After being cheated out of the Final Four last March, this week college basketball is in full swing with preseason tournaments on several ESPN channels and we are loving it! I check on Jo many times throughout the day – I honestly think she may have gone backwards a bit since I’ve been lifting her out of the bed. So no more of that for while. She does not trust me now – this is how she shifts in her bed when she hears me coming. She buries her head as far as she can. If she can’t see me then I can’t see her, right?
Makes me SOOOOO sad. She hasn’t eaten well today either and I have tried lots of things to tempt her. I also called two vets today to just talk to either one of them – neither called me back.
Dirty Dozen quilts:
That’s all, Gals! Say a little prayer for Jo and me.
does Jo like to go for a short walk? or something to “play”?
Susie Q – do you remember that I said she has never stood up in my presence? She is terrified and sad. I can’t wait till she’s ready to go for a walk! But she’s got to stand in order to walk.
Prayers for Jo. 🙏🙏🙏. I’m sure this has been asked. Is she suffering from an illness or something? It’s so sad she hasn’t warmed up to you. We’re you told she was abused when you picked her up? If someone dropped her off would they admit they abused her?
I feel for her, & you too Mary.
Donna O – yes, I knew she had been abused and the rescue group asked me to take her as a foster.
As they say “This too shall pass”, hang in there Mary, Jo will come around. Just as we human somethings have relapses.
Be safe and still!
I am praying for you and Jo, God bless both of you. I know it takes a lot of patience, but it seems like she should be coming around more than she is, she knows you are kind and giving her good care, but apparently she can’t get past her previous trauma.
I am trying to be patient with a Canadian goose I call lonely goose because she has been alone on our pond since late summer. Her left wing has been broken and she cannot fly so I have been feeding her and slowly gaining her trust. She comes when I call her, swimming as fast as she can to get to my side of the pond and after what seems like forever she now eats within inches of me. This morning I reached out and was able to pet her twice before she realized it was my scary hand and moved away. Yesterday after she finished her food she sat down within a foot of me! I sat in the cold wind for about a half hour talking to her. She makes a “weep weep” sound when we talk but yesterday she seemed so relaxed she made a soft sound similar to a cat purr. So my patience is paying off bit by bit. My husband is going to build her an insulated dog house and we will fence it in because very soon the pond will freeze over and I have to protect her from predators. So a little prayer that she will settle into a shelter and fenced space would be appreciated.
My love to you and little Jo, I pray she feels safe and secure very soon. Linda
Linda Schluchter – I love it! Could you send me a picture for the blog? Please keep us all up to date about Lonely Goose!!
A thought. Site on Instagram, josh the doodle, works with a lot of rescue organizations and vets. Maybe they might be able to advise.
Could you get a vet to prescribe some medicine for her? Our cat went through a period of anxiety one time and the vet prescribed an anti-anxiety drug that works real well. It comes in pill form but she choked on that so then they prescribed it in an ointment that we rubbed into the skin inside her ear. Just a thought But it seems that maybe the medicine would help ease your anxiety and then you could work on her behavioral issues.
Laurie – now that’s a good idea! I have anti-anxiety treats but she needs more than that. I’m calling tomorrow.
Calling a vet school is a great idea, especially since you live in Iowa with a great vet school. You can ask to speak to someone who specializes in the behavior and treatment of abused dogs. You might be able to find information on vet school websites, too. That could prepare to know what to ask about.
Be sure to ask about possible side effects. They can be simple things like increased drowsiness for a short period of time while adjusting, increased or decreased appetite, changes in bowel habits, etc.
If you get a transdermal gel or cream, you’ll need to clean the skin where you apply it periodically.
And we all need to remember vets and their clinics get overwhelmed with full schedules, urgent and emergency cases. too, along with personal commitments. Many businesses are short-staffed right now due to covid, not just human hospitals and doctors’ offices.
Aww! Poor Jo. Two steps forward – one step back. Keeping both of you in prayer.
The DD’s are beautiful once again. So many talented readers out there.
Thanks for sharing.
I was wondering if she’s been outside for even a few minutes. If your yard is fenced maybe even without a leash. I hope whoever treated her so badly pays for it in some way. No dog should be mistreated.
Thank you Jo for your patience . I know this is a hard challenge but if you can’t bring her around no one can.
God bless you and her.
Donna – she has a dog door to an outside yard but she won’t use it. She has not been outside for almost a month!
You keep checking in on her, Mary, so she knows you are close by. She is still trying to rid her head of her abuse which takes years some times so all of us worry about her. She’s in good hands with you so let her hear your sweet soft voice to know she is safe from harm. Mine that was abused never cooperates with me but is a very good house companion with no accidents. As soon as I want to brush her or trim her nails, she hides her head into her crate away from me and won’t even budge for a treat so I just give up. I then tell myself I want her to live out the rest of her life less anxious and scared so we just go about whatever I was doing and she eventually walks out and joins me wherever I am. It means so much to make her remaining years better than how she was treated so I know I have her for a reason.
Kathy in western NY – and obviously whatever you’re doing must be working! I just don’t want Jo to feel rushed or obligated – she will stand up when she’s ready. I’m sitting with her now during halftime of the Gonzaga game. I tHink she might be a little better.
Oh good to hear – she might have been apprehensive over what she was going to have to do next so her fear came back. It’s wise to just let her do her own thing for another few days.
I am so thankful and encouraged that there are truly kind people in the world when there is such ugliness in our country right now. Your patience and genuine love for jo and the lady with the Lonely Goose bring tears to my eyes. Bless you!
Carrolyn – I just love the story about the goose!
Mary, This may sound silly but have you tried laying on the floor when you are trying to get Jo to respond or look at you? We forget that our pets always look up to us, and an abused pet thinks everyone is going to hurt them but if you are on their level they may not be as frightened. Also another idea I thought about was for you to leave some article of your clothing on the floor for them to find when you are no longer there in the room. You probably thought of that one already.
Thank you for all you do for these frightened pets. I will keep you both in my prayers.
Prayers for you both daily.
You both will be in my prayers. You will find a way to reach her. May God bless you both.
I worry and think about you and Jo frequently. I cannot even imagine what she has been through or the type of person who could inflict that on a dog. She is soooo lucky to have you and your patient spirit. To trust a human will take giant strides. I know you are up to it.
God love her, she’s just breaks my heart. I know she’s in good hands now but I think if I ever found out who was so abusive to her I’d beat them to death and have no regrets. That sounds harsh (and I’m a loving person) but none of Gods creatures should be treated the way she was. It will take time, and she will probably always be leery, but you’re giving her the best life she so deserves.
So sorry to hear of Jo going back a step or two but once she REALLY realizes that you are only there to love her. She must have so much to overcome to trust again. Bless you for not giving up on her.
Bugger on the vets that won’t call you back. What about a vet school? Soon to be vets should be interested in something like Jo as they may have a patient down the road.
What about calling a Vet School at a college? Even a student may have an interest and look it up..After all this is their job right tending to the animals? Poor pub, what in the world happened to her that she lives in such fear…Does anyone know her background? I feel so sorry for JO as we all do.
Hang in there with Jo, I know this might sound strange but it is a full moon now. It does affect animals as well as some people. Tess is wild today and Al is restless so I checked the moon phase, full!
They go in spells, she will come back.
It’s hard and worry some.
I say a prayer every night for animals. Shame on the person who so abused Jo. I just really don’t understand people sometimes. I know we’d all be better off if everyone was kinder to each other and animals. I too loved the story of the goose from Linda. Take care.
Dont give up on this pup. Shes just beautiful. You are her angel, she will come around. Baby steps for her. She may have some set backs but she needs you. Thank you for your patience, she is so worth it!
Mary: We just watched West Virginia/Gonzaga game. Our Mountaineers lost, but not by much. It was a good game. Jimmy V was such a good man and so sad he is gone.
I thought the same about being on the same level with Jo when you talk to her. She is looking up at you, not at eye level. That shows your superiority. But at my age (78) IF I got down, somebody would need a wench to get me up. Maybe a footstool would work. Just a thought.
Louverna
Louverna – wasn’t that just a great game? Since I had both knees replaced it’s very hard to get down and back up again – the precious chair I had was very low – I’ll try something tomorrow. Thanks!
Mary! You are able to pick her up without whaling or crying…that is GREAT progress. Yes, the fear factor will take longer, but I know she will overcome that too with your help.
Colorado State University has an incredible vet program. I was referred there for one of my dogs. They not only took care of her, they took care of me too. Email if you want info.
The DD’s are pretty today, thanks all.
On the lighter side if life, if my husband doesn’t get a hair cut soon…He will be wearing pigtails!!!
Rub her ears for me.
Mary, this happens in counseling with people, too. One step forward, two steps back. As everyone has said, we worry about and pray for you and Jo. There have been some very good suggestions. I love Carolyn”s care of the goose and their “ sit/talk “ time together.
The DD’s are both pretty. I have the gnome Timber panel for my nephew who is a lumber man. I like the way it is finished. Thanks for the ideas whoever made it.
A person in Central Ohio was put in jail for abuse of a dog. Finally, people are being punished for animal abuse!
Diane and Squeak – Iowa should be ashamed at their lax animal abuse laws! I cannot bear to think about it. Thank you for putting that man in jail!!!
People who abuse animals are the lowest of the low!
Sorry, I goofed, the goose lady is Linda.😃
I love how this group puts our heads together and comes up with so many good ideas like the Vet schools. I don’t have any advice, but love to read the comments. Still cold here—35, but sunny😃😃
You are very wise to step back and give Jo more time, Mary. You have shown her she is safe and loved.
I, too, like Laurie’s idea of anti-anxiety cream; I had no idea there was such a product for pets.
Linda’s goose story is precious.
Love and Prayers.
Is she still playing with toys when alone? So sad for you both but I still believe one day she will climb into your lap.
Jo. She just breaks your heart. Prayers for both of you. The Lord knows what she has been through. Anti-anxiety meds might give her an edge against her troubled little mind and fears. My rescue Siamese was less than a year old when I got her and she was very much like Jo. She had her own small room with food, water, litter box. We kept a desk and computer in there and a rocking chair. I would open the door and she would be squeezed in between the wall and the desk, or behind the monitor. I closed off all of her hidey holes and she still found places. Finally, I would go in and get her out of where ever she was and rock and cuddle and sing. Lutheran hymns! It did the trick and she is my shadow. But no one else can come near. She will hide.
Hi from Canada:
Maybe Jo isn’t feeling good. She may have an upset tummy.
Hi from Canada
Maybe you could put a radio close to her bed and find a station that plays soft music. But maybe she likes RAP Ha Ha
Etsy from Canada – the music station on the tv is on to old country – it stays on for her 24/7.
So many great ideas for Jo…she is worth the effort! Mary, you are awesome!
Mary I pray for you and Jo everyday. I am so sad for her and I am sure she will finally accept your sweet love and care.
Hi Mary
I think just like some military people need anti anxiety drugs for PTSD. this poor Jo probably needs meds even for just a limited time. A prescription drug from the vet
Jackson Galaxy once on my cat from hell told the owners the cat needed prescription medication. They were gonna get rid of the cat. The meds worked and they kept the cat👍😁
Praying for Jo
Bea knight in boca raton Florida
It is wonderful to get to watch basketball again!
Praying for you and Jo! So sorry to hear that things have gone backwards. Hopefully one of the vets will get back to you. Maybe medication will be a good help. ❤️🙏❣️
My heart is literally breaking for Jo. I want to scoop her up and tell her I love her! Thank you again and again for sticking with her. I eagerly await each day to learn news of that poor pup. God bless you and Jo.
Expecting a Christmas Miracle for Jo.
Hi Mary.
It’s been a bad week. Last Wednesday I had to loose my beautiful Oliver Henry. The heart break is to much to talk about.
As you talk about your little gal, I’m wondering if she is grieving her family more than the abuse. Something tells me she is grieving something and want to return. It’s my broken heart talking.
Sue Davis, Argyle tx.
🐩Oliver❤️
Hi Mary.
It’s been a bad week. Last Wednesday I had to loose my beautiful Oliver Henry. The heart break is to much to talk about.
As you talk about your little gal, I’m wondering if she is grieving her family more than the abuse. Something tells me she is grieving something and want to return. It’s my broken heart talking.
Sue Davis, Argyle tx.
🐩Oliver❤️
Sue Davis – oh, Sue, I am so so sorry! I know and can identify with your heartache only too well. Your life with now have a different rhythm for you to become accustomed to. Do you still have another dog and if so, is that dog grieving as well? Of course he is! And maybe that IS why Jo is so sad. My info about her is so sketchy and it would help if I knew more about her previous
life. I wish I lived close – Hazel and I would come and visit you. I do know exactly how you’re feeling and it’s such a deep wound that it really IS hard to talk about but I appreciate you telling us.
Love that pattern Connie is making! She got her charm squares for $10! That’s a steal! I think I’d put your little squares back I. The box 😂😂😂😂. Love all the quilts etc., and the pretty kitty!
Does Jo need a soft blanket to hide under? People often do…
Do not be dismayed at Jo’s lack of progress. I see a lot of progress, she is not running and hiding under the shelves. She just needs more time to learn to “like” people…….she may never love people because of the severe abuse she has endured, probably all of her life. You are doing all the right things, keep up the good fight.
Paula in Texas – thank you – I do think I’m doing it correctly but I don’t see much improvement so I wonder at times.