High anxiety

Time, patience required when dealing with a troubled animal

Pet ownership isn't always a walk in the park. Since we can't speak furry mammal language, we sometimes have to seek assistance to diagnose and solve problems.

It's something I was reminded about on a recent trip to Edmonton when I met my sister's new rescue dog, Eddie. Eddie is a large mixed-breed with more spunk than grace. She looks like she'd had a litter, but was recently spayed. She'd been doing well. Until, that is, she started to act out with inappropriate elimination, chewing and frantic greetings.

Eddie had been with my sister's family for a month. She was used to having a lot of time with family members. But her schedule was altered because of my nephew's wedding (the reason why I was in Edmonton). For most families, a wedding is a fun day to sit back and enjoy. Our family, however charges into action. We make the family in the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding look sedate. We even hold a family golf tournament the day after the wedding. It's tiring, but enjoyable.

Weekends like these are less fun for our pets. They spend a lot of time with new people, as well as a great deal of time alone. Older dogs can handle these changes. Puppies have a more difficult time of it.

Before the wedding weekend, Eddie's owners were doing everything right. They left the home briefly to teach Eddie that they'd return. She was taken on tons of walks. Being a rescue, she didn't even know how to play, but she was learning that, too.

Anxiety surfaced, however, after the rehearsal dinner. Eddie decided that she'd chew my brother in-law's $180 sunglasses. She didn't destroy the case and even ignored two cheap pairs beside his beloved specs. To be honest, I was impressed with her destructive skill. Most dogs would have chewed through the case. My family chalked it up to good taste. Eddie had also been known to redecorate -- she once took one set of pillows from one room and dragged them onto the couch in another room. My sister wasn't insulted. It didn't look bad at all.

The family was taking these things in stride until Eddie munched a $150 dollar pair of shoes worn once to the wedding.

Understandably, my niece, the owner of the footwear, was upset. However, she didn't catch the dog in the act. Although she knew that Eddie would have long forgotten what she'd done 18 hours earlier, my niece told me, "I have a right to be upset." That may have been true, but Eddie could sense my niece's negative body vibe. Because Eddie wasn't doing anything wrong at the time, it confused her. Dogs live in the present.

I recently chatted with the Winnipeg Humane Society's director of communications, Aileen White. She noted the important role that all rescues and shelters have in serving our local animal needs. What does this have to do with Eddie? Many owners, like my sister, give up too early on pets. One of the key areas where the WHS excels is in animal relinquishment prevention. It offers in-school dog safety lessons to reduce dog bites; dogs and storks classes to prevent pregnancy-related relinquishments; and the Yelp Line. The latter is an online service that offers advice for pet-related concerns. It's a trusted resource on the Internet, which is loaded with erroneous information.

One piece of advice offered by the Yelp Line is to not to use a kennel to control negative behaviour. This is not to say that they don't recommend crate-training, but that to introduce it as a solution to separation anxiety can be counter-productive. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety have been known to injure themselves trying to get out of a kennel.

There's no quick fix for separation anxiety, the Yelp Line notes. And it's unknown why some dogs suffer from it while others don't. What is understood is that the solution starts with the smallest steps. Family members should practise leaving the home. Go to the door, open it, shut it and then sit down. The next step would be to open the door, go out and leave the door open. When the dog seems less worried, go through the door, shut it and immediately return. Give the same verbal cue, the service recommends. Every time you leave, say, "I'll be back" (your dog will be the only one not to associate the promise with Arnold Schwarzenegger).

You never know what will happen when you take a pet into your family. Their care requires love and patience. It may not be a walk in the park, but it's worth it.

In the community:

You're invited to D'Arcy's A.R.C's Gigantic Yard Sale and Barbecue this coming Saturday and Sunday at 730B Century St. The sale will offer housewares, books, furniture, electronics, toys and games. For further information, call 888-2266 or go online to www.darcysarc.ca.

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The Winnipeg Humane Society's Paws in Motion fundraiser will be held on June 26, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Assiniboine Park. There will be prizes, food and pet items for sale.

For further information on taking part, call 982-2041. You may also register online at www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca

If you prefer to register in person go to the customer service counter at your local Safeway or you can go directly to the WHS location, 45 Hurst Way. The registration fee is $10.

Those who can't attend but still want to donate can sponsor a team, such as the Free Press Puppies.

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Also, Winnipeg Animal Services thanks all of those who voted for Sadie and Coco. Due to your support, they won five Kuranda beds.

char.adam@mts.net

twitter.com/charspetpage

Things to consider

Actions associated with separation anxiety:

-- The dog digs or chews at the doors

-- Howls or barks when you leave

-- Eliminates inappropriately

Typical behaviour:

-- He may follow you from room to room

-- He's overly excited or frantic when he greets you.

-- He doesn't like being outdoors alone.

For assistance, consult the Yelp Line: www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca and always contact your veterinarian about changes in your pet's behaviour.