I usually keep things upbeat and happy around these parts, but sometimes life throws you shitty situation. While I'm not one to air out my misfortune, this particular situation has me kind of down and I thought that writing about it {and eventually hitting publish} might be a bit therapeutic. Perhaps some of you have dealt with or overcome a similar situation, have words of wisdom, or can just send a virtual hug...
As many of you know, we adopted a one year old rescue dog about two months ago. After begging yt for a dog for about two years, he finally gave in and agreed to take home this darling mutt, who gave him just enough attention {but not too much} at the shelter.
She is the best. She loves to play, and is just as content in front of the television in her little spot on the couch. She mastered sit, and down, and waits by the curb until I let her know its okay to cross the street. She lets us sleep through the night, and often sneaks on the bed for a cuddle session the last few hours of the night.
She has the most adorable white paws, and a tiny white tip on her tail. She has the floppiest ears, and a wrinkled forehead when she makes certain expressions. She melts my heart with her cuteness.
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She is perfect... except we can't leave her alone.
She cries, and whines, and pants, and has a complete meltdown the second she is left alone. It doesn't matter if it's 30 seconds, 5 minutes, an hour or more. It doesn't matter if we're taking out the garbage, doing the laundry, or heading to work. We've made the experience as happy as possible, with treats, and toys, and music, and television, and clothes that smell like us. Yesterday she broke out of her crate.
It's breaking my heart..
This was supposed to be a fun and happy next step in our life and its come with some major challenges. We have a behaviorist coming to offer her expertise next week. Em miserable home alone, and I'm miserable leaving her alone knowing what is going on in my apartment....
I am trying not to let my emotions get the better of me, and remain positive. I believe that we can both be happier and I'm going to do everything in my power to get us there.
That is all.
Tomorrow I'll be back with happier and lighter content :)
I debated posting this ... there are bigger problems in life, tougher situations, and things that are so much harder to face ... I'm fortunate that this is not one of those problems. But right now it is my problem. yt is also super sick of hearing about this every day (understandably) so hopefully he misses today's post.
That is all.
Tomorrow I'll be back with happier and lighter content :)
You don't have to apologize for posting this, there is always someone who has it worse than you, but it doesn't mean this doesnt upset you! Hopefully the behaviorist will have some feedback that is helpful. I know Emory will grow out of it, she loves you and she will learn you love her too and will always be back!
ReplyDeleteDon’t feel bad for sharing! This is what your blog is for. It's your personal space to write about whatever you feel, whatever is going on in YOUR life! And we are here to support you! I hope things get better with the behaviorist!
ReplyDeleteI more than understand and relate. My dog is my family and when he wasn't eating I was late for work everyday, on the floor- begging him to eat, texting pictures to my boyfriend- worried sick. Dogs loves us and we love them and its natural to want to take care of them to best of our ability and worry when things go ary.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, I hope everything works out!
Google "thunder coat for dogs" it was made to help dogs that are afraid of thunder but I have heard of it helping dogs with high separation anxiety. Don't give up, I foster rescue labs, it can be incredibly frustrating at times but they need you!Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI've been there. When we took our puppy home (in March) we went through the same thing. It's now November, and while it is better, than anxiety is not totally gone.
ReplyDeleteWe keep Roscoe in the kennel at all times when we are gone - and the howling and crazy antics are much better when he is in there since it's now his safe place. Finally in August I've been able to take the trash out/laundry without him going totally nuts.
I really do think it's because of the dogs being at the shelter. Who knows what their first weeks/months were like, and for every month of damage, it takes two months to fix. (I'm guessing, but that sounds pretty legit, right?!?!)
Keep us posted Lara - hang in there!
Keep us posted.
I totally get how frustrating that can be. Like another commenter suggested, I would try the thundershirt. You can get them at petsmart and I've heard really great things about them. Hopefully the behaviorist can provide some insight. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI had a meltdown post on Monday, no worries!
ReplyDeleteAh, wish I had some words of advice to offer. Do you know if she was neglected before you rescued her? When we first got Sarge he whined and cried but now he doesn't have problems.
Having pets is one of the best things in the world, but also so challenging! My parents just rescued a cat and she has destroyed our linoleum floor and the brand new carpet in our house, so they've let her become an outdoor cat, against my will!
Hope things get better and the behaviorist can help some!
I'm so glad you posted this. I said it once and I'll say it again: Dog Whisperer.
ReplyDeleteChristin is so right! Dog Whisperer! You would be amazed at what he can do with these cases and watching his show either on tv or maybe youtube could offer some helpful suggestions. These things take time, patience, and confidence. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI have had this same problem. My dog was not from a rescue, but as a puppy he did this. I lived in two different apartments where neighbors complained. They were nice, mostly concerned about the dog, but also obviously annoyed. I felt terrible because I had NO idea what to do. The behavior specialist is a great idea- I think the best idea. ALso- just continue to think about how lucky your dog is to have you guys. Hang in there because she needs you and loves you~~
ReplyDeleteOoh I totally know how this goes. When we first got Toby, he was absolutely miserable when we left him alone. We also gotten a written warning from our apartment complex about his barking. It was bad. But our biggest thing is making sure he is flat out EXHAUSTED before we leave him alone. That way he just wants to sleep. I run about 2 miles with him every morning before we leave for work; he's only 10 lbs so that's enough to wipe him out. So I'd definitely suggest giving her EXTRA exercise.
ReplyDeleteAlso, maybe look into a thunder jacket or a shock collar. I was really against the shock collars before, but I talked to a lot of dog owners who do use them. They don't hurt the dogs whatsoever. It just alarms them. We've also stuffed some pennies into a soda can, and we shake that whenever Toby barks in his crate and say "No barking" in a firm, even voice.
It's really smart to bring in an expert, and definitely try dog classes. It's so hard bringing in a rescue dog; you don't know their life story, or what makes them tick. She might honestly be really worried that you're going to leave her like someone did before. Toby gets stressed in the car because he's convinced we're taking him to a shelter (he got adopted and then returned within 3 months). Be patient with her, and give her a hug for me :) You're amazing people for bringing her into your home.