Stella, again

We have very sad news for our readers.   Last night Stella came back home.  If you remember, Stella found her new forever home on October 1, it was a perfect home for her, but alas, it did not last.    Stella wanted to be the alpha lady and she repeatedly attacked her new sister, Holly, instead of making friends.  After several visits to the vet resulting in stitches and large plastic collars, as well as some cleaning up of blood after a battle, the rescue decided it would be better for all if Stella came back to start all over again.    We had a very sad meeting with her family, they had tried everything we could suggest, they had even gone to a dog behaviourist, trying to find an answer to Stella's on and off aggression towards Holly.  Holly and Stella would play like good friends, then Stella would turn on her.    Finally after several very bad incidents, for Holly's protection and Stella's long term peace, we took her back.   Her family was devastated, they had fallen in love with her and they had made such an effort to keep her, not to mention vet bills.  Keeping her in her crate for extended periods was not a solution to the problem.  We thank them for the effort they made and the extra lengths they went to in trying to keep Stella.  Below is a photo of Stella and Holly in a more peaceful time. 

We don't have an answer to why Stella did not want to share her new home with Holly.  When Stella was here we had noticed that when Stella played too hard for too long, she would get cranky and there would be a tussle, but no blood was drawn.  We decided that she was playing until she hurt, then she would lash out.   It always was minor and always during a wild play time.  Also, there was never a time that Stella was with only one or two other dogs.   During the time Stella was with us we always had from 4 to 8 Goldens.   We watched her and when her play started to escalate, we would give Stella a time out.   Stella's hips are very weak and her dysplasia is extreme, but her pain is not slowing her up, unless she overdoes her activity, which is how she plays, overdoing it.  Stella is easy to spot in most photos, she is the blurr.  Below, Stella, middle rear, with 7 other Goldens, waiting for their treat.  

Whoever said "You can't go home again", was not thinking of Stella.   She arrived last night, took one look around and headed out the dog door to look for squirrels.  She acted like she had never left.  This morning she is in full squirrel patrol mode.  She is playing with me as well as Lexi and Shelby.  Currently we are six Goldens, a well structured pack.   Bella is definitely in charge, with me as second in command.   Perhaps the strong leadership of our pack will help Stella find her place.   Before Stella came to rescue, she was an only dog.  We will be watching her closely and looking for answers to a very urgent problem.   To find Stella a forever home, she has to be willing to share, and not just in a large pack.    Below, Stella on squirrel patrol.

Any one have some thoughts to share?

Mogley G. Retriever