TheresaW
Well-Known Member
To my mum who is not a dog person!
As most of you know, we took on an elderly Collie when her previous owner passed away about 18 months ago. First couple of months were ok, but as time went on, she became more and more cranky with our other dogs. I sought a lot of advice from Moobli and Clodagh on here. Took it all on board and we really tried our best. We had several months on a herbal calmer which made little to no difference. She was constantly snapping and lunging at the other dogs. I took video etc, and at the beginning of December last year, we went to the vet for a frank chat. Luna had pinned Ellie down by her throat. It wasn’t with force, just a please pack it in. 5 minutes later Ellie was back at her. Vet admitted she wasn’t a behaviourist. She said we realistically had 2 choices. PTS or rehome. Pts felt wrong as she is a generally healthy dog for her age, vet did say she’s not mentally healthy though. On the other hand, how could we just pass on an almost 14yo dog? Yes, she may go to a great home and be very happy, but selfish or not, I would hate to not know how she was, was she happy?
It had only been a couple of months since I’d had Dolly PTS, so I asked were there any prescription meds we could try. Off we went tablets in hand. They made no difference whatsoever. Mum was here for Christmas, saw what we were dealing with daily, and asked how we coped. We said not very well now, and told her what vet had said. A couple of days later, talking to Mum, she said, I’d hate to see her go, can we see what she would be like with me and Ronnie (cat).
New Year bank holiday, mum came for dinner. When I took her home, Ellie went too! It has been a match made in heaven. Mum is in love, Ellie is a different dog, and i see her a few times a week. Mum can’t walk too far, but one of her friends son goes and takes Elles for walks, a few times a week, and I take her out too.
Sent to me today. Poor old girl
As most of you know, we took on an elderly Collie when her previous owner passed away about 18 months ago. First couple of months were ok, but as time went on, she became more and more cranky with our other dogs. I sought a lot of advice from Moobli and Clodagh on here. Took it all on board and we really tried our best. We had several months on a herbal calmer which made little to no difference. She was constantly snapping and lunging at the other dogs. I took video etc, and at the beginning of December last year, we went to the vet for a frank chat. Luna had pinned Ellie down by her throat. It wasn’t with force, just a please pack it in. 5 minutes later Ellie was back at her. Vet admitted she wasn’t a behaviourist. She said we realistically had 2 choices. PTS or rehome. Pts felt wrong as she is a generally healthy dog for her age, vet did say she’s not mentally healthy though. On the other hand, how could we just pass on an almost 14yo dog? Yes, she may go to a great home and be very happy, but selfish or not, I would hate to not know how she was, was she happy?
It had only been a couple of months since I’d had Dolly PTS, so I asked were there any prescription meds we could try. Off we went tablets in hand. They made no difference whatsoever. Mum was here for Christmas, saw what we were dealing with daily, and asked how we coped. We said not very well now, and told her what vet had said. A couple of days later, talking to Mum, she said, I’d hate to see her go, can we see what she would be like with me and Ronnie (cat).
New Year bank holiday, mum came for dinner. When I took her home, Ellie went too! It has been a match made in heaven. Mum is in love, Ellie is a different dog, and i see her a few times a week. Mum can’t walk too far, but one of her friends son goes and takes Elles for walks, a few times a week, and I take her out too.
Sent to me today. Poor old girl
well done Mum!
