Okay, so I really can't talk. My siblings could tell you their stories with the help of Mom because either they were here as babies or their former human families were able to give the details. My story has no collaboration, so Mom will have to tell it all.
I am so glad my new Mom took me as my future was pretty bleak. I was going to be picked up by the Humane Society the Monday Mom took me home. I was not too happy or nice at the time and surely would have been put down.
Thank you Mom for taking me in.)))
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I got a call on 1-25-2002 that a Chihuahua was found tied to the fence at Dr. Mancuso's, a Veterinarian on Sheridan Ave. in Inwood, N.Y. on 1-24-2002. She had a thin brown leather collar and leash on. There was a tag hook but the tag or tags were missing. She was spayed or had had a C section. Turns out she is spayed.:) Dr. Mancuso believed her to be between 3-5 years old, then again she could be older. Her teeth were thick with tarter maybe from a soft food diet as they are now just stained. I believe she was about 7 years old. My friend Debi works there; that's why they thought of calling me, knowing I like Chihuahuas.
I already had Chillie and Yoda. I was only allowed to have two dogs. Dr. Mancuso said he had no more room for another stray, so he called the Humane Society for a pick-up on Monday. The dog was not friendly and was a biter. Her chances were slim for being put up for adoption.
Well all I had to hear was Chihuahua; my heart went out to her as I know how upset they can be when in strange surroundings with strangers. She very well could be a very nice dog. I asked how big. I was told she was 14 lbs. that she was fat and should be about 8 lbs.. I think all the welts made her look fat to him.
See I was thinking she would probably hide if someone came so I could take her to find her a home without anyone knowing she was here. I even knew her name would be Maureen because Chaps was always calling Maureen, one of the woman in Anthony's life so there would be no chance of the birds giving the dog away. lol
Well when I went to pick her up I could see she maybe had Chihuahua in her but she looked more like a Sheba Inu with fine features. She acts like a Sheba also. She certainly was a 14 lb. dog; no way would she go down to 8lbs unless I starved her. As I got to know her she looks and walks more like a Corgi without the double coat. Now I knew I couldn't hide her but I also couldn't let her be destroyed!
She was hand shy, frightened and tried to bite if you had to pick her up. She went to bite my friend Allen and was afraid of him. She was very good as she was given her shots and blood drawn for her heartworm test though.:) As we took her out to the car sure enough she bit me when I picked her up to get her in. I was ready so it wasn't a bad bite.
She was frightened of men. She was swollen from her rib cage all the way back and down her legs. We think she was beaten but I do wonder if maybe she was hit by a car or thrown from one; so maybe someone tied her to the fence for Dr. Mancuso to find. She was pretty lumpy so probably she was beaten. Her fear and body language suggested she was.:(
When we arrived home I was happy to see she was okay with Chillie and Yoda. She was very aloof with them and did not want to play. Like she never played with other dogs.
She was very frightened of being cornered. She was wary but okay if you passed her on an open side but if you passed her near a wall or she felt cornered she cringed, squinted and snapped.
She had an accident in the bathroom and was afraid to move. As I was cleaning it up she rolled herself up into a ball shaking violently. My heart broke to see her so frightened.:(
I talked to her soothingly telling her it was okay. When I finished cleaning the mess I went to reassure her. She reacted hysterically trying to bite. She was so out of it I gave her a slap on the snout. Like you would slap a hysterical person to snap them out of it. I hugged her close reasuring her telling her, yes I slapped you. I am sorry.:( That she didn't have to worry about that happening again. That everything will be okay; you are safe here. I will find you a good home where you will be loved and safe.
From that moment on she was my shadow and best friend.:) She did go for me when I tried to remove her collar a little later. But a little talk and she let me do it.:) She loves one on one attention but will disappear if Chillie gets involved. This leads me to believe she was an only dog.
I am gone 12 hours to work 3 days a week, so in the beginning my boss was kind enough to let me take Maureen to work with me those days as she is housebroken. After all it was only temporary. "g" I offered her pooch pads like Chillie and Yoda use but she wasn't having any part of them.
She stayed by my side and was well behaved but went after men. She cringed and snapped if they attempted to be friendly with her. So I did have to keep her leashed to me even though she didn't need to be. Although wary she was okay with most women. When I needed to do something where she couldn't be with me, Rita from the dog dept. watched her. She would be watching for me the way I went the whole time and ignored the puppies totally. She never went to hurt them; just ran away from them. She got to love Rita letting her pick her up for hugs or to sit on her lap.:) She is in heaven when Rita visits. In fact if I ever ago away for a while, Rita's is where she will be staying.
As time went on Maureen came to trust; no longer cringing, but did go after certain men. There were many whom she liked even letting them pet her.:) So I believe the abuse in her life had only been recent. That she probably came from a loving home with someone who loved her very much. That maybe something happened to that person. That maybe the family reacted negatively to her being scared and snappy in her new surroundings. Or did she get lost and was chased and beaten. We really can't know what happened to Maureen, unless someone recognising her can tell us about her. I doubt she would have turned around this fast if she only knew abuse in her life.
It did my heart good to see how well Maureen behaved as we spent time with my neighbor when she moved last fall. There were moving men walking all around her with all kinds of things Maureen could have conceived as threatening. But she didn't being quite comfortable and at ease.:)
She had grown to love Pat and missed her as much as I did. Pat always sent over wonderful dinners and goodies for the dogs. What better way to a dogs heart.:)
I called animal hospitals, the shelters and police on the off chance Maureen was lost. But there was no one looking for Maureen. I posted her to lost and found boards also. A friend Rebecca helped get Maureen on Pet Finders through Friends For Animals. She was on Pet Finders for about 4 months.
I even took her to one of their visits to Petco where people could meet the dogs on a Saturday. One of the pups was adopted.:) There was a lady coming to see that dog at the volunteers home the next day. It was a Corgi mix also, so she asked if she could take Maureen home to show the lady as I was working the next day.
I said okay but was nervous. I cried like a baby when I said goodbye to her.:( Only two weeks and I was so attached. She was also. Turns out the lady never showed, They couldn't get Maureen back to me until Wednesday.
She came back with a cough so bad I thought it was kennel cough. But I think she must have barked the whole time. She was so happy to come back. Yes I was attached, but I still had to find Maureen a home. She deserved to have her person home at normal times as I knew it would be a matter of time before she wouldn't be allowed to come to work with me.
Most calls were for a dog 10 lbs. or under, although her weight was stated on the website.. Also being Maureen was so afraid of men I specified a female environment or at least one where the men of the family would give the dog time and space to get to know them. Also no children even though Maureen didn't hurt them I was not sure she would be okay because she clearly was not happy with their attention and she was very aggressive with teenagers. So it would take some time to get a home for her.
So now I had to tell my cousin who is my landlord. She was pretty mad. "wince" I promised Maureen would surely find a home but it might be a while because of her fears. She said I sure hope so. "grimace" She understood where I was coming from feeling bad for the dog but she didn't want me keeping her either. It didn't help when Maureen went after her when they first met. But she was not too happy and Maureen picked up the mood. They are friends now and Cindy can pick Maureen up.:) If someone can pick her up, I know she likes them and trusts them.:) In fact Maureen loves Cindy's husband Neil! Yoda has never warmed up to him. Chillie reacted to Yoda's fear of Neil as a puppy so she hides when he comes. So I was really surprised and thrilled to see how Maureen came to trust and love him. She even rolls on her back for belly rubs.:) Her trust has helped Chillie be a little more at ease with Neil but she still initially hides.
Six weeks after Maureen arrived I awoke to her rolling back and forth violently, slamming into the table, chairs and cabinets.:( She was having a seizure. I held her until she came out of it. Chillie was already there; real worried like when she thinks something is wrong with the birds. We were at the Vets office by 9:00 am. The blood work and tests came back as a healthy dog. So we decided to see if she had another.
She did about 6 weeks later but I still didn't want to put her on meds as they can do harm to the body and this seizure was very short and she was trying to keep focused on me. She was in a dead sleep as she went into it. I got the idea she may have had a bad dream that caused it.
About another 12 weeks later she was sleeping soundly downstairs. The people downstairs started arguing and throwing things. All of a sudden Maureen wakes up; racing up the stairs like twenty devils were after her. As she hits the top I have to grab her as she goes into a seizure, again trying to stay focused coming out of it with little confusion. Now I am convinced it's fear that is causing them and hoping in time she will stop having them. She had one more very short one 4 months later also out of a sound sleep and hasn't had one since.
5-31-2003 update: Maureen had a bad seizure this morning. Totally out of it, mouth clenched so tight. It was so hard to hold her because of the violent thrashing. I thought she was going to die.:(
She finally came out of it panting heavely. She was back to normal in minutes. I am hoping this is not a bad sign. It has been eight months since her last seizure. It seems to double in time between them. So hopefully she won't have another for at least sixteen months. Even better would be to not ever have another.
11-11-2003 update: Maureen had a mild seizure this afternoon. She came to me and shook for a while then turned in my arms once and came out of it. Maybe big storm on the way?
Of course this put a damper on getting her adopted. As soon as I mentioned the siezures it was pretty much over for her. So after about 4 months I took her off Pet Finders but was still hoping to find her a home as she was now not allowed to come to work anymore and had to hold her urine for 12 hours 3 days a week which she does. I don't think it's fair though.
I changed her food about 5 months ago. She seemed to have a urinary or bladder infection but nothing showed in the tests so I put her back onto her regular diet. I was feeling pretty guilty as maybe having to hold it so long I was making her sick.:( But she got back to normal and hasn't had a problem since. I take her out a lot. Every time I get up during the night I take her out so she doesn't have to hold it at night also. Always have. So I am hoping it was the food. She's happy, healthy and my cousin says she's the best dog I ever had. She didn't know Valentine too well as we didn't live close then. Maureen really is a great dog.:) She is here to stay now.:) I doubt she would want to have it any other way except maybe to be able to come to work with me again.:) Not that it isn't costing. I can't blame my cousin really. She did stipulate only 2 dogs and if I weren't her cousin I wouldn't be allowed any pets.
Maureen will cuddle close to me sitting in my lap getting as close as she possibly can. When she wants to be loved she sits on her little haunches with her front legs straight up in the air like a baby would raise there arms for you to pick them up. So cute:) She loves to be petted enjoying belly rubs. She only plays when we are alone outside. If I try to include her while playing with Chillie or Yoda she will disappear downstairs. She is quite aloof when it comes to other dogs.
On occasion she will bounce around a little with Chillie when she is especially happy, like when I come home. She only recently started enjoying chewing bones. She used to keep them with her growling at anyone coming near but didn't seem to know what to do with them.
Chillie and Yoda never had it so good. lol You see, it became obvious that Maureen was given a cookie for going outside. I could tell as she did this little dance looking expectantly after every outing. She had some accidents in the beginning seeming unsure what I wanted of her as to where she should go. When I figured out the cookie thing, she got the message that I was expecting the same as she was trained to do. I still leave a pooch pad downstairs for her on my long days in case, but she won't use it. She rarely goes upstairs when I leave for work, preffering to wait on the landing by the door for me to come home.
I can't give Maureen a cookie and not the other two. Chillie and Yoda only got one little cookie on my work days just before I left. You never saw two dogs so happy to see me get ready to leave. Now there's three. lol
I use their kibble as a treat the other times taking that into account when feeding them their meals. It's so easy to make little dogs fat. I do not want to do this. That is why I never rewarded any of my dogs with food. They thrive learning with praise just as well as food. In fact maybe even better.:) Now it's a total riot whenever Maureen comes in from an outing. lol
When Maureen first arrived she never stepped foot into the bird rooms. She showed no interest in them either. In fact when it was time to let them out or when I was cleaning them, Maureen went downstairs until I was finished.
I was a little nervous about the idea of her competing with Yoda and Chillie for the goodies the birds throw. Worrying how she would behave with them. So I didn't encourage her to enter. When ever I am not home I put up a screen so the dogs can't go into the birds rooms as I never know what the birds are going to throw out. Chillie grabs even the wood and plastic pieces to chew on. I don't know if she would actually ingest them but I don't feel like finding out the hard way.
It was at least 6 months before Maureen did decide to come into the rooms. She scrounges peaceably along with the other two. In fact I am amazed how well they all get along when it comes to the race for dropped morsels. It's who gets there first; even if they are nose to nose the other concedes to the successful catcher.
Maureen only growls when it comes to her personal bone at the moment.:) They respect each other's dinner dishes. Chillie is an alpha dog. She sometimes tries to dominate me! lol But she is diplomatic so would never stoop to an attack. She knows she's alpha.:) Even though Maureen may growl over a bone Chillie is drooling over she would not try to take it. Maureen will not contest Chillie with an attack either. Just don't leave that bone for a second. Then it's whoever gets there first. lol
When the birds wind up on the floor or fly Maureen ignores them. I doubt she would ever hurt them but I would never trust her alone with them just as I wouldn't leave Chillie or Yoda alone with them.
She was afraid of toys.:( She seems to be interested but at first she would cringe, squint and shake if you tried to get her to play with one. Like someone had beat her for taking a toy.:( Did someone beat her because she tried to play with a child's toy? What possibly could have caused such fear.? She is not so frightened any more.:)
She was acting favorably when I was trying to entice her to play with a soft stuffed frog with long legs. So I put it on her back to see if she would grab it as Chillie does. She got so nervous she peed.:( I don't try to get her to play with toys any more. I figure one day she will feel it's okay. That will be a happy day here.:)
She obviously was well trained. She is totally obedient and does not go on furniture even though Chillie and Yoda do.
Someone loved Maureen very much. I believe something happened to that person, or Maureen got lost. But if she was lost then why is she afraid of toys? Why isn't someone looking for her?
It seems more like she had to be taken by a family member or maybe given away when her person passed away or was no longer able to care for her.
That being the breeds and as loyal as she is, she was confused; becoming wary maybe even agressive in her new surroundings. Maybe even forgot her training. Which would have only been temporary in a loving understanding home, given time and patience.
Maybe these new people were not patient beating her for her actions, which only made her more fearful and agressive.:(
She has blossomed into the dog I believe she once was. If my thinking is correct on what may have happened to Maureen, You did not succeed in breaking her spirit. She has learned to trust again.:) She is treasured here. I am so glad I decided to take this poor confused soul.
I don't know what happened. I don't know if I want to. If she was abused because she was so scared and upset about the change in her life, shame on you.:( I do thank you for at least abandoning her in a safe place. We were very lucky I have sucker written on my fore head.:) She is one of the best dogs I have ever had. So very obedient, sweet and loving, only wanting to please. She only needed patience, understanding and to be loved.
10-18-2003 I had a severe asthma attack at work. Spent 8 days in two hospitals.:( I can no longer be around wood dust after 18 years of exposure meaning I can not return to my job.:(
Maureen no longer has to hold her urine 12 hours, 3 days a week.:) In fact all the dogs and birds are enjoying my being home.:) I had to stop giving Chillie and Yoda treats every time Maureen goes out though. They were starting to gain too much. So I keep them downstairs for Maureen. Although I miss my work, co-workers and the birds I raised at the store; it's a pleasure to just walk in the house without having to decontaminate myself.:)
My life right now is as low as one can go. How ever we are survivers.:) This in only a bump in the road.:) My faith is strong and it has always carried us through hard times.:) Good news is my cousin had a change of heart about the extra dog.:) Now to get that job that will get us back on track.
It's been a rough 3 years with my work schedule. The birds and dogs are so much happier already. It was hard on them also. We are really enjoying this new found time together.:)
Maureen has become the Ambassador. Greeting all my friends (who now can get to see me) with pure joy.:) They've also been very kind bringing dinners and food. Maureen insists on sitting in everyones lap. She is so funny. Smiling all the time.:) Yoda has learned to quiet down pretty quick with visitors now.:) Even Chillie has decided it's okay to come out to visit with the visitors:) It's great to see the change in them now that life has become I guess normal would be the right word:) The best is seeing one small dog named Maureen Sicily Holly come into her own. Yes I discovered she likes the name Holly. "g" Maureen loves all the company. It's just the best any one could hope for seeing this girl jump and dance for joy when friends visit.:)
7-7-07 Although Maureen races around wildly outdoors in play with me with tossing herself down for belly rubs and fake attacks with mouthing my hands it never involved toys and she never played on her own or indoors with Chillie. Today Maureen played with her rawhide chip in the house. Jumped on it and tossed it like playing cat and mouse. Truly relaxed abandon. Can you imagine it took 5 years. Next step is grabbing a stuffed toy which she has yet to do but is showing more interest in.
Wow! Click Here to see who we found while surfing the net! Could Buddy be Maureen's brother?