Monday, August 04, 2008

Long overdue update...

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to post an update on our little situation. You all have been so wonderful with your words of encouragement and support. Scott & I don't know what we'd do without you guys.

Sherman spent a week at Scott's parents house & had a blast. He was in total heaven there. They are home all day so he got tons of attention and 2 walks per day. Their dog, Baron and he got along great and I think it was really nice for Sherman to get out of the hostile environment that had become our house.

While he was gone, the girls had no issues. Penny is pretty passive and is very good at being the peacemaker. Lola just loves her and they pretty much played non-stop.







Sherman came home last Sunday & it was very evident things had not changed. We kept them separated with baby gates and Lola was always on a leash when Sherman was in same room as him. She aggressed at him 3 times...totally unprovoked. I've been watching them like a hawk and he did growl at her once (Sherman is very vocal and has been growling at her to leave him alone for 2 1/2 years. He's an old man & likes his space). The other two times, she basically launched at him from just being in the same space. They are completely separated when we are not home (they can't even see each other) but when we can supervise, they are able to view each other through the gates. Lola repeatedly gives him hard stares and low growls and I know she would hurt him if given the chance.



Quite frankly, he's petrified of her. He hides if he think she's coming. He won't look at her. He won't come anywhere near me if he can see her, even if she's behind a gate. He's just not himself. Poor guy...



Sherman & Penny are generally OK with each other. We allow them to be together if we are there and other than some major avoidance, they are fine. They even slept in the same bed together (ours!) last night.

We have asked Scott's parents if they would consider taking him in permanently. They were going to think about it over their vacation and let us know sometime this week. This is the best case scenario for all involved. But as I mentioned before, it's a big commitment and I don't know if they want the responsibility of 2 dogs again.

If that is the case, we have to start looking for a home for Lola. This is not a healthy situation for any of us. We can only manage this situation so well and I don't have it in me to crate & rotate forever. The stress of fearing Lola could slip through a gate or someone could accidently let them together is way too much for me to handle indefinitely. I honestly believe that if they get into it again, Sherman will end up very seriously hurt. Especially if I'm home alone and cannot break them up.

I should also mention, I took Sherman in this week for a check up and our Vet feels he's in perfect health. We thought he could be sick & Lola was just taking full advantage, but the big lug has a lot of life left in him. For those of you who asked, she'll be 3 in October and is spayed. I will be taking her in for a thyroid check and other tests if we keep her.

I'll be sure to be better about keeping everyone updated. I know we haven't commented much on everyone's blogs but we read them every day. We're still around...just trying to work through this mess. Thanks again for all of the support.

~Scott & Jen

50 comments:

Georgeous said...

Oh dear, poor Sherman and poor Lola. We've got all our paws crossed that you manage to get to the bottom of this and you can all live happily ever after and not be faced with moving Lola out. Thanks for keeping us posted, we have been very worried. I wish i lived nearer, I know Mum would love a Lola and i would love to play with somedog just like Penny & lola.
Love & Snuffs to you all!!
George xxx

Sophie Brador said...

Hi Jen and Scott, I think you hears loads of support about this. I agree that trying to manage a crate and rotate and always having to be fearful of a mistaken encounter is too much for you guys and too great a risk for Sherman. We'll keep out paws and fingers crossed for the best case scenario.

xo
SB & Sherry

Kevin Witmyer said...

Pullin' for y'all... we've been fans for a while now!

Wags and Scratchies!

Weezie

Maya and Kena said...

We're sorry to hear things haven't changed between Sherman and Lola.
We sure do hope that the best thing happens.
We've got our paws crossed and we're praying fur you.
Wags and licks,
Maya and Kena

Doggy Mama said...

That's a bummer! All the furry creatures at my house were pulling for Sherman and Lola to at least be peaceful cohabitants. :( Sending furry vibes and tail wags that Sherman's grandparents will let him move in.

The Daily Echo said...

You're all still in our thoughts and our paws are crossed for a good solution for everybuddy.
ECHO

Ruby Bleu said...

I woke up this morning and wanted to email you to see how things were going and you beat me to it! I'm so sorry things aren't any better :( I'm glad Sherman had a break and I really hope things work out with Scott's parents. Either way, you will make the right choice.

Thinking good thoughts!
michele (and Ruby too)

Molly the Airedale said...

Our paws are crossed that Scott's parents say yes! You guys are constantly in our thoughts!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Charlie Daniels said...

I know it's a long long long long long way away, but Sherman can come and live with me if he wants to!

Cheers

Charlie

River said...

My mom had the experience that once her boxer mix disliked somebody it was forever and she never stopped trying to get to them. It sounds like Lola would do the same. I pray that Sherman can go to your in-laws house. He doesn't sound like much trouble--and he was so happy there...and, of course, whatever happy outcome for Lola there can be, we wish for her, too.

love & wags,
River

the many Bs said...

we are really hoping that things can work out for the best for everydog. it was really cute seeing Penny & Lola playing together. it breaks our hearts to see Sherman alone in the stairway with such a sad look on his face. we are just hoping for peace.

woofs.

Dexter said...

Thanks so much for the update. What an awful situation. I know you love all your dogs and will try to find the best solution. But you are right, you can't keep crating and gating and hoping that there is never an accident. Lola seems to have made up her mind. You are in a tough spot. My thoughts are with you.

Mango Momma

Lacy said...

w00f's all, is lola just hostile with sherman or is she with other males too...i really hope sherman's g-ma and g-pa will take him, he looks so happy running around with their doggy...and sooo sad being so afraid of lola...mayb the tests ur gonna have done will show a reason for it all..please keep us updated, we worry bout u ALL...

b safe,
~rocky~

Joe Stains said...

Thanks for the update, we know it must be hard to even talk about it :( whatever happens we know you are making the right decision for ALL of the dogs.

Anonymous said...

Hugs to you guys, sloppy kisses to Sherm (even if he doesn't like 'em), lots of scratches to Penny's ears, and I'm trying to get my girl to kidnap my BFF Lola and bring her to live with ME! Alas, I don't think Fig will agree.

We think of you guys very often and hope and pray things will get easier for you, one way or another....

Lorenza said...

Hi, Jen!
I am so sorry things has not changed with Lola and Sherman. Sounds like Sherman was happy with his grandparents. Paws crossed they can have him at their home.
We want you all to be happy.
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza and mom

Snowball said...

Poor Sherman. I hope things will work out well for all of you.

Sending pawsitive thoughts your way.

Luv, Kisses & Hugs

Snowball

Kapp pack said...

We've been thinking about you! We've had some tense foster dog situations so we understand totally what you are ging through!

Sibe vibes for all of woo!

Kisses, Sky boy

-The Mullin Clan's Mommy- said...

Hi Jen & Scott,

Did you get Lola checked out at the vet? Hey, I'm not a vet, but I wonder if it could be an hormonal problem. That could unbalance her system & cause behavioral changes (at least I know it can in hume-women, too tho I never personally experienced it). Did you talk to Animal Friends - I think they have a behavior specialist there that could give you some feedback? I would hate that you would have to part with any of your 4-legged children! There is a woman where I work who works with rescued Westies & we talked about your situation. She suggested to talk to Animal Friends as well as seconded the idea about the hormonal or something physical going on with her. Let me know what you find out. My email address is catzmeoww@verizon.net.

Take care & hang in there!

Marlene

One of the pack said...

Oh we'd much prefer peace and harmony. We'll keep thinking happy thoughts that a great solution is coming your way!

Loving Life
The other Lola

Ben & Darling said...

Oh dear, I hope everything will be back to normal but it looks hard. I think what ever decision you make will be the best for them. Its kinda sad to see them apart but I know you still love them.

As you know I have 4 dogs and they are staying separately, I tried to mix them around but still its not working...so Im kinda know how you feel about it.


Luv,
zen, BenBen's mom.

Randi said...

Jen & Scott - you all have been in our thoughts & prayers...what a tough situation to be in...& you are absolutely right..you cannot live in fear of another fight...We are hoping for the very best possible outcome...

Love & Licks,
Randi & her mom

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

Hey pals, really sorry to read that the situation hasn't resolved itself. We know that whatever decision you make it won't be undertaken lightly and will be in the best interests of all the dogs. J x

Girl Girl Hamster said...

Oh dear.. I'm sure you'll come up with a solution for this situation that will be good for everyone..

~ Girl girl

Simba and Jazzi said...

Oh dear, it must be so stressful for all of you. Hope you find a solution that works for everyone.

Simba x

Urban Smoothie Read said...

we hope the vet can help to identify is there anything wrong with lola ...

Petra said...

My heart is with you as you try to determine what is best for everyone.

Whoever would have thought that this would happen? Sigh!

I love all of you guys.

Stanley said...

Hey, Jen & Scott!

We here in GooberStan are behind you whatever you decide. We can only imagine how hard it is to work out what to do and try to maintain some peace in the house with both Lola & Sherman there.

Thank you for you commitment to providing Sherms with the best life he can have ~ since he's got so much of it left!

We hope Penny doesn't lose her playmate, and that Scott's parents with say yes to the Shermanator, but we understand that Sherm & Lola can no longer live together.

Keep us posted as you can. We keep thinking about you and hoping for the best situation for everyone and everydog involved.

GOober love & smooches,
Stanley, Stella & Lisa

Steve, Kat, & Wilbur said...

Hey Jen. I've got my fingers crossed that Scott's parents will take Sherman. That would be great because you could still see Sherman and be confident that he's being pampered.

Last summer, when we fostered Ulee, David got lots of puncture wounds, we had blood, and it was terrible. All three dogs had to be on leash all the time, Wilbur had to be completely locked up, and we had to be on high alert for fights at all times. I cried so much, but the thing that got us through was that Ulee was just temporarily living with us. So I can't imagine how much harder it makes it when Sherman and Penny are both yours. Keep us posted on how things go.

Valerie

Steve, Kat, & Wilbur said...

I meant Lola, not Penny!

Katherine and Pippa said...

So sorry to hear things aren't any better at home.

We've never had mixed sexed combinations, because we have never had female dogs.

Just crossing paws you can find a solution.

Pippa, well, actually Katherine

Chef said...

Jennifer,
What a shame that Sherman and Lola still aren't getting along. We're sorry for poor Sherman. Thank goodness he had a break from the stress. It would be very hard for Lola and Penny to be separated, so I'm hoping Scott's parents will take Sherman. If not, you really have no choice. What a difficult thing for you to do. But you're right, you can't continue coping with this situation. We'll continue to think of you and wish you the best.

xox
Linda & Chef

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Tank woo fur the pupdate -

My mom and I have been wondering -

Woo are still in our thoughts with good wishes fur the best outkhome fur all involved -

Sometimes the hardest choices are the best choices BUT that doesn't make them any easier -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Lady Kaos said...

I wish I could give you some advice or support on the situation. Poor things! I wonder why they're so bad all of a sudden!
I do have one story for you, not to make you stress about more stuff, but to just let you know. I had a firend who was in a similar situatoin. They hadn't had their puppy very long though and the puppy was one of those that really needed to be an only "child" because he was a major handful. The older dog that the couple had had for a long time protected the puppy all the time and it was actually their "middle child" that didn't get along with the puppy and they were always fighting. Before the puppy came along the 2 older dogs were fine together. If the "middle child" was being mean to the puppy, the older dog was agressive towards the middle one (I wish I could rememeber their names, it might make this less confusing). The couple decided they had to give the puppy away because it was just too much work. They found a home where the mom was home all day and there were 2 younger kids and that dog was in heaven and did much better, but the 2 older dogs started fighting all the time and they had to be spearated all the time. Wha tthey think was the older dog blamed the middle dog for making the puppy go away. The older dog kind of acted like the puppy's big brother or dad at times and when the puppy went away, his attitude changed completely. I know Penny and Lola are really close but since Sherman is the older and the girls are more like sisters than a parent child maybe you won't have to worry about it.
We've got paws and fingers crossed here that Scott's parents will take Sherman. If he does, he'll still get to post once in awhile, right?
Love
Kaos and Hilary

KEY WEST COLLIES said...

We wish you the best of luck and will keep our paws crossed.

Essex & Deacon

i said...

Sorry to hear the situation hasn't improved between them. Can imagine how stressful it would be to be on your toes all the time keeping watch over them. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

FleasGang said...

We hope Scott's parents are OK with adopting Sherman. That seems like the best scenario for you. Plus, it's a great chance for them to start their own doggie blog!

we're thinking about yinz guys,
The FleasGang

Georgeous said...

A little friendship cheer on my bloggie for you.
http://www.georgeous.us/blog/?p=109#more-109
No rush to pawforward - take your time, we all know how preoccupied you are.
Love George x

Agatha and Archie said...

Hey you guys we think of you all the time...No matter what decision you come to , we know it will be in the best interest of your pups......We know how you both are feeling......it is such a hard decision and emotionally heart wrenching.....Our hearts are with you....PL2 adn A+A

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Hope things eventually work out for all involved. Keeping fingers and paws crossed here at the Levi and Cooper Chronicles.

The Army of Four said...

what a hard time this is for ALL of you! Please know that you're in our thoughts and prayers. We know you will find a good solution for everypuppy - you have nothing but their best interest at heart.
Good luck -
Tail wags,
Storms

Asta said...

I'm so sowwy that things awe still so bad..I'm cwossing my paws that Scott's pawents take Sherm..then evewyone could be happy..It must be vewy difficult fow you..I'm so sowwy
smoochie kisses
ASTA

The WriggleButts said...

I'm so sorry for you, going through must be so hard. We'll keep fingers and paws crossed!

Pugs'n hugs,
Ane & Bajas

wally said...

Hi guys,

I've had a hard time commenting.

I'm sorry that things are still rough.I hope Sherman can stay with the in-laws so that you can visit him regularly. We all have our paws and fingers and toes crossed for you.

wally t.

Tatum Tot said...

That is so sad when doggies don't get along. My brothers Chase and Levi don't like it when any other dogs come to visit us. Mainly foster dogs... so it's just us six now, and we are all happy.

I hope you all guys work everything out even if Lola has to go find a new home!

Gucci said...

Hey Scott & Jen,

Tell Lola thanks for commenting on my bloggy and that I wish my mommy had a biiiiiiiiiig hugeee apartment house thing because I'd love for you to be my roomie.

We could play biteyface and tagteam stuffie destruction!!!1

Let's make a deal, you start being nice to Sherman and maybe I'll stop waking Mom up at 4:30am on weekends, mmmk???

xxxoo.
gucci.

Huskee and Hershey said...

Hi Jen,
I feel so sorry for the poor Shermanator.. and Lola of course. Sorry to hear that the situation hasn't changed between the two. It's such a mystery as to what the trigger was..
Anyway, It's a relief to hear that Sherman's in the pink of health!
I do agree that indefinitely crating and rotaing them is not a solution and the risk is too great for Sherman.
Hopefully Scott's parents agree to take Sherman so Lola gets to stay.

*big hugs to you and all at home*

Cairo The Boxer said...

Poor Sherman! We all feel so bad for him. As for Lola, we know what it's like living with an Alpha female boxer.

Cairo is very aggressive with other dogs and we can't take her to the dog park. It is very hard to take her on walks too.

My husband and I would love another dog but we can't do that to Cairo or the new dog.

I hope your inlaws take Sherman it sounds like a great home for him.

Cairo's mom

Harry said...

Like others, sorry to hear that things are still so fraught. I agree, it's no life to constantly be crating and on the alert waiting for trouble to erupt. I will keep fingers crossed that the best solution is found for you all, whatever that may be.

Katy x

Clover said...

Hi guys,
Thanks for the update! We have been thinking about you. Glad to hear that Sherman had a nice little vacation. I hope Scott's parents have some good news for you this week... Hope everything works out the best way it can.
Lots of love, Clover & Jess xo