley picking her up, giving shots, etc.

I've noticed she is more confident approaching another dog than a human, but even with dogs, she is very gentle. Put it this way, you know how much I love, spoil and humanize Millie and Bailey. I had no issues whatsoever with them meeting and playing with Paloma. She is great with other dogs. She warmed up to Brent quickly last night as well (did I mention she has been moved to my house where I can take better care of her? This IS very temporary. I want to and MUST find her a good home. I don't even have a job right now, so cannot take on a third dog. This will be reinforced today when I go pick her up at the vet and get my bill!)

My vet thinks she is a certifiable, all-american mutt, but his best guess of her most recent mix is Labrador Retriever, Bird Dog and/or Dalmation. We'll never know (unless someone wants to donate big bucks toward the DNA test...yeah, didn't think so), but she definitely has the traits of a young lab. She is playful and has her energy bursts, but she also has a very calm, serene side. He thinks she is somewhere between one and two years old, definitely no older than two.

It's been 4 days since I've been caring for her and I still have not heard a single bark or whine. My guess is she learned early on that it got her no where. This is really good though for her future home, no worries about a chronic barker or whiny pup.

I'm currently brainstorming on a way/ways to raise some money to help pay for her care. Any suggestions? I have a recipe for a healthy, all natural dog treat, so was thinking I could bake some, package them cute in Easter decor and sell locally? Leave your suggestions in the comments area.