Haven’t intro’d new pup Zola to the thread yet. We rescued her last December. She’s a bit of a terror, eats literally everything within range, but is cute af and that’s our downfall. Pitty mix with some chow, per a DNA test.
So our 2 year old golden retriever will no longer go down our basement stairs. This was never an issue as from the day we got her as a puppy until a month ago, she went down them everyday. I'm pretty sure she slipped and fell down them last month (heard a loud "thump thump" and when I went to check, she was standing in the basement) and now is scared of them. We've tried every bribery trick - us eating down stairs, my son playing down there, popcorn, treats, etc and the more we try, the more she runs away from the stairs to the other side of the house. There isn't anything she needs to come down her for besides being around the family but any tips, tricks or suggestions so we don't have a dog that refuses to go in 40% of our house for the next several years?
Don’t force it, she will go down when she is ready again. also, and this might sound stupid, make sure that the light is on when she tries to go downstairs She needs to see the steps. When spock was older he started to have issues going down the stairs but once i made sure he could see the steps he was more secure.
Are the steps hardwood or carpeted or what? It sounds like it's definitely a confidence thing after a slip for sure so maybe figure out an easy way to add traction if it's slick and I'm sure she'll get over it with time. My golden is the biggest baby in the world when she isn't hunting or fishing. She'd walk up to a bear if she saw one but she sprints out of the room if you crinkle a paper bag. My point being that they're just finicky sometimes and seem to be traumatized by little things surprisingly easy. I think your only options are forcing her down the steps to see it's okay (which I don't condone) or trying to improve the situation that caused the incident that frightened her. Then add in treats and bribery again and let her see it's not as bad as it used to be. I don't really know but that's probably what I'd try in your situation.
So I don’t know if any of y’all remember but I posted it for sure in the Champs thread last year and maybe here as well but my buddy, my best friend since freshman year of college is not doing well. He’s 15/16 years old. He was diagnosed with lymphoma last year and we decided to put him through chemo; even did a GoFundMe which got a decent amount of donations from this site. Well he did awesome with the chemo and it’s been a year and I’ve noticed that he’s not been doing as well lately. I’ve moved and am back in town for the week so we decided to go by the vet since it’s a doctor he’s used to and has a good history with. It wasn’t good news. His lymphoma is back fully. It’s spread internally to his kidneys and liver as well. His lymph nodes are swollen and he’s clearly in pain. He’s still eating and stuff but he’s clearly not himself. I’m going back home on Tuesday and will probably have to make it the toughest decision ever. I don’t want to lose my buddy but I don’t want him to hurt. And I don’t want to take him home and have something happen while I’m at work or something and him suffer alone or continue to make him hang in for me. But god damn it’s so tough. We decided to put him on prednisone and gabapentin for the next few days and just give him an awesome few days. Love on him as much as possible. Give him anything to eat that he could imagine. I’m a fucking wreck though. He’s been there through everything for me. College, losing Gfs, losing my dad.. Sorry for the long ramble. I just know this thread, more than any, can understand what I’m going through right now. Shit is tough. This is the shit part of owning a dog I guess :/
Poor doggo tried to run through the screen door. The screen door did not make it. It bent in ways I couldn’t fathom.
Later today is the day :/ I've dreaded this for years. But he’s clearly shown me today that it’s fine. He’s just holding out to make me happy, he’s tired and hurting. I Love you Maddox, my big Moo Man. The best best friend for 15+ years I could’ve asked for.
Really sorry man, just try to take some comfort in knowing that you are returning all the love that he gave you over the years. I see the horrible shit people do to dogs every day and it just multiplies the respect I have for the ones that do it right. This is the best and most loving thing you can do for him, even though it's the worst thing you can go through.
It’s like no matter how much I know I’m making the right decision it’s so hard because I see him still eating and drinking. But all he wants to do is lay and sleep. He’s out of breath as soon as he stands up. He needs help to get up if he’s on anything other than carpet. His stomach is swollen. It’s just so hard because he looks so calm and peaceful on his bed asleep. And I’m going to miss seeing that. I guess I’m just searching for reasons to not do it even though I know I need to for him.
All the best Joey Freshwater , most of us in this thread have been there. I say that to not lighten what you are going through. But to assure you it is worth it. As most of us in this thread have their new 2nd or 3rd or more bff by now. It hurts. It sucks. It is absolutely worth it.
First day back at work since having to put my buddy down. I’m struggling really bad today. Good vibes welcome.
It's the toughest thing ever man. I'm sincerely sorry. Hang in there. Time will make it hurt less, but you're always gonna miss the big lug.
He's unbothered by bunnies, squirrels, rats. Sees one and couldnt care less. There's a chipmunk that has taken residence in a thicket of shrub/grass along he curb that he can somehow see from my 3rd floor window. Drives him absolutely nuts. The whining sounds out of him are hilarious. He can spot that chipmunk somehow, while also being the same dog that will take 10 minutes to find a treat that he didnt catch and landed within a 5 foot radius of him.
I'm getting close to 4 months without Dierks. Can't say there's ever been a day where I haven't thought of him, even fleetingly, but it has gotten a bit easier as the months go by. Grief stages and all. For me, the memories and recognition of his absence comes and goes in waves. Some waves are little, some waves are big. Still unironically give his urn a scratch and a good night wish every night I can.
This is me but only at about 7 weeks out. Shit was super unexpected. She went from completely normal to gone within 12 hours. I give her urn a kiss every morning and every night. We set up a shrine in our closet with photos, toys, etc… It helps us to remember the good times more but even now it’s a struggle to keep the bad memories out.
My two dogs died within three weeks of each other in 2020 and their urns are out with pictures of them next to them and I still say hi to them all the time…
This morning, our sweet girl crossed the rainbow bridge. We decided on an in-home procedure, and the passing was so peaceful. We are heartbroken, but completely at peace with the decision. She was an amazing dog, and I love her very much.
Thank you. She was 12. She’s technically been in kidney failure since august 2020, but we were able to extend her with a very high quality of life for almost 2 years with daily subcutaneous fluid therapy at home. She took a turn a week ago and we didn’t want to wait too late for a traumatic situation or for her to be in any more discomfort. Here’s one of my favorite pictures of her.
Beautiful pup. We lost one last year, and to borrow a line from Jason Isbell, it gets easier but it never gets easy. Our oldest turns 12 in October, so I know we don’t have much longer with him. I just take solace that we have loved each other as much as we can in the time we have.
Time helps. Been about 6 weeks for me and I’ve poured into our new pup. Still miss my good girl and she’ll never be replaced but it helps to have a healthy distraction. Potty training and obedience training takes a lot more time/energy than I remember. Got spoiled with my previous dogs.
My guy is 13.5 now. Lab/Springer mix. He is doing remarkably well for his age with mobility and energy, but he’s lost a good bit of his hearing. At first I thought he was just sleeping deeper due to old age, but seeing other signs on his hearing now. We have some woods behind my place, but I’m not sure about taking him off leash back there or really anywhere anymore. Anyone have experience with a deaf dog?
1. I love that Bloody Mary toy. Where did you get it? 2. I don't have any experience with a deaf dog, but I don't think you can take him off leash anywhere. That seems pretty dangerous.
I ordered that from Chewy. https://www.chewy.com/frisco-brunch-bloody-mary-plush/dp/323570 Yeah, he’s been back there off leash before I really knew it was happening and he stays right with me on the trails. But not taking any chances he that chases something and gets too far to hear me clap/whistle or anything. Kind of concerned about dog parks too, and having a dog come up behind him and startling him causing a scuffle.
so sorry to hear this, but know that you’re doing the responsible and right thing. There’s no greater gift we can give our dogs than to let them know they are loved up until the very end.
Our 16 yo girl is mostly deaf and blind. Hard to tell how much her deafness affects her since her loss of vision is a more prominent issue but I think your instinct to not take him off leash is a good one.
Dierks loved swimming. Favorite place probably was the cabin where he'd jump in the lake, take an hour swim for his own enjoyment, hop out for a rest and repeat. He'd swim in Lake Michigan warm or cold and it was always the same picture post-cold swim. A picture of regret yet contentment.
It’s counterintuitive, but you don’t want heelers to get along like this. These quiet peaceful times are when the plotting and scheming starts and before you know it, they’ve toppled a couple of Eastern European governments and secured an arms deal.