Adopt This Dog?

About 3 1/2 years ago, the mother of a friend passed away, leaving behind a neutered male Apricot miniature poodle called KC.  Her daughter tried to take him but her own much larger dogs did not welcome him.  KC spent several months hiding under the couch or bed.  Whenever he did emerge for food or drink, the other dogs would beat him up.  When we heard about this, we took pity on KC and adopted him.

KC has had a rough past.  He was rescued by his previous owner after he was found abandoned on the side of the road.  Whoever his first owner was, they had his tail bobbed and did whatever else one does to "remodel" miniature poodles.  Then they decided they didn't want him and dumped him somewhere.

We also know that KC must have been abused.  He still cringes sometimes as though he is anticipating a whipping.  He also cringes if he sees me pick up a bottle by the neck.  I'm pretty certain he was beaten with a bottle and whipped with his leash at some point.  We guesstimate that KC is now about 9 1/2 - 10 years old.  He is current on all his vaccinations through May, 2013. We are clients of Colonial Park Animal Clinic in Harrisburg, PA, and can make his records available at anyone's request.  

We were told that KC is gentle, loves baths and being brushed, is housebroken, etc., etc. and so we thought he would be a good fit for our family.  I am 60 years old, retired, and haven't had a dog in my life for several years, but I do have some experience.  After only a few days in our home, KC started acting up.  He decidedly does NOT like baths or brushing.  He suffers terribly from separation anxiety when we have to leave him alone, and our vet finally put him on dog Prozac to stop some bad behavior that occurred when we were out of the house without him.  KC will also sometimes sneak off to relieve himself in lesser-used parts of the house if we do not regularly walk him or take him outside.  I suspect he would be much happier in a home with a doggie-door and a fenced-in yard -- neither of which we have.  I think he also needs almost constant company.

I do not believe that any animal should be put to death because of abuse suffered at the hands of human beings.  But I have to accept the fact that I am not able to give this little guy the care he needs.  My own health, I am sorry to say, is in serious decline.  I have always suffered from a whole suite of autoimmune diseases, but the worst of those, rheumatoid arthritis, is starting to severely limit my activities and my ability to give KC the walking and exercise that he needs to thrive.  Like it or not, dogs need to be walked and exercised, and just because it's raining or snowing and I am in pain does not let me (or the dog) off the hook.

I have tried Poodle Rescue but they are full up.  Other adoption sites seem to be more geared towards offering pets than taking them.  I have asked my vet to look into options for me as well, but I have heard nothing back.  I realize that it's difficult to get someone to adopt a dog with problems.  But I'm putting this appeal out there on the Internet in hopes that it reaches someone who can help us.

Like I said, I don't believe any animal deserves to be put to death because of stupid humans. I would like KC to find a home that is good for him and for which he would be a good addition.  He needs to be with people who can offer him patience, and love, and who are probably without younger children.  I think a fenced-in yard that he can access when he needs to do so would mean the world to him.  He can be very playful, and affectionate, and sweet, but he does not do well with other dogs or with solitude.

So if anyone knows of someone who fits these admittedly pretty specific criteria, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.  Please e-mail me any time at thayes713@gmail.com.

I wish I was able to better care for this dog.  After what he's suffered at the hands of other humans, he certainly deserves it.  But I have to be honest with myself and admit that I am growing less and less able to care for him properly and I would very much like to see him placed in a home that's better for him, and sooner rather than later.  And I sure don't want him to live out his days in a cage at the shelter.

Please share this with anyone you think might be interested.  Please share this, period.  Somewhere out there is a retired homebody who has a fenced-in yard and some love for this poor little soul.  And I thank you for your time.

[UPDATE:  We were never able to find a home for KC on our own, and my rheumatoid arthritis is now bad enough that I could barely walk him some days.  I explained my situation to the Humane Society of Harrisburg, a non-euthanizing facility, and they graciously decided to waive the waiting period for me, which normally runs a year to a year and a half.  Last Friday, I surrendered KC to them.  If you're interested in adopting him, call their adoption center at 717-564-3320.  But be quick about it!  They say that the smaller dogs -- and the cute ones, which he definitely is -- don't stay around the facility for very long.  I wish KC the best of luck and nothing but joy in the next chapter of his little life.]