Rescued beagles experience grass & sunlight for the 1st time

[LimeCola]

If thunderstorms are a problem for dear little T/S, you might want to try the "Thunder Shirt". You can buy them in pet stores or order them online - just need the measurements of your dog.

We have a very timid Boston Terrier who was terrified of thunder. He used to shiver and try to hide behind the toilet whenever there was a storm. Even prescription sedatives didn't work well for him.

I was skeptical about the shirt, but we had thunder last night and as soon as I put it on him (after finding him hiding), he started playing with his toys. His tail was up, he was running and playing...just amazing.

Have you ever seen the movie about Temple Grandin? I think the shirt uses her theory that tight pressure around the middle is calming. Same as tightly swaddling newborn babies.

Just thought I would share this with you in case thunder is an issue for your new charge.

 

[raeann]

Don't know of a better place to post this.... baby and puppy lovers enjoy!!!

http://www.godvine.com/Laughing-Baby-and-Excited-Dog-Will-Make-Your-Day-773.html

 

[Herding Cats]

Just quickly updating...I thought I had posted this earlier, but it apparently didn't stick.

I was tired from all the activity from last night, and the morning fighting the computer virus I got. So, I went ahead and decided to take a nap. I hadn't spent any snuggle time with little TS Romeo, so...I picked him up and took him to bed.

I had no hope he'd stay there. And he was shaking so badly that I thought I might have to break down and take him out of the room, and maybe even give him some herbs. I mean, his ears were trembling...

But instead, I just lay there, curling around him as he sat straight up, stiff as a board. I stroked from head to tail, gently, slowly. And he started to relax. He laid down, although was still trembling, and it wasn't a 'relaxed' lay down, if that makes sense...more of a 'if I get smaller, no one will notice me' kind of thing.

Somehow, I drifted off...and when I woke, he was stretched out, his bottom tucked up against my back, and sleeping. I laid there for a while, just enjoying him and his warmth, and the fact that he didn't flee the bedroom the moment I wasn't looking.

And, Eeyore (one of the cats) was snuggled up against me, same side, down by my legs. Not touching sweet Romeo, but indeed, near enough to show me that there is very little concern between him and the dog...which makes me thrilled.

Just thought I'd share that. Of course, TS Romeo is back on his hearth, snuggled down on his fleece, and Gracie is chewing on a giant marrow bone; the cats, having had dinner, are all in their respective spots and grooming or sleeping. LOL...it's somewhat calm tonight, even though the wind is blowing...just calm and quiet and restful.

And I'm so proud of this little guy. He's working so hard to adjust and to overcome his deep, deep insecurities and anxiety. Working soo hard. Go, little guy!!

Best-
Herding Cats

 

[Rhyme & Reason]

HC, can you have your sitter create a WS login so he can update us while you are gone LOL!! I don't know what I'm going to do without these daily updates!!!

 

[Herding Cats]

LOL, R&R...I'll be getting updates, I think, so if anything happens, I'll post. I don't think there will be much happening, though, because it will be a big change, not having Gracie here and having the sitter instead of me. Not sure how that will go, but if anything happens, I'll be sure to update. I promise.

Best-
Herding Cats

 

[Mom who cares]

After a great day with my family celebrating Christmas, and coming home to see that TS Romeo actually slept by you, my heart is melting with joy. What a beautiful day.

 

[Herding Cats]

Nothing new to report. Spent most of today out Christmas shopping, and it's been off-and-on raining, so no outside time. We did share a cuddle, though...he's doing his best to come out of his shell...it's just a very, very thick shell, you know? He's working on it...and so am I. He still stays on the heart nearly all the time (I think he roams a bit when I'm not here), but he's relaxing enough that he's sleeping on his side now, which, while a small thing, is a good step forward. He also allows me moments where I can do tummy rubs, but gently, without flinching away. He's trying SOOOO hard...

Best-
Herding Cats

 

[tlcya]

DH just took kids and I over to meet Molly. She is such a doll. She was just so pleased to have company and attention that she was almost dancing for it. If you have ever seen a 175 pound Bull Mastiff dance you know what I am describing.

Oh my goodness, she is a tank!

First impressions: She is a big sweetheart. She is so ready for lovin. She could not get enough of pats and pets and lovies from the kids. We met her through the fence where she is located in a run at a concrete contractor's shop. She kept lifting her left paw and trying to prompt more attention and love anytime someone stopped petting her. She is between 2 and 3 years old. She is not spayed so that will be necessary. I have no wish to be breeding dogs so it will need to be addressed when she comes home with us.

Yes I said when. Still not sure how she and Bear will react to one another but both seem easy going and she has been penned with Harley (the 12 yr old Bull Mastiff) for her whole life so she is familiar with coexisting with another dog. Bear does well when exposed to other dogs so I am hopeful they will coexist happily.

I am a little less sure abut how Molly will react to the cats. Not sure she has ever even seen one up close let alon cohabitated with two, lol. We shall see. Thinking about bringing Molly home in the next few days.

Wish I could do more for Harley. he is 12 and set in his ways. Not a good fit for my home. He also has some health/age issues. He may end up being euthanized. That hurts but I know my home is not the right one for him. I can only do what I can do.

 

[Herding Cats]

You can only do what you can do, TL...and if that means Molly gets a home, then you've already done far more than you realize. And of course it hurts about Harley; you wouldn't be you without it hurting.

Molly, though, has her whole life ahead of her, and she sounds ready for some good times. I am glad you've discovered her, and that she is going to be getting a place to stay. Let me know how to help with the cats; I have one or two tricks I've used, and am more than willing to share them.

Merry Christmas, Molly!

Best-
Herding Cats

 

[Herding Cats]

Nothing new or interesting to report...same as yesterday. Just working on touch and security and whatnot...

(Thought I should post before someone asked for the update. LOL...)

Best-
Herding Cats

 

[belimom]

TL - thanks for sharing. Can't wait to hear more about Molly...! And HC, thanks for the update, even if it's just a brief one.

 

[ScubaTwinn]

No posts since Sunday. Am I the only one suffering withdrawls?

 

[Mom who cares]

ScubaTwinn, I am experiencing severe T/S Romeo withdrawal!!

 

[belimom]

Thinking of you tonight, little TS Romeo... I hope Santa is good to you and that you have a peaceful and joyous New Year. You deserve it. I know that Herding Cats is away so I'll tell you something in secret: trust her. Let her love you. And love her back. She, Gracie, and the herd are there for you and really want you as a part of their family. You just need to open your beagly heart to them... Go for it.

 

[Herding Cats]

Hi, guys. Short update...I'm not home (will be tomorrow), and despite the good care and comfort of the pet sitter, TS Romeo has had a rough go of it. I am hoping that once Gracie and I get home, he'll feel better...the sitter has had to use the herbs almost continuously, even just to get Romi relaxed enough to pee and poop.

I'm hoping that tomorrow, I will post that the little beagle was so happy to see me and Gracie that he wagged his tail...

Nothing that I did't expect, but still, makes me sad, and more eager to get home (I am somewhat lonesome for my crazy animal house...fine, more than lonesome. I miss them awfully!!). I'll be very happy to get home tomorrow...very happy, indeed.

K, gotta go...will update more tomorrow late evening.

Best,
Herding Cats

 

[Mom who cares]

Romi..... I love it! What a great beagly name!

 

[Herding Cats]

OK, full update.

Bless his little heart, he was very shy of me when I first came in...of course, I dropped bags and coat and was being "loud" (not really, but to him it must've been deafening), so he sat on the hearth and watched me for a time.

Gracie was being Gracie, and goofing around, just happy to see me, and of course, I'm terribly happy to see her, too...lots of hugs and kisses from the both of us to the other, and then I moved to Romi...he let me love on him, kiss his nose, stroke his chest, stroke his back, and then decided to sniff at me a bit happily. Gracie came and tried to sit on him, but he didn't do much more than sniff her. LOL. She decided to not sit on his head, and instead, tried to get into my lap, so I repositioned myself and her, and the three of us sat/laid there and sort of coo-d at each other - a hand on each head, a nose kiss back and forth, and then, the barest, fastest flick of a tongue from Romi on my elbow...

He's now finished dinner, and is laying, relaxed and as content as he's been, laying on his hearth, head facing me, and just drowsily staring at me.

I am happy, happy, HAPPY to be back home with the herd...the dogs, the cats, the craziness...I've missed everyone so much...just so much. The pet sitter was wonderful, and I will absolutely use him again when I need to, but it is good for me to be home, and good for Romi to have me here (and the rest of the critters...).

I am exhausted. Just whipped, whipped, whipped. I am going to get into my jammies, and just relax for a time, and then head to bed...probably the first night's solid sleep in a week...I am so needing my own bed, my own "nest", and my own critters around me tonight. My heart just needs that so much.

Best-
Herding Cats

 

[Opie]

What a wonderful "reunion" story. Sounds like Romi is settling in with you a bit more.

 

[belimom]

What a wonderful "reunion" story. Sounds like Romi is settling in with you a bit more.

:heartbeat:

 

[Rhyme & Reason]

Whew! I don't know who's more relieved that you are home...me or you!! LOL

Sweet dreams for you and the herd