Time for another update on Woody. He went for another vet's visit today. The news isn't great for Woody, sadly.
His toe is still swollen and oozing. A few days ago a shard of bone came out of one of the wounds, which our vet warned may happen. After having a look today, the vet has said a few things. There could be more shards of bone to come out of his toe. At some point he will probably have an xray to look for more shards and so we know what the break looks like. She also said there is proably a lot more pus in the toe. Amputation is not an option right now, which is what we were leaning towards. His toe is just too swollen, and the flesh needs to be clean, which it isn't- because of the pus e.t.c it wouldn't heal over properly. So we cant take that option right now. So, from now on he's on yet more ABs, double strength. He's likely to have to be on these for another 6 weeks. He's now not allowed any walks at all. We are pretty gutted at the news, because his toe is not healing properly but neither can we just amputate. We won't get to see him outside enjoying walks, and he's going to really miss out on vital socialization.
But there's nothing else we can do right now. So please send Woody lots of healing vibes.
We also want to clarify the kind of home we're looking for for Woody. He MUST be rehomed with at least one other dog. In fact, the more the better- he really loves being in a pack, and it makes him feel safer to be able to just blend in with the rest of the dogs. He gets much confidence from them and doesn't like to be away from our boys. He's fine with both sexes, seems OK with other breeds from the little we've seen, and has shown signs of wanting to play with Fionn, so it would be lovely if he went with a dog he could have a play with.
As we've discussed, Woody is frightened of men. There is no aggression, and he will after a while lie down in the same room as a man. But if they get too near he will run away fast, and he really doesn't want anything to do with them. We know he will slowly get better, he just needs lots and lots of time and patience. Saying that, we are looking for family
that includes 1 male owner (we feel just one as it will make the bonding process much easier with just 1 man to focus on) who will be prepared to put in the work to build a bond with Woody, someone who will teach him that not all men are bad. Building a relationship with one man will be the foundation to him overcoming his fear of all men, but he needs to trust one first. This person is going to have to be special as Woody is going to take a lot of work, and not everyone will be cut out for it. We don't want to create the impression that in a month or so he'll be cuddling up to a male owner, because that won't be the case. It will be a case of months, not days and weeks. Woody needs someone who knows this and knows he will be worth the time and effort. We can talk to potential owners in detail about Woody's behaviour and give advice and support, but they need to have the motivation to do this.
Woody could live with teenage children, but they would need to be female
as he sees teen boys the same as men. He however loves me and Rowan, so teen girls are fine.
Woody can be left for around 3 hours a day, but no longer than that regularly please as he so loves human company and needs someone there for him.
I think that's it. We are being picky, but the last thing we want is for his fears to get worse or for him to be returned.
So it has to be perfect.
We also can't stress enough how gorgeous, soppy, gentle, cuddly and wonderful Woody is; he's truly a very special boy. He is so loving and brilliant with us females, he doesn't put a foot wrong. All he needs is to find a special Daddy that he can learnt to love too.
And on more general terms, Woody is doing well. He's pretty much clean in the house now, the only slip is when he very occasionally scent marks, which should be sorted when he's de-plummed.
He is so good with our 2 boys, very easy going with them and lets them be the boss, he's had not even a grumble at them since the first night. He loves sleeping on the sofas, but will go on the dog bed if there isn't room. He's eating very well and has a good appetite, although he can get nervous of his surroundings when he eats and gets distracted easily, so he's better fed alone so he actually eats
. No food aggression to speak of with dogs or people, you can stroke him, take his bowl away e.t.c no problems.
During the day, when there are not so many things to worry him, Woody is like a 'normal' dog. When it's just me at home during the day, he wanders around after me, follows me for cuddles, and gives me the biggest waggy tailed greetings where he almost smiles.
He roaches and stretches himself across the sofa in all sorts of funny positions. He's even discovered a love of playing with balls! He's like a big puppy again- he finds himself a ball and goes nuts, throwing it around for himself, chasing after it, throwing into bushes so he can retrieve it again! For such a big lad, he's a fast mover and agile too. It's a completely different side to him than the frightened, worried, scatty Woody. I think it's the happiest and most carefree I've seen him so far, and it did make me feel a bit tearful watching him to see him so happy (as well as laughing hysterically
) We'll try and get a video next time!
He really is a wonderful dog, but he just needs time and a family that loves him enough to help him become truly happy. He will be worth it, trust us.