Well it's been 3 weeks today and while I would normally have done a 2-week report as one of the main guideposts in a new dog settling down, Vincent has settled in so seamlessly that the anniversary slipped by without me even noticing!
As you can see from the photo, he has settled into the family home wonderfully, has adopted a 'baby' (a soft toy which he merely carries about in his mouth from time to time) and has become the perfect family pet.
Behavioural issues that we are monitoring:
- Slight anxiety with novel stimuli
- Some basic impulse control training to stop him barging through doorways and people!
Luckily he is exceptionally patient and tolerant for a Mastino and as long as he is getting a constant trickle of liver cubes he allows me to clean him, even when it's invasive or painful for him. The hip dysplasia is altogether more serious and means that for the rest of his life, he will be on limited exercise. He is only 3 years old and if we want to get him to double figures, we have to act now. It's bitterly sad to not be able to take him for long walks, but every step he takes is deteriorating his hip joints and it would simply be cruel to allow him to walk for miles when this will eventually cause him extreme pain and ultimately end his life.
Luckily we live in a rural area with fields of interesting smells and sights and sounds only 5 minutes away so we don't have to go far for him to have stimulating walks, and he absolutely adores them.
He's also been put on Glucosamine HCL, Chondroitin and Cod Liver Oil to help with the regeneration of joint tissue. This will be lifelong and very expensive. In addition, to help with his digestive sensitivity he is on Acidophillus Lactobicillus (sp) which has worked incredibly well in settling his digestion. Mind you, he is fed exclusively on Burns foods...
His foster dog blog will cease now as he's gone past the critical 2 week phase but I will post again if there are incidents or issues that might be useful for others to read about.
Oh, and the name Vincent just didn't suit him so he has been renamed 'Bellini'... Or just 'Belly' for short!
If you have enjoyed reading this blog or perhaps even learned something from it, please consider giving something to Neapolitan Mastiff Welfare towards his lifelong care. Please click here:
Neapolitan Mastiff Welfare Website
Even a few pounds helps...
