An inconvenient love
Posted
May 29, 2008 at
5:13 pm by
Allison J
I think whoever said to get a dog before having a baby was trying to abolish procreation.
Here is how my day went yesterday…
I get home from work and immediately begin running errands for three hours straight with my dog, purchasing items for my dog. First the organic pet store 20 minutes from our house. There, with my 75 pound boxer at my side, I have to haul a 30 pound bag of dog food through the store. I get to the register and have to toss the monster bag on the counter (which is conveniently about 4 1/2 feet high). After paying $50 for Hunter’s organic, all natural kibble, I haul the bag to the car. I almost fall over as Hunter lurches me backwards so he can urinate on a bush.
Next stop, a larger pet supply store about 30 minutes away. Off Hunter and I go. The 30 minute trip turns into 45 as traffic backs up. Again, super convenient. We get to the store and Hunter is psyched! We spend 10 minutes walking outside so he can relieve himself upon every bush, tree, stone, blade of grass. He drags me inside and some deranged chiuaua goes postal on my pooch. After the excitement we make it back to the treat aisle. This is always a painful process as Hunter is allergic to just about everything. The ingestion of chicken, for one thing, means an emergency visit to the vet. Chicken happens to be in nearly EVERY dog treat. Again, freakin’ convenient. I’m trying to elegantly stoop down and stand on my tippies as I reach for the few treats he can eat. They also happen to be the most expensive. I hear at least four passer bys comment on how strong and playful my dog is as he does his best to make me fall on my tush.
Then panic sets in. Oh crap! Where are those all natural, locally made carob-chip cookies that my pooch adores? The ones that don’t use eggs. Where are they? They are one of three treats he can eat without developing an allergic reaction, or setting off his IBS. That’s right, my dog has Irritable Bowel Syndrome to boot. Conveniently they have been discontinued. Fine. Off we go with a small bounty of his allergen free, all natural, non-IBS irritating treats. Another $50 at the register.
Back outside the ritual of peeing on every surface continues. We get into the car and head back to the city. 45 minutes later and we are at the small pet boutique that carries the only canned food he can eat — a blend of venison and potatoes. Now why wouldn’t I pick up these cans at the two previous stores? Because, conveniently, this is the only store in a 50 mile radius that carries it. Of course they don’t carry his dry food or any of his treats. I juggle 10 cans in my free arm, the other holding tightly to Hunter’s leash, because this fancy-pants store doesn’t have carts or baskets. $30 and we’re off to the vet’s office.
Hunter always loved the vet. This is the man who, after many painful over-night stays, IV drips, skin tests, and doggie barium enemas, discovered all of Hunter’s ailments. Then Hunter developed a nasty tumor on his ear. Treating it surgically wasn’t really an option because of its locations, so a course of steroids were prescribed. That was fine and dandy, until Hunter had to visit the vet’s office to have the tumor scraped. As you can imagine it was not pleasant. As soon as Hunter realizes whose parking lot we’re in he begins to frantically pace in the backseat. I fight to get him into the office. There I pick up his allergy pills, anti-vomiting pills, and IBS medication. Hunter also needs his allergy shot. This does not make him a happy canine. He tries desperately to escape while I’m paying the hefty bill. $289.
We finally make it home and I’m drained, mentally, physically, and financially. Conveniently, Hunter wants to play football outside. Of course I could ignore him, tell him to go lay down and take a nap, but that would be too damn convenient.
My husband and I go to bed around 11:30. Hunter is snug in between us. At 4am I awake to the sound of him pacing around the house — never a good sign. I wait five minutes, hoping it will pass. Then I hear a sound that can only be compared to empty soda cans crashing to the floor. I jump out of bed and run to the kitchen. Nothing. I circle around to the living room and I see a very timid looking Hunter. He’s shaking. I look down and — ewww — a grotesque, large splattering of what appears to be ten servings of chocolate pudding. Just what I want to see at 4 in the morning.
I usher a traumatized Hunter outside as I clean the mess. Just me in a t-shirt, sans pants, cleaning up doggie diarrhea in front of my open, full glass front door.
After 20 minutes I wrap a blanket around me, just now realizing that I’m half naked, and call my dog inside. He’s too upset to come in. We’ve never hit him, and we always console and comfort him when he gets sick, but he won’t budge. I now have to get my sleeping husband out of bed to go outside, pick up our 75 pound dog, and bring him in. After a few minutes of hugging, gentle words, and a few doses of his medications, Hunter hops into bed with us. He burrows his head, places a paw on my leg, and falls fast asleep. Conveniently, I lay awake for another hour, stroking his belly.
Tags: Boxers, dogs, Humor, pet-allergies, sick-pets, special-needs-dogs, taking-care-of-pets |
28 Responses to “An inconvenient love”
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1. Jessica said:
May 29, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
I can’t imagine indulging a dog this much. I don’t even indulge my children this much.
2. Grandma frm Ks. said:
May 29, 2008 @ 6:55 pm
Jessica. I just gave up 2 weeks in Minn. on our 28 ft pontoon boat, b/c of my 60 lb baby, my friend who usually keeps her was gone also, and I can’t or won’t leave hetr in a kennel, my kids give me heck all the time about it, they are jealous, And I think it was easier to leave them than my dog, Did either of you catch Oprah show? it was about puppy mills and it broke my heart, Any way Allison J, I know exactly how you feel and the burgers do cost a fortune,
3. Sarah R said:
May 29, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
AllisonJ. how sweet, you would be a good mom!!! We had a dog, 15 yrs ago, is now passed away, who as a puppy had parvo,we stayed up 2 nites to save him and we did, but it was hard.
4. Allison J said:
May 29, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
My husband and I want to go to Europe. Hunter would stay with my parents, who adore and spoil him. But the thought of leaving him for 9 days kills me!
5. Allison J said:
May 29, 2008 @ 8:26 pm
I couldn’t watch the episode — it would kill me. My husband, whose parents bred their two boxers that gave us Hunter, had to go to a job site out of state. They were doing testing on Beagles. He said it was horrific — wouldn’t tell me anything else about it.
I can’t handle the mistreatment of dogs. It’s too much for me.
6. Rita said:
May 29, 2008 @ 9:01 pm
I know, we had a retarded pit bull for 9 years. Actually, he was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and he had brain damage. We made a lot of sacrifices for him over those years, and it was worth it for the kids. They loved him so much. I’d often pray for him to just die painlessly in his sleep, but then when it was time to put him down, it was hard for all of us. Retarded dogs tend to age faster and are more prone to early senility. He was only 9, but his muzzle was all gray and he was acting like a dog much older. His phobias got way worse and he started having freak-out tantrums. Being in the pit bull family, we were advised to put him down before something tragic happened. It was a really, really hard decision, because maybe nothing tragic would ever happen. But, his behavior was becoming more unpredictable and wild and we couldn’t take a chance.
So, I know what it’s like to have your life revolve around a special needs pet. Sometimes the only way you can cope is by knowing that you’re being totally altruistic, because a dog like that could so easily be mistreated by someone else.
7. Allison J said:
May 29, 2008 @ 9:14 pm
So, I know what it’s like to have your life revolve around a special needs pet. Sometimes the only way you can cope is by knowing that you’re being totally altruistic, because a dog like that could so easily be mistreated by someone else.[/quote]
That’s exactly it! I write in jest, because the truth is, there is nothing I’d rather do than take care of my dog. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
8. Jessica. said:
May 29, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
[quote comment="167042"]
That’s exactly it! I write in jest, because the truth is, there is nothing I’d rather do than take care of my dog. I wouldn’t have it any other way.[/quote]
Everybody says that until they have a kid. While there are some exceptions, I have seen far too many dog-crazy people who anthropomorphize their pets who swear up and down they will continue to love their dogs as much as they do being childless, the truth is — once children come along, they trump your pets in attention and love, as well as they should.
I’m just givin’ you a hard time because I know, if and when you ever have children of your own, your pooch will never be given the attention that you give him now. Priorities change.
Of course, there are some animal lovers that put their pets before their kids or on the same level, but I think that’s a psychosis more than anything else.
9. Grandma frm Ks. said:
May 29, 2008 @ 9:41 pm
AllisonJ I’m glad you did’nt watch it (Oprah) cause it was heart breaking, but I think her show and the ppl on there really can get the message out, I just can’t bring myself to leave mt dog with just any one , she is a good watch dog, She is an Australian Shepherd, and she is spoiled, But Jessica has a point, kids are very special,
10. Grandma frm Ks. said:
May 29, 2008 @ 9:47 pm
[quote comment="167036"]I know, we had a retarded pit bull for 9 years. Actually, he was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and he had brain damage. We made a lot of sacrifices for him over those years, and it was worth it for the kids. They loved him so much. I’d often pray for him to just die painlessly in his sleep, but then when it was time to put him down, it was hard for all of us. Retarded dogs tend to age faster and are more prone to early senility. He was only 9, but his muzzle was all gray and he was acting like a dog much older. His phobias got way worse and he started having freak-out tantrums. Being in the pit bull family, we were advised to put him down before something tragic happened. It was a really, really hard decision, because maybe nothing tragic would ever happen. But, his behavior was becoming more unpredictable and wild and we couldn’t take a chance.
So, I know what it’s like to have your life revolve around a special needs pet. Sometimes the only way you can cope is by knowing that you’re being totally altruistic, because a dog like that could so easily be mistreated by someone else.[/quote]
Yes 100% correct, and Rita just like humans are mistreated, oh my gosh I just goose bumps, cruelty, how can humans be so cruel? Espically those feeble minded or handicapped in any kind of way, I would be afraid God would aflict me with some thing if I was to mis-treat some one or some animal in that manner.
11. Rita said:
May 30, 2008 @ 8:46 am
[quote comment="167046"] While there are some exceptions, I have seen far too many dog-crazy people who anthropomorphize their pets who swear up and down they will continue to love their dogs as much as they do being childless, the truth is — once children come along, they trump your pets in attention and love, as well as they should.
I’m just givin’ you a hard time because I know, if and when you ever have children of your own, your pooch will never be given the attention that you give him now. Priorities change.
[/quote]
Yeah, that’s true to an extent. I know a lot of cat people who call their cats their “children” and it just makes me batty. Cats are not your children. I have had cats my entire life, I LOVE cats, but I never confused them with my children. The emotion is not the same. And only someone who hasn’t had children can get confused about it.
But, like with Donner, he was much more high needs than our kids were at times. The older kids were self-sufficient and rational for a large part of Donner’s life. But, he still needed to be treated like an infant. We made accommodations for him because that’s what he needed. But, we also compromised when things got bad. He freaked out once when the neighbors had their carpets cleaned (yes, the NEIGHBORS had their carpets cleaned and it was loud)–he defecated all over the livingroom and the stairs and he smooshed himself (grinding the crap into the carpet) to get under the gate to run upstairs and shit all over the bedrooms (it was as if he had a reserve bowel just for shitting when scared). After that, we put him in his kennel whenever we left the house. Now, I was home all day, so it wasn’t like he was caged all day, every day. But, I did make sure to put him in his big kennel every time we left the house so that wouldn’t happen again.
We had to kennel him whenever it rained–or looked like rain, too, because he freaked out during storms. Then it degenerated into freaking out when it rained. And that finally degenerated into freaking out when it was mildly overcast. Seriously. He’d go out to pee and if he saw gray clouds in the sky he’d start to tremble and belly crawl to the door. He was pathetic, lol. So, we needed to check the weather radar whenever we were leaving the house, and every night before bed, so we’d see if there was any rain coming and know to kennel him.
That went on for years, and he was comforted in his kennel. He liked it in there. We even put a big blanket on top of it, and he liked that. Cowardly Custard in his nice safe cage.
So, you DO make accommodations when it’s necessary for a pet that you love (or a pet that is loved by people you love). But, I don’t see another dog in my future. The kids beg and plead and I say, look, we’ll see when the little one is in school. If I’m home here and find it lonely and dreary and I need to be needed, then we’ll adopt a baby. Because a baby will GROW UP!
12. Allison G. said:
May 30, 2008 @ 10:18 am
Look, I’m no animal abuser but I agree with Jessica’s first post. My dog and I do not have a relationship like that. Or any dog I’ve ever owned.
That is one spoiled dog! You’re better off not having kids if you intend to baby this doggie for a while. Just stick in the words “with a baby in my arms” to every situation you just desribed (50 lb food bag in your arms, dog knocks you down, 10 cans of food in your hands…).
Maybe to make it easier on yourself, have you tried online ordering of his food?
13. Rita said:
May 30, 2008 @ 11:36 am
[quote comment="167146"]
That is one spoiled dog! You’re better off not having kids if you intend to baby this doggie for a while. Just stick in the words “with a baby in my arms” to every situation you just desribed (50 lb food bag in your arms, dog knocks you down, 10 cans of food in your hands…).
Maybe to make it easier on yourself, have you tried online ordering of his food?[/quote]
LOL. You know…after getting past my Donner bias, I realized I had looked at that original post through puppy-love eyes.
Why the hell are you dragging that dog with you every God damned place, Allison?
See, Donner got car sick. Yes. He trembled and shed and spit and eventually barfed whenever he was in the car. So, we took him nowhere that he didn’t absolutely have to go (and then we drugged him for the trip if we could). So, I cannot imagine bringing the dog with you pet food shopping. I can relate to the special diet and needing to go ’round to all the specialty stores and spending that much. But, it would be easier to just let him stay at home while you do it. Then take him for the vet visit on another trip. Time management, my dear.
Also, fuck the dog wanting to play football after that! More time management–his. He can chill for a little and give you some time to regroup.
Also, Donner had hay fever. Serious hay fever that would make him lick his paws (I don’t know why, but that’s actually a documented association), and it upset his stomach. Did you know that you can give dogs Benadryl? Just the plain old, over-the-counter (generic even!) benadryl! It’s soooo cheap and it works really well. You can look up the dosages online, but I think it’s like 1/2 to 1 adult tablet for every 50 lbs.
14. Grandma frm Ks. said:
May 30, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
Rita, you are funny, but so correcy, my girl friend has an English Shepherd 123 lbs of him, he also lives on Benadryl, and he hates ti travel, storms and gets sick very easily, when he poos in the yard, if he smells it, he throws up. He is over weight, can’t hardly get around and is a big mommas boy, she calls him a titty baby, I’m sure he will soon be gone b/c of health issuses and that is gonna break her heart, As for me , I really don’t think I will ever have another dog, I certainly don’t think I could ever love one the way I do Sadi, I appauld you for the way and how long you took care of your feeble pet, there are a lot of ppl. that don’t care that much for their kids, I agree, Allison for your own peace, leave your dog at home, I tried taking mine to the pet store, and she would’nt even walk on their floor, to slippery, So on cooler days I will take her to the stores and just leave her in the car, she does love to travel, and never gets sick.
15. Allison J said:
May 30, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
My husband travels a great deal, and until I finished my MS in Education I worked from home. Hunter became my best friend — literally. I was very isolated by working from home and having a husband that constantly travels.
I just got into the habit of doing everything with Hunter — meals, walks, car rides, sitting in the park reading. He loves being in the car, loves going every where. And for anyone that truly knows a boxer, you know they need LOTS of attention, exercise, stimulation. It’s the breed. I knew that going into it. Just like a child, he can get annoying, but you do what you have to do.
Taking him with me on these errands, although I made them sound hellish, is actually good. He gets home, we toss a football for 10 more minutes, and he’ll chill for a few hours. Plus, we had to visit the vet for a shot, which kind of requires his presence.
Just like parents who complain about their kids, I love my dogs and will do things that aren’t always convenient to me if they are a benefit to him.
Benadryl is a good friend of mine. Dogs can have 1mg per pound. The paw licking thing is constant — from his allergies. But Benadryl doesn’t always cut it — enter the allergy shots.
As for ordering the food online, I looked into it. Once you add on the shipping it’s cheaper to go out and pick it up. For me my priorities are straight — for what my life is right now.
Hunter is part of the reason that we’re waiting on kids — that and the fact that we’re 26 and 28. I know that is not at all an unreasonable age to have children, but for us it’s just not time.
While it’s still just the three of us, I’ll continue to pamper my pooch.
16. Rita said:
May 30, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
[quote comment="167183"]
Hunter became my best friend — literally. I was very isolated by working from home and having a husband that constantly travels.
I just got into the habit of doing everything with Hunter — meals, walks, car rides, sitting in the park reading. He loves being in the car, loves going every where. And for anyone that truly knows a boxer, you know they need LOTS of attention, exercise, stimulation. It’s the breed. I knew that going into it. Just like a child, he can get annoying, but you do what you have to do.
Just like parents who complain about their kids, I love my dogs and will do things that aren’t always convenient to me if they are a benefit to him.
[/quote]
I would agree with you on all accounts and ah, to each his own, and add that it’s hard to argue with someone who is just spreading love. If only it weren’t the “just like children” comments, lol. No. It’s not “just like children.” And, by that I mean, if you treat your kids like you’re treating this dog, then your kids are going to be rotten little monsters who have no boundaries and no respect for anyone else’s needs. Dogs are different because that’s how they are anyway–to an extent, oh there is the occasional superhero dog who saves a family from a fire, but most are pretty selfish and lacking in boundaries. Like dogs who eat the sixteen candy bars on easter and then need their stomach pumped. Why did they eat sixteen chocolate bars? Because there weren’t seventeen. They’re not like cats where they eat to a point and then stop and think, hey, you know, I think I’m full and I’ll just walk away from this plate now. And, anyone who has been humped by a dog knows that they have no boundaries. There is no personal space, no understanding of “arm’s length” social norms. And, they don’t care what your problem is, you’re supposed to PET THEM.
But, anyway, kids are different. Spoil away on the dog, and I won’t judge you, it’s your dog. But, don’t treat your kids like that, please!
17. Grandma frm Ks. said:
May 30, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
Well Hon, you pamper him, It’s just me, my hubby and our dog, and I’ll give up vacation any time if I’m not at ease where to leave her, so far she has only been left with my friend, And now when my friend visits and gets ready to leave Sadi will go hide b/c she is afraid she will have to go home with them, It’s pitiful but so sweet, We have a beautiful flower garden and I told hubby if any thing happens to her we’ll bury her in the garden, he teaseingly said, if she gets any bigger we’ll have to usr the whole garden, so be it, who cares , it’s only a flower garden. Love our Pooches huh!!!
18. Jessica said:
May 30, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
[quote comment="167183"]Just like parents who complain about their kids, I love my dogs and will do things that aren’t always convenient to me if they are a benefit to him.[/quote]
[quote comment="167183"]Hunter is part of the reason that we’re waiting on kids — that and the fact that we’re 26 and 28.[/quote]
I can understand waiting for kids if you don’t want them right now, it’s not the right time and you’re still so young, but going on a *parenting website* and thinking that any of this is relatable or reasonable to mothers with children isn’t going to get you much sympathy.
I love dogs. I have a dog, and I adore her, but until you have kids, you can’t even speak to how different your attention, affection and love is towards your children. All that love for your dog will be put in striking perspective once you have children. Your dog will then be what it was meant to be, a D-O-G. A furry creature that you will resent once your baby starts crawling through his shit and puke.
Yep.
19. Catarina the Doctor said:
May 31, 2008 @ 11:32 pm
Allison J, i love the way you described your day. It’s very crafty, because it seems like you were being funny, but also tagged in frustration, and then just some pure love! Dogs, animals in general, are wonderful! I can’t believe some ppl abuse them physically, even emotionally. They are humans TRUE bestfriends!!!
20. Allison J said:
June 1, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
21. Kennedy said:
June 1, 2008 @ 9:57 pm
I had a pet boxer, Brute, growing up. When he died, my mom got another one, Murphey. I was out living on my own by then, so I’m not as close to him, but he’s a sweetie! Your dog is BIG. He’s a doll though. Boxers DO need lots of attention. My mom’s boxer wants to be with her all the time and cries when she’s in another room for too long. She swears he can say “Mama”. LOL!!! I don’t know about that. Sure Hunter’s not your child, but it’s not like you don’t know that. And of course you’re not going to treat your “someday” kids like Hunter. He’s a dog. Spoiling him isn’t going to “ruin” him like it could kids. I know you know that though. You’re a teacher, so you understand kids, and I’m sure you know when you do have children someday that you’ll love them more than a dog, but right now you don’t have them so I say more power to you AND to Hunter.
He’s beautiful and I bet he brings so much love and joy into your life.
22. Jessica. said:
June 2, 2008 @ 8:38 am
I’m willing to bet that all the people who can easily relate to your living your life for your dog don’t have small children anymore or don’t have children at all. I was there once too.
23. Kennedy said:
June 2, 2008 @ 9:38 am
Well, I can’t really *relate* to it. I’ve loved my dogs, but didn’t do everything with them. I have 5 small children (well, one’s 11.) And no dogs right now. But if Alison wants to baby her dog, no harm done. I’m sure Hunter is very happy.
24. Kennedy said:
June 2, 2008 @ 9:40 am
Oops, sorry for mispelling your name, Allison.
Jessica, you’re probably right for the most part too. If you’ve never had a child you just don’t know what unconditional love is. Amazing, isn’t it?
25. SHS said:
June 19, 2008 @ 10:05 pm
Alison J,
After reading this article you make me feel like a terrible dog parent of 2!!! I don’t know weather to be ashamed of myself or think you are just a wee bit kooky…
I have always been a dog person. I love my dogs, take them to the vet when needed, have paid for biopsies that luckily have come back negative, always spay and neuter, even had my lab puppy go thru triple pelvic osteotomy surgery for a terrible hip. But when the vet tells me once a year that my dogs teeth need to be cleaned and that requires general anesthesia, I TELL him he’s a KOOK! The true love I feel for my dogs is deep and loyal. I sat with my last dog while she had to be put to sleep, holding a grape popsicle for her to lick while she passed away. But to give up a trip, buy gourmet dog food, etc….well my love has a boundary-cuz it is a DOG!
Big difference then a kid. No way the same, IMO!
I don’t know if you should consider kiddos at this point in your life….you might luv em to death!
Thanks for the read-I kept waiting for the punchline and when I realized there wasn’t one, I was surprised.
26. Grandma frm Ks. said:
June 19, 2008 @ 11:29 pm
[quote comment="167653"]I’m willing to bet that all the people who can easily relate to your living your life for your dog don’t have small children anymore or don’t have children at all. I was there once too.[/quote]
You are so right, no small children any more, at least not for long at a time, but I honestly can’t it’s any easier to get away with a dog, oh to church, the store but not for days at a time.
27. Allison J said:
June 20, 2008 @ 11:26 am
After reading this article you make me feel like a terrible dog parent of 2!!! I don’t know weather to be ashamed of myself or think you are just a wee bit kooky…
I have always been a dog person. I love my dogs, take them to the vet when needed, have paid for biopsies that luckily have come back negative, always spay and neuter, even had my lab puppy go thru triple pelvic osteotomy surgery for a terrible hip. But when the vet tells me once a year that my dogs teeth need to be cleaned and that requires general anesthesia, I TELL him he’s a KOOK! The true love I feel for my dogs is deep and loyal. I sat with my last dog while she had to be put to sleep, holding a grape popsicle for her to lick while she passed away. But to give up a trip, buy gourmet dog food, etc….well my love has a boundary-cuz it is a DOG!
Big difference then a kid. No way the same, IMO!
I don’t know if you should consider kiddos at this point in your life….you might luv em to death!
Thanks for the read-I kept waiting for the punchline and when I realized there wasn’t one, I was surprised.[/quote]
The expensive dog food isn’t for gourmet reasons — it’s because of his severe food allergies. Trust me, I wouldn’t spend that kind of money if it wasn’t necessary! I cringe every time I have to buy it.
As for the teeth cleaning, I’ve never done it either. My vet isn’t big on it, unless there is a legitimate health concern.
28. Grandma frm Ks. said:
June 21, 2008 @ 10:45 pm
Allison J, my vet says my dog has great teeth, and I have never brushed them, I do how ever give her the bone from a T-bone or a ham, vet says it does wonders, I posted this to you on the wrong blog, but the other day I was in a pet shop, I saw a picture/sign, this woman is looking down at her dog, the dog says ” Iam not spoiled, I have you well trained” I instanly thought of you”, They sure do huh?