Recent weeks have seen me parading through the village, into stores, and offices showing off and socializing my new puppy, Sami. Thank all of you who kindly welcomed us and enjoyed meeting Sami. I thought it only fair that I let you know that she is no longer in our home, but resides on a farm, where two well-trained “boot camp” dogs, and a well-trained foster family, will try to curb some frightening behaviour.
It seemed from the start that her puppy play was overly aggressive, certainly more so that any of the other three pups, and two younger dogs that have gone through our home. Our vet and I were watching for escalation of the behaviour, and when it came, it came in unprovoked attacks, and with a complete change in demeanor. On the vet’s recommendation, that of his clinic’s behaviourist, and my own reluctant assessment, Sami was turned over to the Victoria Humane Society, into the caring hands of Penny Stone, who responded to a desperate plea for help, with kindness and understanding. Anyone who thinks they could not be frightened by a 12-week-old puppy, join me. That would have been my reaction before Sami. She is a beautiful puppy, and her leaving us has left a huge pile of emotional wreckage in our home.
I want to advise anyone seeking a puppy purchase to know the breeder, know the terms for possible return or replacement, etc. I made the mistake of not doing my homework, and made a bad choice. I do not blame the breeder for whatever caused Sami to snap like she does. She is a beautiful puppy, and positively the most intelligent and trainable animal I have owned. However, I was disappointed that the breeder did not assist in any way when I needed advice and simply turned away. Let me be very clear this is not a local breeder, or even a Vancouver Island breeder. Please be diligent when purchasing a puppy. Save yourself the heartache.
Gail Hall
Sooke