AnnaBelle is just not happy in her cart or around the other dogs...

[kimlovescats]

Sandra, I tried ignoring her for a while today when I was in the kitchen. I even put some treats down on the floor to entice her to go to the them. That first night none of the other dogs were around us but Gretta and also it was me and Jerry both with her and we were all excited. I guess she sensed our excitement at the time so she was excited as well.

Right now with the weather being so cold and / or rainy it's hard to not have the dogs inside most of the time. Maybe sometime when the others can stay outside in the yard for a while, she will be more apt to follow me around the house.

I wonder if they make special shoes for the doggies to get better traction? Sometimes it seems like the carpet slows her down but the linoleum and laminate floors are too slick. I'll have to look into that.

[Grace]

My first thought was that there have been quite a few new dogs introduced to the family over the past month. Maybe she just needs time to acclimate to each of them - one at a time? Maybe she also feels she won't get so much time with you, now that all the newbies are there?

Poor baby - I just wanted to hug her after watching the video.

[sasvermont]

My take on it is that she thinks she is being punished. I would try to make it a more positive experience for her. How, might you ask? Sure does beat me. Maybe give her time with you and your hubby....when using the wheels...no other doggies around. You know that she is better off having the wheels and she just doesn't get it quite yet. Maybe she's out of shape? They do sell booties for dogs and I think they are treated so the dog doesn't slip......that may help. Maybe the nicer weather will be easier on her.... I wouldn't give up. I didn't find the video that pitiful......The more you give in to her, the more pathetic she will think she should be.....and get her attention by your feeling sorry for her....You don't think she is in any pain, do you?

Hey, I may be completely wrong with this problem...and its solution(s)....

Keep us posted....be positive...you have done such a great job with her....don't reverse that.....please.

[Ginger's Mom]

I have spoken to my friend. She said she would be happy to e-mail back and forth with you if you would like to chat (I will pm you her address). She adopted Beamer in October, and he had been unable to use his back legs from birth (I think they estimate his age to be 1 1/2 years at this time) and until Jen adopted him he had just gotten around by dragging his back legs after him (birth defect possibly caused by position in the womb-lot's of speculation nothing is really known). Anyway she got Beamer a cart and is taking him to physical therapy. She also has three other dogs that Beamer had to learn to get along with and run around with all at once. I think maybe you two can share stories, two things Jen did say is; one, making sure that the wheels are on very snuggly is important, any extra give or movement will make them unsteady and unsure. And second, she has to learn to get use to it by wearing it for a period of time every day. Jen said it isn't easy, but it is worth it. I didn't think the video was as pitiful as I expected, but she isn't my pup. I did feel sorry for her being targeted by the other dogs.

How much of a player was she before her injury? And what was her favorite game?

[kimlovescats]

I have spoken to my friend. She said she would be happy to e-mail back and forth with you if you would like to chat (I will pm you her address). She adopted Beamer in October, and he had been unable to use his back legs from birth (I think they estimate his age to be 1 1/2 years at this time) and until Jen adopted him he had just gotten around by dragging his back legs after him (birth defect possibly caused by position in the womb-lot's of speculation nothing is really known). Anyway she got Beamer a cart and is taking him to physical therapy. She also has three other dogs that Beamer had to learn to get along with and run around with all at once. I think maybe you two can share stories, two things Jen did say is; one, making sure that the wheels are on very snuggly is important, any extra give or movement will make them unsteady and unsure. And second, she has to learn to get use to it by wearing it for a period of time every day. Jen said it isn't easy, but it is worth it. I didn't think the video was as pitiful as I expected, but she isn't my pup. I did feel sorry for her being targeted by the other dogs.

How much of a player was she before her injury? And what was her favorite game?

Thank you for your help. I think your last paragraph is what really has hit the nail on the head. I think I had mentioned long ago that because AnnaBelle was always a more lazy-type of doggie, that it was one reason we were hesitant about getting her wheelchair. She never did play much, she just enjoyed stealing the cats' mice and jumping on the couch to "bathe" them! We also used to describe her as a bit of a "snob" when it came to other dogs. These two personality traits mixed with being disabled are what I think is the main issue with her. I just had hoped that having her freedom again would make her happy. In all honesty, she wanted me to pick her up and hold her in my lap .... which I did, wheels and all! THAT is when AnnaBelle is truly happy. Maybe I am forcing her to do something that she has no desire to really ever do. Maybe I could find another disabled dog to donate her cart to, who was always more energetic and loved to romp and play. I'll have to think on this a bit more, but I sure would love to see a doggie who genuinely enjoyed the cart!

Kim

[molucass]

Aww! Poor girl...
I'm sorry she isn't happy in her cart... Hopefully she will get acclimated to it.

So far Bailee is doing good after her 2nd back surgery... We hope she doesn't have to use the cart, but if she does I know she will probably be depressed like AnnaBelle.. Though Bailee is very active.