10th November 2011
I hope everyone enjoyed the Halloween season both safely and sensibly.
Today I wanted to share a story with you which I hope will give you food for thought.
A lady rang me the other week in tears looking for advice with her 16 month old Labrador. She has had her since she was 8 weeks old and she had take the pup to the puppy classes, and obedience classes at her local trainer and was delighted with the results :- a happy well socialised pup!
After the two courses, the lady was proud to take her dog for walks in the park and the beach and did this every day.
Her circumstances changed and she fell pregnant.. this wasn’t a easy pregnancy and she had many days she was very unwell.
Months passed and she had a healthy baby girl and was very happy. The dog unfortunately started to play up and started to chew furniture, urinate on the floor and jumping up on all the visitors.
The lady rang me as she was at the end of her tether and frightened the dog would hurt the baby. Plus she was forever cleaning up!
Where could I recommend for her to take the dog to be re-homed??
I was shocked! I explained gently to her that the dog was feeling neglected and pushed out… with all the upset of the pregnancy and the new arrival, the dog was no longer taken for daily walks and the training was not kept up!
After a long conversation, we agreed to set up some rules and retrain the dog.
Happily things are working out and mother, baby and dog are now living in almost harmony!
The reason for this story is that whatever happens in your personal life, don’t forget your pets.. Don’t give up on them too quickly, seek help as there is always a solution to things if you really want one. Remember, they give you their love and loyalty unconditionally and will help pull you through those dark days!
For anyone in a similar situation, anyone who feels they can’t cope any longer, please, reach out and ask for help.
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