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This post was edited by jamies on Mon, Mar 10, 14 at 7:48

A 12 year old dog wants to sleep and enjoy the world go by. At this age, playing is very little unless she had a great deal prior to your adoption. She may also have been and indoor dog. These little guys are meant to be cuddled and lap bound.

I suggest a small enclosed area outside if you feel the need for outside time. Although most little ones really don't need a lot of time outdoors. Your walk is probably enough exercise for age and size.

Perhaps an enclosed area that is outdoor shaded and carpeted so you can keep the dirt at bay and wash/sun dry when needed. You didn't say where she got enough dirt from to require a clean up.

My dog is 4 and gets into all kinds of activities outside, but crossing over the patio to come indoors, she arrives just fine to live inside. Unless snow/rain, then a big towel drying. Many dogs of all sizes in my life and always at my feet indoors. Their hearts are one with me.

Hi Jaimes -

I have just a few suggestions. We have a small (10 lbs or so) dog ourselves. She is an indoor dog who goes outside to do her business. She is also allowed on the furniture - although that is mostly our bed, which is where she sleeps. Honestly, unless it is wet outside or she happens to find something that might be fun to roll in, she does not come in "dirty". If it's wet, etc., she gets her paws dried off (which is a good idea if they have furry paws anyway because wet paws can lead to yeast). She has a little blanket that she likes to lay on on our bed. It's funny, she must know that is "her" blanket and she likes to get on it. Of course she gets on our blanket too, but that is fine to us. She is bathed at least once a month and usually twice. She needs to be groomed and we have that done every 4 weeks and I usually bathe her once in between. Brushing helps keep them clean also and I bet your dog would love being brushed.

We have never used a crate. I think you could get rid of your crate just fine. For several years we used a baby gate on one room when we were gone. All of the sudden, one morning I was going to work and Abby would not go in the room! I finally had to leave the house and leave her out. It's been that way ever since. I would love to leave her in our sunroom when we are out so that she could watch the birds, squirrels, bunnies, etc. but no way. She still goes to our room where she lounges on the bed all day (LOL) or into our bathroom, where she sleeps on one of the rugs.

Also, I wanted to suggest Trifexis for fleas and heartworms. I believe it protects against other worms too. Our little dog is very sensitive to some of the topical flea prevention (and besides with this you get two in one!). We cannot use tick prevention on her because she is really sensitive to that. I just have to check her for ticks.

I think you are doing just fine in keeping her in, walking her, etc. I would continue with that and not worry so much over what she is getting dirty. It will really be less than you think. Plus a dog brings so much joy into your life, the dirt won't even matter.

tina

Jamies, our dog is 12 pounds and has a small travel crate (for travel only) and a crate that is larger that we originally had for a previous dog who was 20 pounds. It's large enough for a regular size bed pillow to fit so she can easily turn around and even stretch out a bit. We originally had it in our bedroom when we first got her as she had severe separation anxiety and had to see me at all times or she would literally scream. I had never heard such sounds from a dog before. Later once her separation anxiety ended we moved it to the kitchen as it was easier for us and she was fine with that. She only sleeps in it at night tho and only occasionally uses it in the daytime. We never lock her in there in the daytime even when we go out as have a baby gate to confine her to the kitchen where she can watch the birds and squirrels.

IMO crates work really well for dogs (especially small dogs) as they realize quickly it's their safe place. Our dog is very afraid of thunder and goes to her crate voluntarily then. She also has a fear of some men and starts fear barking sometimes when workmen come into the house. I put her in her crate and she quiets. Must be due to a previous bad experience as she's fine with some guys but with others she goes ballistic.

Sometimes one just has to experiment to find what works with pets. I'd just move the crate to the kitchen one morning and leave her bed in the bedroom. See what she does. If she doesn't settle that night with only her bed you can bring the crate to the bedroom but chances are she'll be fine.

I know some people don't like crates and I used to be one of them, I have two small 14 yr. old dogs, radically different in personality. The neurotic one has slept in the bottom of the bathroom closet for years. It is essentially a "crate" without a closeable door ( I wouldn't do that because of lack of air)

Anyway, when she was little she would seek out any small space when it rained and eventually I put a bed and blankets in the closet and she has been there for at least 12 years.
So fast forward to now, and she has dementia and is as feisty as ever and crazy neurotic now. (think Sheldon) Obsessive about a whole bunch of things....it's not pooping and peeing in the house at all, or chewing things up, mainly licking the floor constantly among other behaviors.
I wish I had crate trained her and had a real crate so I could keep her confined at times but be able to move her around to be with us.
As it is, I frequently leash her to the sofa leg w/a dog bed nearby so she can be with us in the evenings but confined to one area.
At night, she is in the closet but frequently gets up (to do things I don't want her to do) and I can't keep her locked in there.

Yes, never complain about having a quiet mellow dog ... karma will get back at you and the next dog will be neurotic! Mellow is so much better than neurotic. My sister picked her dog as a puppy because it was the cute one jumping around her littermates. Well, that dog never calmed down and now at 14 years old is still neurotic and because she is loosing some of her senses will snap and bite when startled, even bite her owners. Luckily she isn't a large dog.

It's wonderful that you adopted a shelter dog, and a mature one at that. Sounds like you've done a lot to try and meet her needs. But please heed the posters who remind you that at 12 years, she is old. Her feisty, playful days may be over and she may only crave your companionship and a warm place to nap now.

I'm a former dog owner who adopted an older rescue cat. You can throw cat toys by her all day long and she just looks at them. She'd much rather sit in the window and watch the birds outside. However, she's a wonderful companion, as I'm sure your Pink is.

BTW, if you're concerned about dirt in your bed, you may want to arrange a smaller, special blanket on it that she can lay on. I do this with my cat so that her fur doesn't wind up all over the bed. It's easy to throw in the wash and she loves it.

I have a feeling you've never experienced the unconditional love of a dog. If so, you'd be bending over backwards to grant Pinks every wish. I'm a softie where dogs are concerned, so maybe that's just me.

Since she's so tiny & old...and at the end of her life, I beg of you to let her sleep and cuddle with you all at night. Let her experience the love of a human for once in her life.

Let her on the furniture. She'll eventually choose her favorite seat, and put a little blanket on that spot.

I keep a sheet on my sofa fulltime unless company is coming.

If she is treated for fleas there is no worry.

Once dogs get to a certain age, they're not really into toys like they used to be.

Food, there is a lot of good and tasty dog food out there, and you can also cook her some chicken or beef...or give her leftover meat.

Crating her while your gone isn't a bad idea, but once she has free rein of the house she may not need to be crated.

Right now she needs to be treated like a queen. The reward to you will be phenomenal.

Oakley, your post just brought tears to my eyes.

I'm not piling on and I'm not trying to be mean (honest!) - but if someone can't deal with a little dirt, they really shouldn't get a dog.

Bless you for adopting this little girl. She is in the last few years of her life. Anything you can do to make her feel loved and safe would be great.

I agree, patrice. Very nice post Oakley. I think you are exactly right.

Jamies - I just wanted to say thank you and good luck with Pink. This and your other thread have really been a good read for me (and possibly others)

As much as my family wants a dog (and I like them too), I just think there is no way I will be comfortable with it. I dont' know what happened, I had dogs growing up! Maybe I am just old. :) I think I will stick with cats. Cats can be gross too, but for some reason the outside Ick brought in by pets that go outdoors seems to be something I just really do not want to deal with in my house. I have to keep reminding myself of this....

Yeah, Oakley, you made me a bit weepy.

Pink has no idea that you provided life saving surgery for her. Didn't know she needed it and doesn't know she got it.

She does know when she's held, petted and talked sweetly to. Some studies suggest that dogs know how we feel even before we know ourselves. They are keenly aware of the slightest nuance in body language and if you are uptight or have anxiety about her dirty little body touching your nice things - she will know something is wrong and will feel stress because of it.

Yes, you have done much for this little girl and you can feel good about that but you could also loosen up a bit and fully enjoy one of the greatest gifts humans have every received.

Oakley, I do wonder about her former owner or owners. She definitely knows what getting into a human bed is, and she attaches and trusts easily and strongly, and she walks nicely on a leash, and has not demonstrated any fear or aggression (yet). They must have been people who were good with dog "psychology" but not with the establishment of Veterinary care, licenses, etc. Her health problems must have just been too much for them. Maybe they got old themselves.

I so agree Oakly.

As far as outside dirt coming in, it really isn't that big of a deal.
One dog, particularly when he was younger, would periodically drag home dead rabbits and bury them in the mulch. I would find a rabbit leg sticking up in the front bed, go get a shovel and bag to remove it, and voila! It was moved again. He would move them over and over but never ate them.

So he got more baths then......never had a skunk encounter but the worst smell ever was when some a** dumped a deer carcass in the woods and he drug home a leg, the hide, another leg... and the smell was atrocious. He had to have immediate baths, I had to strip and wash all my clothes and me after bathing him.

So, I probably do live in a house of filth compared to some. But I won't have a cat. Those are gross!

Boopa, I think you are just too busy and you have enough creatures to take care of right now.

Some day you'll get the dog that the boys want.

You're not as old as me, but when I was growing up the world seemed to regard dogs as wonderful, yes, but somehow less precious and holy than they are seen today.

Good to see you!

Can you all tell I'm still missing my Gracie girl? :( She was a Pointer with huge paws that tracked mud all over the wood floors no matter how much I tried washing them off. I miss her muddy prints, but at least we have Boone dog. lol.

Boone is DH's shadow. Grace was mine.

Jamies, I wanted to address something. I call our pets "indoor/outdoor" pets. They go out whenever they want, and come in whenever they want. There's a tee shirt that says, "In and out, in and out, in and out." That's what mine do!

But they have to sleep indoors at night They take all their naps indoors too. IOW they only go out when they want to goof off, just like little kids.

You should see my tile and wood floors after a rain/snow. I finally broke down and bought a floor steamer! No matter how much I b.i.t.c.h. about messy paws, I wouldn't trade them for anything.

And when I'm in a funk, a dog is there to listen. No human can replace that kind of love.

If you're not bored by now, here's a little story that put me in my place.

When we moved into our newly built home years ago, I made the dog and cat stay outside. They had shelter. There was NO way they'd get my new carpet dirty! In hindsight, I don't remember them getting my old carpet dirty. lol.

One day I was drinking a Lg. Chocolate Malt in the LR. It suddenly fell from my hand. Splat! A full cup all over the carpet.

I was the one who made the mess. Not my pets, not my kids.

I let the pets inside after that. :)

Jamies, I don't think precious or holy are the right words - at least speaking for me.

It is more like accepting the responsibility that comes with owning a creature who is wholly dependent upon you.

I don't see how anyone in their right mind could think an 8 pound, 10 year old dog is supposed to live outside. Again, I'm not trying to be provocative, I swear! :) I still don't think it is ever right to tie up a 50 pound Husky outside either....but it is a different ball of wax entirely when we're talking about an elderly toy-sized dog. This isn't a dog who was bred to work outside - this is a dog who was literally bred to be a human companion.

I've had labs, and so have a passing acquaintance with how much dirt an 80# "outside" dog can bring in. And don't even get me started on the fur tumbleweeds which used to waft through the house. (Did I mention I'm an OCD neat freak?)

I now have a 16 pound dog. I dry her feet if it is wet or muddy out. It takes me like 15 seconds. Sometimes if I don't do a good job, she leaves doggy footprints on the wood floors.

And you know what happens? Life seems to go on. Ha-ha.

All I'm saying is, you chose to adopt an almost helpless, elderly creature - for whom you have total control. You can make her last days good, or not. It's totally up to you. And I'm really just hoping you choose to make them good, and not freak out over a little dirt. It's just not worth it.

This post was edited by patriceny on Tue, Mar 11, 14 at 16:15

I know I shouldn't speak for Jaimies, but I don't think she meant "outside dog" as a dog that lives outside all the time, as "outside dog" means to many of us. I think she meant a dog that goes outside sometimes, and was wondering if it was okay to have the dog never go outside, as in using puppy pads inside. Of course I could be wrong.

I think you're very conscientious, Jamie, and walking her regularly and holding her on your lap for four hours a day is more than most people do, imo.

That's how I took it too Nancy and I think we should cut Jaimies a little slack here. She is trying to do what is right for the dog. I am reading between the lines here, but I'm guessing this is a new experience for her.

Luckygal gives some great advice. I totally forgot to say anything about a leash/fence, etc.

Nancy said "I think you're very conscientious, Jamie, and walking her regularly and holding her on your lap for four hours a day is more than most people do, imo." I agree and I hope you have some time with Pink and relax a little and enjoy it.

tina

Nancy and Tina, you did read me. She loves the lap and likes the walks. She got to check out (well, not very closely) a squirrel carcass today.

Anyone seen the "dog rules"

1. Dogs are never permitted in the house. The dog stays outside in a specially built wooden compartment named, for very good reason, the dog house.

2. Okay, the dog can enter the house, but only for short visits or if his own house is under renovation.

3. Okay, the dog can stay in the house on a permanent basis, provided his dog house can be sold in a yard sale to a rookie dog owner.

4. Inside the house, the dog is not allowed to run free and is confined to a comfortable but secure metal cage.

5. Okay, the cage becomes part of a two-for-one deal along with the dog house in the yard sale, and the dog can go wherever the hell he pleases.

6. The dog is never allowed on the furniture.

7. Okay, the dog can get on the old furniture but not the new furniture.

8. Okay, the dog can get up on the new furniture until it looks like the old furniture and then we'll sell the whole damn works and buy new furniture...upon which the dog will most definitely not be allowed.

9. The dog never sleeps on the bed. Period.

10. Okay, the dog can sleep at the foot of the bed.

11. Okay, the dog can sleep alongside you, but he's not allowed under the covers.

12. Okay, the dog can sleep under the covers, but not with his head on the pillow.

13. Okay, the dog can sleep alongside you under the covers with his head on the pillow, but if he snores he's got to leave the room.

14. Okay, the dog can sleep and snore and have nightmares in bed, but he's not to come in and sleep on the couch in the TV room, where I'm now sleeping.

15. The dog never gets listed on the census questionnaire as "primary resident," even if it's true.

Maybe you just need more time to get used to the idea of having a dog in the house and not worrying about the dirt. Frankly, I truly cannot imagine keeping a blanket in between me and my dogs whenever they want a hug or snuggle. And it is pretty much 100 percent guaranteed if I'm on a couch, bed or hammock, I have a snuggle. I don't see the dogs as really being dirty either- I mean, I walk outside in the yard barefoot and come in and don't stress about the dirt, why is it different for them if they don't get into anything?

Beagles, I've read that before and it's hilarious! That's the way it always begins here.

In the winter time, one of our weathermen always tells us how many a dog night it will be. One dog night, 2, 3 dog night (I saw that band 3 times as a teen, lol), so that term was made up for a reason.

Jamies, I predict the bonding will happen soon. Before you know it little Pink will have you wrapped around her paws, and you'll be serving her cat food on a silver plate. Hang in there!

Beagles, I have seen that, too, and love it!

Oakley, we are on the same page when it comes to our pups, although my mother/son tag team won't sleep on the bed. They do get on the furniture when we aren't around and have learned they don't need to hop down when we catch them. Sheets on the furniture? Our mailman asked me once if we were painting. Sadly, no, just two big, long-haired, double-coated dogs. Ha. :)

Funny, Beagles!

Oakley, Pink does like seafood. We have shared calamari and sardines. I need another dog, though, because between the two of us we still don't finish the can.

Beagles, that is so funny.

We have actually held the line pretty well with our dog. No furniture and no beds. The reason for us is the prevalence of ticks and Lyme disease where we are. The mom of my DD2's friend has partial paralyzation from Lyme disease. All i do is think of that and it keeps my resolve. She's a big golden anyway so it's a lot different!

Jamies, I am glad you and your dog found each other.

That is so true and funny, Beagles!

I'd bet Pink lived with an elderly person in her past life. It's not uncommon that pets get turned in to shelters when the elderly owners go to nursing homes or die. She seems to fit that pattern.

My DD has 2 small dogs, one is older and Pink reminds me of him. He will NOT go outside unless he has to potty, and then only with coaxing. She's done pads, but her DH didn't like them.

Her dogs now have their own beds, they don't get on the people bed, and they would love to be snuggled all day long, but they don't have seperation anxiety, since both she and her DH work. I have dog sat for them and found that they act much differently with me than with their parents.

Pink will be fine, I'm just concerned that you don't give her too much fatty food-some of that seafood can be high fat. No corn products! if her poop is small and not stinky, then you know she's using the nutrients and not passing it out as waste. My 90lb dog has tiny poops (thankfully!).

Thank you for rescuing Pink and getting her the surgery she needs.

Cyn, and isn't it funny when we see pictures of our rooms, there's not a sheet in sight? ;)

This is kind of on topic, but have you all been to the Greater Goods website? I've bought several things from them and the proceeds go to feeding dogs.

They don't have just cutesy stuff either. I bought a set of bowls with dragon flies on them, and a pair of polka dot shoes (about $12) just to do little errands in. i don't dare wear them for more than 30 minutes. lol

It dawned on me last week that the 3 pets we have all showed up on our property and they're perfect!

Here is a link that might be useful: Greater Goods

Forgot, the shoes I bought (link below) are now $34.00. The reason I got them for $12.00 is because I'm on their mailing list for special sales.

Here is a link that might be useful: And they even have a paw print on them!

Ooooh I didn't see about the seafood! Pesky is right. You need to be careful about her diet. Don't give her table food. I do cook chicken and turkey for my pup, but leave off fatty meats like beef and pork. Never give her ground beef! I have friends who did that to their little yorkie and she developed pancreatitis (small dogs are very susceptible to this). Our vet warns us about that. There are "people foods" that dogs can eat, you just have to be careful. Abby gets green beans, apple, carrots, some squash, chicken, turkey. Be mindful of what the food is cooked in/with (fats especially) and seasoning.

I, too thought that maybe her previous owner(s) were older. How sad.

Cooked ground beef is fine for a dog as long as it's lean, like 90%, and you don't cook it in any oil.

Salmon is good for dogs too.

This morning I got a coupon code from Greater Goods. 25% off the highest priced item in your cart.

Code: 25TODAY

Last month I ordered a tee shirt from them (good quality). The front of the shirt has a big paw print and under it that says, "Walk with a friend." Awww.

Geez, this new tiny font is killing my eye's!!

Jaimes, thank you so much for giving Pink the opportunity to live her golden years in a safe, warm, loving environment. Not many people would adopt an elderly pet, especially one with special needs. Kudos to you.

I recently started giving my furkids Halo Liv-A-Little Protein Treats (Chicken or Salmon) (I get them through Amazon). They love them! My 18 year old has some teeth issues so I just crumble the treats up in his food and he gobbles it up. Perhaps these will add more interest to Pink's regular food.

Please give Pink an extra hug from Auntie Marlene :-)

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but at that age they should have wet food. For the kidneys and the teeth issues.
My dogs have good teeth so they get both.

I'm going on what a veterinarian said about beef and for SMALL DOGS. Small dogs quite often get pancreatitis and fatty foods are a no-no. I did look it up and found that it could be used as treat, but the lowest fat percentage you can find (we use 93% - 97% lean) and then washed after cooking to remove as much fat as possible. Regardless, it is something I will never feed my dog. There are other, healthier choices. Of course I'm one that will not buy anything but a high quality dog food. Salmon is good. We have some dog treats that are salmon.

Marlene - I'll have to look up the Halo. I'm not familiar with it. I think I might have seen that brand in the pet store I frequent. We do not buy any food/treats that are not made here in the USA.

Bumble and Marlene made me think of something else. I'm sure your vet checked Pink's teeth. We have our pup's teeth cleaned. We've not had to do it often because - don't laugh - we brush her teeth. Did you know the condition/health of your dog's teeth has a huge impact on her overall health? When one of the vets in our group told us we could possibly extend our pup's life by keep her teeth healthy, I jumped on the bandwagon. Another good benefit is it helps their breath!

tina

The vet specifically mentioned a low fat diet because of the pancreas.

Her breath was so terrible at first. One of the animal control attendants said she found a tooth in Pink's pen at the shelter. The vet said that some of the teeth were only held in by the tartar/plaque, and when that was cleared away the teeth basically came out on their own. Pink only has 4 teeth left and he said he wouldn't be surprised if they had to come out eventually. He did mention brushing them. The four teeth are all lowers, unopposed.

I've been grinding dry food into smaller pieces in an unused coffee grinder, and mixing in a small amount of canned food to soften it.

I don't know if small dogs "hide" their weakness like bunnies do, but you wouldn't think Pink is decrepit if you met her. Except her coat looks pretty bad. I think one of the neighbors was afraid fleas would pole vault onto her dog from Pink -- the look on her face spoke volumes when the dogs encountered on another for the first time. On another occasion, the word "mange" came up. I didn't know mange was a specific condition. She does not have it.

Awwww poor little Pink! I missed the part about 4 teeth. Jaimes it is very obvious you care for Pink. I'm sure her coat will improve now that the fleas are taken care of.

tina

Her skin/coat condition may have been due to her diet. Food allergies can cause pets to get scabby and patchy from scratching and not be related to fleas. We had a dog who lost most of his fur due to an allergy to corn- which is prevalent in most dog food. Once he was switxhed to lamb & rice his skin cleared right up and no more scratching.

Jamies, I cracked up about your neighbor's reaction. Here's what you need to do. Buy the cutest like pink bow and put it on top of her head and walk her with pride! :)

Her coat will change rapidly for the better before you know it. Great idea about adding canned to dry.

Can you take a picture of her for us? I'd love to see her, no teeth and all!

I'm so glad Pink has a lot of love in her life now! You spend a lot of time with her, lucky pup.

I noticed you are adding moisture to her dry food and remembered a caution about bacteria growth when doing this. You might want to talk to her vet.

I would also caution on using an old coffee grinder due to oils and residue. You have to be careful about people food. examples are onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeine can be poisonous.

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2011/09/is-caffeine-poisonous-to-dogs/

An excerpt from bornfreeusa.

"Although the cooking process kills bacteria in the ingredients, the final product can pick up more bacteria during the subsequent drying, coating, and packaging process. Some experts warn that getting dry food wet can allow the bacteria on the surface to multiply and make pets sick. Do not mix dry food with water, milk, canned food, or other liquids."

Did a google. Here is one conversation.

Here is a link that might be useful: conversation

Having completed her rounds of Up- and Down- Dogs, Pink sunbathes in the side-lying Corpse Pose.

How adoreable! And so talented :-).

Awww, she looks so content. Lucky girl!

Oh my gosh, she is so cute!

If you already posted this, my apologies for asking again...but do you have any idea what breeds she came from? I think I see poodle, and/or Westie?

She really is a pretty girl.

Awwww!

Awwwww....this pic brings tears to my eyes...in a good way.

Pink's coat is so shiny! She is obviously thriving in your care.

What a beautiful dog! I was expecting something brown and ragged. lol. I don't think I've ever seen such a sheen to white hair before. If she were mine, I'd be brushing it all day!

The sheen to her coat is a great sign. When our Boone dog showed up here, his coat was so dull. In a matter of two weeks it was nice and shiny.

Thanks for sharing!

Pink is so cute. It is heartwarming to see her looking so content.

She is pink! I wondered about the name, thought she was naked after the singer. (Your Pink is a lot cuter than the other Pink!). She is darling.

Beagles, very funny post about dog rules. Our dog rules are, Dogs Rule! We have three very different dogs with different personalities and needs.....all were rescued. The largest one is about 22 lbs, Mr. Fluffy, the sweetest, kindest dog ever. We also have a crazy peppy spunky dog and a recent arrival not-quite-sure-of-anything dog who was removed from an abusive home and tries to bite any man with facial hair :-( We think he is going to need a year or so of unconditional love to get over his frightful beginning.

Thankful for all dog lovers and rescuers....dogs are God's answer to loneliness, horrid relatives, challenging adolescents, and exhausting coworkers!

She is a cutie! I'll just add one thing about the crate. We have a boxer and a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, both large dogs with large crates. We crate trained them both. The Chessie never used her freely, so later I took it out, but the boxer uses his daily. I would love to get that huge thing out of my house, but some dogs really like having that den. My boxer is one of those den dogs, sound like your Pink is too. Mine are allowed get on the furniture, but there are times when he chooses to go lay on his bed in his crate, I just keep the door open all the time.
Just a thought, especially since she's a shelter dog that the extra security of a crate/den might be something she needs. Good luck.

I somehow missed the pic. She is a pretty girl and looks so content.