This was the day to ‘fall back’ the clocks. Of course the dogs don’t notice that – until meal times. For us humans, it is only 4:00 but for them it is already 5:00. I actually never change my clocks so that I operate between the two time designations. It does sometimes shock people when they glance at the clock and realize they are late! I also continue to ‘save an hour’ and that makes me really happy each time I check a clock.

I was registered to attend the CPR and First Aid…

Slinky is happy to sleep in the crate off and on. I would love to see her have this as a safe and comfortable area. Certainly my dogs are modeling that for her. Every one of my current dogs took to the crate naturally – I never even had to train them. They saw them – they went in!

Shadow, my 12 pound Rat Terrier, uses his crate in the funniest way. He doesn’t destroy his toys so he has a quite a few in his crate. It’s the only place they are safe from the other dogs who would…

Currently, Slinky is on chlomicalm which is usually the first choice medication for anxiety. It has to be prescribed by a veterinarian and must be accompanied by behavior modification.

Slinky was adopted from a local kill shelter after having been transferred from another kill shelter. We don't know any more of her story. The first day that her adopters left her alone in the house, she destroyed many things. Someone recommended kenneling her, which, of course, is dangerous…

For the first time, I was able to exit through the back door into the yard to check on my dogs while Slinky waited just inside.  I threw a treat to Slinky and said ‘wait’ and she did. Not only that! When I came back in she wasn’t hovering at the back door as I expected but was in one of the bedrooms being curious. She was pleased to see me but not frantic.

I gave her treats, said ‘wait’, closed the kitchen door, and went down to get Teddy. She waited quietly…

Slinky continues to be a joyful sweet dog. She is friendly to my dogs who are behind their gates. I continue to carry her as I tend to the other animals. My approach to meets like this which involve multiple dogs is to allow them so much friendly access and positive associations that by the time they actually meet, they feel like old friends.

 

Slinky ate her breakfast in the living room at the same time as the other dogs ate in their spaces. She ate most of it dancing lightly around…

Nothing is more tragic than a dog with separation anxiety. These dogs are not only terrified of being alone, but are certain they will be abandoned. Unfortunately, the ones who find themselves in shelters were correct. These dogs are usually sweet and sensitive and make great pets, except that, when left alone, they can vocalize incessantly, destroy possessions and hurt themselves trying to get to their owner. They cannot be left alone without great risk to themselves and their…