Our vet had us try reducing his medication (Paxil) just in case the dose was too high for him and causing this distress about handling. So far, I think that reducing his Paxil has made him worse but it'll take another week to be sure. One thing that has gotten worse since reducing his Paxi is his fear of R. Hachi has returned to barking intensely when R starts blindly wandering toward Hachi. (Fortunately, R scarcely seems to notice.)
On the up side, he's playing well with me and his sister. The two of them frolicking is a highlight of every day. Their favorite game is chase, and there's often a stick involved.
You would think that the dog carrying the stick would always be in front. But no... This game has rules that I don't understand. Shyla stole the stick from Hachi but she's still chasing him.
These games show that Hachi is in his absolute physical prime. It is amazing to watch him run and leap like a super dog.
I am so glad that eight year old Shyla can still easily keep up with him. Shyla is very fit and is naturally very athletic so they are a good match!
So, just like life, this week's report is partly negative but also partly positive. We love our Hachi.
Hachi does indeed look a magnificent dog, and I so hope you can make progress in reducing his anxieties.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
oh the eyes... we hope that all hard things will become smotth and easy for this fabulous guy...
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteMe too!!! YAM xx
We always hope for the best for you, Hachi. Shyla, you look so funny chasing Hachi with the stick☺
ReplyDeleteat first I though maybe H was hurting when you handle him, but after seeing the stick game, don't think that is it. very odd that he just changed so quickly about being handled. prayers for all of you as you deal with life as it is now
ReplyDeleteDear Hachi is such a puzzle but we think you'll solve it eventually.
ReplyDeleteYou're riding the Hachi roller-coaster well, KB. Frustrating though it is, you're showing us how to be objective, keeping everyone safe, experimenting with the tools in your toolkit, and remembering to laugh. I don't know the rules of Hachi and Shyla's chase game either!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Chris from Boise
We're glad to see Hachi and Shyla having so much fun together. There are good days and there are not so good days and we have our paws crossed that the good ones out weigh the bad ones.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone can figure Hachi out, it's you, with help of your vet and Shyla too. Without all the exercise you and Shyla provide, Hachi would be much worse off, I think. This game of theirs made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteOne day at a time. You're working hard to help Hachi in every way you can.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the pups. ♥
Poor Hachi has a lot of bumps and curves in his ride through life. But he is in the best of hands to help him find his way.
ReplyDeleteBless his sweet heart...no telling what happened in his former life..he must be having flash backs.
ReplyDeleteLoving hugs
Cecilia
Some people believe that dogs can suffer from PTSD. Hachi must have some scary memories.
DeleteLife with the dogs is so like our own, take good days and the other ones in our stride, and be so thankful when t he good ones have a larger percentage., Love that leap in the snow, he is truly amazing out there with Shyla, hope the meds changes seem to be part of the answer.
ReplyDeleteNot too many people would take on the challenge that you have with Hachi. My hat off and a big applaud to you.
ReplyDeleteHe just look gorgeous 'flying' through the snow.
ReplyDeleteThe power of Hachi is apparent in the photos. I hope his meds get figured out soon.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for the setback. Sending prayers and wishing you good luck
ReplyDeleteIt's especially frustrating when there are so many ups and downs, but overall it's great to see Hachi happily playing with his sister.
ReplyDeleteLuke has the collar thing too - and it popped up out of nowhere. We used to change his collars all the time, and then one day it completely freaked him out - we have no idea why. All we can do is just keeping working on things, right? ♥
Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
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ReplyDeleteHe looks so happy and carefree playing with his sister. Hopefully he will feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing Hachi being chased by his sister. The eyes...oh my gosh, I actually snorted out loud.
ReplyDelete