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This dog:
-Challenges me every day. Just when we think we have all Luke’s idiosyncrasies figured out – not fixed, but at least we know what they are! – he comes up with something new. The latest thing has been not letting us put his collar on him. I like to change his collar a few times per year, seasonally or for holidays, but the last two times we’ve done this, he’s put up a fuss when we try to put it back on. “Put up a fuss” means he jumps and runs away, and won’t stop to let us do it. Every time we try, he freaks out and runs. It usually takes two of us to get it back on, but still isn’t easy. Trust me, we tried using treats, etc., but he is not cooperative with that, so we have to be sneaky. Thankfully, I don’t use his collar for walking, we use a harness (we still love the ComfortFlex*, and I wouldn’t dare try to change it now anyway!), so that would not be the end of the world, but he wears a natural flea/tick tag* on his collar that I really think helps, plus ID. He is micro-chipped, but that has not been checked for a while, so I don’t want to solely rely on that. I really worry that some day he’s going to decide he doesn’t want his harness on either, but he does know putting it on leads to a walk, so hopefully that keeps him on board.
-Probably requires more patience than I have. See above. Some days he makes me cry because I just don’t feel like I have the time or energy to work on all his issues. Even when I do, it’s usually one step forward and two steps back. We have to choose our battles, and I constantly feel like I fall short in helping him with things.
-Is not always easy to walk. We try to walk daily, but some days he just seems like he’s not really into it. I take treats along because we work on training when we’re walking. Some days, all he wants to do is get the treats. He stops every 5 feet and looks at me for a treat. It reminds me so much of how our golden retriever Sheba used to be, but with her I attributed it to her cancer and being tired. I don’t know what his deal is.
-Amazes me with his nose, yet drives me nuts with it at the same time! When he’s not doing the above, he is dragging me into the woods in pursuit of some scent. Sometimes it’s a pile of wildlife poop, one time it was even some bones, but often I never know what it is. I like to let him smell because he enjoys it so much. The other morning, he dragged me through the woods, only to ultimately lead me back to the trail we had just walked over!! Then he spent 5 minutes smelling the same spot!
-Has many issues. Luke is what they call a “reactive” or fearful dog. I don’t know why they call it “reactive” instead of “over-reactive” because that is more what it is like. The other morning he scared me to death when we were walking, and all of the sudden he jumped and let out a huge long yelp. I do not know why, but can only guess he stepped on a stick or something and it hurt him. Yet, on the other hand, his trick knee will pop out of joint and he will do nothing other than run around until it pops back in.
-Is constantly making me jump when he barks at something that he either sees (or thinks he sees) outside, or something on the TV. Everything is an emergency!
-Is the world’s best snuggler!
-Keeps us busy. Both hubby and I truly want another dog but I know I barely have time for Luke and trying to help him through all of his issues and training. I don’t want to add anything else to the list of things we need to work on!
-Is a hound dog. I don’t care that no beagle showed up in his DNA test, he reminds me of our beagle Kobi almost every day. The nose, the way he walks, and the way he’d rather be in the house on a comfy chair than sitting outside with us on the deck. I always wanted a Lab/beagle mix and I feel like I have one!
-Couldn’t be more handsome. Am I right?
-Couldn’t be more loved. As much as he frustrates, worries, and challenges us every day, he also makes us smile and laugh daily. He is almost always by my side and is the best company. In spite of all his quirks, we are so thankful to have him in our lives.
You guys are doing a great job with him. I bet it is hard that you want a dog and don’t feel right about getting one now. Hopefully soon it will all come together.
Thank you. Maybe it’s the right thing for now. At least we have the birds to keep us busy!!
Agree that Luke couldn’t be more handsome-nor could he be more loved! But on the patience thing, I think even though you may not feel it- he has taught you more patience than you had-and he benefits from being in the family he is in, he would not be doing better elsewhere.The loving and happy home you give him,along with trying to help him with his issues, gives Luke all he needs. Keep trying, but don’t beat yourself up about it. Relax more when things don’t go as you hoped -accept it, there will be another day -and you feeling relaxed will only help him. Hopefully the collar thing will change eventually!
I’ll never give up hope that someday things will go the other way – he’ll accept things he did not accept before, instead of the other way around. ♥
He is a lucky boy to have you to care for him. He creates a challenge for a reason in your life, who knows what it is, but I’m sure there is one.
When I figure it out, I’ll be sure to let you know. 🙂
Sometimes these rescued dogs are a real enigma, aren’t they? Elsa started getting decent with letting me groom her with the clippers, now when I pull them out, she runs to her bed which is her safe spot and refuses to come even if there are high value treats. Always have to be on our toes as dog-moms, don’t we?
We sure do! I worked long and hard on nail trims with Luke. I was able to do it with a plate covered with peanut butter. Then one day he decided he was not on board with that any more. Those are the things that drive me nuts!! I know you get it. ♥
I understand completely. Ours can drive me crazy but I can’t imagine life without them. Luke is lucky to have you and I’m sure you deserve much more credit than you give yourself.
Thank you. ♥
Luke is blessed to have you for a mom.
Thank you so much, Ellen. ♥
Sometimes it’s the challenges that keep you going. Luke is lucky to have you.
Sometimes we need someone to take care of, even if we don’t realize it. ♥
We think Luke is very handsome. Good Luck finding out for sure.
Thank you.
He is such a handsome guy…and is so very lucky to have such understanding and loving people!
Thank you!! xo
I’m pretty partial to Luke too. I can tell he’s a great pup.
Have a fabulous day. Scritches to Luke. ♥
He is a special boy, full of love.
Yes, our challenging dogs DO control our heartstrings, don’t they?! But their challenging behaviors are part of what makes them so special.
Ducky LOVES when I put her harness on because it usually means daycare or time at the park, or just a leisurely ride in the car. Of course, she’s usually so excited about going that I have to hold her collar with one hand and put the harness on with the other. I haven’t changed her collar lately. Not because I don’t want to, but because I forget to.
Hubby and I both want another Golden. But Ducky’s not ready for a new sibling yet. She is thriving on being an only dog and having all our attention to herself. And all the toys to herself. She misses the companionship of her older sisters – especially when we have to leave her alone in the house – but as they got older, they usually let her take the toys away from them. A younger sibling probably wouldn’t be so obliging.
As hard as it can be sometimes, Luke and I do understand each other. I have my own quirks and fears so I kind of know where he’s coming from!
I know Luke misses his sisters too. But a new sibling would be different for him, and it’s new things he has a tough time with.
This sounds so much like Hachi. I have days (like today) when I am at my wits end. He is scared of wearing a harness… so we stopped putting it on him months ago, and I do counterconditioning with it every day. He’s now to the point that he’ll stick his head into it himself. It is such slow progress… And I know that a collar is critical so that’s even harder.
For me, the deal-breaker is when he attacks R. That happened yesterday. It breaks my heart – R is blind and deserves a calm and peaceful old age.
So I get it. Luke is very very lucky to have you.
I am so sorry for the issues you are having with Hachi. I totally understand. Luke used to go after Sheba, who could not have been a more gentle dog….and it broke my heart too. That is the #1 reason we won’t get another dog…I had such a hard time dealing with that. 🙁
Awwwww, gotta love them. No matter the quirks.
That’s the truth!! ♥
Luke is sure keeping you guessing, maybe that’s his new form of entertainment!
That and watching TV. LOL
We all have our crazy quirks, right, Luke. I hate when mom puts my harness on me to go for a walk. This event happens every single day! I refuse to “wait” while she puts it over my head and it drives her nuts so she puts me in a sit. We gotta keep our peeps on their toes, right☺
Absolutely!! I like the ComfortFlex harness because it doesn’t go too close to my head, and it can go on so quickly. All of our beagles hated having their harnesses put on, and Momz is amazed that I don’t. I guess I’ll let her have this one. 🙂
Love, Luke
Wow. Back when Bear was younger up to a few years ago, I could’ve written the same post about Bear. There were times I just broke down and cried. Bear was all about proving he could – which is funny given how scared he gets. But those times are also the reasons I love him so much – even admire him. If he’d been a “normal” cat, I’d probably still have anorexia or be dead. Yes … frustrating at times – but also perfect for me.
Your story with Bear is so wonderful, how he saved you. I think some of the reason I love Luke so much is because he and I have a lot in common. I think he helps me to understand and accept myself as I am as well.