Nothing much has happened that I haven't written about, and I should know that things never stay the same for long.
I had an appointment with the eye surgeon this morning and felt I had to keep it as I had cancelled one about a month ago because I didn't want to leave Rocky alone. So Donald took me to the appointment and I crated Rocky with a lot of toys and treats and hoped he would settle down.
I came home to a note taped to my side door from my neighbor, who told me my dog had barked the entire time I was gone. I feel really bad about it and a little miffed at the same time. I know her boyfriend (who owns the house) doesn't like dogs, although when Rocky was a small puppy he told me if I couldn't deal with the dog that he would take it off my hands. I would never give a dog to him because I believe he has a horrible temper.
I was talking to another neighbor who told me that the guy threatened someone at the dog park because their dog barked excessively. I think some of the dogs do bark more than I like, but I would never complain to anyone and to threaten them would be out of the question. (I'm sure I complained a lot to the readers of this blog, and I'm grateful for you being there and giving me an outlet to comment on the situation.)
So now I need to check out my calendar for the next three months and cancel anything that requires me to leave the dog. I don't know if Rocky's anxiety will ease up or not, but if I never leave him he will never become able to be alone.
The eye surgeon said that my eyes look good, but my close up vision is worse as far as I can tell as I have to hold anything in print right up in front of my eyes. I can just forget about reading a list of ingredients on any package :-)
I'm struggling to get used to my phone but I have to learn. I don't like it at all and I think it might have something to do with the fact that I don't need all the extras - I've never been one to make a lot of phone calls because my hearing isn't what it used to be. As far as messaging goes, it's much easier to use the system on my computer, although I can only send them to my kids who have apple iPhones. Donald has helped me tremendously in choosing the settings I want, and also to get rid of apps I will never use in this lifetime! My daughter uses her phone for everything in her life, while I would never do that even if I was younger as I much prefer a computer.
I should start packing things up for my move, but don't know where to start! I think today's situation has helped me clear my mind as this past weekend I was seriously thinking about staying where I am and buying a used car so that i could take myself where I need to go instead of having to rely on family. I might as well forget about staying here!
Hope your days are going better than mine, although I think it's normal to have good days and not-so-good days, and we just have to roll with the punches!
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Gypsy,
ReplyDeleteI think Rocky's barking will ease with time, but you may need the advice of a vet or a dog trainer (and not one from Petco. The vet might have recommendations on a dog trainer)
My biggest problem is that I have no way of getting anywhere except to ask family members to drive over and pick me up, take me somewhere, and bring me back. I have lived my life being independent and this is killing me.
DeleteThere is a product called "calming treats". They have them for various size dogs & cats.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter had some for her nervous little daschund. I would work on leaving Rocky alone
by starting with putting him in the crate, give treat either calming treat or perhaps a kong with something inside. Say goodbye and leave. Go for short 5-10 minute walk. Come in, praise him and do that every few days slowly increasing the time you stay away. Hopefully he will learn that you always return and he will be less anxious.
I have found myself wishing I had a little weed on hand - although I hate the stuff and would never allow it in my house. But then I honestly think I'd feed him some if I had it! Let him chill out a bit.
DeleteLOL, it is legal here in Canada now
DeleteThis is a great idea, since they are together 24/7 Rocky doesn't know how to react. He needs to learn it's okay to be separated at times.
DeleteI am so sorry you are having problems with your neighbors due to Rocky's barking. On YouTube video's they say that one should put a sheet or blanket over their crate to calm them down but other than that there in no other advice I can offer.
ReplyDeleteI do put a cover on top of the crate, but nothing I've tried has worked. I've even given him very good treats that he loves - they are usually untouched when I get back.
DeleteI wonder if you put Rocky in his crate periodically while you are home? I know you enjoy having him loose, but maybe if he were accustomed to spending time in the crate while you are around, he would not be so upset if you are out of sight? Maybe give him a treat to occupy him while you are around? Just a thought. One reason we like having two dogs is that they always have company; that seems to cause less stress if we leave the house. Not possible for you right now, I realize. I hope your move will help from all angles!
ReplyDeleteI have often thought about getting a companion dog for Rocky, but it will have to wait until maybe summer.
DeleteSomewhere along the line i missed your moving??? Went back and read but could not find where u made tht decision.... so.... where are you moving and why?
ReplyDeleteThat neighbor complaining about the dog is sure not going to change.... why can't he come and discuss it reasonably? people... geez
My kids railroaded me into moving into a duplex near my daughter when iut becomes available in May/June. It has a very large backyard that is completely fenced, but is sloped which will use his energy but I don't want to go up and down it very often. It's a 3 bedroom, 2 bath duplex - my niece lives in the same complex and right behind me. That could be good or not so much, but I'll see. I certainly don't need all that space but will find a way to fill it - hate to even have to clean my bathroom and now I'll have two to clean! I'm ready to move though.
DeleteAbout not knowing where to
ReplyDeletebegin getting ready to move, maybe try this-
Pretend you are taking a 5 day trip, make a list if everything you'll need-
then get boxes, pack ANYTHING NOT on that list,write each item as you put it in a box on the side of it.
By just doing a bit at a time when you're up to it,it'll get done.
On moving day packing just that week's worth of supplies will be simple. Wishing you all the best,-Mary
Thank yu very much, Mary. Sounds like an excellent way to get it done, or at least to get started. I have a lot of boxes that the dog's food & misc. come in when I order them online, but they are all either too small or too large. I should try packing one of each and see what works.
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