DB Is adopted!
DB, now known as Milo and Alice
DB is an adult GSP that showed up at the shelter a few months ago as a stray. After picking up DB, California GSP Rescue began evaluating him and attempting to put some weight on him. Shortly after DB was rescued https://www.gsp-rescue.org/gspr-news/db-is-safe from the animal shelter, Alice submitted an adoption application. She was looking to adopt and give an adult German Shorthaired Pointer a home. She knew adult GSP’s would be a little easier to manage and are often overlooked by people desiring a younger dog. After working with Teri, one of the volunteers on the adoption committee, DB looked like the perfect match. On January 1st of this year, Alice came to meet DB. She spent some time walking and getting to know DB. It didn't take her long to realize he was the perfect GSP for her. Alice wrote the following update after adopting and getting DB, now known as Milo, is all settled in.
Prior to adopting DB, later named Milo on January 1, 2022, I had an in-depth interview with Teri, one of the California GSP Rescue volunteers who determined DB/Milo would be a good match for me. She was right! He is hands down the best dog I have ever owned! A match made in heaven. Did I know this when I met him? Of course not! When you adopt an older dog, you don't know what you are getting because you don't know their history. Having previously owned 2 shelter dogs, I decided to take a chance. These dogs are so grateful to have a loving home! They love you all the more for adopting them.
Prior to Milo's first visit, I purchased essential dog items e.g. collar, leash, bedding, food etc. I also prepared by making sure the house was "baby-proofed" and that essential work obligations were done in advance so I could devote most of my time those first 3-7 days to Milo. Be sure to think through your boundaries of what you will allow and not allow in your home. If you waver, hesitate, or change your mind, it will be a lot more work for you. (I made the mistake of letting Milo lick peanut butter off my hand, oops) The first 3 days can be pretty intense. Milo's first day was spent mostly sleeping and snuggling. He needed me to lay next to him in order to fall asleep. I was so thankful for the call from the rescue the next day asking how our first day went. It put my mind at ease knowing I could reach out if I had any questions or encountered any problems. Their support was key to my adoption.
Day 2 Milo was up at 5 a.m. ready to exercise! "A good dog is a tired dog." I made the mistake of thinking he wanted to explore the neighborhood. I learned quickly that having the same 2 routes for walking made him feel more secure. I put up baby gates so he stayed downstairs and kept a leash on for nearly a week so I could quickly let him know the house rules. It was important to set a schedule on day 2 for walks 2x a day, food, play (or snuggle), sleep so he would feel secure. He was getting to know me and I was getting to know him.
Don't be surprised if your pup's potty schedule is off . It took Milo almost a week to get on a regular schedule with that. I worried needlessly! It just shows how stressed out they are initially in their new home. Gently enforce boundaries...give your pup time and patience to learn. Milo needed a lot of affection and assurance that I wasn't going to abandon him. He would get anxious if he couldn't see me at all times. I felt bad every time I got up to move to another room because he would wake up and follow me. I made the mistake of closing the bedroom door and using the bathroom in the middle of the night (under 2 minutes) only to return to a very stressed out pup. When I showered, I brought him into the bathroom and shut the door. That way he could keep an eye on me and I on him. After 2 weeks he was okay to let me shower alone. After a month, he still wants to know where I am. I learned that Milo is very smart and easy to train, just one of many wonderful GSP traits. Milo learned his name in 2 days and learned to "stay" in the first week! In fact, his previous owner had already taught him so many wonderful things, including being crate-trained that I mostly just need to work on building trust. That's a nice perk! I have to admit Milo did have a couple of accidents that first week. Best thing to do is don't get mad. Just clean it up and ask yourself why it happened. Did he go too long between potty breaks? Was he overexcited? Did he want you to pay more attention to him? There's always a reason. Since he is an indoor dog, I make sure he goes out every 3-4 hours. He falls into a deep sleep around 6:30 p.m. so I have to forcefully wake him up at 9:30 to go "last potty". Otherwise there will be accidents or very early wake up calls! I had some difficulty initially with his regular 5:00 a.m. wake up call. He would rub up against the bed to let me know he needed to go out. When he didn't potty, I knew he just wanted to go for a walk in the dark! GSP’s love exercise! So after a week of me not getting out of bed when he wanted me to but firmly telling him "in your bed" he got the message. Now I sleep in until 6:45. My laundry room is in the garage, so I keep the garage door closed at all times. Good thing because he snuck by me twice. Word to the wise, make sure your pup is secure in his crate or car restraint before opening the garage door. My best advice to adoptive families is to get to know your dog's needs and then meet them.
Milo, aka Mr. Snuggles, aka Wiggle Bottoms (when he sees his leash), aka Mr. Hardly Ever Barks (not even when the doorbells rings, or the delivery guy shows up) is the most lovable dog ever! I couldn't be happier! I hope you too will find your match and provide a loving home for one of these athletic, faithful and loving GSP’s. I highly recommend this rescue for their awesome support and love and care for GSP’s.
We congratulate and thank Alice for being patient and making the necessary plans to manage DB once she took him home. The adoption process is not always fast, and those applicants that take their time and are patient, find the best matches. If you are interested in adopting a rescued GSP, please submit an adoption application <https://www.gsp-rescue.org/adoption-application>. If you are interested in helping support the efforts of an all-volunteer organization, please consider becoming a Rescue Hero <https://www.gsp-rescue.org/fundraisers/p/become-a-rescue-hero>
