I’ve been dealing with some issues in the past few days, the biggest being complete dismay over the emotional relapse of my pom, Patty. I rescued her from the humane society over two years ago, not knowing she had been possibly abused and traumatized. I never knew exactly what would trigger her fearful issues, but learned to avoid the obvious ones. She changed from a snarly, growly, nervous, ball of nerves to a still sensitive but happy dog.
The blizzard, with its violent winds, set her back, big time. She cowered in the bathroom and under the bed and kept it up after the storm was over. She jumped out of her skin at the slighted noise, quivered, bolted and basically acted as if she were in a prolonged panic attack. She refused to eat but I could nab her for walkies the day after. On Thursday it was worse, taking me 1/2 hour of coaxing and trickery to leash her. It seemed as if she didn’t know me.
So instead of spending too much time directing my Muse (who has temperamentally flounced off), I’ve been showering Patty with TLC, constantly petting, hugging and talking to her while keeping escape routes closed off. The attention has been paying off. She’s started eating and stopped bolting. She’s now attached to me like Velcro, which is preferable to the way she was. Hopefully, she will be 100% soon. Oh, just saw her energetically loving Dolly (a stuffed meerkat) for the first time in days.
- Patty the pom in calmer days.
Speaking of doggy tribulations, here’s video of a more laid back pooch.
I was starting to wonder if she didn’t need some doggy anti-anxiety meds. Glad to hear she’s getting better!
Heh, I was seriously considering drugging her with some I had left over from Year 1. She’s not 100% yet but decidedly better.
Oh, no, how awful for her. I’m glad you’re loving on her so much.
It’s interesting dealing with a distressed animal. I can’t grab her by the shoulders and yell, “Patty, get a grip!” I can’t do much of anything besides be soothing and watchful. I think the difference from two years ago is she has bonded with me and knows deep down, “this is Mommy.” Thank goodness.
Good news about the wee pom! As with children, any threatened illness has the most devastating effect.When our big pound hound died several years ago, at 11 yrs., I had no intention of having another pet. Since then, I inherited my father’s Old English Sheepdog who died two years later, also at 11. And two cats (dog person here, not cat person) have somehow been imposed. Well, they need a roof and food….Keep Patty close and nurtured. She’s a friend.It appears that even cats, even grudgingly adopted, have their little ways, and find one’s heart. Sneeze, sneeze…just minor allergy. Really.
When I realized how badly she’d regressed, I did feel devastated. Had to keep reminding myself she was just trapped in panic mode, but, sigh.I had to put my other pom, Lance, to sleep last November. He was almost 17. His advancing age was one of the reasons I got Patty, so any setback seem to hit harder.I understand about the cats. “Course you came to care for them. They’re people too. 😉
I suspected her recovery would be faster than the original. Yay for TLC and a happier Patty!
I’m thrilled it’s working. Couldn’t see what else to do.
Judiang, it never gets easier at the moment. It is just part of the transitions of our lives. If you have given the best care to, and provided a secure and happy life for an animal, you’ve gained from their love, too.Yes, have had to recognize reluctantly that cats are people too. Even the overweight Garfield-in-Drag (she’s a she) to whom I’m a wee bit allergic, but only mildly, slightly irritatingly, not being an allergenic human normally; so she gets to stay.Haven’t had her long; as she weighs in at slightly over 20 Ibs (did her mother have an encounter with a raccoon?), and her plastic carrier adds, son helped to carry her to and from vet yesterday. Awaiting results of geriatric blood work-up – she’s not a spring – uh chicken, thyroid? diabetes? It never ends. At least, she’s still speaking to me today…Cheers for Patty! She’s on the way!