Vidal was a puppymill rescue. He was 10 1/2 years old when he was rescued.
He spent 10 1/2 years in a cage, breeding puppies for a greedy man.

This is what I know about Vidal's history from the rescuer:
Vidal: Is a delightful little guy. He was retired from breeding two years ago but the miller liked him so she kept him. Then started feeling guilty that he was having to live in a cage. So she sent him to me along with his little dog bed, a toy and his food (all very unusual coming from a mill). He camps with Bumper between the washer and dryer (it's out of the way and warmer there) but comes running out more and more to see me. When I reach for him he will either flatten to the floor or run the other way (then come back). A couple of months ago he stopped eating for several days and I thought he was going to die but the vet gave him something for his stomach, I put him on the raw diet, and started digestive enzymes and he came back better than ever. He was not used to being held but is beginning to like it now. He does know how to go out and in the dog door but still doesn't realize the purpose for doing so. He likes to pee on my cupboard doors, a belly band would keep them safe. Vidal had three teeth when he came, he now has one molar left. He came on 14 sept 01.
Vidal came from a mill run by a woman, she didn't have him for his whole life so he probably had some bad experiences with a man way back when.

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Vidal is such a sweetheart. When Vidal first came to live with us, he was very shy and always turning his head to the ground. He would run away from us, and flatten to the ground if you got near him. He used to run outside and try to hide behind the flower pots on the patio, thinking we wouldn't see him. He was scared to death to go out in the front yard. It took a long time for him. I use to take him out front, holding him day after day, as he clinged to me, until he felt more comfortable with the front yard. For the longest time he would flatten to the ground. So for a reward after coming in from the front yard, he would recieve a treat. Since then he is so delightful and loves to go out front for a walk. He nows comes running to the front door, when he hears the leashs and collars making noise. When he comes in, he doesn't let me forget about his treats, barks until he gets his treat!

Vidal has warmed up to me quite a bit, he follows me almost everywhere now. He has become quite a talker. He just barks and barks at me now. Anytime I'm talking on the phone, he barks at me until I get off. Vidal is a jealous little boy, he wants all the attention. Anytime I start petting Missy or picking her up, he will bark until I stop and pay attention to him. He will kiss my hand, but still doesn't like anyone getting close to his face. Vidal will come running to the door, when I get home now, he is just so happy.

He has come along way in a 1 1/2 years he has been with me. He still has some issues, for some reason he hasn't warmed up to my husband. But is getting better about it everyday. All I can think of is that a man must have hurt him pretty bad at some point in his life.

Vidal taking it easy

Vidal trying to hide from me

Vidal in Yellowstone

Vidal trying not to get his hair dirty

Missy-Vidal

Vidal hiding in pantry

March 2003

Dec 2004

Oct 2004

March 2005

July 2005

May 2006 He sleeps above my head

April 2006

Below is a poem from the rescuer, who saved Vidal and Missy.