Update on our Rescue pup

[mrsv98]

A while back I asked for help in dealing with anxiety issues in our new rescue pup and opinions on medication. It has been almost 3 months and I thought I would give an update. I am very happy to say we are all MUCH better!

Under the supervision of our vet, we started Sweetie on Reconcile (prozac) and xanax. The poor little thing needed .625 of the xanax twice a day at first and that did not even knock her out! After several weeks, the Reconcile kicked in and now I am gradually weaning her from the xanax.

We also hired a trainer who comes to the house and work on positive reinforcement. Finally, we got a training collar. I really didn't want to use one but we couldn't break her habit of grabbing the fence in the yard and screaming. Now I wish I had gotten it sooner, within two days we had her broken of the habit and her entire body is more relaxed. It is as if she didn't know how to stop herself and we helped her find a way.

So this is my long winded way of saying that Sweetie is a happy member of the family, adored by DD, chuckled at by DH and tolerated by her big sisters...lol Here is a pic I took of her today:

Thanks for all those who gave us advice and wished us well!

 

[Scurvy]

She's so adorable! I'm glad she's doing better now.

 

[Cat0727]

Aww look at that face

Glad she's doing better!

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi mrsv98,
That is great news and thanks for sharing. Sweetie is adorable and looks very happy. I want to commend you for taking the time to work with her and do everything it takes to get her better. Rescue animals can be tough at first, though in my experience they love you in a way no other can. Sending pixie dust your way for things to continue improving. Please keep us updated.

 

[lucas]

She is sooooo beautiful!

 

[mrsv98]

Hi mrsv98,
That is great news and thanks for sharing. Sweetie is adorable and looks very happy. I want to commend you for taking the time to work with her and do everything it takes to get her better. Rescue animals can be tough at first, though in my experience they love you in a way no other can. Sending pixie dust your way for things to continue improving. Please keep us updated.

Thanks everyone, we just love her to bits and like childbirth the memory of the first rough weeks are fading...lucky for her!

The bolded part made me think of one of the vet's remarks. She said she gave me tons of credit for keeping Sweetie and continuing to look for ways to help her, that many people would have sent her back. That really startled me, really? send her back because she is having a tough time? The fact that she was so anxious made me want to help her even more, I can't imagine sending her back!

We got Sweetie mostly for DD and I never expected to fall head over heels for her, but I have!

 

[bballmom56]

That's wonderful! I also want to thank you for all your efforts - it has obviously paid off. She looks so happy! Our current dog is a rescue and had some issues in the beginning that I wasn't sure would work out. But with time, affection, positive attention and the confidence that she has a forever home with a family who loves her, she has turned into a wonderful dog.

 

[clutter]

She is SO adorable. What a face!!!