Dog Community

Thursday chat

Posted : 9/2/2010 5:38:45 AM

Another morning like this and I'm leaving. Just going away.

By 5:30 we were in the middle of a vicious attack on Theo by Thunder. This is the second time since we've been in the RV that Thunder has seriously injured another one of my dogs. First Sheba with the eye, now Theo. Thunder doesn't like Theo, never has, and this morning I was afraid he wanted to kill him. He was in a murderous rage. As far as I could tell, there wasn't a trigger. Theo was under the table, as usual, we got a couple growls that, unlike normal, the water bottle did not stop, and then a full out attack. And when one of us would get him pulled away, he'd break free and go back in for more.

Theo has a nasty puncture wound in his chest. DS got a puncture to the hand and because of the swelling can't use it. I'm truly at the end of my rope here. Bad enough dealing with murderous rage in a dog, then I had to deal with it in DS.

I honestly don't know what to do with Thunder. As it is he spends the bulk of the day crated in the bedroom away from everyone because he's too resource guardy and too much of a troublemaker. I can't have him out here with the rest of us.....he seems to look for trouble to cause, but, we do go back there and spend time with him throughout the day, so he's not in solitary confinement. In close quarters it does NOT take much agitating for things to blow up. I know that most of it is because of being so crowded, not as much exercise as they would all like, but we're doing the very best we can for them under the circumstances. This is very far from an ideal living situation. I do know that. It's far from ideal for us too.

I did look into kenneling a couple of them earlier in the week just for the duration. Maybe AFTER the weekend I could get them in, but not now. It doesn't seem real fair to send a couple away until we can get into the house, but I'm not sure what else to do. Now, I don't feel like I can put Thunder in a situation like that.

I know in my heart that most of Thunders behavior is because of the living situation. And this week is "different" because Todd is gone early and then comes back for walks. So there are factors at work that can be a large part of the problem. But, honestly, I'm finding it harder to come up with arguments when DS says he needs to be put down.

Thunder ALWAYS gets vallerin in the morning. Today everyone got it AND a calms forte. And if I had any vodka in this damnable RV I'd be lacing my coffee with it!

So guys....that's been my morning and my morning grouching. Hope everyone ELSE has a happier start to their day!

hapnthatch

Posted : 9/2/2010 5:50:17 AM

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that... I can imagine how upset you are =(. But I think I remember you're moving into a house soon, right? So, there's a dim light at the end of the tunnel? Hope the rest of your day gets better!

glenmar

Posted : 9/2/2010 6:07:11 AM

We are moving in on the 21st. Although, if things keep up this way, I may have DS and Thunder spend the night of the 20th there just to give the rest of us a break.

On a brighter note, this should be the last day of the hot weather.

I'm hoping that Earl doesn't push rain and storms into upstate NY....oldest DS is there for a good friends wedding on Saturday.

3girls

Posted : 9/2/2010 6:09:46 AM

Oh Glenda, I'm so sorry for the stress you and yours are going through. Sending you some nice "calming" vibes!!!

glenmar

Posted : 9/2/2010 7:03:00 AM

I gave ME a vallerin too, so the desire for liquor laced coffee has gone away! LOL! Thank you though for caring!

The morning actually started with the dogs in the hall and Thors head in the bathroom. I dragged him out, shut the bathroom door tight and thot I had everyone in the main part of the RV. Eventually I realized that Shadow was shut in the bathroom and having a great time back there eating what little cat food remained, and helping himself to the tissues in the trash. From there it went downhill pretty fast.

I know that stuff happens, but man, this was really SCARY stuff. I'll make an appointment for Thunder as soon as the vets open and get some bloodwork done. There might be a physical issue, but I'm really thinking that the confines of this RV are driving EVERYONE crazy. I must say though that the combo of BOTH vallerin and calms have everyone pretty dang mellow at the moment! Maybe I'll just keep everyone drugged for the duration!

I don't recall any major issues when we lived in this darned thing before, but, we had one less human living in here then too. Ryan is NOT calm with the dogs....but then, he's not a calm person. And, he's very moody and quick tempered. I guess I just need to do a better job of managing. And, to be honest, Theo is not without blame. He didn't do anything this morning, but, Theo has a nasty habit of biting butts when the other dogs have to pass by him.

For now though, I'm just going to get on with my day and stop obsessing about the misadventures of the morning!

Pwca

Posted : 9/2/2010 7:07:24 AM

Hang in there, Glenda- sounds like a scary day!

I *do* think things will get better once you get into the house. I can't imagine how you all don't annoy each other to death in an RV- even the big ones I've seen have been really short on floor space!

sharismom

Posted : 9/2/2010 7:14:59 AM

Calming vibes to all in Glenda's household.

It's super humid here today; everyone east of Michigan on the same latitudes will likely see this same stuff in a day or two, compounded by the storm breezing up the coast.

I hope everyone in the storm's path stays safe!

Maybe tomorrow's chat can start out with a more cheery title; they've been kinda downers all week. Jes sayin'

mrstjohnson

Posted : 9/2/2010 7:18:43 AM

I am sorry things are so crazy Glenda...almost there, almost over!

I am going in for my HIDA scan today. They didn't find any gallstones but I keep having attacks. I am actually in the middle of one right now. Thank goodness doc gave me some anti-spasm pills to take when I feel one coming on. That at least keeps it manageable. The one I had on Monday night had me whimpering in the bathroom. Charlie was with me and since I couldn't call for DH (too much pain) Charlie started barking and got him in there. I swear I have never been so scared. I literally thought someone was trying to squeeze my stomach out of my body. I have had kidney stones and went through child birth. Gallbladder pain are much worse x100. They basically think my gallbladder is working at maybe 2 - 4%, the test today should confirm that.

Good news is I am off tomorrow, its a long weekend, and our friends are coming in tomorrow. Whoo Hoo!!!

sharismom

Posted : 9/2/2010 7:27:14 AM

I hope you get some answers today, Lisa.

glenmar

Posted : 9/2/2010 7:52:32 AM

I too hope you get some answers today Lisa. Be nice to get the question answered and the solution found....sooner rather than later. That had to be really frightening for you and thank goodness for Charlie.

Tina, the downer titles would be MY fault! I took the "toxic" out, so hopefully it stays out. Only ONE MORE insanely early morning and then a long weekend with my oldest son coming Sunday for a day or two. Hopefully he doesn't oversleep so much on Sunday as he did LAST Sunday!

I can't believe how QUIET it is in here! People are coming and going, moving around, talking, and not a single peep from the dogs. I guess the two meds together did the trick! Hmmmm, maybe I could even clip nails on my two skittish boys....... Surprise

l.michelle

Posted : 9/2/2010 8:04:08 AM

Ahh Glenda, I hope things get better with the dogs!

Tina - have a fabulous weekend!!!

Lisa - That sounds horrible, I hope they find out what is wrong soon and are able to fix it

I will probably not be on this weekend at all. I took tomorrow off work so I have an extra long weekend Smile . I have a meeting with the florist tomorrow and then a tour of the golf course, Derek and I get to drive around to see spots for picture taking. Then Saturday morning is my final dress fitting, and I don't think I have anymore plans for the rest of the weekend Smile

Jewlieee

Posted : 9/2/2010 8:10:17 AM

Glenda - that stinks. I am not sure what you should do either. The being in such close quarters is probably driving everyone bonkers. I don't think it is unfair of you to ship a couple out for a break.

My brain is not awake yet. I'm struggling with going on this search or not. My boss has already given her frown due to me leaving for 2 weeks. She didn't say no - she's going on the search herself - but she doesn't think it's a good idea for me to go considering how much needs to get done before I leave. So, there's the rub.

Lily was banished to her crate last night for waking me up twice. The 2nd time I let her out by herself (instead of letting abbie to with her) and she just stood on the deck. grrrr. That ticked me off and proved my theory that she really doesn't have to go! She just wants to police the yard with abbie! Now I'm tired as heck!

l.michelle

Posted : 9/2/2010 8:17:16 AM

Julie - Do you mean the search for the missing man? Honestly, I would go even for a bit to try to help, a person's life should be worth more than work. Let her frown, but honestly, what is a life worth to her?

Jewlieee

Posted : 9/2/2010 9:48:59 AM

Its a 4 hour drive each way, so a 1-2 day gig. I'm not going today, but I told them to count me in for fri and sat. I will just stay late tonight to wrap things up. at this point it is highly unlikely that he is alive, although you never really know. Maybe he is a tough cookie.

glenmar

Posted : 9/2/2010 9:57:33 AM

I'm really glad you guys are finally going to be involved. And maybe he IS a tough one and will still be alive. I think that a lot of us have been praying for him.

Theo has been vetted. No sutures, but he did get anti inflamatories, antibiotics and pain meds in case those are needed. He's a bit wobbly on his feet, but, between the vallerin, calms forte and any inflammation and swelling.......Thunder will be seen next Friday. Wish it were much sooner.

In the meantime, we're just going to have to micro manage.