Message from Joan:
I am making progress with Charlie, but it is very slow. I’m afraid that I’m not following all the vet’s directions either. He is still so shy and scared I can’t imagine how bad his life must have been. I lifted my hand to turn a book page while sitting on the sofa and he jumped up and went outside.
He’s at least stopped barking at me when I move. During the night he wakes up every time I have to go to the bathroom (oh, the joy of getting old) and runs out of the bedroom and waits by the door until my legs are up in bed again. And this is sleep with taking the Pro-quiet. It works and puts him to sleep but he is still so very aware of everything going on.
He will now sit about 4 feet from me but that’s as close as he is comfortable. I managed to get him onto my lap yesterday for about 20 minutes of petting. I tricked him. He was sound asleep on the sofa and I fell on him (I’ll bet he wished I was smaller) and maintained contact, turned him over, and petted his back. He wasn’t sure what to make of it and gave me more distance today.
He is still addicted to chewing up leashes, straps, paper, magazines and even a bungee cord. The vet told me to wash him with the antibacterial shampoo but I didn’t want to send him into a frenzy. I can put up with a smelly dirty dog if it will stop him from being so fearful of me. I may ask the vet for some valium for him. The sore on his belly is getting some better but his ear is really itching him.
He is due for his hip x-rays this Friday but if he is still so untouchable I may wait another week. I think that the psychological issues are more important to him in the long run. He is swallowing his antibacterial pills with cheese (he likes it better than the chicken). I still have to put it on the porch and close the door so Maggie and P.J. don’t rip it off. He watched Maggie and P.J. getting belly rubs and later in the bedroom he rolled over and looked like he wanted a belly rub – but he saw me coming closer to him and ran outside again.
I had some friends over and tested him. He wouldn’t allow either of them to get close but did allow the lab to get close and sniff and try to play with him. I’d like to get him used to me so we can do some hip/leg therapy in the bath/pool/hot tub. I think it would be great for him but, again, it’s not worth scaring him to death.
He is so sweet and non-dominant that I’m sure he’ll find a good home when he gets used to humans. For now, he doesn’t trust humans. Do we have any limitations on the vet bills for these rescues? I know the hip/knee fix can cost a lot of money. His running doesn’t seem limited since he can beat Maggie around the house during the blitz. He does have a Chester type limp. His URI seems to be getting better since he’s not sneezing as much.
Message from Marilyn:
Charlie sounds like Miss Darcy. She seems to be doing much better, but has a long, long way to go. I haven’t given her another bath either. I may try tomorrow.
She came over and got into the doggie bed next to my chair and was okay and then when I got up, she ran away. She follows me everywhere and she ran over to me and I put my hand out and she gave the slightest little lick and ran away. She has no problems with the other dogs and that’s a good thing. I feel that she wants so much to join in, but just can’t.
I was cleaning out some drawers and she had to see what was going on and sat on the treadmill…more use than we give it. She came in the doggie door last night, but has not used it since. She really needs a bath, but if she seems to upset, we can wait on that.
If Charlie needs surgery, we can get a quote and if it’s not crazy, then we can do it. We have some money and have gotten a few good donations lately…so, let’s think about doing this if it will make his life better. He is young and has many years ahead.
Dr. G. gave me some valium for Darcy…for the times when we need to do things with her. She lets me put ear cleaner into her ears each night…no problem there. Might give her a half before we attempt another bath. I have some serious scratches on my arms from the last one…don’t need that again. I haven’t given her any valium yet.
Thanks for the update Joan, I knew you would work with him and understand his needs. This is such a learning experience…you know how much they hurt inside and that hurts me.