When we found out that our application to adopt Wilma had been successful, I was so excited. I did however know that I had to make sure that I did everything I could to prepare us for her arrival. We already had a mini dachshund called Bob who we got when he was an 8 week old puppy and we knew we had spoilt him and that he might not take kindly to having to share his home with a “sister”. I read up on the adoption process and watched video’s about what to expect and how to manage introducing another dog. I am not going to lie, I had some reservations, “what if they really don’t get on at all?”, “what if Bob attacks Wilma or vice versa”, “will I be able cope with house training again”.
The day arrived when we were going to be able to bring Wilma home and after some problems at Heathrow, the dogs (Wilma had 5 pups who had travelled to the UK to go to their new homes) were cleared and she was on her way. It was late when we arrived at Trowell services and we met 2 other adopters who were waiting for their little rescues. When the dogs arrived we were given Wilma in her crate and I sat in the back of the car with her. I had brought some dog biscuits and some pieces of chicken which she took so nicely from me. After it had all gone, she began to cry and that was hard but I new she had to stay in her crate until we got home. After a while she settled down and just curled up and went to sleep. We did wonder if the crate would be dirty or smelly but it was neither.
Once home we let Wilma out into our garden and she happily came out of her crate and had a look around. After a while we let Bob into the garden and things were fine although it was 2am and Bob was probably a bit sleepy at that time. Wilma was quite happy to go into the house and ran around the room, eventually doing a big poo on the rug and then a wee on the doormat!
It did take a little while for Wilma to understand that she needed to toilet outside and we had to keep on top of taking her out every few hours. It became quite clear that Wilma did not like the rain and a lot of patience was required as she would refuse to toilet, run straight to the back door and cry to go in. Even when she got used to going outside we still had accidents because she didn’t know how to tell us she needed to go outside, although she has now worked out that Bob sits by the door when he wants to go and she has recently started to copy this.
In the beginning, there was some aggression from Bob and he clearly didn’t want to share his house or his Mum & Dad. We had to be firm with him and say “NO” quite a lot. We hid all toys for a few weeks and gradually introduced them and there were times when I had to take them away as they both would try to steal each other’s causing some aggression. I fed both dogs at opposites of the kitchen and Wilma would always finish first and then try to steal Bob’s. She did however learn quite quickly that she must not do this. I still fed them with a gap separating them but Wilma waits until Bob walks away from his bowl and then she checks it out.
Wilma has a lovely nature and doesn’t bark anywhere near as often as Bob does. She is much calmer than Bob and a lot more resilient. When she arrived she was sore at the top of her front legs and onto her torso. The vet prescribed some cream for this but I also moisturised it with Aveeno cream and it soon cleared up.
Food is still very much a big deal for Wilma, she is there as soon as the fridge opens, the microwave pings and a packet is opened. She will steal food given the chance but none of us know exactly what she has been through so I think we can cut her some slack.
I can report that she now wags her tail which she didn’t when she arrived. She demands attention and she cries if she doesn’t get it!. She dances when it’s time to go for a walk and tells us off if we don’t get ready fast enough. Best of all she sometimes gives us kisses but only on her terms but this doesn’t stop me kissing her.
Wilma can usually be found under the duvet with Bob and me, she has definetely made herself at home. We love our Wilmi Wilmi Woo just as much as our Bobby Do Do.