Fearful Dog
I appreciate all your advice and support regarding Gracie's timid behaviour I find it very reassuring. I have taken her off the Clomicalm medication she is however out of sorts..pacing and crying all night and excessive panting. The vet reassured me that the drug could be stopped immediately with no side effects. I am a little nervous today as her behaviour is once again something different than I have seen to date. I am not to sure whether to whisk her off to the vet or watch her today and take her tomorrow. The car, the vet they all stress her out so I want to try and give her a calm environment as Christmas with my whole family I am sure was overwhelming. Thanks once again for all your help I am so glad I have joined the website it gives me comfort to know I have somewhere to turn. Lori-Gracie's Mom  |
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| Are you Oakville, Ontario?
My neighbor town? If so, I can come over to see her, if you'd like! |
| Hi Again,
What you are describing sounds like she is experiencing stress and not the side effects of being taken off the drug. I know it's very difficult to watch but many many dogs that have had abusive backgrounds take longer than most to realize they are safe and in a forever home. It takes patience but she will eventually view you and her home as a safe haven. Remember baby steps! Opening your car door, have her get in and out..that's it. Increase the amount of time by a mere min..perhaps a treat on the seat to entice her. When she does this no problem take her around the block, no further. Increase the driving distance by small amounts. Always end everything on a good note. In time, she will view your car as a good place and not where she always is taken to the vet which causes her more stress. You may eventually visit the vets office with her, walk in...give her treat or have the girls at the counter give her one..and then walk out. She will also view the vets office as an okay place. Most vet offices are so understanding they will be more than accomodating and won't mind a walk in /walk out quick trip to help desensitize a dogs fear of vet office. Always be very upbeat and positive, lots of praise. Again, no more than a min...always end whatever it is you are desensitizing her to on a postive note. Increase the time slowly and eventually the fear will dissapear. Be prepared for lots of consistency, patience and love, which I know you have. Lots of hard work but whatever you put in now will be paid back tenfold. I only got this smart..ha ha after my 17 year old dog still had fears 5, 10, 15 years later. If I had known then what I know now that in the long run it pays to never give up and they do eventually come around. Took 3 more dogs for me to discover that. 
Hey that's great Nicole lives in your area!! I'd take her up on her offer. Good luck to you and hugs to your girl. Marianne and the boys |
| Hi Nicole:
Thanks that is very kind yes I live in the Oakville area. I could even meet you at a midway point as I am at the stage with Gracie that she will allow me to load her in for car rides as long as they end in a park or back home. I have to lift her in as she does not jump and drools a bit but I know that is her little nerves. Thanks again, Lori Gracie's Mom |
| OMG!
Being in rural Milton I am literally between 10 and 18 minutes away from you, depending on where in Oakville. 
I may even know the vet and behaviorists you've been working with. If it is Trimark, or Dealing with Dogs you are in good hands.
I would like to meet Gracie in the least stressful situation as possible, first. Fearful dogs tend get flooded very easily, so the signals cannot be accurately read. I think some folks here, like Marianne, can vouch for me, so if I could come see her at your place it would be best. I will PM you right now! |
Gracie wrote: I have to lift her in as she does not jump and drools a bit but I know that is her little nerves.
LOL! We STILL have to lift Bailey's butt into our truck. It's not that he CAN'T jump in, it's that he won't - and he's spoiled rotten! So don't feel bad, you're not the only one  |
| Gracie, I can vouch for Nicole. She's been a member of this forum and has taken on many rescue dogs with issues and has done wonders with them. I'd take her up on her offer!
Marianne and the boys |
| Lori and I met today, with the lovely Gracie, at my place so we could use my yard. We wanted to see if she would be more relaxed in an large outdoor, free area and I think it was a good decision.
Gracie is a very quiet, gentle lost little soul. She would not make eye contact with me, so I just let her be, and ignored her for the most part. I think she appreciated that, and did come over a couple times for bum scratches and chin rubs. Outside she did a lot of air sniffing, and stayed close to Lori. You can tell there is defintley some bonding happening there, big time!
My dogs were SO excited about having company Bosley couldn't understand why she just didn't start to run around and wrestle with him. At one point she did do a bit of teasing, you know how they startle, freeze, then startle again...kind of to "say,,,catch me if you can" ... then off they go. She ran a bit, did a couple play bows...then stopped. Bosley was being a bit rude, with mounting etc. so she gave him heck and he was respectful after wards...
I think that Gracie, Bosley and Dixie will be good friends, and we will try to do some dog parks together. That did wonders for Dixie getting to be comfortable with people, as the people who hang out at parks are all dog friendly. So hopefully Gracie will gain some confidence over the next few months and become more comfortable with her surroundings. She is very skittish and reactive to strange noises and things, so it will be a long haul, but she has potential and I think, the right mommy to get her through this.
Bless you, Lori!!!!! |
| Hey you two, it sounds like you have a wonderful opportunity to socialize and have some fun together. Sounds like the OES may an opportunity to enjoy it as well, lols.
Good luck Lori, you're obviously a very special person with a heart of gold and Gracie will grow with your strenghth and compassion. I'm sure you both will make wonderful companions for each other! I wish you two the best! Happy New Year! Zach |
| Lori it does sound like Gracie is so lucky to have you for her mom and Nicole you have a heart of gold , the best of 2007 to the both of you and the furbabies |
I am so glad you have Bosley's mom close to you! I know she will offer you the right advice!  |
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