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(This article was originally published in October 2002 and has been updated.)
In addition to Sophie's other personality traits that emerged in the weeks and months after integrating into our family, She also developed what I call Velco Dog Syndrome.
Velcro Dog Syndrome I don't know if this is a commonly known term or just something I made up, but the Velcro Dog Syndrome is my way of describing a milder form of Separation Anxiety before it is the full-blown problem as recognized by animal behaviorists.
This is when the dog sticks to their human like Velcro and must be everywhere that human is at all times. This can be endearing at first, but since I was worried about this potential problem that can be seen with adopted pets, I wanted to reduce this behavior as much as possible.
I downplayed my arrivals and departures so that Sophie wouldn't feel anxious when I left, or over-the-top happy at my return. I asked Brent to feed her and reward her with the Kong toy so that she wouldn't view me as the primary caretaker (even though I am). I behaved as if Sophie had been part of our household for years so that she would feel 'part of the group' as soon as possible.
My plans were met with mixed success. Despite my best efforts at downplaying my interactions with Sophie, she was my four-legged furry shadow for weeks. Even a simple movement, such as getting halfway out of my chair to adjust a paper jam in my printer would bring Sophie from a completely conked out nap to full attention in a fraction of a second.
Ready and at the alert for where I might travel next.
I persevered. If I was going to leave a room for a few minutes, I made sure that she stayed put. I was never away for long -- initially, only a few seconds. I would return and discreetly praise her with my voice. Again, not make a big deal out of her success in staying put and not scratching the door or whining.
I am now happy to report that Sophie can be sleeping on her dog bed downstairs and I can be upstairs in my office and she is comfortable with that. She is finally feeling like this is her home. She is here for the duration. It has been wonderful seeing this transformation in her. Her eyes smile even more than before.
Sophie has completely integrated with Rex the dog and our cats, too. She belongs.
In conclusion
For those of you contemplating adopting a new pet, now is the time. Shelters are filled to the maximun occupancy with pets of all ages and sizes in need of a home. Not just dogs and cats, either! Ferrets, rabbits, iquanas, even horses are looking for homes.
It is important to give adoptions time to work. There will be bumps along the road. Just remember that pet adoption is a commitment that shouldn't be taken lightly. Enlist the help of friends or professional animal trainers if you experience post-adoption behavior problems.
If personal safety is a risk or the adoption just will not work out even after exhausting resources, please be honest with the shelter or organization as to why the adoption isn't working. This will help for future placements and won't further contribute to the pet overpopulation problem.
Sophie's story continues ---> Read Part IV
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