Well, I suppose it's time to blog about Ginger. I was hoping this was going to be a joyous post about our new doggie but things with her took an unfortunate turn in the 7 days she was with our family. (before I go on, she is still alive and well)
Ginger is the perfect dog in most every way. She's extremely obedient--very eager to please. She came to us knowing a lot of commands and was great walking on the leash. One of the most important things to us was that she would wait to be allowed out of an open door. She was gentle with the kids and craved affection. However, in the 7 days we had her, she exhibited some aggression that was unsettling. It only occurred when she had been sleeping and something startled her. She would growl, show her teeth, and/or start barking. We were taken back by this and contacted the rescue group. They put us in touch with an animal behavioralist who generously donated her time to us. After listening to our situation, she told us this would likely end in someone getting bit. Not because Ginger was an aggressive dog, but because of how she was raised as a puppy. She was neglected and basically had to always be on the lookout to make sure she got enough to survive and had to protect herself. The behavioralist says when she is startled from sleeping, she isn't aware she's in a secure, loving home. Rather, she reverts back to the behavior she knew to get by.
With proper training, she will learn to let go of these behaviors. But she would not be recommended to a home with children. It was so very hard to let her go. We cried and the kids were very sad. Ginger is with a temporary foster in DFW and the behavioralist is going to do a full evaluation of her. She will likely be transported back to Amarillo to her original foster parents and wait for a new home there. We will always have a place for her in our hearts.
Daddy with his dog the night she had to leave
The boys with Ginger
I love this picture of her--look at those long ears!
puppy love
