Advice on Pets, Life, Love

Dear Dog Lady,

We have two yellow Labrador retrievers, Chansey is 12, blind and diabetic for the past three years, and Maizey, 2, is still acting like a puppy. Chansey's internal food clock has started going off every morning between 4 and 5 a.m. She barks and becomes disoriented, wandering around the first floor, bumping into things. Our veterinarian says this behavior could be the beginning of dementia. After we walk and feed her, she quiets down and goes back to sleep.

We are exhausted, and feel as though we have a baby in the house. Any ideas on how to change her internal food clock?

Betsy

Your vet should advise you about your dog's internal food clock. Ask the medical professional if you can put out a bowl of food on the first floor when you go to bed. Chansey's eyes don't work anymore but her nose will surely lead her to the grub.

You do have a baby in the house-an elderly dog baby. She has given you many years of love and happiness. Now, it's your turn to pay her back. Old dogs deserve all the respect and care we can muster.

Dear Dog Lady,

My wife and I got our first dog six years ago, Jax was a rescued Pitbull/boxer mix. He was found tied to a tree in Kentucky and brought north by a local shelter group. He was 35-pounds when we got him and eventually grew to 45-pounds. A couple years later we got a "rescue Amish puppy" from a group near Akron, Ohio named Gemma. She is also a Pitbull mix and grew to 90-pounds. Both were great with our new baby. The two used to run laps chasing each other. They would spend hours outside together on nice days.

Last fall, we had to put our Jax down. Ever since, Gemma has seemed sad and desperate for attention and companionship. She now only spends minutes outside at a time. Our neighbor has a young dog similar to Jax, but he is a puppy and Gemma is uncomfortable when he tries to play with her. We are interested in getting a new dog, but are unsure how to find the right fit. Gemma is very nervous around new dogs. Do you have any advice for finding a new companion for our young family and Gemma? We don't think our current situation allows for the time and work necessary for a puppy. We need to feel comfortable that Gemma and our baby will get along.

Dan

Dear Dan,

Greatest admiration to you for adopting shelter dogs. You know how to handle them and keep watch over them so Dog Lady's best advice is to rescue another orphan. This column never advises about what dog would be best in a family with a baby. Since you've done it successfully, you know what is best for you.

In the meantime, socialize Gemma and get her out more. You're rather vague about her interactions with the next door puppy but surely any playtime for her is better than sitting alone in the house. Also, investigate whether there is a neighborhood walker who can exercise her with other dogs or if there's a doggy day-care group where she can go three or four days a week. When you're busy, you want your dog to be busy too. Gemma should be given the opportunity o run with the hounds.

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