Advice on Pets, Life, Love

Dear Dog Lady,

I adopted a mixed breed dog—Daisy—two years ago with the understanding the dog was mellow and got along with other animals. Nothing could be further from the truth. My 11-year-old Shih Tzu mix, Penny, has been bullied (and physically attacked more than once) and my cat is living in the attic and can't come out until Daisy is crated at night. Daisy is food aggressive and possessive with everything—toys, my lap, attention to my other dog, etc.

I love Daisy. She's sensitive, loving, smart, and athletic. But I've tried for two years to make this relationship work and it just isn't and I'm tired of being stressed out. I think I have to rehome Daisy but I have no idea how to do that. Also, it makes me feel like such a failure. Daisy had been surrendered once and I promised her I wouldn't give up on her, but I'm truly at the end of my rope.

Do you have any advice for me?

Kathy

Dear Kathy,

Yes, talk to your veterinarian. She or he can also refer you to a certified dog behaviorist who will further advise you if there's any hope for you and Daisy. Certainly, if Daisy has all the attributes you ascribe to her — particularly the "loving" quality — there should be optimism she can eventually live peaceably in your kingdom.

Maybe you need to try different behavior to bring out her better aspects. Feeding animals separately is usually mandatory in any household with multiple pets. But maybe there are other strategies to foster togetherness.

Ask Dog Lady urges you not to give up too soon.

Dear Dog Lady,

I am hoping you like gossip as much as I do but I'm fascinated by the story out of Hollywood about two heavyweights who were living together until she supposedly stepped out on him with a film director. Now, according to the online rags, these two stars are fighting over who gets custody of Bruno, the dog. Apparently, he brought Bruno into the relationship but she nursed the puppy Bruno back from Parvovirus. She wants joint custody. What do you think in a case like this?

Marylou

Dear Marylou,

A dog should never be used as a pawn in a breakup, especially in a fractured fairytale when both parties have the money to deal with things civilly. In this case, the stars must have adopted the dog together from a shelter. If Bruno had a nasty case of Parvovirus, the dog had a bad backstory. Stray dogs found on the street would be prime candidates for parvo. And the lady star has every reason to lay a claim to Bruno since nursing a dog back from Parvo involves lots of time and tender loving care.

This case is a prime example of when joint dog custody could work beautifully. Both stars probably have the resources to care for Bruno adequately. They can buy all the good food, beds, toys and treats. They can afford the veterinary care for dog -- and they should use only one veterinarian instead of "his" and "hers" since this would be much better for Bruno.

The only thing holding these all-too-humans back is their own anger at each other. And, as Dog Lady is wont to preach — human follies should never get in the way of responsible pet tending.


Write: askdoglady@gmail.com