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Mastiffs => Old English Mastiff Pictures => : bigdogs@5501 March 16, 2008, 09:05:51 PM
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Joe was in the same shelter that Piglet was in, back in November. Joe was a puppy mill breeder and since he is now 6 years old- he is no longer deemed a good sire- so they dumped him at the city shelter.
I had a Pyrenees that I was going to go and get when I was asked if I would take Joe ( he was Kujo, we have renamed him Joe)I had a good resource for Joe so of course I said sure.
Joe is HUGE, I thought that Jake was big, silly me, Joe is big. When I first got to the shelter he was in a pretty large outside enclosure, I walked up to the fence and he met me with a fercious bark. I then put my hand up to the fence and he nipped at me twice then licked my hand. I had a 3 hour trip back, no crate that large, so Joe and I were going to have to make friends and quick.
I was going to put his leash on him and was told no- wait, he doesnt like it when you touch his collar ( great ) so they put a slip leash on him and off we go to the truck. I had to take the big Chevy so that he would fit to be able to bring back- well the Chevy has a lift kit on it- Joe had a bit of a problem getting in, but with a little help from the director at the shelter and few growls and barks- he made it into the back seat. I got the Pyrenees loaded into the crate and we took off.
Now this is where I have come to appreciate what all of you Mastiff owners tolerate daily... the MASSIVE amount of drool. He was pretty curious to see where we were going so he ended up putting his head between the front seats and was leaning on my shoulder. By the time we had gone 100 miles, my sleeve and the front of my shirt were soaking wet. I stopped at a McDonalds and treated both boys to a double cheeseburger and then we got back on the road, he finally crashed after the snack and slept most of the way to his new home.
Once we got to Brenda's we put both boys in seperate runs- he was so excited that he was getting all of this attention but when it came down to me leaving - he got grumpy, he was growling and showing me his teeth. I was really getting worried that I was going to have to sleep with this dog until I was able to distract him and beat him to the gate.
I am happy to report that Brenda and her husband LOVE him and he is getting along great at thier house.
I am not so sure that I am ready for a Mastiff any time soon, but what a cool experience.
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What a great story!!!! Thanks for sharing. BTW... embrace the drool! :D
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oh wow! he is huge and beautiful!
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OMG....Thats all I can say...I want to hurt the people that dropped that beautiful boy!
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I officially heart Joe - and you for taking him out of the shelter. I'm confident he'll relax and be slobbering all over everyone in no time!!
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Joe looks like a big love bug! Just like my Bryce bless you for rescuing JOE! Marina
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He's gorgeous, slobber and all!!! I think after some consistency he'll be fine and the growling will be replaced with kisses!!
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Wow! He is a gorgeous dog. He's lucky that you rescued him. It sounds like with some TLC, he'll settle into the good life quite nicely. ;)
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Pretty Joe!
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Joe is beautiful Paige! WOW! How on Earth could someone just throw him away. Well - Too bad for them!!! ??? And congrats to his new Furever Family. :-* BIG KUDOS to you Paige! You've done it again.
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What a gorgeous mastiff. I'd be a little snarky too after being dropped at a shelter. Thanks to you, he's well on his way to safe and happy. Well done Paige!
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What a beauty!
I haven't had too much experience with other large breeds, I have my 2 mastiff's now. Prior we have always had SPCA specials.
I do know that mastiff's take separation from their owners very hard. They need constant contact with their people and often guard with strangers. He will be ok as long as he is introduced to new situations slowly. He needs to gain the trust of his new people. However, that being said, they shouldn't let him get away with anything either and should make him work for food, treats, cuddles etc.
When my hubby went to look at Luke (got him from Mastiff rescue) Luke did NOT give him a warm reception. It took a couple of visits and ignoring him at first before he calmed down. Now when he went to pick Luke up, Luke walked right up to him, sat down and waited for his leash to go on. He jumped right into the van and didn't look back. He has glommed onto me, and very rarely leaves my side. He is the best dog we have ever owned.
Handsome Joe will be alright! Especially when he realizes he's got it made!