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
