We don’t seem to making any headway with our work to lessen Rogue’s anxiety or reactivity, even though we’ve adjusted her meds. To recap: 7 weeks of fluoxitine at 1mg dosage which was an error (fortunately on the safe side). Then we changed it to 10mg of fluoxitine daily for two weeks, which made her more aggressive towards the other dogs, and now we are closing in on 5 more weeks at 5 mg. daily. We’ll re-evaluate again at the first of March.
Frustration and impatience. Those two words would describe how I’ve felt about this process with Rogue lately. Well, and then guilt. Probably those three would sum it up. They usually come in that order too. I’ve been reading and re-reading the consult and protocols that we got from Dr. Overall, and this phrase always gets me, “these are the dogs who show you the type of person you can – but never expected – to become.”
When I first read that statement I thought, “yep, living with Rogue will reveal good qualities about us that we didn’t know we had.” How egotistical! LOL What I overlooked was that it was going to reveal many more negative qualities about myself than positive ones as her stress and anxiety wears on me. As we work through this process, I’m beginning to think that it’s more about being willing to see the flaws in your character and being willing to work to overcome them, to become a better person. Just my thoughts for today….
Yep, I was thinking yesterday that having even one dog is a full time job!
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Oh, Marie, I feel so guilty now. Honestly, we adopted Rogue to you in all good faith! And we still believe that you are among the most likely people on the planet to help Rogue learn to be happy and calm. If we can help…
Dawn! One dog?!? I can’t believe how quiet and calm the house is when we’re down to only ten dogs!
Jim,
I didn’t post that to make you and Barbara feel bad! One of the things that I admire about you two is the commitment that you’ve made to place the dogs with families that will help the dog be its’ happiest. I’ve never doubted that about you!
As for helping…you both have been a great source not only of information but support throughout this process. I appreciate that more than you know, I’m sure!!!
Mom agrees that just one dog is enough to test her character! Marie, we’re sorry that Rogue isn’t yet showing any improvement. Maybe there is something out there that will eventually make a difference. We’ll keep fingers/paws crossed. We admire you for all that you do though……
Well I see a lot of strengths in you while dealing with Rogue and her issues. We all get stressed.. and she is one to cause a bunch of stress… but I still see good, and I don’t see bad.
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Look at all you’ve done to help Rouge. If only dogs understood exactly what we do for them.
Of course, we don’t appreciate all they do for us, either!
I’m sorry its not working out as well as you had hoped. Hang in there. Its a trial and error with human subjects too.
I’ve missed keeping up with you guys.
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Lindsay,
I can tell you that on good days I can look at the long haul with Rogue’s anxiety and I think that we’re up to the challenge. There are other days when I wonder…LOL
Thanks for the kind words though as always! It’s nice to know that Rogue has so many people that are interested in her well being!
Lora,
Well, it can definitely a quite a process, just as it has been for many of my family and friends. I know it can make a world of difference though, so we’ll just keep plugging along till we find what she needs.
By the way, nice to hear from you again. I was hoping that the latest move hadn’t taken too much of a toll on you…