May 2024 update:
his OCD type of behaviour towards shadows and reflections has been easily managed so far. In fact it’s only occasionally now. Newman can actually be in a sunny room with little to no reaction most of the time now.
As you may recall, Newman did bite someone shortly before he was returned to us and in the first few months we saw a handful of instances where he suddenly lashed out. We’ve done tests, consulted with vets and behaviourists, tried different meds and training techniques. Foster mom believes that building trust with consistency, routine and a confident caregiver, so Newman knows what is expected of him, is the reason why his behaviour now is almost perfect! He is still not great on leash in busy areas but other than that he is pretty amazing! He’s goofy, affectionate and playful. He loves his lick mats, bully sticks and lots of quiet time snuggling on the couch or napping in his favourite dog bed. Over stimulating environments are not for Newman. He does well with easy going dogs. He does have a prey drive so no rabbits, guinea pigs etc for this guy. Due to the bite incident and his sensitivity to over stimulation a home with no kids is necessary.
Newman needs a very special, experienced, firm and patient person to be his forever person. If you think you are that person send us a message to discuss.
October 23, 2023
Newman update. Newman's guarding and weird stalking type behaviour is much better since stopping all medication. We are approaching 3 weeks without meds and he is doing fantastic! He even spent his entire day at a busy rescue event! He was a happy and friendly guy, the only mini meltdowns that occurred were when he was held back on leash and wasn’t allowed to meet a dog that came in. Zero meltdowns or reactions to people though. This is a huge improvement, he also chased zero cars! Even though we were in a busy city center! Good Job Newmie Newman!
October 3, 2023
Newman update!
Newman was adopted last December. Soon after he was adopted we're told that Newman started to become obsessed with lights, reflections and shadows, to the point that he would get quite anxious and had to be removed from the area.
Newman had some distinct OCD traits so his vet put him on fluoxetine (prozac).
In the 3 months that he has been back with us we've been working hard with our amazing team of vets to make sure we understand everything that there is to understand about this sweet boy since he did bite someone shortly before he was returned to us. Please note that his adopters had already decided to rehome him before the bite incident due to some resource guarding issues they were having with him.
What we've observed is that he can get intense around food but is easily re-directed by sending him to his bed, mat or outside of the area that food is being prepared. If foster mom is snacking on the couch she simply tells him 'off' and he sits on the floor until she lets him back up on the couch after she's done eating. So far this has been 100% effective, there have been no resource guarding issues.
When Newman bit the person that wanted to adopt him from his original adopters he was laying on the couch and she was petting him. Foster mom had a similar incident 2 months after he arrived but he didn't bite, thankfully. He was laying on the couch next to foster mom and she was not paying attention to him but would reach over and pet him occasionally. All of a sudden Newman jumped up growling and lunged at foster mom. Thankfully he still had his harness on and foster mom had quick reflexes so she was able to grab him. He growled and snapped for a second or 2 and then just as suddenly he seemed confused and scared and tried to turn over to show her his belly.
Our incredible vets were able to consult with a behavioural vet about this. As you may know, there are very few true behavioural vets in Canada so we are very grateful for the consult! Taking into account his medical record, meds, detailed description from the person he bit as well as the one from his foster mom, and the fact that he shows zero aggression any other time, the behviourist thinks it could be some form of sleep startle/aggression. It's not a typical presentation of sleep aggression but he is a 'frenchton or froston', nothing surprising about not being typical! It is more common for these episodes to happen during REM sleep but it's possible that Newman's happen just as he drifts off. Coincidently, sleep aggression can be made worse with the medication Newman is on for his OCD behaviour! This is perhaps why it never showed up before and why presentation is atypical. The hope is that changing his medication to something else, that is actually more effective for OCD than this one anyway, will also eliminate anymore startle episodes. We have almost finished weaning him off of the old medication. We will do a 4 to 6 week wash out (hopefully! If his anxiety gets bad the wash out may be less but so far he is doing great!) Keep your fingers crossed because he really is pretty perfect otherwise!
July 6, 2023 Update
Newman is back and looking for a new home!
November 24, 2022 update:
Sleepy Newman did great during his neuter and his blood work was excellent! He’s on his way back to his foster home to get some rest and recuperate.
Mr Blue eyes is a real cuddle-bug!
This 10 month old hunk is curious about everything, loves people and dogs! He is full of puppy energy but is extremely gentle and sweet.
or by etransfer or paypal to ecfbrescue@gmail.com
Newman is being fostered near Ottawa, Ontario and is not yet available for adoption. Please note that we do not maintain a waiting list and adoption applications are only available when a specific dog is ready for adoption.
October 21, 2022
Who is fully house trained now? That’s right, Newman is!
Handsome boy is doing great in his foster home! He is attending obedience classes and he’s scheduled for his neuter at the end of November! He should be ready for his forever family before Christmas!
Mr Blue eyes is a real cuddle-bug!
This 9 month old hunk is curious about everything, loves people and dogs! He is full of puppy energy but is extremely gentle and sweet.
If you would like to contribute to Newman’s care you can donate
HEREor by etransfer or paypal to ecfbrescue@gmail.com
Newman is being fostered near Ottawa, Ontario and is not yet available for adoption. Please note that we do not maintain a waiting list and adoption applications are only available when a specific dog is ready for adoption.
Sept. 5, 2022
Please welcome Newman to ECFBR!
We got the call late last night asking us to pick up this 7 1/2 month old blue eyed beauty due to someone in the home having a severe allergy. Of course we couldn’t say no.
Newman seems like a sweet, healthy and curious pup! He will be seeing a vet soon and will need to be neutered before becoming available for adoption.
We will post more about him as we get to know him!
If you would like to contribute to Newman’s care you can donate directly on our website https://ecfbrescue.com/about-us/donations/#content-content-inner
Newman is being fostered near Ottawa and is not yet available for adoption. Please note that we do not maintain a waiting list and adoption applications are only available when a specific dog is ready for adoption.
