Everyone, Meet Tux! He’s the newest member of our family, and we love him so much already!
Since Grumples passed a few months ago, I haven’t felt complete. I’ve had a huge hole in my heart, and no matter what we did to fill up our time, things didn’t feel the same. Kyle and I talked about the possibility of growing our family with another dog but didn’t want to actively look. We agreed that the right opportunity would come around when we weren’t looking for it. Two weeks ago, I came across a post on a rescue page, and I saw him and immediately knew that he would be my dog. My heart was pulling me so hard toward him. I knew this guy was going to be in our family, and we were going to give him the best life he could ever wish for, and you all have no idea how much he deserves it.
Tux’s coming home day just happened to fall on what would have been Grumples 10th birthday. It couldn’t have been more meant to be.
We learned a lot about his life this week, and while so devastating and heartbreaking, we also learned some really great things, like how much he loves peanut butter and how he likes to let out a huge sigh before laying down to go to sleep.
Tux is going to be three in November. He was rescued from a horrible breeding situation, and it breaks my heart what someone would do to sell puppies at the expense of this sweet dog. What is even sadder is that the people supporting this breeder’s business have no idea what is going on behind the scenes; unfortunately, I cannot speak too much more because it could ruin the possibility of having him surrender other dogs in the future. This breeder was making $21,000 off of his litters but still treating Tux like a prisoner.
If you ever use a breeder to adopt a dog, please go there and meet the dogs, meet the parents, check out their surroundings, and don’t just let someone bring you a dog. When Leo was adopted, we went out to the farm where he came from, met the parents, ran around the field with them, and their dogs that do have puppies are own by people and not imprisoned there. I’m not here to bash breeders; I’m here to tell you to do your research because after meeting Tux, I learned what we all fear. 
Tux was kept in a crate outside most of his life. He doesn’t know what doors are, what stairs are, and everything is new to him. Showing him the world is already one of my favorite things to do.
He’s extremely timid, and rightfully so.
He had his vocal cords taken out by the breeder, a serious surgery, and one of the cruelest things to do to a dog. He doesn’t bark, he doesn’t wag his tail, and he doesn’t know what love is. Taking away the main means of expression is unjustifiably cruel. I want to cry every time I think about this. I know this may offend a few readers, but there’s a special place in hell for people who abuse animals. There’s nothing that makes me angrier than someone mistreating an innocent animal. Our goal as his new parents is to help him learn to trust and become the confident dog we know he can become.
Tux is going to need a serious makeover, not for the cosmetics, but for his health. He currently smells like a Cheeto because he has a severe yeast infection and hair buildup in his lobes. The yeast infection makes some of his hair fall out in chunks, which makes me so sad. He still has a lot of mats and dirt buildup around his skin. I hate that we have to get him groomed so soon into his transition, but I can’t let his hygiene go any longer because it’s now harming him. We are working with a groomer specializing in rescues, and they get him groomed in a little over an hour and will do everything they can to make him feel safe. I will also be there with him the entire time.
I will pour all of my love and attention into getting Tux to become the dog he has always deserved to be. There are so many people in his corner rooting for him, and the amount of love he’s going to get will make up for all the lost moments. 
On Thursday of last week, I got a call from Tux’s foster mom. We chatted all about him, and we both felt like he would thrive in our family. We planned to head to Georgia on Saturday to meet him and let him get to know us a bit before we came back to pick him up.
Meeting him was love at first sight. He even came up to Kyle, which isn’t something he does to people. I loved him so much I could cry.
His favorite place to hide was under her desk.
We sat by him and talked to him for a little while, and then something incredible happened. He started to take treats from us. I know what you’re thinking. What’s so great about a dog taking treats? Well, he wouldn’t take treats from ANYONE. She would give him chicken, bacon, and everything a dog would want, and he wouldn’t touch it. He was eating treats right out of our hands. I couldn’t believe the progress we made with him just after an hour of being with him. I knew we were going to be able to change his life around. I’m confident we can do this.
Tux LOVES going on walks. It’s hard to get him outside for the walk because he’s still unsure how a house works, but once he’s outside, he walks so gently on a leash, and when he stops to look around at new things, it makes my heart so happy. Sometimes, when he stops, I like to go down and give him a big kiss, an ear scratch, and then he’ll continue to walk with me. He’s always looking around as if something will happen to him, but I’m working on letting him know that I’m his protector and that he’s safe with me. Kyle and I have been reading and learning a lot about things we should and shouldn’t be doing.
Tux’s real name will never be spoken in our house because we don’t want him to ever think back on his previous life. He deserves a new beginning, and that is what we are giving him, and that is what he’s giving us. Tux’s foster mom called him Gus, which is the cutest little name, but when we chatted with a trainer who specializes in rescue dogs, he said we should give him a new name to create a new bond and a name he can learn to associate with us. We chose “Tux” because he looks like he’s wearing a tuxedo, and it just fits him. He’s in his tux, ready for his new fancy life!
Tux was so lucky to have been at the foster house. She is the most incredible women, and has rescued so many animals. When we got there, she was nursing a baby racoon. She’s incredible and we are so grateful for her and everything she does! I told her I want to be her when I grow up. Give me a big farm and bring on all the animals.
We took him on a long walk around the farm at his foster house before we headed out. He loved walking to see the donkeys, and nothing ever phased him. Tux is one of the sweetest dogs and wouldn’t hurt a fly. There isn’t an aggressive bone in his little body. 
We left him with Leo’s toys to smell that way we would be familiar to him. We made sure to fill him up with treats, and I told him everything he could look forward to next week. 
Leaving Tux that day was one of the hardest things to do. I knew he would be in good hands with his foster mom, and it gave us time to prepare for his arrival. After learning about him and watching his behavior, I decided to make the house spotless with nothing in his way. I also worked with my dad to build his own little hideaway house (just like the desk!)
We stayed in a hotel on Friday night to be up bright and early to see our new son and bring him home. We had breakfast with his foster mom, walked all around the farm, and after a few hours, we headed home! I sat in the back seat with him the entire time. He liked when I put my hand on his back. He would lay down and stop panting when I did it. After a half-hour, he was curled up in a ball and sound asleep the rest of the way home. He perked up when I told him to look out the window at his new neighborhood.
Leo stayed with our neighbors so we could get Tux comfortable with his new house. We gave him a full tour, and my favorite part was watching him see his reflection in the mirror for the first time. He was so confused, and he went up and licked it. I was shocked at how curious he was inside our home. He wasn’t afraid and acted eager to see each new room. We haven’t brought him upstairs at all; he’s still not sure what stairs are. 
A few hours later, we introduced Leo to Tux, and it went perfectly. We did a little walk up the sidewalk and then took them to the yard. Tux doesn’t know what playing is yet, but I know Leo will teach him soon. Our neighbors made Leo the cutest shirt to welcome Tux home!
Last night, I got Tux to eat almost three plates of food! I made him grilled chicken, Royal Canin wet food, and some of Leo’s food for him. I was so happy that he was eating and had a large appetite because that meant he felt comfortable and wasn’t too stressed. I figured getting him to eat could take days, but nope. He was chowing down.
He feels really comfortable in our yard. He’s known for pacing, but he doesn’t pace or hide. He actually comes up to us. Today, he was following Leo around like he was the leader, and I was so proud! I spend a few minutes now and then petting him, but I’m trying to limit my time near him and give him all the space for the next few weeks. It’ll take a few months before he feels like this is his home. Every time he does something new, I get so excited I could cry. When I hear him drinking water, all I do is stare at him.
He has claimed his safe spot in the kitchen, which is great because he’s out in the open where we hang out and not hiding from us. We are cautious with our movements and noises. We don’t want him to get scared or feel unsafe. Now and then, I’ll drop a treat in front of him when I walk by, so he associates me with positive thoughts. Can you tell we’ve been reading a lot of Ceasar the dog trainer?
Last night, we took him out around 9 pm for his last potty and a little run-around. He went back into his kitchen corner, drank water, let out a big relaxed sigh (Grumples used to do this), and went straight to bed. I came downstairs around 3 am, kissed him, and went back to bed. He slept all through the night without any issues. He just looked so content when I saw him. He used to back himself into the corner, but now he’s laying down with about a foot of space from the wall. It’s the little things.
We took him for a short little walk in the morning, and then he had breakfast with Leo. Our first night with him couldn’t have been any better. This week, we are going to work on his confidence to walk to the door. He’s not sure what it is yet, so when we open up the door and go out with Leo, he takes three steps towards it as if he really wants to go outside but then walks back to his spot. He repeats this several times as we try to encourage him to go out the door, but then we end up putting the leash on him and guide him out the door. I know we’ll get there, and you can tell he wants to do it so bad. He gets closer and closer each time. I cannot wait to see him do it because I know he’s going to. 
Last night, I laid next to him, still keeping a few feet away, and just rubbed his belly. This was the first time he laid in a position where he was open. He lifted his paw and put it on my arm while I rubbed him. As his eyes rolled to the back of his head, tears came out of my eyes. I got emotionally thinking about how anyone could hurt this sweet boy, and I know it’s going to take so much to get him to feel happy again. I can’t wait for the day he wags his tail when he sees us. It could take years, but we’ve got nothing but time and love to give him.
We gave this bunny to Leo as a gift from Tux, and he is extra obsessed with it. He brought it up to bed last night and keeps taking it everywhere he goes. He is very much in love with his new brother, and I know he will be a big help in Tux’s healing process.
Today (monday) we are going to to get him groomed and then take him over to the vet for a full checkup and get him on some medication for his ears. I cleaned them out with vinegar yesterday and I had about twenty black cotton balls. He leaned his ear into me while I cleaned them out, so I know it felt good. This is the type of stuff that helps with bonding. I will keep you all posted on how his grooming goes and how the vet visit goes in this week’s recap post. If you follow me on instagram, I’ll try to do some updates there as well. ♥️
Questions for you!
- Do you have any advice for us?
- Do you have a rescue successs story?
- What are you most looking forward to seeing in Tux’s journey?
He is adorable I am so happy you found him that is horrible how he was treated. I have 2 rescue dogs myself a husky and a black lab and my lab had a bad history prior to us also and he is a complete Angel and is obsessed with my younger son , I think having the husky and my son really helped him. We had to get another dog cause after my golden lab died my son and husky were so depressed. You are an amazing person.
Oh Taralynn this makes my heart so happy!! I am so excited for you and your family. We rescued our dog a few years ago- when he was found, his mouth was tied shut with fishing wire so I 100% understand the anger you feel towards the previous owners. I cannot even imagine how they could perform that surgery- that is evil. Special place in hell FOR SURE.
I am so excited to continue to see Tux and Leo bond and for Leo to show him what it’s like to be a part of a loving, healthy family. Slowly, those old, bad memories are going to fade away because his heart is going to be filled with so many good ones.
This is such a heartwarming story. I am so happy Tux has you, Kyle and Leo for a family. Reading this definitely made me tear up! I can’t wait to hear about Tux’s new life with you and read as he becomes more acclimated. He seems like such a gentle natured dog am I’m so happy he’s found his fur ever home with you!
Congratulations!! Rescuing truly is saving a life❤️🐾 We have 2 rescues and one piece of advice that I have always kept in mind with adopting a dog is the Rule of 3s for them- 3 days to start to feel comfortable in the home, 3 weeks to start to show their personality, and 3 months for them to truly feel at home. So happy for you all! Welcome home, Tux!
Be patient and your going to do great! Tux is a lucky doggie to get you guys as his furever parents. Maybe get a thundershirt? That works really good with some dogs. I wish we had known about them with our Whippet/Italian Greyhound that was abused before we got her. Biggest thing is when they make mistakes or accidents or whatever don’t react – stay low key. Since they were abused they go off our energy so try to stay calm and have an even toned voice. This is a whole new journey for him and if he is anything like my Venus he is going to be scared while he learns a whole new world of love, adventure and inside living!
I 100% agree there is a special place in hell for animal abusers, I mean taking out his vocal cords. I hope that vet goes there too because they should have their license revoked!
I’ve always gotten my dogs from rescue groups. I did get my mini aussie who’s gotcha day was yesterday. Can’t believe it’s been 2 years already. His breeders were a family with 5 kids ( and the kids taught him how to hug. He truly hugs you with paws on each shoulder and head on your chest.) and they lived inside the farmhouse. He was my first experience with breeders. I know I lucked out because you hear a lot of horror stories like Tux. 🙁
Can’t wait to see all the Leo and Tux pictures on Instagram and here.
Happy Belated Gotcha Day Tux! You are going to love your new home!!!
My parents also rescued a dog who was scared to go out the door. It took some time but now she confident she’s with them forever so she happily goes in and out.
You should check out Zak George’s YouTube channel. He’s a great resource for dog training!
Sooo happy for Tux and his new furever family!! We rescued a racing greyhound 4 years ago, and things like stairs were so foreign and scary! But with time, patience and lots of love the results are more rewarding than you can imagine – keep up the great work, we are all in yours and Tux corner!!
I could cry reading this! You have such a kind genuine heart and are going to give this little guy the absolute best life. Give him an extra belly rub for me 🙂
Sweet baby!! Thank you for sharing. That is crazy how limited his life was for 3 YEARS! Awful. I’m looking forward to updates!
I love this! He is adorable and so lucky! I rescued my doggy last June. She was a baby (8 weeks) and we are unsure of her whole story but felt good about adopting her through a good rescue!
Can’t wait for all of the updates 🙂
I am so incredibly happy for Tux! He is in such great hands with you and Kyle. I had tears in my eyes reading his story. I’m so happy you all found each other. Best of luck and I can’t wait to read more about his progress!
Just over here crying at my desk this morning while I read this blog post. Sad tears to read his story but happy tears that he has found his forever home. Also, I full agree that there is special place in hell for anyone who could abuse an animal. Tux is a lucky pup to have found you guys as his forever home and sounds like his foster mom was amazing too. I am excited to follow along Tux’s journey to having the best life ever! Him and Leo are going to be absolute best buds I just know it!!
I was basically crying halfway through this post. I’ve definitely felt a little weird in the past about the idea of purchasing dogs from breeders, but it’s heartbreaking to hear even a little of just how bad it was for Tux. It’s so important to know about the homes from which your pups come are like, and I cannot imagine what he’s been through! Congratulations on adopting this wonderful ball of fluff– I’m so excited to ‘see’ you guys’ progress with him opening up and that Leo is psyched, too! 🙂
My parents adopted a 6 month old pup before I moved out, back in the day, who’d been in a difficult situation. When they first got him, he’d fall asleep near or right next to his bowls, because he wasn’t used to having fresh water or food right there. He’s 100% a velcro dog now and is the most well-behaved middle aged guy.
I’m beyond happy you could add Tux to your family. It sounds like he needed you as much as you needed him. My mom has a rescue and it took a while for him to adjust. We think he was abused by a male because he did not like any male for the longest time especially if they wore a baseball cap. He also would immediately roll on his back when you tried to pick him up and acted as if we were going to hit him. It was so sickening to think the life he lived before she got him. You’d never even know now that he was a rescue. He’s so loved and I too can not understand how any human could harm in animal. It breaks my heart but I’m so glad Tux found your family to care for him. The only advice I have is my mom’s dog was ridiculously afraid of storms. I looked into ways of helping him and found soothing dog music on YouTube to play when storms happen. Now they don’t even seem to phase him. I also use peace and calming oil for my dog when he is anxious or scared of something and it has helped him so much. Here’s hoping for a smooth transition, sounds like he’s doing wonderful already.
You are amazing people. I’m so happy for y’all and Tux. I can’t wait to see those tail wags. You’re clearly making amazing progress in a short time. He knows he’s safe and loved and has the best brother. You guys are seriously amazing. Love love love this post!!!
Oh my goodness! I teared up a little reading about where he came from and what they did to him. How cruel! He looks so sweet and is so lucky to have a fantastic home with you guys.
Oh my goodness, what a sweet dog! His face just melts my heart! Bless you guys for helping this boy and caring so much. We are also big advocates for rescue dogs and this post made me cry multiple times.
I can’t wait to follow along and see Tux thrive with you!
Oh this just makes me so happy. Tux won the dog lottery! Hearing about his vocal chords is so saddening and maddening. I agree with your statement in people who hurt animals.
Have you thought about or heard about bells to let dogs know you want to go outside? We have a set hanging on our door and my dog just jingles them with her nose to let us know she wants out. We always honor it even if she just came back in because she might just want to watch the birds. There’s also switches you can get and program to say words or phrases (walk, treat, whatever’s meaningful) and all they do is step on it. I realize he’s quite timid with noises, so maybe those two aren’t the right idea, but I sure there’s a way like that to give him his “voice” back.
I can’t wait to see more of his photos and continue to watch his story! Here’s to you, Tux!
You’re so kind to take in sweet Tux! This story made me tear up. He’s going to have the best life with you, Kyle and Leo!
BLESS YOUR HEARTS!! What a sweet and handsome boy. His story just breaks my heart, but he couldn’t be luckier to join your sweet family. I know you will love him like crazy and he will thrive in no time. He and Leo will be best buddies…and Grumples is watching over you all. Much love in this new journey!
This is so sweet!
My parents dog suffers from chronic yeast infections in the ears (fyi, We are in GA and southern humidity tends to make it flare up). They give a squirt of salmon oil in his food each time and it has helped a lot.
We rescued a former racing greyhound. For 3 years he did nothing but race so when he came to us he didn’t know how to act like a dog either. The rescue gets them house trained by inmates at a prison near Savannah for 8 weeks. It’s a win win cos the dogs learn to dog and the inmates have atested that it’s the first time they feel a sense of purpose and love when training them. They live with them in the cell during the training and at the end of the 8 weeks a new group of former racers come in.
Tux already seems a perfect fit with you guys. I’m so happy for all of you!
Omg Taralynn I got so emotional reading this…I know how hard losing Grumples has been on you guys, but I’m so glad something so positive was able to come from it. Tux has honestly won the lottery by getting adopted by you guys…I can’t imagine a better home or kinder people who will love him and give him the best life he deserves.
What an amazing thing you are doing and Tux is so lucky. What an amazing family he gets to be part of – Grumples is so proud I’m sure. Wishing you all the best from Canada and looking forward to hearing about his progress. 🙂
I am SO happy for you guys!!! Tux is so lucky to have found a loving forever home with you two! I was so sorry when I read about Grumples. I can’t imagine that pain. Tux coming home with you on. what would have been Grumples 10th birthday must have beene magical. A total “meant to be” moment.
We recently fostered a cat and he was so timid and shy and scared but after a week he started to open up and come near us. Watching him learn to trust us and get used to his new surroundings made me so emotional and happy. We couldn’t bear to give him back so now we’ve adopted him and love him more every day.
1. No advice! I’ve never had a dog (hopefully soon though) but I know you two are going to be amazing for Tux!
2. Our new cat is named Simon. He’s a two year old silly, happy boy! My fiance (who claims was NOT a cat person) is his favorite human and watching them bond and snuggle is the best! He is now a certified cat dad!
3. I’m looking forward to watching Tux grow and learn to play and learn to love! Seeing an animal slowly realize that they will never be hurt, abandoned, or scared again is the most amazing thing.
Sending so much love to the four of you!!!
this was so sweet to read. the love you have for your new fur baby is evident and heart warming. I am so happy Tux has you, Kyle, and Leo for love and protection.
Love this for you guys and for Tux 😭😭😭😭😭
I just can’t wait to watch him get even more comfortable and become Leo’s BFF!!
What a sad life he has had so far. You all are so amazing for giving him a new start <3. I rescued my dog from an abusive home as well. It takes a lot of patience and positive reinforcement, but she's finally staying in the room when people come over who she doesn't know. Our other dog helped build her confidence so much – I'm sure Leo will do the same for Tux! Can't wait to see more updates…congratulations on your new son!!!
I seriously cried reading this. I rescued my dog from a bad situation too, and it is devastating and disturbing to know that so many dogs are treated so badly by people who are supposed to care for them. It looks like Tux is slowly but surely getting assimilated into your family and I cannot wait to watch him grow and thrive in a life that he’s meant to have. I sincerely wish you all the absolute best and hope you have a life filled with love, joy, and adventure together. ❤️
This post made me cry happy tears for you and Tux. He will have such a wonderful life with you guys! I can not wait to hear more about him (and Leo of course)! I think you sharing about his rescue and how life changing it can be for not only him but the whole family will hopefully bring awareness to people looking for a dog and choosing to rescue rather than shop! Welcome to your new wonderful life Tux!
This makes my heart so happy!!! Tux is blessed to have such loving and intentional humans and y’all are blessed to have him! Can you post a picture of the cute shirt your neighbor made for Leo?
Aww I’m so happy Tux is with you now! Having Leo as a big brother is going to help him feel better in no time. I adopted my cat five years ago after her owners left her behind when they moved. She was declawed and left to fend for herself. I still don’t understand how anyone could have done this to her; she’s just a cute little fluff. It took her a few months to warm up to us when we brought her home, but now she’s all about the cuddles. We also gave her a new name, Mamba ❤️ and she now has a dog-brother (who she bosses around 😂).Makes my heart happy to see them both running around, living their best lives. I’m excited for Tux to experience a sibling bond like this. He has a lot of good ahead of him.
OMG Reading Tux’s story is so heartbreaking but I’m so happy for him and your family that you now have each other. I couldn’t agree more with you about there being a special place in hell for people that hurt animals, I cried when I read about his vocal chords. My puppy Pepper is a rescue as well, and I think just the constant reassurance that she is loved has helped her, along with taking her places and trying to socialize her. I can’t wait to read more about Tux, and I hope to see lots of pictures of him and Leo!
Congratulations on your new fur child, and congratulations on saving him! It is so hard to hear the sad stories that some animals go through, but thanks to you and Kyle, his story will now have a happy ending. I hope this doesn’t upset you, but something about his eyes and his expression in the black and white photo really reminds me of Grumples. You were meant to have this dog for sure!
omg Julie, he does so much that reminds me of Grumples. He has his nose ♥️
I have no advice but welcome home sweet boy! So wonderful for you to give him so much love and research!
I am just crying all the tears over here!! Tux was just waiting for you and Kyle to find him and love him!!! I cannot wait to read about his progress and see all the pictures of this beautiful boy in his new home! I am sending all the prayers your way. Grumples is smiling down on you all for sure!!!!!
This is so incredibly heartbreaking. My jaw actually dropped open when I read that his vocal cords were surgically removed….is this what “debarking” is? My god, who would do such a thing??? How cruel…
I’m so glad this sweet little guy has a forever home. I am with you on wanting to rescue all the animals…I sometimes cry thinking about all those out there who can’t be helped or who it is too late for… This is why spreading the word about spaying and neutering is so important!
It makes me so so happy to think of the life Tux is getting with you all and that Leo can be the older brother to him that Grumples was. I hope you get your farm one day so you can bring as many animals you want onto it, that’s a dream of mine too!
Thank you.
Awwwww how lucky for each of you! He is a handsome boy! Love his name & can’t wait to see his transformation unfold.
You guys are the best for doing this. Such a sad story but he is just starting his life and will be a happy boy in no time! He is adorable!
This is so much like our Shiba! We rescued her January 2020 after she had been bred by the Amish. She hid under a printer, didn’t understand doors, was silent, the whole bit. The biggest thing that helped us (which it sounds like you already do) was letting her stay comfortable. We’d have to make her do certain things, but we never pushed her past her limit. It took months for her to trust me enough to follow me upstairs, but now she’s glued to my ankles everywhere I go. I HIGHLY recommend keeping a journal of his wins, no matter how small. I started to after a couple months, and I wish I had started sooner. It’s so great to look back at exactly how far she’s come! Leo will help tux so much
please look into the following AMAZING dog trainers who have experience with rescue dogs Instagram handles: @cheri_wulff_lucas @atpdogtrainingsd would both have advice to set Tux up for lifelong success in integration and trust, respect, boundaries and cultivating joy in his new life. BLESS YOUR HEARTS for opening your hearts and home to this beautiful boy
I hardly ever comment but I am sitting here crying, so much emotion from your post! Wishing you all so much love!
You guys are doing a great job. No advice. Each journey is different. We have 2 rescue dogs. Abby came from a Amish puppy mill in NY. Just like Tux she didn’t know about about lot of things we take for granted. She didn’t know what grass was and didn’t like to walk on it. She didn’t like men at first. She learned from and followed our other dog. She is very loved and loves us. She does have some quirks but is a wonderful family member. We just adopted another dog last week. The animal shelter said Daisy was a stray. She is matted, dirty and has an UTI. She will get better. The other girls are showing her the ropes! She is already ringing the bell to out outside! I can’t wait to see Tux’s journey. ❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations! You guys are such attentive, loving dog parents and will give Tux the new life he deserves! What a beautiful second chance at life for this cute pup!
Welcome home, Tux! He is adorable and looks so sweet. You are lucky to have each other!
Reading your post made me tear up. I know exactly how you feel. Last year I lost my beloved cat to cancer. A little while later I adopted two cats. One that was rescued off the streets when he was nearly dead, and another one that was rescued from a hoarding situation. The two of them required a lot of love and patience but when they started coming out of their shells it made my heart explode.
It’s so so so true how it’s the little things that really get you. When you mentioned Tux drinking out of the water bowl, I was like I get that! haha
Our sweet boy Benny was rescued from the hoarding situation at 4 years old. When we adopted him he had never had a toy before and had no idea that he should play with them. It broke my heart into a million pieces. And now it makes me SO happy when I see him playing with toys!
Hello Taralynn, WONDERFUL post, my heart what a beautiful story that is unfolding for the start of Tux’s new incredible life with you and Kyle. Please take a look at the instagram handle: @hank_the.hunk
I believe you will get great insights about rescue dogs and what steps are best to take to ensure Tux’s successful transition in his forever home with both of his amazing parents. There are specific challenges that rescue dogs face with transition, decompressing, training and gaining trust and mutual respect for both his new parents (you & kyle) as well as his new brother Leo. https://www.instagram.com/atpdogtrainingsd/ was the trainer that successfully helped Hank (a Cane Corso) overcome his trust and aggression issues. He wasn’t aggressive to begin with but became anxious and aggressive over time due to lack of boundaries, routine, over-babying and too much stimulation and he become protective over the new owner to the point of aggression when her teenage sons were too close to her. He became protective over his new source of food and comfort–which in this case was her. I hope you connect with either @atpdogtrainingsd of another trainer another reader mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/cheri_wulff_lucas/ who is such a wealth of knowledge and has a proven track record of rehabilitating rescue dogs to live happy, healthy lives in their forever homes. Best of luck on your journey with Tux, we can’t wait to see the updates. He is quite possibly the most gorgeous dog I have ever seen, I can’t wait to see the new adventures he has with his forever family!
This is seriously amazing! Thank God for wonderful people like you, foster parents and rescues. I had a similar rescue story with a geriatric dog. You are amazing and you are doing everything right. I get tears thinking about how wonderful life is now and in the future for sweet Tux. Keep us all updated!!
Welcome home Tux! He’s going to have a beautiful life with your family, the life he deserves ❤️ I’m so happy for him and for you! You and Kyle are such a good people with big hearts! I’m sending big hugs for you, Kyle and Leo and Tux! I’m sure he’s going to feel better and better every day because he belongs to an amazing family now ❤️
Oh my gosh Taralynn, I was sobbing reading this post. I am SO happy for Tux, he could not have been more lucky to get to be a part of your family. Eventually he won’t even remember his past life, because the life you and Kyle are going to give him will just be so amazing. I’m so happy for you.
So happy for you all. Tux is such a handsome guy. I read your recap and just couldn’t stop my tears. I can’t imagine people treating animals that horribly, but I believe he will forget that past life in time. I, too, have a rescue pup. She is the best dog. Congrats. I’m excited to see his post-grooming pictures.
What a wonderful thing you’re doing. We have two rescue pups and our first one (Jasper) took about 3 months to get comfortable. When the 3 months hit it was so funny because it was like a switch flipped on and he was “our” dog now. Our second dog (Gigi) is very similar to Tux. She was abandoned outside and had several health issues. She was very timid and didn’t know what stairs were. It took her about a year to fully lean into the love we could give her. Now she snuggles us and comes to us when she is scared. Leo will be a great leader for Tux! I think it will help a lot!
I cried the whole time reading your post! Thanks for sharing. =)
-Amanda
I am work so can’t finish reading the whole article as it was making me tear up !
Tux has had a terrible start but is in the best place now.
Having my own rescue from a similar background (a large/giant breed bitch used by breeder until she was 5 and “useless”), the affection and attachments will grow, even though he may show signs now you don’t realise until a few months later just how surface level that is a first (they get used to being paraded around for people to see how great they are for breeding). I have had Ruby for 2 years this July and she is still decompressing from her life before, she still does not play as my previous dogs did but no longer runs when her toys make noises and has learnt to ignore puppy cries on tv. I know Tux won’t have gone through having his babies taken but he will still need a lot of patience in other areas, you may need to be cautious approaching him if he gets sexually excited, Ruby doesn’t like being held from behind (sometimes necessary for vets visits) because of being held when put with stud dogs, Tux may have some similar reflexes from those times. His triggers may appear slowly or be very present, but just know that over time the trust builds and increases even beyond the point where you think he is fully over it, there will be another moment where you see that he has progressed even further.
It’s worth every moment and I am sure his tail will wag frequently in his life with you both.
Congratulations on your new fur baby! I was so emotional reading your blog post about Grumples passing and it brings my heart so much joy knowing you have found a new baby to love and care for. I am so excited to see his appearance on your blog posts and your new adventures as a family <3
Literally tearing up reading this! My heart breaks for poor Tux because of what he’s been through.
My advice is to keep reading as much as you can on how to make him feel comfortable. Sounds like you’ve done an amazing job so far! I learned that it can take at least 3 months for a rescue dog to truly open up and start showing its personality. Patience is the best strategy you can have, and so is positivity which you’re showing a great deal of. Tux is going to be so happy having y’all as parents!
I actually rescued my best friend about 3 1/2 years ago. She was a stray, but by her actions, we assumed she was beaten/treated very badly at her initial home. She had 4 intestinal parasites, was 15 pounds underweight, extremely skittish, never barked or wagged her tail, and hated stairs. I could move my arm to push my hair back and she would cower to the floor in fear, yet she wanted to be around me so badly she never left my side even when she was scared. It was like she knew I was good but couldn’t break her habit of fear.
Fast forward to today and she’s never been healthier, LOVES to bark, races up and down the stairs with me when we play, rolls over completely on her back for belly rubs because she feels so safe, and wags her tail so hard it looks like it might fly off! She is the best girl, and rescuing her was the best thing I’ve ever done.
That’s what I look forward to most for Tux’s journey: seeing him open up and start to feel safe when he realizes you’re his protector and his friend. I can’t wait to read about his firsts and watch him learn to be a dog. His story really resonates with me and what I went through with my dog, so I have no doubt he’ll be the bestest boy in no time!
Tux is adorable. He is lucky to have found a new home with you, Kyle and Leo. The cruelty he has endured is upsetting honestly, removing his vocal cords is seriously messed up. I look forward to hearing the updates on how both your dogs get along. Congrats on the new addition to the fam!!~~
Thank you so much for adopting. No dogs or cats should ever be bought. He’s going to be so happy!
Excited to follow along on your journey with Tux! I rescued a semi-feral puppy about 5 years ago, and his behavior was very similar to what you described with Tux. It takes time and patience, and can be very one step forward…two steps back at times. Sounds like you are on the right track with Cesar Milan training. Calm pack leadership will help, and Leo likely will be a social bridge for him and help with confidence. Took about two months for a tail wag and I cried. I can’t wait for him to wag his tail for you! Means the world! Good luck!!!
I have been wondering if and when you were going to get a new brother for Leo! I am so happy for you guys! The only thing I could possibly add is we have two poodles, one with horrible ear problems, but I find that Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Pet Ear Rinse works really really well. I actually like their hydrogel works really well on wounds/ hot spots. I found it difficult to find products for dogs with piddle type hair because their hair and skin are so different! Also when his ears get really bad I find having all the hair around the ear and on the ear shaved off (I do our hair cuts) allows for more air circulation. I also read dogs like reggae music… Maybe you can add a little of that in the background for some relax but also get use to some sounds. ♥️🐾
Taralynn,
This is the most amazing story. I shed a few tears. You are going to give Tux such an amazing life. This story made my day! Can’t wait to see what is yet to come for both of you! Good luck! ❤️
Please keep up posted on Tux’s progress. You’ve managed to turn something so awful into a beatifully told story. Best of luck to you all!
And I’m Sobbing! You wrote words so beautifully and this story made me feel a range of emotions. Good luck with Tux, he is so lucky to have you guys!!
I think you would make a great foster/rescue dog mom or would be awesome working at the humane society walking dogs since you care so much for them! You’re clearly dedicated to Tux and Leo 😊.
Tuuuuuuuxxxxxxx!!!💓💓
one more human rooting for you sweet boy!!!💙
The world needs more people like you!
We adopted our 7 year old dog in February. She also came from a really awful breeding situation and had lived in a crate having babies for her entire life. There are certainly things that she struggles with as a result, but more than anything she’s sweet, silly, happy, and healthy now. My best advice is to remember his past, keep in mind the traumas he is overcoming, and be patient with his progress especially when he struggles. Pups like these guys deserve the world and I have no doubt you’ll give him the best life!
Oh my he is just gorgeous, his smile is just beautiful, and he very much suits his name (I may have cried reading this blog) he has the best home with you, Kyle and Leo. . Bring a new pup or dog home can be so stressful when they have had a hard start to life, they just need lots of love and time. I full agree that there is a special place in hell for anyone the hurt any type of animal. I’m very lucky that with both my dogs I know the breeders’ well and they come a visit when they are in town. Even though I know them, they both still did inspections of our house before we were aloud to pick a pup.
I normally rescue unwanted goldfish (long story), though recently I was walking my dogs, and had a small pup come up to us, he looked scared and had rope marks around his neck from being tied up tightly, I got him back to my house feed and washed him, then called the local rescue they came and checked for a microchip, when they saw his neck marks they decide they wouldn’t look for his owners, and just give him a new start to life so I named him Jed, I would like to have kept him and/or fostered him, but due to my job Jed wouldn’t get the daily support he needed, we found him a great foster home, and now we are thinking he would be a great dog for my nana so once he’s done his rehibition we will take nana to visit him and start the adoption process.
Have a great week and I’m looking forward to all your updates on Tux
Congratulations. Tux is so lucky to have found you. He is going to live the best life!
We rescued a standard poodle and a goldendoodle. My goldendoodle came from a pet store and then given up after 4 weeks. We adopted her at 4 months from a rescue. Luckily, she was young enough to not remember anything,
My standard poodle was traumatized and we’re not quite sure what happened to him. We adopted him when he was 1 1/2.
He still has his quirks, but we’ve had him 5 1/2 years and my dogs are best friends.
Love to all 💕
I love this! Thank You for doing this. We adopted our rescue a few weeks after our 14 year old dog passed away. I didn’t think I would want to get another dog for awhile but I started volunteering for a dog rescue and met him and knew he was ours. He wasn’t able to get adopted because he had separation anxiety and been returned several times. Luckily our jobs lets us work from home so for the first two years we had him..we never went out to eat or to the movies. Now, 7 years later, he is able to stay home by himself for about 5 hours. We love him so much.
Love, love, love this post and am so happy for you both! I am a rescue mom too and I would say by far the most important thing to do especially in this early stage is to crate train. Sounds like he will also need quite a bit of confidene building but that will come with time. I HIGHLY reccomend checking out @sayitoncedogtraining on instagram. Vinnie is the best. There are a ton of other helpful instagram account, @trainingwithbria is another one I love. Find what works for you, but make sure you are creating structure for Tux. Wishing you all the best of luck!
Tux seems to be such a sweet dog … Reading his story brought tears to my eyes :'( I have two rescue cats and I love animals in general. I don’t understand how people can be so cruel to innocent creatures … I think Tux arrived in your life for a reason and you are going to be a wonderful family to him. He has been doing so much progress since you met him, there is a definitely a reason for that ! He must feel you are his family and his forever home 🙂 And he also has Leo to guide him and teach him how to be a dog 🙂
Tux is so incredibly sweet.
You’re so right about the timing of it all. I think Tux came into our lives at the perfect time. ♥️ Thank you so much.
I love this post!! Congratulations on adopting Tux. He is so adorable and I am sure you and Kyle and Leo will give him the best life! Dogs should be treated like family, it’s unfathomable that people leave their dogs in a crate outside. So glad Tux ended up with a family who will give him the love he deserves!