More About Olive
Posted by Donald Merand
I decided to work from home on Olive’s first day. I wanted to get a better idea of her temperament, to make sure that she knows that she’s got a family now, and to see if there are any house-training issues that need to be addressed.
When we adopted her from the MSPCA in Jamaica Plain, we read a behavioral analysis and a statement by the previous owner who had “surrendered” her. We learned from the owner’s statement that Olive never successfully house-trained, was unruly, and never “made a connection” with her owner. We learned from the MSPCA behavioral analysis that she was calm around humans in almost all respects, but “mouthy” and exuberant, on account of being a puppy.
A 60-pound puppy.
What we learned immediately (ie before we even decided to adopt her) was that the previous owner has a 90% chance of being full of shit. She bought Olive for $20 off the back of a truck in a Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot. She was probably surprised that a Mastador (!) (Mastiff/Lab mix) would get so large, and needed an excuse to get rid of her. According to the MSPCA people, people who are “surrendering” (aka dumping) animals usually make up any excuse other than “I don’t want her anymore”. Excuses like “we’re not making a connection”.
She was on drugs last night from being spayed in the morning, and let me say this: all puppies should be drugged on their first day at home. She was calm, and just let us lead her around and pet her and make her feel at home. She only threw up on the carpet once, also probably a result of the drugs.
Here’s her right after getting home:
Today she’s been great. We’ve been outside every hour or two as part of the stated goal of “no peeing in the house at all”. Um, starting this morning we’re doing quite well! We went for a long walk that started with taking Sara to the MBTA stop, and then over to Ronan Park, where the first Dorchester dog recreation space will be groundbreaking next weekend! We ran to the top and scoped out the view, then walked home. Olive is a little pull-ey on the leash, and can get VERY distracted by other people and especially other dogs, but she’s been very receptive for the most part to being around Sara and me.
She’s been sleeping on the couch for the rest of the day. She won’t let me out of her sight, though. If I get up and go to another room, she goes with me. Some “attachment issues” she’s got there…