Have I completely lost my mind?
I told him about his anal glands, and about the housebreaking issues (We're still not there). Then the dog aggression problem came up. Our vet reassured us that we were doing great with him, and commented on how lucky he is to have found us, since we'll do whatever he needs. He then said that as far as he's concerned we now know the real reason Rudy was "dumped" by his previous owner. He said a lot of people don't want the "hassle" of a dog with gland issues, and that if he showed any dog aggression at all that would explain why the breeder just set him free repeatedly, hoping he wouldn't come back. (It hurts me to think of that.) So, Rudy's glands were "infused" this week (he did NOT enjoy it) and we're hoping that will help. I've decided I'll see about being trained on how to do it at home, and if he needs it every three weeks then that's what we'll do. I think we're so very fortunate it's something that can be managed. We've been through expensive surgeries with past dogs, and even worse, we've had inoperable issues and gone through loss. Anal glands seem like nothing worse than a nuisance to me (and for him too, of course). So we went out early this morning to a local park, and took the dogs along. Rudy walked successfully past some dogs without even a look (progress!!!!) and decided there were two he hated and flipped out (not good, but he's much less frenzied and calms so much more easily that it's still worthy of being considered progress.) We had a lovely walk. Explored like crazy and stopped at a bench for a drink of water and some hanging out/cooling down in the shade time. On the way back to the car we came upon a pile of very large rocks...not high and cube like...very secure. Hudson and I watched while Gordon and Rudy climbed to the top. Not a huge accomplishment, maybe six or seven feet up at the most. They stood there together. Rudy had his special collar and his weighted backpack on, and was standing so nicely with his Dad. The look on his face was of pure joy and I'm pretty sure he smiled at me, from ear to ear. So how do I handle this wonderful moment? Everything the vet and I talked about comes back, and I'm overcome with tears. I keep thinking that here's this amazing and loving creature (with a few challenges, but honestly, nothing that's horrible) who travelled across the continent to be with us, and how lucky WE are to have him. And I keep thinking of how he must have felt before he found his forever home. And I'm sobbing. Rudy and my hubby come down. Rudy jumps up and kisses me (there's so much good stuff in that dog). My hubby tries to comfort me, but it's clear he just thinks I'm nuts. And you know what? I probably am. I know that Rudy doesn't think about the past anymore. So why can't I enjoy a lovely day with my dogs and my hubby? I'm just a big old baby I guess. |
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| Some of us express strong emotion with tears (I have been known to well up at the dog park when I see Mady running at full speed with her Irish setter best friend Keeva-they just look so full of joy). And when you consider it, you have experienced the full range of emotions with Rudy, so I don't think you have lost your mind at all, I think that you just have one of those big Manitoba hearts that has to bust out sometimes-no shame in that. |
Mady wrote: Some of us express strong emotion with tears That's me! Weddings, movies, people telling me about their losses, me telling others about someone else's loss. Sheesh I'm hopeless. Wayne's used to it now. |
| Your post had me teary eyed...what a beautiful story. I remember the moment when Panda had arrived at my home - he was a mess and it took months of getting him to learn to trust me and people. That look of joy you spoke of...I experienced that moment too with him and how it made my heart swell. I recently experienced it with Gilligan too. I relived those moments while reading your post. Thank you Tracie! A big thanks on behalf of Rudy as you made a difference in this boys life...it inspiring!! I wish all dogs were as lucky as Rudy to have a mom and dad like you both. Marianne |
| Tracie, I have never cried so much as I did this past weekend. I had NEVER seen such a deplorable situation as Levi was in. I have no doubt that there are worse out there, but I had never witnessed it before. I'm sure that Rudy and Levi, they don't remember what it was like. I know that behavioral issues were probably developed in those bad times, but the wonderful things about dogs is that they live in the moment! Enjoy the fact that you UNDERSTAND Rudy and that you weren't frightened by the fact that he was a little broken when you got him. I think you're doing a great job of mending the tears in the seams. |
As I am aging, or maybe it's just because I love this breed sooo much.....  , I wear my emotions on my sleeve...I had tears just reading your post..And the post about Levi??? Well it was tissue time!!!No, I don't think you have lost your mind. I have my Coz and everytime I see him doing something 'normal', like enjoying a pet from a guest in our house, instead of pacing around the room, like he used to, I get a lump in my throat. He is taking babysteps, but I am encouraged since he is moving forward! (I also remember seeing Heart herding for the very first time at Nationals 2 years ago, and just seeing that lightbulb go on, and her tracking the sheep, brought real tears to my eyes..caught me off guard and BOY was I embarrassed!!  )) |
sheepieshake wrote: As I am aging, or maybe it's just because I love this breed sooo much..... , I wear my emotions on my sleeve...I had tears just reading your post..And the post about Levi??? Well it was tissue time!!!No, I don't think you have lost your mind. I have my Coz and everytime I see him doing something 'normal', like enjoying a pet from a guest in our house, instead of pacing around the room, like he used to, I get a lump in my throat. He is taking babysteps, but I am encouraged since he is moving forward! (I also remember seeing Heart herding for the very first time at Nationals 2 years ago, and just seeing that lightbulb go on, and her tracking the sheep, brought real tears to my eyes..caught me off guard and BOY was I embarrassed!! ))And here they are......you can't quite see the tears, but the body language speaks volumes!!!   and I'm a teary one too - a sad or emotional story, reading books, tender moments, even when angry! - the tears just flow...... |
sheepieshake wrote: (I also remember seeing Heart herding for the very first time at Nationals 2 years ago, and just seeing that lightbulb go on, and her tracking the sheep, brought real tears to my eyes..caught me off guard and BOY was I embarrassed!! ))Nothing wrong with that! Watching Mady switch on like a giant Christmas tree when she first met sheep was one of the best days of my life! Tracie: Rudy is such a lucky dog!! I am curious, has your behaviourist laid out a method or plan for teaching Rudy how to socialize with other dogs? |
| you got me crying but in a good way ..since i am from fla rudy walking these hot streets what his life was like .. but i think your tears should be of joy .. saving this guy and doing things like your blog have to say it is my favorite time of the day reading his antics !! you sshould be proud of how far you have come already .. just think a few yrs from now we will all be lol about rudy .. |
| Thank you all for your kind words. You're making me get all sucky/teary all over again. Especially the comments from Marianne. I've followed every word of Gilligan's story, and consider YOU a true hero. In fact Gilligan's last update post made me cry too. We had to stop our regular times with the behaviourist. It killed me, but she charged fifty dollars an hour, and we often went two hours at a time for two or three sessions a week. I'd have kept going if I could, but we were in danger of running out of money after putting in over a month with her. (My hubby's been through two lay offs, and is now working at a job he loves, but it's less money and the savings went during the lay off periods, and it's been really tough for me because I've never struggled like this before. We'll probably be ok, but so much has had to be cut back. I don't mean to complain. We have been able to keep the house, and cover the dog expenses and other bills, so it could definitely be worse.) Rudy's training was really the last thing I wanted to give up, but there was no choice. We've kept working with him, and have kept in touch with her. We're thinking of doing a weekend with her pack. (I've been saving up for it.) She thinks he's ready, and that two full days (and nights) with her dogs will be a good thing. He's gotten to know most of them, and has had some success with several of them, but this will be a really big experience for him. Kind of a sink or swim experience. Although we've worked really hard to keep things up with him, we don't have access to other dogs to keep up the intensive part. Some strangers have been really understanding and helpful, but many turn around and walk the other way when Rudy starts to look dangerous. I can't fault them. Often Hudson and I walk ahead of Gordon and Rudy and I let those I meet know he's coming up, and what to expect, and that he's totally under my hubby's control. Some are really great about asking what they can do to help us practice. Others just say thanks for the warning and go a different route. I understand that. So, we're just going to keep plugging away. Rudy's firmly in our hearts, even though we all spent twenty minutes in the backyard this morning, and then Rudy came right in and pooped in the living room. Now that's proof that love is unconditional! |
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