I started out to walk Rocky early this morning and soon turned around and brought him back home. I tried again about an hour later - same thing. So after lunch I was feeling hopeful, and he walked pretty well until we got close to the school, and he began pulling me along. I absolutely HATE it when he does that, and I can't figure out how to stop it. Jeannie has told me that he doesn't do it when she walks him, so why does he hate me so much?
I didn't walk very far and when we got close to home on the way back, a family with a very large dog went by on the other side of the street. I had terrible time with getting Rocky to keep moving forward. I didn't look back but I am sure the other folks probably had a bit of trouble with their dog as well. I'm just about ready to give up. At home he minds very well, most of the time, and the thing I like is that he always comes when called. (Sometimes it takes him a minute or so to decide whether or not to do the right thing, and I can see the argument going on in his head, but he always ends up coming back.) I am just about ready to give up.
It has been so wonderfully cool lately but I think it's going to change by tomorrow, when we will be having temps mostly in the 90's (upper 90's).
I think I am starting to be seriously affected by being confined since the 1st of March. I don't know what I can do about it. I would be mostly alone even without the pandemic, but I would have a choice of stopping to talk to people when I'm out on walks, or when shopping, etc. This is changing my outlook and my mood, and it's not a change for the better. I honestly don't know how I can survive the rest of this year, which I think will be pretty much the same as it is now. No matter what this president says, we shouldn't be getting back to business as usual. There is a real possibility of another serious outbreak because of the recent demonstrations and so many people being in close contact. I think if I could just have a good cry I would feel much better, but I am a Scorpio, and Scorpios don't cry!
I'll end with a laugh at myself. I decided this morning to clean the kitchen and clear off my countertops. I've made good progress and the counters look sparkling and bare. My kitchen table is piled high with stuff from the counters though!
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I have been thinking about pulling this post, but every time I start to do it I realize that I feel so much better just putting my feelings into words. So for now I will just let it be. But I hate to be so "down".
ReplyDeleteGypsy, we all have had a few super down days during this isolation. I think I've cried more the last three months than I have in most years. And when they aren't super down days I've had down days. And you're right, it helps to actually share with us how you are feeling. We are your friends. No judgment, just understanding. And having a dog who is still mostly puppy is also a challenge. Some days I have trouble dealing with Skitz and all her issues. But we love them no matter what. So we cant give up on them or ourselves.
ReplyDeleteYou are 100% correct, but this whole situation has been horrible. I think it is worse on those of us who take it seriously enough to change our lifestyle and curb all the things we've enjoyed.
DeleteDon’t pull your post, you feel like many people feel. Maybe you could still talk to people but staying far enough apart. I hope your weather is going to be more to your liking soon.
ReplyDeleteKeep on trucking 😁
Thanks, Vera. I am getting more demoralized the longer this goes on, and it is going to go on forever it seems.
DeleteMaybe you could get some of your kids to help you setting up FaceTime or Skype on the computer. That way you could have great conversation with all kinds of people. I get face to face with both my girls who live hundreds of miles away. It might cheer you up!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was trying to convince me to do just that. I am just too old to change when it comes to certain things.
DeleteNo, you are NOT too old, I am 84 and still learn new stuff all the time. I am in FaceTime contact with friends in Germany that I have not personally seen for over 30 years. It is so much fun to talk about old times and new. Go on take the leap! All it takes is willpower!😁😍
DeleteI have mentioned before that you need to get Rocky a choke chain attached to his leash (it will not hurt him - it is a plain change). All pet stores carry choke chains and they are not expensive. The purpose of the chain is that when he is not obeying you on your walks, you give the leash a quick jerk and it will get his attention. As time goes by he will be walking at your pace. We did this with our Labs and it really works well and does not hurt them. What you have to remember is that you are the one in charge - not Rocky. He has to be taught to take the lead from you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Vera. I would think Jeannie or one of your other kids could put Zoom on your computer. It would help your outlook considerably if you could see what your grandkids are doing. Y'all could have family meetups via computer. My knitting group that has met at my house for years has been using Zoom for weeks now. We can see what each other is doing, and we're keeping up with each other happily. I know one of our members has at least three other groups that meet via Zoom. Last week one of us had her nine year old granddaughter with her. That kid was very familiar with Zoom. She and her siblings use it for schoolwork. Your grandkids are probably the same. I'll bet they would love to see you on their screens. The effort to make it happen would be well worth it.
ReplyDeleteDon't give up on Rocky...Labs tend to act just like you describe for the first two or three years which is why you see so many in shelters. After that it is like a switch goes off in their head and they mellow out and are why you adopted them to begin with. I might suggest that when Rocky acts up you distract him. A good way is take a soda (or my choice) an empty beer can and put small pebbles in it. When he acts up shake it and the noise distracts them long enough for you to regain their attention and control. Give it a good shake. We also use the bean bag method. Make a small 4" X 4" bag with beans in it. When you give Rocky a command and he doesn't respond toss (not throw) the bag so it will land near him. It will startle them and then give the command firmly again. Soon all you have to say is "I will get the bean bag" and they mind like magic. Good luck but don't give up on Rocky. They will drive you to exasperation sometimes but again that is why you see so many labs around 2 y/o in shelters. People give up on them just about the time the switch goes off in their head and someone else gets the perfect animal.
ReplyDeleteBruce, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your email. Rocky is a beautiful dog, and feeling the effects of isolation in a pandemic the same as I am. I am not a quitter so I haven't given serious thought of turning him into a shelter but I notice I am losing patience with him. I hope you are right and that he is close to calming down a bit. My daughter and two granddaughters stopped by last night and he was almost uncontrollable, but so happy to see them, He needs a younger family with kids, but he has me. I will try to be more patient with him, and hope to heaven the switch goes off soon! Thanks again.
DeleteYou are indeed a rare and wonderful person. This pandemic has really been hard on us all. While we live so remote we don't have neighbors within a mile of us we are usually isolated and we have adapted to that life. We do have cell phone service so we can face time with family and friends and that helps. It is even harder for you as you live alone so there is only Rocky and I'll bet he is becoming a very good listener. He has young dog energy so when he gets visitors he bursts forth as a young dog is prone to do. Trust me when I say one day you will miss his youthful bursts of energy. Our dog Bozwell is now 13 years old and I long for the day he used to be bursting with energy. There is a reason that people say a dog is our best friend - it is true. When they get older and don't move well and limp around it is my privilege to be his companion and tenderly care for him. Your patience with Rocky is a pure virtue so keep telling us readers of your exploits.
DeleteBruce, I thank you so much for your understanding. It brings tears to my eyes. I know I have a wonderful and beautiful dog, and intelligent a dog as I've ever had. I often feel like I'm not capable of being the owner he deserves. I need to work on myself as well as Rocky, and maybe we can meet halfway!
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