Pets and Other Animal Friends II

[doodler]

For the last few weeks, I've had a situation here that I've never dealt with before. Shadow, my 12 year old standard Poodle (who is my best bud,) has not wanted to go outside starting late afternoons/early evenings. Any time before that, he is his usual eager, bouncy, almost puppy self. He is blind in his right eye, but has no problem getting around, playing fetch, keeping the yard safe from pesky rabbits, etc. When Shad first started refusing to go out, I would put a collar on him, lead him to the door and shove him out on the deck. But after several days of that, I realized it wasn't a passing quirk and adjusted HIS schedule so he can go out around 5 or 5:30 and then not have to for the rest of the day and night. Now, I seldom get up before 10:30/11 or later in the morning (I don't go to bed until around 4 or 5 and since I live alone, I can do whatever I want.) That means, Shadow has to go... or NOT go... for at least 17 hours. Which he has done without fail. Since I'm up and down every hour or two during my "sleeping" period, I am aware of any dog that is stressed or moving around between lights out and when I get up to stay. I've never figured out how everyone knows the exact time I do get up to stay, but nobody ever lifts a head to look in my direction until then. Including Shadow who sleeps sprawled on his side between my bed and the fan, usually with his belly toward the blowing air. I've had quite a few older dogs, including one or two with vision impairments, but have never experienced this before. I know people who suffer with Alzheimer's often have problems that start in the evening and wonder if, like Shadow, they KNOW it and become... I don't know, reclusive? self protective? He's fine IN the house. He's just not willing to go outside.

Anyone been through this or have any ideas?

[killersmom]

Nothing exactly like this, Sherry, and this is probably no help for your situation with Shadow, but since Tootsie has started getting cloudy lenses in her eyes, she dislikes going outside at a certain time. I know it is summer and light later, but her hesitancy seems to be connected to the clock and not the light. Not sure why that is. All the other times she will go out on her own, navigate the steps, (up and down) and explore the yard. I have to go out with her after a certain time of the day.

Also in the past, when something has happened in the yard to scare her, she is hesitant about going outside. When Killer died, she did not want to go out either, but she has gotten past both these issues.

[morrobay]

I haven't had an experience like that, either.  When they don't want to go out, there's always something else going on, they're not happy inside or outside...sorry, I hope he gives you more clues...

Linda, I'm glad Tootsie has gotten over Killer not being there.  Would you consider getting another dog? 

When I got Cupcake from Sherry, I honestly think it was too soon for me after JD died...it's taking me a long time to get over that...even with all of JD's problems I still miss her a lot, and wonder if I did the right thing. 

But Cupcakes is one of the family now, the routine is all settled and everyone's happy.

[killersmom]

I would like to get an older dog for me and Tootsie, Nancy, but I am in the process of being forced to move again and until I get settled again, I have to wait.

[doodler]

Nothing exactly like this, Sherry, and this is probably no help for your situation with Shadow, but since Tootsie has started getting cloudy lenses in her eyes, she dislikes going outside at a certain time. I know it is summer and light later, but her hesitancy seems to be connected to the clock and not the light. Not sure why that is. All the other times she will go out on her own, navigate the steps, (up and down) and explore the yard. I have to go out with her after a certain time of the day.

Also in the past, when something has happened in the yard to scare her, she is hesitant about going outside. When Killer died, she did not want to go out either, but she has gotten past both these issues.

You're right. It is a clock thing rather than a light thing.

[morrobay]

Well, Cupcake is a happy girl.  When she first got here I was mixing her dry food with a spoon of canned food...we tried that for a while, but she always ate around the dry food, and left a circle of kiddble on the floor around her dish...so now she just gets canned.  In addition to tasting better, she said it's easier on her teeth....

[doodler]

Since you know your way around the computer, I suggest you do some research into canned vs dry dog foods.

[morrobay]

I suspect it would be similar to a comparison of junk food vs fruits, veggies & lean meat for people....

[doodler]

Close.

[morrobay]

Sherry, how's Shadow doing?

[doodler]

He's the same. I have managed to move his clock a little so I can TAKE him out at 6 and leave him in the yard by himself for a half hour or so. Then he comes in and camps out in the t room with me until 7:30 or 8. He seems perfectly happy, is sleeping and eating good and is always ready to romp in the late morning when he goes out again. Old age ain;t all it's cracked up to be, even for dogs!