nfowler
Posted : 5/19/2009 12:32:49 AM
willowchow
Willow's got this really pretty muzzle called a Happy Muzzle, it's red with daisies on it. They have other designs too.
Lori--Murphy has a Happy Muzzle too! It's the blue one and it's so funny to see Mr Serious in a Happy Muzzle. Cracks me up. I just call it his "Happy" now.
Murphy isn't a run-at-you kind of dog so the vet staff know to be cautious. His folder has "Caution" written all over it. I do all of the initial work with him there. I weigh him and I put a paper collar around if need be. The staff is great about it. And if kids are around--especially the naughty ones--then we wait in the car, just to be safe. I can't take any chances with a fear biter. And I remind everyone, everytime, in my own happy voice. "Oh, Murphy's my biter dog, and he will bite" (aka Biterman, and yes, he has cape he wears when it's cold in the winter). "No petting or getting near us." He doesn't wear his muzzle in and he doesn't wear it into the examination room. I just have it. And the vet and techs and I can talk with him sitting next to me, on a shorter leash, like Willow. They stay behind the examination counter, so we have a barrier and not wearing his Happy keeps him calmer. So far it's been working but I'm very diligent and I come home wiped out. Anyway, when they get set to examine him, then I put on the Happy and away we go.
Like Willow, he's become used to it. He doesn't love it, but it sure makes me feel better. And Murphy is better when I'm not around, but it's useful for me to be around during the exam because unless they're drawing blood or things like that, I can pick up on what they're seeing. (Murphy has major OA issues, and mainly goes to his newer holistic vet, who he really likes, as much as Murphy can like anyone aside from me, that is. And I can glean so much from her when I am able to watch what she's doing, so I like to be around. Surgery, needles? Nah. But my holistic vet? Oh yes.)
At this point, I've backed off the alarmist deal (it's been awhile since he bit somebody) and I use my mouth. I use it with kids, strangers, vet offices, etc. But, I keep the Happy with me just in case. That and his Gentle Leader. That does help. Oh, and his favorite treats. Always.