Helping an adopted pet with issues hard but worth it
Carla Christian
50plus Magazine
Linda was living with her senior dog Sunny and her cat Owl when she spied Simon among Greenhill’s adoptable dogs.
“I was a bit frantic to get another dog,” she says. “It’s terrible; I don’t recommend it,” she laughs about her urgency. But, she says, Sunny was aging, and she wanted a walking buddy and companion.
The first day Simon became available for adoption Linda went to meet him. The 50-pound, sable-coated boy was in a pen with toys he ignored, aloof to visitors and angling for escape.
Linda wasn’t fazed. She already knew in her heart that Simon was meant to be with her. “I don’t always flinch from a challenge,” she says. “And I don’t always know when to quit!”
Arriving home last September, Simon was fearful. Linda couldn’t touch him, and left a leash attached to be safe. Simon’s reactive barking stressed both Sunny and Owl. Theirs was an unsettled household, Linda says.
The stress came to a head a month later, when Linda suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized for three days. Friends cared for her pets, including fearful Simon. Shortly after, Sunny passed away. Linda realized how tenuous her household had become and reached out for help.
Tera James of Training Spot in Eugene helped Linda learn management and positive training techniques that began to turn things around.
A special lead helped with mouthiness with the leash. Blocking space created respite for Owl and gave Simon a dog-safe space for training breaks. Linda also started teaching Simon simple commands. Wait, Come past, and Sit helped with his manners and supported their growing bond.
Tera admits not all days went well for them. “But just because you have some bad days doesn’t mean he’s a bad dog.”
Simon’s anxiety with strangers and new places makes walks difficult. Tera suggested a vest for Simon, emblazoned with “In Training | Do Not Pet.” Instead Linda decided to be his advocate by making one for herself reading: “Dog in Training. Please Ignore.”
Linda says she practices calming her mind to support learning and communication. Simon’s frequent barking used to leave her in tears, but she says now she can remain calm. An accidental encounter between Owl and Simon worried Linda, but she quickly found their bond was resilient.
Watching Simon heal has been a joy, and Linda knows he is helping her heal as well. He’s becoming her trusted companion, friend and playmate. They still have a journey ahead.
“I look forward to the day when I can walk him intothe bank and he’ll get his cookie,” she says.
Helping an adopted pet with issues become their best self is a process that takes time, patience and positivity. At eighty, Linda hopes she’ll outlive Simon, but has plans for all of her animals in the event they survive her.
“I feel very called to have Simon even though he’s not an ideal dog. He’s taken over my life,” she says contentedly. “There’s a really special tie for me with him.”