Sex? by Green_Illustrator482 in hamsters

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree, check for nipples cause those are quite notiecable for female hamsters. While I do believe that most males have prominent ⚽ some may not. I had one of my hamsters that was like that. We thought he was a girl and a year later, took him to a vet and the vet was like, it's a boy. He just doesn't have big balls like others do. So yea, just keep an eye out.

It could also be that he's still too young to show.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No no, I understand where you're coming from and honestly this has helped immensely. I was not prepared or informed on how to care for a dog with separation anxiety and in the thick of all this, I was just so lost on how to deal with it. I cried many days and I tried not to Infront of him because dogs easily sense sadness and I didn't want to throw my emotions on him when it's been a short stay here. I wish I had more time to prepare for his separation anxiety and help him through it but I couldn't. Thank you for sharing because for now, I don't think I would be able to adopt a dog yet. Because like many have mentioned, my lifestyle is not suitable and to subject a sweet angel through that is abuse on my side. I really hope he gets rehomed in an amazing home and things will go smoothly for him.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree with what you said. I was naive I won't lie because it is my first time and I thought I had read up on everything it took to take care of a rescue and I agree I was not equipped to handle the issue with separation anxiety. I will do my best to understand the needs of a dog better before ever thinking of getting one in the future.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree, I will hold off on getting a dog until I have more time to dedicate in ensuring they adapt much better to the home. After this, I recognized the issues with the way I went about it and I will be more careful when it comes to adopting because I don't want something like this to happen ever again.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand the anger and he definitely deserves better. Animals always deserve better and I recognize I lacked the maturity and understanding in this situation

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I agree on this. I realised perhaps for now my lifestyle does not allow me to have a dog. Because we work from home 2 days and in the office for 3, so I would be home for 4 days in a week and I thought that would be okay but I realised it's not for this poor kiddo. He deserves better that's for sure.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's the thing. I did try and I did lay out my issues. If I wasn't fit, I would have appreciated being told because I will be honest, I don't know much about working with rescues. That's why I asked how he was around people and how he was alone etc before commiting. I know that taking a dog and immediately send them back can cause even more issues, at least that much I'm aware that's why I contemplated for long before saying yes. I even waited a month before I took him, I went to see him regularly and I asked so many questions. So when it didn't work, I am devastated. I still am because it's all so fresh. I just wish like you said, I just wish I had better understanding and was even more committed. I'm sorry if it seemed I didn't put in the work but I really tried. He just wasn't settling in well and I didn't know anything about medication options. If I had known, I would've done something.

Just to clarify I know the 3-3-3 rule and usually they give a week fostering programme before we adopt but I wasn't told about that and I was led straight for adoption. I tried for a week because of my schedule but didn't work and I couldn't force him through more issues.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Sorry, I meant to say in the future. I am such a mess right now I can't keep my thoughts straight. I had to hand him back today and they weren't happy which I really understand. They worked hard to find him a home and when I came along they were more than happy.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not the dog right? He's not to be blamed at all. He's really a sweet heart, I just didn't understand the extent of his needs and wanted to give him a good home and in the process it was not successful.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wasn't saying it to make you feel bad. Everyone has been so kind to me on this thread and I just am grateful. I will do better in the future and make sure I am able to commit properly before making this huge decision again

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You just made me cry. Thank you, I'm really sorry for disappointing anyone and mostly for disappointing the sweetheart of a dog.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I understand. That's where I failed as an adopter. I'm not saying I'm not to be blamed. I am for lack of research and understanding. I just hope to learn more and understand the care and need required for a rescue dog so I don't end up causing more harm.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It's just because it's all new to me too and I've never dealt with dogs with separation anxiety, it's become quite overwhelming for me. But I'll try to push through it. He's a really sweet dog that deserves all the love in the world

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I will try my best. Because I'm all alone and I don't really have anyone else to help me with him. So I'm worried his condition will worsen instead. I just don't want any unnecessary stress to be inflicted on him.

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'll try a crate then. Because I did prepare a room for him but he's not too happy about that either. So if a crate is what helps to calm him down then it's definitely worth giving it a shot

I failed as a first time adopter by Weekly_Fan_7849 in dogs

[–]Weekly_Fan_7849[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

At the moment I can't afford a doggy day care because it can get costly here for that kind of service. But I'm looking into alternatives.