A Hachi update! 3/13/09
I've been putting off giving an update on Hachi until I had some good news to report, and I have some!
First, Pam (Hachi's new person) has been a total trooper and is completely open to learning all about Hachi as an individual dog of a primitive breed. She's reached out to LJ, who has give her fantastic insight into her work with Jazz , and she and Hachi have come a long way already. They started obedience classes to work on focus work and Pam thinks its really helping.
She also started giving Hachi melatonin for the adjustment period. (thanks LJ!!!)
Their first weekend (Hachi went home on 11/13) was really stressful, for everyone! But they pulled through it and have a better understanding of the other because of it. Pam is totally committed and Hachi is learning to rely on Pam for her food, her treats, her toys, her outside time, her attention and her 'home'. Hachi's begun to defend her new yard from predator mice, by catching quite a few already and leaving them for Pam on the back porch
))
Last Saturday they headed out to Maine for Thanksgiving and Pam was determined to bring Hachi and try to enjoy herself! They did!
Hachi was calm(ish) on the long drive and Pam used the time to pet her and talk to her. Once they got there she let Hachi just kind of explore her second new house and then took her for a long walk along the beach. Apparently, if you have a fearful, damaged dog going through some major changes that would normally really cause a set back, pop them a melatonin and let them play on the beach! Miracle cure! Hachi l-o-v-e-d the water and the sand! She did a lot of licking & crab hunting!
She's been rallying so much faster than she did with me, especially after our move in September. I'm delighted.
Also, Pam's neighbor has a few bigger dogs that Hachi has done great with, Pam really enjoyed watching Hachi establish herself then interact with the bigger dogs.
All in all, I'm just so grateful to have found Hachi her real forever home.
I hope to be able to continue to give great updates and we're planning on having dinner at Pam's to see Hachi in her new home, but not anytime soon just in case of a setback, probably after their obedience class.
First, Pam (Hachi's new person) has been a total trooper and is completely open to learning all about Hachi as an individual dog of a primitive breed. She's reached out to LJ, who has give her fantastic insight into her work with Jazz , and she and Hachi have come a long way already. They started obedience classes to work on focus work and Pam thinks its really helping.
She also started giving Hachi melatonin for the adjustment period. (thanks LJ!!!)
Their first weekend (Hachi went home on 11/13) was really stressful, for everyone! But they pulled through it and have a better understanding of the other because of it. Pam is totally committed and Hachi is learning to rely on Pam for her food, her treats, her toys, her outside time, her attention and her 'home'. Hachi's begun to defend her new yard from predator mice, by catching quite a few already and leaving them for Pam on the back porch
))Last Saturday they headed out to Maine for Thanksgiving and Pam was determined to bring Hachi and try to enjoy herself! They did!
Hachi was calm(ish) on the long drive and Pam used the time to pet her and talk to her. Once they got there she let Hachi just kind of explore her second new house and then took her for a long walk along the beach. Apparently, if you have a fearful, damaged dog going through some major changes that would normally really cause a set back, pop them a melatonin and let them play on the beach! Miracle cure! Hachi l-o-v-e-d the water and the sand! She did a lot of licking & crab hunting!
She's been rallying so much faster than she did with me, especially after our move in September. I'm delighted.
Also, Pam's neighbor has a few bigger dogs that Hachi has done great with, Pam really enjoyed watching Hachi establish herself then interact with the bigger dogs.
All in all, I'm just so grateful to have found Hachi her real forever home.
I hope to be able to continue to give great updates and we're planning on having dinner at Pam's to see Hachi in her new home, but not anytime soon just in case of a setback, probably after their obedience class.
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Comments
SO glad to hear
This is great news! Thanks for relaying the update to the rest of the forum!
Jesse
"Hachi did fantastic!" and I said "Fantastic? Thats a strong word!" and she said "I know, and I'm using it"!
Bliss.
Snf
=(~-~)= So...now my concern is...where are the photo updates? =(~-0`)=
She said she rolled a kong squeaker tennis ball to her, which Hachi initially ran from. Then a few minutes later she heard "squeak" ... "squeak squeak" and Hachi brought the ball back. Then Pam rolled, Hachi retrieved and they had a great play session. So now, playing with loofa dogs and kong air balls are a part of their routine! yay!
She has NO idea how LONG it took Hachi to play with me!!! Months! Months! And here they are.. only a month together and playing! The nerve!
I'm going to go to dinner at Pam's sooner than expected, probably next weekend and I'll bring my camera.
I can't believe how AT HOME Hachi is! Its bittersweet really, but I'm beyond joyous for how this all worked out...
The best part is how bonded they seem already, and how hopeful Pam is for their future together, how she calls her "my sweetie" and how Hachi listens to Pam when she calls her! Hachi wasn't even skittish! Just comfy, at home, showing us her new life. She hasn't even taken a melatonin in over a week now and is just a happy little camper. It was awesome... just awesome.
Ok, pics (sorry, I didn't edit or rotate any of these like a jerk, but you'll get the gist of it)
Hachi and John - no hesitation from her at all - she even LICKED HIM! amazing!
the girls reaquainting themselves
a happy hachi
Tsuki violated Hachi's domain and stole her bone!
they played really nice!
Tsuki getting comfy in Hachi's 'spot'
She was SO playful!
Tsuki taking over Hachi's nook
happiness!
the girls, they stayed still for approximately 3 seconds
Pam and her Hachi
She's at home now:
Thanks for letting me share this with you - its been quite an adventure