My furkids...

[kirmy]

I'm offshore and David is at home looking after the furkids as a house husband. Long story short he was being consumed by 5 night shifts a week, no annual leave etc etc and depression overcame him. I asked him kindly to quit his job and be a stay at home dad to our furkids while i went off to kill mastadons and bring home the bacon...ohhh bacon.

Anyway David has a new job. He is teaching silver surfers how to use computers and the internet. This takes him away from the love nest for up to 6hrs. Before it was at night and Linus and Penfold would curl up and sleep....but now we also have Myrtle the Bulldog who only knows what it is like to have Dad or mum or both there all the time.

David set up his gopro cam to film the pack while he went out to work. This was after a dog documentary we both fretted over on the BBC showing seperation anxiety amongst pets. The worst case scenario was true. Linus started howling like a timber wolf once David was gone and Myrtle paced and paced like a caged bear. We both feel awful. There was true pain in their fearful expression. To a dog we were gone for good.

The new revised plan is that David will take the fur kids to work in their crates and every two hours take them for a walk while his class has cups of tea. They always sleep in the car as it is a going out thing. Odd that they can be left in the car without distress but not the home.

Sigh....my poor furkids.

 

[huneypie]

Aw - 'to a dog we were gone for good'... it sounds so sad when you put it that way.

I'm glad that he's found something he enjoys and that he can take the babies with him :smile:

 

[Spiky Bugger]

They DO prescribe fluoxetine to dogs. You ever see the video of the seriously Prozac deficient dog? And other pets?

It's from years ago and may be out of favor now, but see if you can crack into this one:

 

[kirmy]

Thanks for the good advice...and NO I won't be medicating my dogs for...well being dogs.....

I think the best thing is to use desensitisation tricks and see how that goes. It is a bit like leaving your toddler at kindy for the first time....gutting.

 

[brooklyngirl]

Awww, poor puppies! It's a good thing your husband can take them to work. Have you tried giving them kongs or food puzzles when you/he leaves? I just read a million things in the last week that that's supposed to be helpful with separation anxiety.

 

[JackieOnLine]

it's interesting they can be left in the car: I have a friend who always does that. it's set up so they can run around in it or sleep in their beds and they are used to it.

 

[bearmom]

Poor pups. It is heartwrenching to see them in distress when you cant just explain things to them.

I remember the first time I realized Bear freaked out when we left him, I was still in the garage, and heard a horrible howling bark that was more like a scream - I'd barely ever heard a real bark from him. We had assumed he was fine when we left, since he'd been on his own since he was a pup, and wasn't keen (yet) on people, and hadn't seemed entirely sure and trusting of us. It was apparent that had changed and he'd become attached to us.

We were pretty successful destressing him, and would give him his favorite chew treat (mmm, greenies) that had some lasting power. I wanted something that would take at LEAST a few minutes, but preferably much longer. Footlong bully sticks could last so long I'd be home before he finished.

He got so he would be happy when he saw us put on coats or shoes or grab a bag, all signs to him we were about to leave and waited with wagging tail for the chewie.

We then tried to not make too big a deal out of greeting him when we returned, so us coming home wouldn't be so exuberant an event.

The only thing I'd watch with the above is that that none of them steal the chewie from another when no human is there to supervise. I'm glad David can take them to work, as that was always a dream of mine to take my pup with me. Hmm. JRT's are pretty smart, maybe you can teach them to Skype.

 

[brooklyngirl]

On the subject of skyping,,, a few weeks ago I saw a new product for pet parents, it looks like a tablet that sits in an outlet on the wall, so somewhat eye level to the pet, and it makes a noise with a flashing light to alert them and then you can video chat! Plus it can hold and dispense treats on your command. It was somewhere around $300, which I thought was crazy before we got our puppy. Doesn't seem so crazy anymore

 

[kirmy]

Poor pups. It is heartwrenching to see them in distress when you cant just explain things to them.

I remember the first time I realized Bear freaked out when we left him, I was still in the garage, and heard a horrible howling bark that was more like a scream - I'd barely ever heard a real bark from him. We had assumed he was fine when we left, since he'd been on his own since he was a pup, and wasn't keen (yet) on people, and hadn't seemed entirely sure and trusting of us. It was apparent that had changed and he'd become attached to us.

We were pretty successful destressing him, and would give him his favorite chew treat (mmm, greenies) that had some lasting power. I wanted something that would take at LEAST a few minutes, but preferably much longer. Footlong bully sticks could last so long I'd be home before he finished.

He got so he would be happy when he saw us put on coats or shoes or grab a bag, all signs to him we were about to leave and waited with wagging tail for the chewie.

We then tried to not make too big a deal out of greeting him when we returned, so us coming home wouldn't be so exuberant an event.

The only thing I'd watch with the above is that that none of them steal the chewie from another when no human is there to supervise. I'm glad David can take them to work, as that was always a dream of mine to take my pup with me. Hmm. JRT's are pretty smart, maybe you can teach them to Skype.

Linus is like Smeagle, he'd just take all of he "precious things" and hoard them whilst beating up everyone else. Myrtle might maul Linus for beating her up and Penfold would just roll up in a ball and go to sleep willing everyone else death. Also Myrtle would choke on most chew toys as she just swallows thm to prevent Linus getting look in. It's a flying circus! I am happy to keep the work arrangeent I have with David if he can take the furkids with him to work.

The howling wasthe most piteous sound I've ever heard...it was true heart break and I hope I NEVER experience that again....even if it is emailed. I just wish I could be at home to hold my squirmy fur bastards and mak it alright. It is hard to love something outside of yourself so utterly.

 

[DianaCox]

Our cats are Maine Coon mixes, and all have strong coonish traits of being dog-like. They all crave human company, and have us wrapped around their paws. They have very particular patterns with both my husband and me, required timing of interactions and pecking order in various locations (who gets to sit where with me on the bed, for instance, and the mandatory 10 min petting session that Onyx demands when I first lay down to sleep, and when Loki has occasionally tried to usurp that time and place, Onyx gets VERY butthurt). They are creatures of habit.

Although cats can technically be left alone for days with an occasional welfare check, feeding and watering, and cleaning the ginormous poop canoe, we are fortunate to have most of our adult kids living nearby. When we went out of town for 11 days, one set moved across the street to stay at the house - with their 18 mo old daughter, who's a bit of a bruiser. Previously, the cats have all avoided her like the plague, but she's gradually been trained to be more gentle with them. However, on this extended visit, Loki, our skittish big kitten (about two months older than the baby), decided the baby was kinda OK, and now they are becoming fast friends. The big fat older boy Onyx has been a little more tolerant, if only because he's too lazy to move until circumstances demand it - he will usually put up with a little patting and her laying her head on his stomach for a few minutes. Mimi (Loki's sister) still wants nothing to do with small humans.

When we got home, we got the standoffish stink-eye from all three of them. Until I bought their affections back with extra treats. This is how they look at me when they hear my vitamin box rattle, which precedes the treats:

They can apparently also tell time. If Charles stays up late watching his shows out in the living room, or cleaning up the kitchen, they all go out and pester him - and then he comes into the bedroom and says "Did you take your vitamins yet and give them their treats? Because they are telling me to tell you to hop to it!"

Thursday, I took them to the groomers, where the hairy beasts all got their bellies and nether regions shaved to the skin, to reduce the unnecessary contribution of indoor cat belly fur to the blizzard of fur shed on a daily basis, and to get their scimitars clipped (I'm afraid to do that myself - they are big strong cats, and I'm afraid I'm going to hurt them or they might forget they love me and slash my face). Onyx also got a bath, because he's got itchy dry skin. It took most of the rest of the day - and half a bag of treats - to get them to speak to me again.

Since we both are home most of the time, we don't face the daily abandonment issues; however, without our kids nearby, I don't think we'd be able to travel easily for days at a time, as I could not board them, either because of the cost or the trauma they would suffer.

Kirmy - how do the doggies deal with being left in the car (and the cold?) for even a couple of hours at a time? Or am I misunderstanding? I would think they would chew the seats to shreds.

 

[southernlady]

When we travel for longer than overnight, we bring in a pet sitter to handle the cats. They do need the food bowls, water bowls, and cat litter boxes checked daily.

 

[DuodenalSwitchaRoo]

Awww Super sad. Yay for jobs and stuff but poor babies! The one condition of us getting a dog was me being home most of the time...and I am thankful for that as Harley barks and SCREAMS if we dare leave him. It sounds like you guys have a plan though And Im happy to hear your partner is overcoming the depression...this winter has been BAD on most, and those of us prone to depression it is soooo terrible.

 

[kirmy]

Our cats are Maine Coon mixes, and all have strong coonish traits of being dog-like. They all crave human company, and have us wrapped around their paws. They have very particular patterns with both my husband and me, required timing of interactions and pecking order in various locations (who gets to sit where with me on the bed, for instance, and the mandatory 10 min petting session that Onyx demands when I first lay down to sleep, and when Loki has occasionally tried to usurp that time and place, Onyx gets VERY butthurt). They are creatures of habit.

Although cats can technically be left alone for days with an occasional welfare check, feeding and watering, and cleaning the ginormous poop canoe, we are fortunate to have most of our adult kids living nearby. When we went out of town for 11 days, one set moved across the street to stay at the house - with their 18 mo old daughter, who's a bit of a bruiser. Previously, the cats have all avoided her like the plague, but she's gradually been trained to be more gentle with them. However, on this extended visit, Loki, our skittish big kitten (about two months older than the baby), decided the baby was kinda OK, and now they are becoming fast friends. The big fat older boy Onyx has been a little more tolerant, if only because he's too lazy to move until circumstances demand it - he will usually put up with a little patting and her laying her head on his stomach for a few minutes. Mimi (Loki's sister) still wants nothing to do with small humans.

When we got home, we got the standoffish stink-eye from all three of them. Until I bought their affections back with extra treats. This is how they look at me when they hear my vitamin box rattle, which precedes the treats:

They can apparently also tell time. If Charles stays up late watching his shows out in the living room, or cleaning up the kitchen, they all go out and pester him - and then he comes into the bedroom and says "Did you take your vitamins yet and give them their treats? Because they are telling me to tell you to hop to it!"

Thursday, I took them to the groomers, where the hairy beasts all got their bellies and nether regions shaved to the skin, to reduce the unnecessary contribution of indoor cat belly fur to the blizzard of fur shed on a daily basis, and to get their scimitars clipped (I'm afraid to do that myself - they are big strong cats, and I'm afraid I'm going to hurt them or they might forget they love me and slash my face). Onyx also got a bath, because he's got itchy dry skin. It took most of the rest of the day - and half a bag of treats - to get them to speak to me again.

Since we both are home most of the time, we don't face the daily abandonment issues; however, without our kids nearby, I don't think we'd be able to travel easily for days at a time, as I could not board them, either because of the cost or the trauma they would suffer.

Kirmy - how do the doggies deal with being left in the car (and the cold?) for even a couple of hours at a time? Or am I misunderstanding? I would think they would chew the seats to shreds.

We have two dog crates in the car with duvets and blankets in. Once the car is heated it retains its temperature for a few hours and the dogs bodyheat keeps it cozy...and fogged up. The coldest I've fel in the car was 10 degrees, that was with -5 outside but with sub zero temps we would make alternative arragements. The dogs go to sleep as soon as they are in the car. They relate the car to us coming and going for short spells and then the bonus walks and adventures that go with it. The car means good things are going to happen. They have been conditioned to know we return quickly to the car. I can safely leave them for up to two hours in the car with no ill effects at all.....not so much at home. Having David home all day every day with tem then me has changed the pack dynamics and made Linus more neurotic than noral when we are not there. Also we have a pubescent Bull Dog who throws everything in the mix haywire wit hormones and attitude. It is tricky for the furkids rig now.

 

[DianaCox]

Kirmy - good point about how your doggies assume GOOD things happen when they get in the car. My cats only experience anal probes, injections, nail clipping and belly shaves at the end of car trips. Onyx evacuates specially preserved DS-smelling poops the minute he's put in the car in a crate or carry-bag. I put the kittens (15 lbs apiece) into one medium sized dog crate, and they just get sullen and snotty. No way I could leave them for any time in the car, regardless of the temperature (which isn't an issue in our temperate winters).

 

[Munchkin]

I have three rescues. My 2 GSP's are quite OK with us coming and going. In their crates or left free. My Weimaraner is another story. He was abused in his former home and has serious separation anxiety. Took me 2 years for him to be OK when we left but he still screams like he is being tortured when we come home.