Adopting Monte: A Journey of Commitment, Care, and Unconditional Love

Adopting a dog is one of the most profound decisions one can make. Monte came into my life as more than just a pet—he was a companion, a source of immense joy, and a little furry reminder that love and patience can make all the difference in one's world. Adopting Monte had been a journey full of devotion, hard work, and a deep understanding of his unique needs.

Monte, like many rescue dogs, had his own set of challenges. His journey of healing, both physical and emotional, was tough-going. Yet, the rewards were immeasurable. This is my story of adopting Monte—from the commitment required and the financial considerations, to the time and love it took to help him become the dog he was.

The Commitment to Care for Monte

Medical Needs: Treating His Skin Condition

Monte had serious skin issues when I first met him. His fur was thin in places, and he had noticeable red, inflamed patches of irritation which resembled Bak Kwa (Barbequed pork). Monte required constant care and medication to manage his condition, which was a combination of allergies and sensitive skin.

To tackle his skin issues, we used several treatment options.

• Veterinary Visits: Regular trips to the vet to check on the progress of his skin treatment, get medication, and monitor any flare-ups. These visits were essential for adjusting his treatment plan as needed and ensuring he was comfortable.

• Specialised Shampoo: Specialised Shampoo: Monte’s skin required regular bathing with a medicated shampoo to soothe irritation and keep his skin healthy. This added a bit of complexity to his care. I had to bathe him every fornightly or he would start to smell. I needed to follow the bathing routine carefully to avoid worsening his condition. The medicated shampoo was a little pricey, but they were an important part of his healing process.

• Dietary Adjustments: His diet played a big role in managing his skin condition. I had to source the types of food that triggered his allergies. I eventually found out that chicken and apples triggered his flare-ups, whilst fish worked great for him. This meant incurring a slightly higher cost when it came to feeding him.

Despite the growing costs, seeing Monte’s fur slowly return, his skin clearing up, his weight increasing, and his overall health improving made it all worthwhile. It was a tough process, but I was happy his well-being improved! 

Time Needed: Bathing, Grooming, and Routine Care

Bathing Monte was a crucial part of his skin care routine. He was a sweet dog and didnt make the process stressful. I was glad he trusted me. Giving him a thorough, gentle bath every 2 days was necessary to help manage his skin condition.

While bathing him was time-consuming (about 30 - 45 minutes for each bath, plus drying time), it also offered me the opportunity to bond with him and show him he could trust me. Monte's recovery process sealed the bond between Monte and me, and the rest was history.

Building a Bond: Time to Love and Open Up

Monte’s journey of trust and emotional healing was just as important as his physical care. When he first came into my life, he was cautious and a bit fearful. Like many rescue dogs, Monte had likely experienced trauma before we met.

Giving Monte Time to Trust

Building trust with Monte required patience and consistency. I had to show him, through my actions and my care, that he was safe and loved. At first, he wasn’t particularly affectionate. He kept his distance, and it was clear that he had some emotional baggage to work through. Little by little, with gentle encouragement, he started to open up to me.

The first signs of trust came through small actions: a wag of the tail when I came home and eventually, the joy of him seeking out my affection. Before long, Monte began following me around the house, leaning against me when I sat down, and even snuggling up close with me. These moments of connection were earned, not given freely, and they meant the world to me.

Correcting His Obsession with the Tennis Ball

Monte’s obsession with his tennis ball was a behaviour that I had to correct. It had started out innocently but soon became clear that he had developed an unhealthy attachment to the ball. Monte would obsess over it, refusing to let go, and behaving aggressively.

While his love for the tennis ball was something he found comfort in, it started to endanger my children. He became fixated on it, to the point where he would growl and bite if we tried to take the ball away. So, my husband and I decided to wean him off his obsession.

• Removing the Ball: We removed the ball entirely.

• Introducing New Toys: We introduced other toys to keep him engaged and distracted from the ball. This helped him learn that there are other things he can focus on.

• Training Commands: We worked on basic commands like “Nope” and “let go” to help him understand so that if our children played with him, he must not bite them.

The Satisfaction of Seeing Monte Thrive

Seeing the progress we made together—both physically and emotionally—was the ultimate satisfaction. His coat got healthier, his skin improved, and he was more comfortable in his own skin. He was no longer the fearful, hesitant dog I first met; he had become a loving and playful companion who enjoyed life to the fullest.

Adopting Monte had been a journey filled with challenges, but also with immeasurable rewards. The commitment to his care, the time spent building trust, and the effort to help him overcome his quirks had all been part of a deep and beautiful process. Every step of the way, Monte had shown me the power of patience, the importance of consistency, and the joy of giving a dog the life it deserves.

Now that he is no longer with us, I am reminded that the love we shared was mutual, and that the work we put into our relationship was what made it so special. I am glad I was part of Monte’s transformation. For anyone considering adoption, remember that while it takes time, effort, and money, the bond you’ll build and the joy you’ll experience will make it all worthwhile.

Remembering my Monte,
Gail