Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We found out this week that I was accepted to a PhD program at UPenn and we'll be moving to Philadelphia this summer. I'm very excited about the change of scenery and the chance to live in a better situation - my building is technically dog-friendly, but most people are frightened of dogs and we have to be very careful about who shares the elevator with us each trip outside.
I haven't spent any time in Philly outside of two days last month and am looking for advice. What are good neighborhoods for walking a dog who hops very slowly and loves grass? Any tips for finding an apartment? Any veterinarians you love?
Oh, and if anyone could chime in on how to set up the move to control her anxiety, I'd love ideas. We moved 8 times the first year of her life and she hates the process. Even moving furniture around when I'm cleaning sets her off - she plants herself at the door and refuses to budge.
Oh my gosh congratulations! What will you be studying?
I know nothing about Philly so can't help you there but I'll put it out there on Twitter to see what suggestions people have. As for anxiety help, what kind of behaviors does she exhibit when she's anxious? What have you tried that worked, and what didn't?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
It's been 15 years since I lived in Philly (I went to Temple), and I lived on Fairmount Ave near Eastern State Penitentiary (it's a historic building...I hear they do great halloween tours btw, but I was always way too chicken to ever go). I loved it there, lots of cute restaurants within walking distance too. The more west you go on Fairmount the closer you are to Fairmount park...which is a great place to walk your dog. We were there about two years ago for a friends wedding and the west part of Fairmount ave was full of little restaurants and it was still cute (stay away from the other side of Broad Street though). It's not far very far from UPenn either. I used to run and rollerblade through there, great trails and you can watch the college scull teams on the river too. There are a ton of apartments in that area, row houses and high rises. Most of the row houses in the area are apartments. I can't help with a vet, I only had a cat at the time and it was a cat only vet in center city (I can't even remember the name now). I had friends who lived in Manayunk which is a little bit further away but it was a cute area then, not sure now as I didn't go there on my visit.
Congrats by the way! UPenn is top notch!!
Mom to Tripawd Angels Jake (2001-2014) and Rosco (2012-2015) and Tripawd Tanner. “Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today; and I'll always remember it”
Thanks, both! I'll be heading there to study health economics.
Elizabeth, that area looks great and sounds like it fits what I'm looking for. A row house apartment would be great- no elevator to share! I'll make sure we take a stroll there next time we go up to visit.
They way Jack exhibits stress is by regressing in terms of her fear of new people and dogs. She becomes much more unpredictable when we're on the street, barking and snapping if dogs get too close. She also becomes restless, has an upset stomach and will stop eating.
We've tried the Thunder Jacket and normally I try to spend as much time (or all of my time) with her during transitions, so she's not home alone and worried. This is clearly not enough! Do you have any experience with medication? Or thoughts about leaving her at her daycare facility for a few days while we complete the move?
Health economics? Wow! Very cool. Be sure to find a way to fix that affordable health care act while you're there OK? It's not working for us. Alright off my soap box.
Anyhoo, about her behavior. Well, medication alone won't fix it but medication and behavior modification will. Have you ever worked with an animal behaviorist? We have and it's really helped. Here is a Tripawd Talk Radio episode with Dr. Meredith Stepita, a board-certified behaviorist. A lot of it talks about surgery and recovery but she discusses anxiousness from a general perspective too.
I wouldn't leave her in an unfamiliar day care unless it means you will be less stressed out. Since dogs pick up on our emotions, the less stressed you are the less stressed she will be too. Meanwhile here are some posts about anxiety remedies that we've discussed in our blogs:
Try Rescue Remedy for Natural Stress Relief
Dogs Stress Less with PetNaturals Calming Supplement, Try it Free
Helpful Holistic Separation Anxiety Remedies
Reducing Anxiety Through a Dog’s Ear
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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Just catching up! No real adivce...just sending love and support!
And CONGRATULATIONS to you!! Good job!
Sweet Jack, I k'm ow this is traumatizing for her, but she'll adjust. Try making her new home filled with treats everywhere! Make it a non stop treasure hunt...especially when you have to go out. It will keep her occupied and make her new home a fun place to be.
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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