Poppy

[MellowYellow]

How is Poppy today Karen @MellowYellow

Today was a good day, thank you! We did a little walk this morning, just around 15 minutes or so, and she was very chirpy and trotted along happily. OH took Merlin out for a couple of hours this afternoon and I took Poppy to her aqua treadmill appointment. We walked there (about 10 minutes away), then 20 minutes on the treadmill, and then walked back again. She did really well, tail wagging, keen to get in the tank, very excited about all the treats, and enjoyed all the fuss being made of her. Back home we put her towelling robe on her, and she snuggled on her dog bed by the couch (she doesn't want to get up on the couch anymore), and we had a nice quiet evening together.

 

[M.F.]

She sounds amazing. I guess you’re seeing the difference in then and now, and how Merlin can go out for much longer. But from what you’ve written, she really sounds great and, dare I say it, age appropriate. I keep having to remind myself of the latter with Snowie, too.

 

[kateincornwall]

So happy to read your update on dear Poppy , keep it up please lovely girl xxx

 

[Naya]

I am glad Poppy had a good day yesterday. It is hard to watch them deteriorate and struggle some days. Harley used ramps to get in the car as well as up and down to get in and out of the house. They are really useful.
I hope Poppy has more good days than bad. Thinking of you all x

 

[MellowYellow]

Thank you all. I think part of it is that my old dogs were so long-lived; Bones was 14 when he died and Billy nearly 16, but I am really happy that we still have Poppy and that she is a happy girl, even though many of her activities are curtailed.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

It’s so hard to watch them get older and I’m sorry to read that you’ve really noticed the differences in Poppy lately. I loved your description of you hiding her dummy in the leaves and how much joy she gets out of that. It’s a real skill you have to develop, I think - how to keep them happy with adapted activities as they age.

The older dogs I’ve had weren’t bothered at all by aging, it was more an attitude that I should sort MYSELF out if I had a problem. There must be a lesson in that for me.

Brogan was the king of enjoying the privileges of seniorhood, for example turning his head to not see my hand commands if he didn’t feel like doing what I was asking for. I had to laugh, he was just so much smarter than me.

 

[MellowYellow]

Quick update - we ended up buying a ramp for the five steps down into the garden; so far it has been a real success and Poppy trots up and down it with no issues. We spent some time with the ramp just flat on the floor in the house, and got her used to walking on it and sitting on it for treats before we set it up outside. In addition, her pain medication has been increased.

It is very cold here though at the moment and she is not terrifically keen on going out for any length of time, so we are just doing trips down the garden and little jaunts into the wood. Actually I am just wondering whether she might enjoy walking better with a coat on - I shall search her coat out and try it this afternoon! Especially as she does not walk very fast and spends quite a bit of time sniffing, she might be more comfortable with it on. It's just a fleece with clips - I think made by Hotterdog; we used to use it when she was doing competitions or picking up.

 

[Stacia]

@MellowYellow it is sounding more positive and she is enjoying her little trips in the garden and out. A coat would be good idea if it is cold. Exercise is good for the joints and the mental side even if it is only short trips, I know it made Rourke happier. x

 

[M.F.]

I’m glad the ramp has been a success. Something relatively easy to implement can make such a big difference.

 

[Cath]

Quick update - we ended up buying a ramp for the five steps down into the garden

What dog ramp did you get Poppy Karen and where from please

 

[MellowYellow]

Hi Cath, I got this one:

Dog ramp

It's been a great success, but we had a total fail with an indoors one that she simply hates and will not use!!

 

[Cath]

Thank you Karen @MellowYellow

 

[MellowYellow]

We did a little bit of training today (really consisting of me hiding the dummy in the leaves in the wood and then letting her search for it). Look how happy it made her!! You can see how proud and fulfilled she is. Even if she limps a bit more than usual tomorrow, it is worth it for her quality of life.

 

[Kelsey]

Such a good girl

 

[Stacia]

We did a little bit of training today (really consisting of me hiding the dummy in the leaves in the wood and then letting her search for it). Look how happy it made her!! You can see how proud and fulfilled she is. Even if she limps a bit more than usual tomorrow, it is worth it for her quality of life.

View attachment 44514

It certainly looks as if she is really enjoying herself and so pleased to bring you the dummy.

 

[Jacqui-S]

Miss Head Girl

 

[Cath]

Bless her

 

[M.F.]

What a beautiful picture! I think like us, having a great day out is worth any pain later. And Snowie would agree, too: he needs an entire day, sometimes two, to recover from a great day out. But wow, by the smile on his face during the fun outing, it was it worth it!

 

[Cath]

Got Fred a dog ramp, it came this morning. Set it up to go on the sofa first to see what would happen. Both dogs sniff at it but didn't do anything else.
In came Ted the cat and walked up it onto the sofa. Annie took one look at him and followed. Next Fred not to be out done walk up it too.

We move outside and put it into the car boot. Not a problem. I made Annie sit first and then said up and point with my hand, up she went turned and sat. Down she came and got a treat. Next Fred, he sat in front of the ramp and went up when I told him and sat down. He didn't want to come down but show him a treat and said down Fred, he came down not problem. So pleased we have got this should help Fred and me no end.

 

[Selina27]

Well done @Cath What good dogs they are xx