Greetings All:
re: I have a sinking feeling our Pyr may exhibit
behavior
I may misunderstand &/or misinterpet when he
realizes our Newf is really gone
As of today, Our
Newf is 12 years, 7 months and our Pyr 9 years 7 months.
I would appreciate
any advice or experience you have with what I believe may be a grieving
Pyr.
This is a long email. I apologize in advance to those of you who may be
trying to unsubscribe.
As the holidays approach I am receiving a ton of email - and understand
if you pass over this one
I feet it important to provide a little background about my dogs to
understand our Pyr's character.
(I adore the quirky traits of the Pyr )
The Issue: Our Newf has spent the night at
the vet before and our Pyr was ok with it.
We saw this day coming, but this morning,
our Newf could not move his lower body.
Today, we took him to a different vet (a highly recommended large
animal vet).
Our Newf
developed cervical spine problems about a year ago. He has had
excellent medical
care. The swimming pool and other active play has prolonged his
functioning and quality of life longer than predicted.
He could hop with his back legs - but there was no real steady gait.
He could still swim but eventually realized he ccould not get in the
pool even with
a canine life jacket - he hated our baby pool idea.
In
short: our once active outdoor aging Newf is very likely NOT coming
home.
We are sick with grief about this and get very teary when we think or
talk about
our Newf.
To compound the matter: it has only been 14 hours and our Pyr is
behaving
in a manner I have never seen and can barely fathom.
Our Pyr had to know our Newf was dying.
He (Pyr) ate his dinner this evening, I played with him for a very
short 5 minutes
and instead of going outside (he loves the weather this time of year),
he went to one of
his isolated spots and sat facing wall.
15 minutes later he moved to another spot and fell asleep facing the
wall.
Indoors or out, our Pyr NEVER leaves himself vulnerable. He
loves little kisses
on his muzzle and this evening he simply let me do it and stood there
stiffly with a blank
_expression_ (he did not lean into me the way Pyrs usuallydo).
I've always viewed our Pyr as kind of a loner and apparently have never
understood his relationship with our Newf.
I do not know what to do: If our Pyr's withdrawn behavior today
is even a slight indication of days ahead.
I read this in a Pyr book once and never forgot it:
lonely pyr = bored pyr = destructive pyr
Background:
For the most part, we have always had long lived Pyrs and Newfs.
Our last Pyr died at age 7 leaving a younger Newf, one much older Newf
and a Bouvier de Flanders
When the older Newf and Bouvier passed on we were left with the young
Newf, Zeus (age 4 at the time)
Zeus is an active, outdoor, very socialized, smart and obedient water
rescue dog.
He rarely barks at other dogs.
His behavior became destructive and mischievous when he ended up the
lone dog.
It was clear our Newf needed a play mate.
We bought a 3 month old male pyr, Fermat (fair-may) from a respected
reputable breeder.
Our pyr was neutered young and the Newf was never neutered.
We are experienced at introducing large animal dogs to each other,
recognize demonstrations of rough play and know
separation/diversion tactics in the event of serious fighting. We groom our dogs separately and they never
eat together. During the first few years,
our Newf never backed down to the pyr .
The Pyr would back down with timely
diversionary tactics however.
Our aging Newf no longer hassles with the
pyr.
We have a little over an acre of secure, fenced land that has a heavily
forested area on one side.
Our Pyr has three
invulnerable "cave/den" dwelling areas outdoors and three indoors.
The Pyr is not much of a barker indoors or out.
If a critter (coon, armadillo) enters our property, the Pyr runs it
down and the Newf kills it.
The Pyr is jealous when the Newf receives more attention from
strangers, he also will take the Newf's toys even though the Pyr does
not want them.
The Pyr and Newf team up when they need to, lick one another's wounds, but other than that, to me
it seemed that they simply co-existed. Other
than trips to the vet, our Pyr has never left our property. He is
friendly to service people, loves children and family members who enter
our property (there is no way to drive in - all vehicles are outside
the gate).
I have overindulged our Pyr.
He is used to a lot of affection, exercise, rough play and teasing.
He obeys my husband 100% of the time
He can be stubborn and petulant with me, push my limits- but eventually
will obey me.
Other than my husband - our Pyr is pretty much the only other being I
talk to.
When a stranger, family member or neighbor approaches me, if our Pyr
detects I am uncomfortable, he will stand in front of me (slightly off
to the side) and will not move until I nudge him with me knee.
He does not show
aggression - and his tail does not fully fan to a curl (a pyr alert
signal).
Any pointers would be helpful
Christine
----- Original Message -----
From: Catkin8040@aol.com
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 10:26:29 PM GMT -06:00 Central America
Subject: Re: [pyrnet] RE:Purebred Pyr?
Poor Ralph is now over 11 years old and is having a very
rough time. He can
no longer get up in the bed with me -- and that's a problem for both of
us.
(I'm seriously thinking about sleeping on the floor with him.)
When my first Pyr, Shelly, couldn't jump up on the bed any
more, I took the frame out and set the box springs and mattress on the
floor. Shelly was able to get on the bed again. That was several
years ago and the bed is still on the floor. Now it's Lily who shares,
(hogs) the bed. :)
>>>My
family & friends don't understand the bond we have together. But I
knew
you guys would understand.
Oh - I really do
understand. It's so hard when our babies start getting old and having
problems. And thinking about when we'll have to let them go is a
heartbreaker.
Cat
Lily-Belle & Soleil (Great Pyrs)
Troubles, Lacy & Sparkle (Great Cats)
Red (African Grey Parrot)