[Dailydrool] Fences and Bloat

[Ross Houndage]

I got my first dog on my own living in a condo with no fence. My St. Bernard, Hannah, was leash walked several times a day and did well. When we moved, she really loved sitting outside in the yard though, and spend much of her time outside. She really loved the snow and even when she was old and stiff, it was a challenge to get her to come inside when it was too cold. So, I think they can do fine being walked, but I think they are happier with fences. I don't trust invisible fences. I've seen too many who are willing to challenge them and go through if there is something they really want. But then, they won't come back in as there isn't enough incentive to get them to take the hit.

That being said, Dickens is turning into quite the escape artist. I guess I know why he was found as a stray....he got out again Sat night by pulling the mesh panel aside, and took Kahuna with him. I noticed Dickens was gone right away, and ran down to the garage. When I opened the door, he was sitting there waiting for me to let him in. Later, I noticed something moving outside the front windows...it was Kahuna pacing back and forth on the porch, popping up to look in the windows to get my attention! So I let him in the front and did another head count. I wired the mesh panel in and cut another piece of fencing and wired OVER that. Then yesterday Dickens tried digging under - it was warm and the snow was melting down. That didn't work, so he went to the fence post on the other side of the house and started to work on that one. It goes against the vinyl siding so can't secure it to the house. I got a 4' wire shelf, on end, and wired it to the fence and put a cement block on both sides to keep him from working it loose. A block went at the base of the other escape spot too, to prevent digging. So, I may need an invisible fence along the regular fence at the new house to keep Dickens safe and sound. I'll be checking the sides of the fence and reinforcing as best I can as well.

Dickens is well named.

Oh, on bloat, Hannah, the Saint, bloated. I think she had some minor episodes first that I didn't recognize. She vomited small amounts of white frothy liquid, which I had found on the floor a couple of time previously. My pet sitter called one day to say she was vomiting and she had put her in the back yard...Ok...then I called back, just had a feeling, and Hannah had thrown up the frothy stuff and was pacing, not laying still or sleeping. I told the sitter "SHE"S BLOATING - GET HER TO THE VET" and I called to tell them she was on her way. Hannah ended up getting most of her stomach removed after the severe torsion, but she did very well and I had her for a year and a half after the surgery. She was 8 years old when she bloated. She did not have any more episodes after her stomach was tacked.

Drool to all in need!
Synthia, so many bellies to rub, so little time
Bud, Barney, Zuma, Kahuna, Pearl, Peaches, and the little Dickens (I just want to see what is out there!)
Ace & Kirby

 		 	   		  
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