So, we’re one week into dog ownership. How has it been?
Overall, I have to say that we are very happy dog owners. We have established a daily routine with Buddy and he seems to have adapted to it pretty well. Between takaza and me, we’re walking him through the neighborhood about 3-4 miles each day. The only downside is that on weekends he has to go out at around 6 AM. It’s a good thing I don’t mind waking up early on weekends!
We took him to the vet last week for a full check-up. The vet agreed that Buddy is around 8 and 9 years old, based on his teeth. He is unfortunately afflicted with all the things that go with older dogs: bad teeth, bad hips, and bad eyes (early signs of cataracts). The bad teeth probably explains why he rejects all hard food. He tested negative for heartworm, but did test positive for whipworm, which is apparently pretty unusual. Fortunately, a short round of anti-parasitic meds should clear that up. The vet also gave us a painkiller for his hips (Previcox, a Cox II inhibitor); that seems to make a difference.
Buddy has only had one accident in the house, and it really got me to thinking. At his foster home he was used to being let out immediately after being fed. We had hoped to break him of that habit, but when we didn’t let him out right after eating he simply couldn’t wait and peed on the carpet. I don’t fault him one bit for that (OK, I wasn’t happy, but it cleaned up fine), and realized that part of the familiarization process is as much him training us as us training him. I think it’s amazing and gratifying that we have had so few issues with him, and it makes me very glad that we decided to adopt him.
I did a little doggie shopping yesterday, using a PetSmart gift card that Dan got through credit card rewards. We picked up a new dog bed (nice and floofy), some more dog food, and some chewy treats that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. He loves the treats, and seemed very happy with his bed as well.
We spent the weekend hanging out with roho and genet, and their pretty-but-brainless Samoyed, Brianna. I should point out that both Buddy and Brianna are fixed, but that sure didn’t stop buddy from trying to mount Brianna every chance he got. Fortunately, Brianna had no problem demonstrating her lack of interest (with a snarl and a snap) and eventually he settled down.
On Saturday we watched a few shows off the DVR and made country-fried steak, mashed potatoes, and sauteed escarole. On Sunday we were joined by Linnaeus, and we celebrate Pi Day with homemade pizza (pies), chocolate cream pie, and key lime pie. Linnaeus also brought over an awesome toy for Buddy: a raccoon (of course) made of the same canvas used for fire hoses. Buddy loved it!
And here we are back at work today. Dan and I are making lists of stuff we need to do before company arrives this coming weekend. I’m catching up on some MFF work, and hopefully some stuff for Anthrocon as well.
I’ll leave you with a thought I had as I walked Buddy back after today’s lunchtime walk. I’ve joked with friends about not wanting a cat because I didn’t want a box of crap in the house. Instead, I’m walking through the neighborhood with a bag of crap in my pocket. Oh, that’s MUCH better. All of you cat owners, feel free to tell me to shut up 🙂
It’s nice reading about your dog. Thanks for talking about him.
Thanks! Sometimes I feel kind of like an obnoxious new parent, going on and on about their kid. It’s nice to know I’m not boring everyone with my enthusiasm 🙂
I almost feel guilty – we got a well-trained, well-behaved, and utterly loving dog by deciding not to adopt a puppy (and got a discount on the adoption fee, too!). Granted, after seeing the vet bills I see it’s a trade-off, but Buddy is such a sweetheart I think we’re coming out far ahead in the deal.
You know, I have heard it said dogs could be litter box trained as pups- smaller dogs I guess certainly take to the box a little easier 🙂
Glad things are going so well with Buddy! I’m enjoying hearing about the process as all of you get acclimated to each other.
About the humping thing … it’s most likely about dominance rather than sex or attraction. Heidi was an alpha female, and she was prone to trying to hump dogs that came over and spent time in her space. My sister had a (female) beagle that would do that, too. The snarl and nip of the dog being humped seems like normal “get that attitude away from me” behavior in the dogs figuring out where they stand in the pack hierarchy. As long as it doesn’t turn into a fight, shouldn’t be any problem, and you (or Dan or Roho or Genet) can always step in as the actual alpha of the pack and let them know how to behave.
Yep, was gonna mention the dominance thing. Looks like Buddy is going to fall below Brianna in the pack structure.
which if you knew Bree, would be absolutely hiiilarious. She’s the most submissive dog we’ve ever seen. ;D
At least… she is when no one’s trying to mount. >.>
Glad to hear Buddy is doing so well. Jack would like to meet him someday 🙂
Glad to hear of your collective happiness. I still only talk about embroidery, being sick or the dog, so feel free to attempt to bore me to tears with Buddy-tales.
There is certainly a balance of who is training who, but really it is getting to know the other creature in your world. In our mornings, Ladybug doesn’t go out until after breakfast. But for dinner she’ll go out as soon as we’re home and then eat dinner at the right time. We do have the benefit of having a fenced in backyard for her to roam in for business, though in general she prefers walks.
So, I was talking to Vic yesterday and mentioned Buddy and some of the things you are working out. She suggested canned pumpkin or something else fiber but soft as a food additive if necessary. Bug likes banana and apple (really anything) so fruits/veggies like green beans aren’t a bad place to turn for that; canned, cheap and whatever he might like. I also remembered that Thjora’s Markie won’t ‘go’ when she’s up for a weekend visit because of the unfamiliarity. So some could be a lack of fiber, or it could be a simple adjustment to the new world.
Shopping for new pet stuff is so awesome. I get so distracted by the pink rhinestone collars and leashes and then have to remember that a) Alan walks the dog too, and b) it’s just not her personality. But bedding, toys and new treats are as much fun for me as they are for her I think. I know you didn’t ask, but here are some of my favorites:
Waggle: http://www.amazon.com/Premier-Pet-Waggle-Medium-Large/dp/B0002I0RTY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1268690143&sr=8-1
Ladybug loves her Waggle but not to chew on, to toss around and knock the treats out.
Pet Botanics Omega Treats: http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Laboratories-Botanics-Healthy-Treats/dp/B001E2M8TO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1268690257&sr=1-3
She loves these which come in Chicken, Tuna, Salmon, Duck, etc. They are soft and not crunchy.
Zuke’s Powerbones or Hipbones: http://www.amazon.com/Zukes-Action-Natural-Chicken-1-Pound/dp/B001D9RVMM/ref=pd_sim_k_7
She also likes the Powerbones, which are also soft, and come in many different formulas.
Ark’s Naturals Breathless: http://www.amazon.com/Breath-Less-Brushless-Toothpaste-Medium-Large/dp/B002X9A3QW/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1268690597&sr=1-26
These are softer than the other greenies out there, so might be good for his teeth. Bug gets one when I eat my dinner.
As to the Cat poobox owners, I say the poo stays outside. That and I always carry it in my hand, not in a pocket, almost as a sign to my neighbors that I collect my dog’s crap.
And also hooray for adopting adult dogs! We specifically went looking for not-a-puppy when we were browsing, preferring a young/adult dog that needs a home and fits with us. She’s 4.5 years old, and works for us. Yay! Happy Buddy!
When we were looking for Mollie, we came across a 7 year old black lab. We were looking in the pen and this guy came up and said “don’t even think about it – that dog is mine!” with a huge grin. He specifically told his wife he wanted a dog to sit on the couch and watch football with him. 🙂
As for creaky hips, Sarah has done really well with Tramadol for pain. It’s cheap(er) and doesn’t have any liver side effects like Rimadyl can.
Bandit (14) and Rosebud (11) bark !hi! to your young whippensnapper 🙂
Glad to hear y’all are sorting things out and he’s settling in OK.
Enjoy the dog walkin’!!!
Dogs definitely make bigger messes that are a lot harder to clean up. On the other hand, cats are constantly yakking up hairballs and the bits of plastic they never should have eaten.