I took my rescue boy Rowyn to work with me the other day. I had a double
agenda -- I've been diligently treating a chronic filthy ear on him off and
on since I got him in May '02 and felt it was time to have a proper look at
it and flush it out. I knew from past attempts at proper looks, that
sedation was going to be required. So I figured as he was at now at least
19 mos. old (we guesstimated his age at 10 mos. when I adopted him), I might
as well take an x-ray of his hips while I had him sedated. I also did some
bloodwork so that I have some baseline values for him (all nicely within
normal limits).
His hips are awesome!!! They're lovely and deep set and perfectly aligned.
As are his elbows. Those orthopedics would be a credit to any bloodline!
Too bad he's only 1/2 Berner (and 1/2 Border Collie) and we have no idea
what bloodlines those are!
His poor ear was another matter. My recent aggressive treatment has cleared
out all the bacteria, leaving just a few yeast behind. When I finally
flushed all the crap and debris out (in chunks no less), I could see that
his ear drum is in tatters. No wonder he didn't want me looking at it with
the scope. Hopefully, now that all the debris is gone, I'll be able to get
the remaining yeast cleared up and keep it that way. I was months working
on the other ear too, and it's been fine for months now.
Rowyn has been a great addition to the menagerie! He's a very, very sweet
and loving boy. Being 1/2 Border collie, he of course has a pretty high
energy level, but fortunately, he does have an off switch! He's been
showing some shyness lately when out in new situations, something we've been
working on overcoming. He's better when out with the rest of the crew, but
terribly withdrawn and nervous when out as an only dog. He'll even hide
behind me and growl if approached by a stranger. To that end we've been
attending obedience classes for the past couple of months (even if it is 1
hr. drive each way). At first he was terribly nervous and shy at class -- I
couldn't even get him to look at me, and taking food or a toy was out of the
question. We'd spend the entire class off at the side of the ring so as to
not be in anybody's way and work on getting him to focus on me. Now, after
6 classes, he still won't hardly look at me or pay attention, but now it's
because he's too busy trying to figure out which person has the best treats!
He's actively approaching people and begging them to feed him, and having
such a good time. I'm very proud of his progress! I doubt with that
attitude if he'll ever make an obedience dog, but that's OK, I just want him
to gain confidence. Now that I know he's orthopedically sound, I think the
next route we'll take is to try him in some agility classes. He's certainly
athletic enough! and I hope it will help his confidence further.
Any other suggestions what I can do to help bring him out of his shell???
Getting strangers to feed him doesn't work, when he's nervous he won't even
take the best treats from me.
sue(Aeryn with Devyn Rowyn)
