Batmom

Lots and lots of hugs. Peoples' circumstances change. I understand that well. And I know you and Sweetiesmum have always done your utmost to care for your hounds. Fingers crossed for your vet visit today. You're in my thoughts.

I would get the diagnostics (starting with x-ray, preferably interpreted by a skilled radiologist), then look at what to do. Honestly, in your situation I would not read through the big osteosarcoma thread here. For osteosarcoma, we let our hounds go very shortly (days) after diagnosis. They hurt beyond what medicine could help, and there was a high risk of bone breaking. If it's something other than osteosarcoma, you might have some good, reasonable options. Let us know, OK? Thinking best thoughts for you and Sweetiesmum and your beloved Joey.

He was trying to engage you -- playful behavior. One of my girls does that every morning. If he does that again, you might get a treat and call him to you to get some petting, or toss a toy if he likes those. I'd be cautious of petting him while he's lying down as sometimes that can seem threatening to a dog, even when they're asking for attention.

Hope you can get him treated. Thanks for helping him.

FWIW, we keep every interaction with our dogs positive. There is no scolding whatsoever. If a touchy dog gets something he/she shouldn't have, I trade up CHEERFULLY, or otherwise CHEERFULLY distract the dog so I can get the object back and put it well out of reach. The closest we get to scolding here is a single sharpish "ACK!" to interrupt whatever is going on and distract the dog's attention so we can redirect to appropriate objects/behavior. The result is that if the dog has or is doing something inappropriate from my point of view, the dog is not frightened or defensive when I approach. With some dogs and some highly desirable objects, it has taken time to achieve that. But keeping things cheerful and positive works very very well, and the resulting easy-to-live-with behavior gets to be a habit. I am always cautious with new people interacting with the dogs about things like that. Kids under 16-18? They're not to try to take something from the dog but rather to call me instead. Best luck!

How long have you been working on it? A couple of mine have been slow to learn that one. That's OK! That said, if there's anything she does on her own that you'd like her to do on command, start "catching" her doing it, put a name to it, "Good girl!" (or click) and treat. For best incentive, we use treats like poached chicken, cheddar cheese slivers, hot dog slivers, freeze-dried salmon -- the good stuff. If you're looking to get her used to the idea of training and do some bonding, see if there's a nosework class in your area. Easy and fun for everybody.

Three years and a lifetime. Rest well, good boy. Hugs to your people.

Godspeed, special girl. You were so well loved.

Again, just FWIW, sometimes the seniors just burn up calories and you have to feed them a good bit more than you think to keep weight on them. Sounds like she is well loved and getting what she wants .

I'm sorry you're facing this. I do want to mention, though, that it might be worth trying a different approach her primary issues -- arthritis pain and weight loss, per your original post. My vet no longer prescribes Ultram for pain relief as it has not been found effective, and we here no longer use gabapentin either, same reason. Regarding the weight loss, if her teeth are in poor condition, that can affect her interest in eating and her ability to eat, as well as causing pain throughout the day. In addition, you have to feed a lot more canned food than dry food to get the same number of calories. Best thoughts.

:wub:

Are you standing near the door where she can see you? Sometimes that bugs them. Otherwise, I would keep her on leash with you attached to one end. I had to leash-walk one of mine in the fenced yard for quite awhile, until I was sure she would come in when asked. It was annoying for both of us but it prevented those kinds of escapades. FWIW, I use two different commands for "Come!" (Come!) and "come back in the house" (In-in, please!).

Hugs as you remember.

The start of something wonderful. Hugs to you as you remember your girl. Rest well, Topaz.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Godspeed, gallant girl.

Oh no. What an awful awful time you've had. I'm so sorry. Godspeed, funny little girl.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Godspeed, good boy.

I'm very sorry for your loss. Godspeed, incredible Finn .

Such a good boy . I'm sorry he had to leave you. Godspeed, Bear.

Argh, I can't find the pen I bought. It's been some years. A lot of them are pop-up and have only the step-over opening. I'll keep looking for another where you can open up the whole side.

We've used greysmom's suggestion (gradually setting the alarm to a later time), and it worked very well. I also have a homemade screen door for my bedroom. One of my previous dogs could not be in a small room with a closed door. Easy to make a screen any size you like out of 1x2 finish lumber and plastic hardware cloth (mine has 1"x1" openings). And, one of my dogs sleeps in a soft-sided ex pen. It has a zipper door with a lip to step over, but you can also open up one whole side so there's no step-over. More configurable than a crate.

What an incredible life he had with you. Everything people (and kitties) should be to a dog and vice versa. I'm so sorry he had to leave. Godspeed, amazing fellow .

I'm so sorry. One is hard enough, and two in a short time ..... Godspeed, good dogs :wub: .

I'm sorry, Greg. That is a lot to take in in such a short time. Godspeed, sweetie. Love you forever and Ellie too.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Godspeed, special girl.