Help dog owners

[DBOldford]

Caring for this dog in need has to be your ticket to heaven. Rescue dogs do have special needs and most get beyond their fears, eventually. You can find Kongs of all sizes and shapes at any pet store or on the Internet. Many larger grocery markets with pet sections also carry them. When Butter was a puppy, we put that peanut butter-flavored Cheese Whip-type stuf into the Kong. Would probably work well with your dog, since she's missing some teeth. Butter now walks around dropping his Kong on the floor over and over, when he wants a treat. Drives us nuts on the hardwood floors.

Before we first traveled with Butter, he did not like the carry case that they have to stay in when in the airline cabin. We kept putting his toys into it, along with a scattering of particularly tasty treats over a period of a couple of weeks. The flap was always open, as was the top flap. Eventually, he came to feel safe and comfy in there and how hops in anytime we take it down. We also keep a fleeceskin donut (purchased for very little at PetSmart) in there and Butter is always happy to see it again. He doesn't get the donut at other times.

Good luck with the dog. Like children, sometimes your greatest challenge ends up being the greatest reward.

 

[Cork On the Ocean]

Sunshine's update:

Ok guys, just got finished cleaning up poop, pee and maybe puke from Sunshine, all the stuff in the cage and the cage, both inside and out. :shock:

I felt pretty good after her nap in the crate last night so fed her, took her out potty early this morning and at noon went for a lunch meeting with her in the crate facing the door to look out. Came back about 3.5 hours later to hear her screaming. I went to the neighbor to get a report and he said she has been screaming not stop worse than when she was in the window because when she was in the window, she'd stop for periods of whimpering and wining. Today in the crate, she didn't stop screaming at all that he heard.

When I got into the house, the stench hit me. The poor little thing was shaking like a leaf and covered in mess. After her bath and putting the clothes, toys and blankie in the washer, I started on the box. The crate had poop all over the grate on the OUTSIDE of the door which could only have been done with her feet clawing at the door. An inspection of her feet showed a little shredding of the tips of her nails and her pads which were black yesterday are now white (no blood) but one section has skin peeling from the pad.

She's clean, in her jammies, calmed down and laying at my feet.
What's next guys

Do I try it again? Do I give her longer times in the crate while I'm home? Do I try the crate for a half hour at a time only? She's clearly terrified of being alone. This little girl never goes potty in the house - never, no matter how long it's been.

Will order some kongs with the cheese/peanut butter treats. Does she need a break or do I continue. She is so tiny that I'm really afraid to give her anything oral for nerves and I'd really like to make the crate thing work. My heart is really breaking for her because I just don't know what she's been through. I've never had a dog that wanted to please me so much and I don't know if I'm just a softie or if she's a special need little girl. She's licking her feet pads now. I'm at a loss. Any thoughts are appreciated soooo much.

 

[Sheila]

Sunshine's update:

Ok guys, just got finished cleaning up poop, pee and maybe puke from Sunshine, all the stuff in the cage and the cage, both inside and out. :shock:

I felt pretty good after her nap in the crate last night so fed her, took her out potty early this morning and at noon went for a lunch meeting with her in the crate facing the door to look out. Came back about 3.5 hours later to hear her screaming. I went to the neighbor to get a report and he said she has been screaming not stop worse than when she was in the window because when she was in the window, she'd stop for periods of whimpering and wining. Today in the crate, she didn't stop screaming at all that he heard.

When I got into the house, the stench hit me. The poor little thing was shaking like a leaf and covered in mess. After her bath and putting the clothes, toys and blankie in the washer, I started on the box. The crate had poop all over the grate on the OUTSIDE of the door which could only have been done with her feet clawing at the door. An inspection of her feet showed a little shredding of the tips of her nails and her pads which were black yesterday are now white (no blood) but one section has skin peeling from the pad.

She's clean, in her jammies, calmed down and laying at my feet.
What's next guys

Do I try it again? Do I give her longer times in the crate while I'm home? Do I try the crate for a half hour at a time only? She's clearly terrified of being alone. This little girl never goes potty in the house - never, no matter how long it's been.

Will order some kongs with the cheese/peanut butter treats. Does she need a break or do I continue. She is so tiny that I'm really afraid to give her anything oral for nerves and I'd really like to make the crate thing work. My heart is really breaking for her because I just don't know what she's been through. I've never had a dog that wanted to please me so much and I don't know if I'm just a softie or if she's a special need little girl. She's licking her feet pads now. I'm at a loss. Any thoughts are appreciated soooo much.

I am soooo sorry Cork! Poor little thing. Jdarg may have some advice about the next step. The only advice I could offer at this point is to discuss this with your vet. Maybe they have some ideas. Makes you wonder what has happened in this baby's life to make her so traumatized.

Where is that "Dog Whisperer" guy when you need him. By the way. You are not a softie.:nono1: You are an angel to care so much for this sweet little girl.

 

[Miss Kitty]

Oh Cork, that is so sad to hear. Poor little Sunshine. Is there an animal behavioralist in the area? I agree with gttbm...you need the Dog Whisperer, but maybe someone else can help. I am sending you both a big hug after such an awful day.

 

[dbuck]

I know you must feel so helpless and at a loss on what to do. Oprah went thru this with one of her dogs and she hired a dog psychologist (well, now don't laugh, Miss Kitty got her dog braces). He told Oprah to pet the dog, then walk out the door, stay for a specified length of time like 5 minutes, then come back in. Each time you walk out, lengthen your time. This could take a while, but Sunshine will soon understand that you are not going to abandon her. At this point, anything is worth a try.

 

[Cork On the Ocean]

I know you must feel so helpless and at a loss on what to do. Oprah went thru this with one of her dogs and she hired a dog psychologist (well, now don't laugh, Miss Kitty got her dog braces). He told Oprah to pet the dog, then walk out the door, stay for a specified length of time like 5 minutes, then come back in. Each time you walk out, lengthen your time. This could take a while, but Sunshine will soon understand that you are not going to abandon her. At this point, anything is worth a try.

Dbuck, great idea! Thank you for your hugs guys. I needed it tonight. I was thinking of that loony lady on the pet channel - the pet psychic that talks to the dog .

Something else that a friend mentioned and I forgot was the soft music that someone recommended. This same friend said she remembers coming to the house when I wasn't here and Sunshine was laying in her bed (not screaming) so don't know whether the neighbor is exaggerating or if she's getting worse. I do know that when she hears my car come up, she clearly starts the screaming. I'm wondering if all the construction guys make her think that I'm out there.

Maybe I need to close the windows, soft music and a Kong and reinforce that with dbucks suggestion. I'm so willing to work with her because she deserves it. She's just perfect. It certain that she made her front feet sore because now she yelps if I touch her one front foot. Very mixed about the cage again. I certainly don't want to bring back horrible memories especially if she was a puppy mill dog. I just have no idea what her past is. She could have been a rescued puppy mill dog that was housetrained and then left in a home during the hurricane . Wish she could talk and tell me.

You have all been so loving and kind and are really a huge help. Thank you.

 

[Ocean Lover]

I know you must feel so helpless and at a loss on what to do. Oprah went thru this with one of her dogs and she hired a dog psychologist (well, now don't laugh, Miss Kitty got her dog braces). He told Oprah to pet the dog, then walk out the door, stay for a specified length of time like 5 minutes, then come back in. Each time you walk out, lengthen your time. This could take a while, but Sunshine will soon understand that you are not going to abandon her. At this point, anything is worth a try.

Kind of like when we try to get a toddler to stay and sleep in their own bed.

So sorry you and Sunshine had a rough day. Wish I had some advice for you but others have given good suggestions.

 

[iwishiwasthere]

Oh I am so sorry for you and Sunshine. Maybe today is the worst...your vet might have a good suggestion or even a good trainer would give direction. Try the soft classical music to see if it helps. Just feel so bad for you both.

 

[Cork On the Ocean]

Oh I am so sorry for you and Sunshine. Maybe today is the worst...your vet might have a good suggestion or even a good trainer would give direction. Try the soft classical music to see if it helps. Just feel so bad for you both.

Yeah, think we're gonna take a little rest tomorrow and go for a nice walk. She hasn't been kissing me like usual tonight. She just keeps licking her front feet.

We have a strategy though and I think I just went too long, too quick. My fault. So we'll just take it real slow so she doesn't lose trust in me. I'm sure she'll be back to normal after she gets onto the beach. She absolutely loves the beach and running after the terns That will perk her up for sure.

 

[Cil]

So sorry this happened, Cork. I have heard of dogs messing in their crates, but I do not have any personal experience with it.
Maybe it was too long too soon? I dunno.
I do know that a tired dog is a good dog. Perhaps a long walk at the beach (if her paws are okay) would help her be more relaxed during your absence?