queenwinniesmom

I had to find this beautiful picture, one of my favorites of both of our angel girls. Jan, I can't tell you how devastated I am for you. Your poor heart is still breaking for your beloved Ben, and now Brooke is gone so suddenly. She was the sweetest lady, one who loved unconditionally, and knew she was so very loved in return. No words can ease your pain now, but please know that we are all holding you close in our thoughts and prayers.

Ah, we're not making a whole lot of progress. I tried the longer leash, and that freaked her out. So I went back to the regular leash on her collar, not the harness. And sometimes she will, sometimes she won't. Yesterday, my frustration got the best of me. I walked around my little yard for 45 minutes in 90 degreee heat. No luck. So I took them in, fed them dinner, gave her a little time, then took her out again for about 15 minutes. Nothing. I had to get back to my pet sitting job, so I gave up, which makes me feel like all my effort was pointless. She may have realized that I was going to leave, and that stressed her. So I'm going to backtrack for a while. I'll just let her out off leash, so there is a better chance of her peeing. Otherwise, she'll go in the house. She poops in the house every day. Good news----I'm finally home from the job. Hopefully I can get her on a more consistent schedule. And maybe she'll be a little more relaxed, since she's still scared of Doug.

I hate that I'm away from home. But I don't know where else she could be right now. I've even thought about bringing her out here (where I'm pet sitting---the owners said I could), but I think that would be stressful to her, and to the 2 dogs I'm watching. We'd just been letting them out to do their business, but now I'm going to try leashing her every time. Doug wouldn't be able to do that---she's not relaxed enough with him yet. We'll both be home during the day for 3 days (he's been at work when I'm home), so maybe we can try Doug leashing her when I'm there. Maybe she'll pee to get it over with! And I'll make sure he always has some treats or hot dogs. Kiva is very food oriented. I like the idea of a long leash! I'd considered that, and will give it a try from now on. Oh, yes, you must NEVER make eye contact when they are doing their business. I still have to do that with Angie sometimes. Calvin could care less. He'll look into your eyes and pee on your shoe. So I guess the most important thing is patience.

Kiva has only been with us for about 2 weeks, so I know it's early, but I need some tips for getting her to pee and poop on leash. It's problematic enough just to get her to go to the bathroom in the fenced yard, but she won't do it at all on a walk. Today I was determined to get her to pee on leash. After a long walk---when she didn't go, but Calvin and Angie both did---I took off her harness in our fenced yard. With the leash on her collar, I literally walked her around the yard for at least half an hour, saying encouragingly, "Go pee" (what we always say). She hadn't peed since 10:30 this morning. She would NOT go. So I got them in, fed them, then after a little while, took her out again, and walked her around. After about 10 minutes, she finally peed! YAY! I praised her, kissed her, and brought her back in. So, is this the best way to try and get her to go? We are hampered by bad timing---I am in the middle of a 2 week live in pet sitting job, and though I come home every day to let them out, walk them, and spend time with them, I'm not home a lot of the time (evenings, nights and early mornings). I wish it hadn't worked out like this, but the clients went to Tahiti and Bora Bora, and booked me at least 8 months ago. I had no control when Kiva's transport would happen. So we're stuck with this not ideal situation. It's further complicated by her still being scared of Doug. She's not really a spook, she just is scared of him---won't come to him, etc. So he can't help with this situation at all. She's had a few pooping accidents in the house, and 1 pee. But otherwise, she's great. I knew she loved me, she's so sweet and affectionate, she loves the other dogs, and is good with the cats. She sleeps in the bedroom with Calvin and Angie, and is fine being left alone and un-crated. But the leash situation is frustrating. We'll be going to Grapehounds the end of July, and she won't be off leash unless we go to the tennis courts at the Lodge. I'm hoping that she'll go when she HAS to go (and that the togetherness will help with her shyness with Doug), but it would be great to have a head start.

I'm so very sorry you didn't have more time with your precious girl.

Huge pictures are perfect for such beauty! How you loved him. I'm so sorry you had to let your precious Benny go.

That was a very lovely, eloquent tribute---and the pictures are stunning. I feel as if I knew your "movie star". I'm so sorry you lost your precious Django.

Oh, my gosh, the pictures truly show the love you shared. No wonder you will miss this beautiful lady so deeply. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Penny.

He must have been such an exceptional dog, as beautiful inside as out---and he was VERY beautiful. It's easy to understand why you will miss him so deeply, and to share your sadness. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Vinny.

Oh, Nan, I'm so sorry. You and Lady are in my prayers.

No wonder you will miss that silly, glorious smile. Osteo is such a blind monster. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Sneakers.

I hadn't seen your tribute before I read your post about grieving. When I opened this thread, and saw his incredibly lovely silver face, my heart just broke for you. I cried the whole way through his tribute. Please know that the love you shared shines through in every word, and every picture. I can't imagine how much you will miss this "good and noble dog." I'm so sorry you lost your precious Desi.

I'm so sorry you've gotten this devastating news. Lots of support here.

I'm so sorry you lost your precious Brady. Your first Greyhound and your heart dog.....the loss is huge, especially when it was relatively sudden. We would love to see pictures, and writing a tribute may help to ease the pain a bit by celebrating your special boy.

I know everyone feels that the words "I'm sorry" just aren't enough. That helpless feeling---wishing you could do something more. We understand.

I wish the news was better too. Sending good thoughts to you and Zuri.

I'm smiling through tears. You had such an amazing life together! Even missing her so deeply, Lizzie can still bring back so many wonderful memories for you. What a huge empty space that little girl will leave in your home and heart. She was truly a larger than life kind of girl, and your heart dog for sure. I'm so sorry you lost your precious lady.

Aw, what an awesome guy he was, one who truly deserved all the spoiling he got. How you'll miss your precious Shademan. I'm so sorry.

How you loved him! Your tribute was so eloquent, expressing perfectly how unique and special he was. And those eyes..... I'm so sorry you lost your precious River.

I'm so sorry you lost your precious girl.

I'm so sorry for your sadness and pain. I understand how devastating it is to lose 2 so close together. But I also know how bringing a special one (or 2!) into your life can help so much to fill that empty space.

Oh, Ginny, precious little lady....I'm so sorry, Lori.

I'm so sorry you lost your precious Brendan. I think you know that so many of us understand, not only the loss of a beloved pet, but the feelings of guilt, regret, or second guessing. I'm sure your emotions are raw now, and in your pain, you are putting blame on yourself. Please try not to do this. Easier said than done, of course, but know that in time you find comfort in the memories of truly happy and safe and loved he really was. He would want you to celebrate that love. And please come and talk whenever you need to. It really does help.

How blessed you are to have had a dog who was your "hero and soulmate". And how deeply you will miss her. I'm so sorry you lost your precious Zola.

Spud was surely meant to be with you. What a lovely, quirky old man he was. I'm so sorry for your loss.