When I called to make the appointment with the behavioral vet, the earliest was mid-October. That's ok because it's a school break that week, but October is a really busy time for me around the house.
I just got a call about possibly having an appointment this Monday, bright and early.
Oh lordy, that's something to consider. I'd need to book a hotel and figure out logistics and ... it's a lot. A lot of money, a lot of hassle. It's a six hour drive each way. It's hot, which means I can't leave her in the vehicle even for a minute to run inside to pee.
In many other ways, this is perfect timing. While I have a lot that I want to do, I don't have to. I have another month almost with my big school project until due and taking off a day from work now is no big deal.
Tempted. Going to think about it.
Ziggy has made TREMENDOUS progress, as illustrated with the visit last weekend. But ... what do I want from this vet? To root out underlying issues, really deal with her reactivity, be able to trust her more.
Ziggy is such a good dog that this seems unnecessary ... but she still melts down. Do I want to try to keep her safe from all stress? Not really. I want her to be out in the world. I want to be able to trust her and for her to trust me (which she is more - so long as I take the leader role and protect her, she behaves much better).
I also want her to stop fucking jumping on people and dogs. It's so exasperating how she just flips out when a person comes to the house.
OK, lots to think about. It's like me going to the doctor for a sore throat. It may just be a sore throat, but it may be something more serious, like strep, that can be easily treated with the right pill. Ziggy won't get a pill - I don't think she needs medication, despite what I've been told by other "experts."
What Ziggy needs, honestly, is somebody committed to her training. And I've been sluffing off because we've been doing well. Whenever I"m not consistent, she doesn't "learn" the behavior I want. That's on me.
This is a big financial investment, but since I expect her to live another twelve years or so, it's worth it if it works. If it doesn't work, I will have wasted a considerable amount of money.
Hm.
I just got a call about possibly having an appointment this Monday, bright and early.
Oh lordy, that's something to consider. I'd need to book a hotel and figure out logistics and ... it's a lot. A lot of money, a lot of hassle. It's a six hour drive each way. It's hot, which means I can't leave her in the vehicle even for a minute to run inside to pee.
In many other ways, this is perfect timing. While I have a lot that I want to do, I don't have to. I have another month almost with my big school project until due and taking off a day from work now is no big deal.
Tempted. Going to think about it.
Ziggy has made TREMENDOUS progress, as illustrated with the visit last weekend. But ... what do I want from this vet? To root out underlying issues, really deal with her reactivity, be able to trust her more.
Ziggy is such a good dog that this seems unnecessary ... but she still melts down. Do I want to try to keep her safe from all stress? Not really. I want her to be out in the world. I want to be able to trust her and for her to trust me (which she is more - so long as I take the leader role and protect her, she behaves much better).
I also want her to stop fucking jumping on people and dogs. It's so exasperating how she just flips out when a person comes to the house.
OK, lots to think about. It's like me going to the doctor for a sore throat. It may just be a sore throat, but it may be something more serious, like strep, that can be easily treated with the right pill. Ziggy won't get a pill - I don't think she needs medication, despite what I've been told by other "experts."
What Ziggy needs, honestly, is somebody committed to her training. And I've been sluffing off because we've been doing well. Whenever I"m not consistent, she doesn't "learn" the behavior I want. That's on me.
This is a big financial investment, but since I expect her to live another twelve years or so, it's worth it if it works. If it doesn't work, I will have wasted a considerable amount of money.
Hm.
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