I am so glad I found your posts. I have had so many of the same thoughts/experiences with my dogs, especially the last Cairn terrier we had who was extremely reactive. We got him used to wearing a muzzle (and he was well trained to go into his kennel with just a one word command). It kept him safe by keeping others safe. I had several vets express their appreciation for my use of the muzzle when I brought him in for his annual exams. When it came time for him to take his last breath, I had had the opportunity to discuss his issues with one of the vets at our hospital so he made provisions to ensure that our Rocky was calm and did not take his last breath with the muzzle on. I am so grateful for this particular vet (all of them are good where we go, he is just a little bit more outstanding). Thanks again for your writings, Haley.
Oh, Cherry, this is so kind of you to take the time to say—thank you!! "It kept him safe by keeping others safe" is such an important sentence. When I think about advocating for Scout, that's one of the ways I conceptualize it: keeping both her and the world around her safe, so we can all coexist in a way that feels good. I am so sorry you've had to say goodbye to Rocky but so glad he was able to leave in such a peaceful, supported way. That is my dream to make that most terrible day as comfortable as it can be someday for Scout, too.
As the human to a repeat medalist at the Grudge Olympics with multiple placements in the Grudge Over Nothing singles event, I am mildly embarrassed to admit that I’ve never considered whether it’s counterproductive for vet staff to try befriending my wary dog.
No need for embarrassment! It took me ages. And every dog, as always, is different (plus the general advice does still seem to be for vets to try to get creatures to "warm up" to them). I am definitely happy we have realized this with Scout though—life is much better now!
It’s just kind of funny to me that for all I’m so careful, I didn’t make that connection. But he did choose his own vet, so in the long run I’m probably okay.
Bravo!
This means a lot from you, Nancy!
I am so glad I found your posts. I have had so many of the same thoughts/experiences with my dogs, especially the last Cairn terrier we had who was extremely reactive. We got him used to wearing a muzzle (and he was well trained to go into his kennel with just a one word command). It kept him safe by keeping others safe. I had several vets express their appreciation for my use of the muzzle when I brought him in for his annual exams. When it came time for him to take his last breath, I had had the opportunity to discuss his issues with one of the vets at our hospital so he made provisions to ensure that our Rocky was calm and did not take his last breath with the muzzle on. I am so grateful for this particular vet (all of them are good where we go, he is just a little bit more outstanding). Thanks again for your writings, Haley.
Oh, Cherry, this is so kind of you to take the time to say—thank you!! "It kept him safe by keeping others safe" is such an important sentence. When I think about advocating for Scout, that's one of the ways I conceptualize it: keeping both her and the world around her safe, so we can all coexist in a way that feels good. I am so sorry you've had to say goodbye to Rocky but so glad he was able to leave in such a peaceful, supported way. That is my dream to make that most terrible day as comfortable as it can be someday for Scout, too.
From the dog’s perspective! So many forget to ask the question “what is my dog’s experience?”. Thank you for sharing this excellent post!
Thank you for taking the time to read it!!
As the human to a repeat medalist at the Grudge Olympics with multiple placements in the Grudge Over Nothing singles event, I am mildly embarrassed to admit that I’ve never considered whether it’s counterproductive for vet staff to try befriending my wary dog.
No need for embarrassment! It took me ages. And every dog, as always, is different (plus the general advice does still seem to be for vets to try to get creatures to "warm up" to them). I am definitely happy we have realized this with Scout though—life is much better now!
It’s just kind of funny to me that for all I’m so careful, I didn’t make that connection. But he did choose his own vet, so in the long run I’m probably okay.
I appreciate this take on this topic! Clearly thought-through and expressed.