Anti-anxiety Medication

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BarbV said:
Like Katherine, I'm just catching up on the thread.

Melissa, I think your vacation is well timed. You need this break to put things into perspective and decide what is best for your and your dogs.

I know you are a "high achiever" so you have high expectations of your pups and more importantly of yourself. You need to get over that! You should not feel that every setback of your dogs is a setback for yourself.

You've done a wonderful thing by taking on Toby, and you've got the strength to do it. But it takes time. You are doing all the right things - talking to the right people and asking all the right questions.

But ultimately, you need to look at your own personal quality of life. You won't be any good for anything if one dog is draining you dry. And you have your own health to consider. Don't let guilt drive you. You can rehome Toby if need be, but at the home of your choice.

I know I seem to making an arguement to rehome him. I'm not really...I'm just saying that its an ok solution.

Hugs to you!
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Yeah, some perspective would probably be good.

Its not so much that I'm a high achiever or that I expect a lot from my dogs, 'cause I don't think I do. It has more to do with the thought of adopting a dog and then giving it back to the rescue. Even though I KNOW there are extenuating circumstances and that I've tried everything I could with him, the thought still bothers me. Even though I know I'd be rehoming him for the right reasons, a small part of my brain is still saying 'You're giving up.'

But we're at the point (DH and I) where we've taken about all we can. If things don't start improving with Toby AND Ginny, we may still have to consider giving him back. I can't afford medication for them both, long term.

*Caro said:
Poor Ginny, times have been tough for her, dealing with Sadie's illness last year and now Toby's reactivity, she is definately a sensitive little dog. I have had a similar problem with Tully (not as bad tho). She never had problems with loud noises and thunderstorms but being around Deska's noise sensitivity has worked her up. She now hides under the table and starts barking. But I have worked out her hiding under the table is actually to get away from Deska, and the barking is in response to Deska's anxiety rather than the noise. She sometimes even starts the barking at the noise but if Deska doesn''t join in she will settle down. And if I take Deska out of the equation she will settle down straight away.

I have learnt that you can only deal with one dog's issue at a time and separately. But its hard because while I am focusing on calming Deska down Tully gets ignored. Often I wish I had someone that could take Tully aside and focus on her while I am dealing with Deska's anxiety. Instead I usually try to redirect her while I work with Deska.
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Yes, that sounds like Ginny exactly. When Toby gets revved up, Ginny does too. If I'm there I can calm her down quickly but if I'm not she gets so upset too that she pees herself. Since medicating Toby the accidents while I'm at work have stopped, but now she's having severe anxiety when she's outside.

Over the last couple of days I haven't really had to deal much with Toby, so I've been able to focus on Ginny. I just hope I can get her past this, I feel SO bad for her!
 
You are doing the very best for Toby. I would keep listening to the vet, and hopefully all turns into a positive situation.

Did the rescue person offer up any suggestions to help you with Toby? For her to tell you no meds, and she is getting a pup are textbook answers to me. The best answer to me would have been, this is what we do with our rescues to improve the behavior.

Your a good mom, and trying to do what is best for Toby.
 
Can you do something with Ginny that she loves and bring her confidence back. I know with Vinca...she loves agility, and by us taking her to agility class, she can let loose and regains a lot of her confidence as well as gets some exercise. Sometimes, when you are so anxious, it is great to go do something where you can let loose and just run around (and for a Sheltie, bark your head off).
 
danisgoat said:
Can you do something with Ginny that she loves and bring her confidence back. I know with Vinca...she loves agility, and by us taking her to agility class, she can let loose and regains a lot of her confidence as well as gets some exercise. Sometimes, when you are so anxious, it is great to go do something where you can let loose and just run around (and for a Sheltie, bark your head off).
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I haven't been able to get her to do anything that she loves, she's to anxious. Ginny loves to play. I've tried playing with her in the house and tempt her with all of her favorite toys, but she's just too scared. :(
 
OntarioSheltie said:
I haven't been able to get her to do anything that she loves, she's to anxious. Ginny loves to play. I've tried playing with her in the house and tempt her with all of her favorite toys, but she's just too scared. :(
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Does she feel safe with a stable dog playing with her? I wonder if just Sadie's presence outside would help. I know Lexi is less worried if Bentley is around (and he is far from stable!)
 
corbinam said:
Does she feel safe with a stable dog playing with her? I wonder if just Sadie's presence outside would help. I know Lexi is less worried if Bentley is around (and he is far from stable!)
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She's even more afraid outside and she won't play with Toby or Sadie, inside or out. She's afraid of both of them and has been spending most of the time hiding on the couch :(
 
She played with them a few nights ago but hasn't played since. Not sure what the difference is.

Today she refused to have anything to do with Sadie or Toby so I locked them upstairs and tried to play with her. She would play with my hands but refused to touch any toys. :(

I called the vet yesterday to tell them what's been going on with her, I'll hear back from her on Monday.
 
I took Toby for a walk in a busier area yesterday and Toby was fantastic. He was a very good boy and didn't feel the need to jump or lunge at anything. He was a bit stressed in areas with lots of traffic but in general he was MUCH more relaxed.

Ginny on the other hand is still bad. Its impossible to walk her without her panicking every few steps, even with medication. I'm going to ask the vet if I can up the dose a bit.

We're leaving for vacation tomorrow so I may not update again till we get back. Fingers crossed that the trip isn't too stressful for Ginny!
 
Have a wonderful vacation! I am so glad Toby is doing better. Poor little Ginny. I hope the change in the environment snaps her out of her fears. I saw you on you tube kayaking with Ginny. It looked like she enjoyed it. I am sure you'll find out how to help her. Look what you did with Sadie. LOL
 
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