My Beagle Shar pei Mutt Molly was on Prozac for quite a while. She came out of a hoarding situation a bundle of anxiety. Everything was new to her and scary! We gave her as much love and consistency as we could. After a few weeks we began to slowly take her off it. She did great. She will never be the big adventure dog or the dog everyone loves, but she is our sweet soul. Wouldn't change her for the world. I, too, laughed when the behaviorist said Prozac. Boy was I wrong....
New Member introduction
Hi,
Located in the Midwest with a large pack of rescue dogs. My favorite breed is a rare breed and almost impossible to get as a rescue. We've had Leonbergers for 21 years. I've been fostering dogs for 20 years. I worked for 8 years in high school, undergrad, and part of medical school for some vets, but switched to human medicine when I was admitted early. After retiring from medicine, I was asked to help our Leonberger club with a difficult rescue of 20 dogs from a puppy mill. We accomplished it and all dogs were rehomed. Later I was called when another group that had taken several dogs, abandoned one terrified dog. I went and got her. She was my journey into becoming a MUCH better dog person than I ever knew possible LOL And for 12 years she helped me rehabilitate almost 1000 dogs total. I could have never accomplished it without her and will always be grateful to "Baby" the wonder Leonberger. Other notable dogs were a Border Collie "Abby" who is laying by the bed right now. She was the first dog I thought would actually kill herself trying to escape but is my buddy who completely trusts me, and goes everywhere with me. Thanks to my wonderful vet, also a patient of mine, who tolerates my "gut feelings", and managed to convince me that "Abby" needed Prozac. He didn't flinch when I laughed at him, and he was right, she progressed much more quickly and with less emotional pain. And to my wonderful friends, 8 children, and most of all poor hubby, I'm very grateful for their support. For awhile they never knew how many dogs we'd be quarantining from animal controls for rescues, and all my children became wonderful at dog training and dog body language. Because we had a farm and facilities to keep dogs away from our other dogs, we had as many as 30 at a time. I'm not currently fostering, but will resume when we finish our farm renovation. In the meantime, waiting for a puppy Leonberger from Europe, and very excited that she might be my first to show. Hope to learn more here!
Located in the Midwest with a large pack of rescue dogs. My favorite breed is a rare breed and almost impossible to get as a rescue. We've had Leonbergers for 21 years. I've been fostering dogs for 20 years. I worked for 8 years in high school, undergrad, and part of medical school for some vets, but switched to human medicine when I was admitted early. After retiring from medicine, I was asked to help our Leonberger club with a difficult rescue of 20 dogs from a puppy mill. We accomplished it and all dogs were rehomed. Later I was called when another group that had taken several dogs, abandoned one terrified dog. I went and got her. She was my journey into becoming a MUCH better dog person than I ever knew possible LOL And for 12 years she helped me rehabilitate almost 1000 dogs total. I could have never accomplished it without her and will always be grateful to "Baby" the wonder Leonberger. Other notable dogs were a Border Collie "Abby" who is laying by the bed right now. She was the first dog I thought would actually kill herself trying to escape but is my buddy who completely trusts me, and goes everywhere with me. Thanks to my wonderful vet, also a patient of mine, who tolerates my "gut feelings", and managed to convince me that "Abby" needed Prozac. He didn't flinch when I laughed at him, and he was right, she progressed much more quickly and with less emotional pain. And to my wonderful friends, 8 children, and most of all poor hubby, I'm very grateful for their support. For awhile they never knew how many dogs we'd be quarantining from animal controls for rescues, and all my children became wonderful at dog training and dog body language. Because we had a farm and facilities to keep dogs away from our other dogs, we had as many as 30 at a time. I'm not currently fostering, but will resume when we finish our farm renovation. In the meantime, waiting for a puppy Leonberger from Europe, and very excited that she might be my first to show. Hope to learn more here!
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
I always hesitate to mention medication because I know some people are very against it. But I've adapted my thinking a bit on this. I think that Prozac is so benign that it is more humane to remove the worst of the anxiety to allow them to trust us and begin to learn. There's so many dogs that could benefit from a few months while they are being rehabbed. The worst possible outcome is a foster who lets it enter their mind that they don't "like" the dog. Then that poor anxiety prone dog KNOWS IT, and has an even worse time, or the foster transfers the dog, which is honestly cruel to a dog that's already scared to death.My Beagle Shar pei Mutt Molly was on Prozac for quite a while. She came out of a hoarding situation a bundle of anxiety. Everything was new to her and scary! We gave her as much love and consistency as we could. After a few weeks we began to slowly take her off it. She did great. She will never be the big adventure dog or the dog everyone loves, but she is our sweet soul. Wouldn't change her for the world. I, too, laughed when the behaviorist said Prozac. Boy was I wrong....
Out of the 1000 dogs I've done on the last 21 years, only TWO dogs have not responded enough with Prozac. One is a Shiba Inu I took when he didn't sell at a dog auction. With him, I think it's partly the breed characteristics of being independent and cat like. He will not allow me to walk up to him in an open area. But changing meds didn't help either. We've just kept him and made an escape proof pasture attached to the house for him and his friends. The other dog was 8 years old and had always lived with one family. He's got Chow in him which isn't in his favor. They wanted me to "evaluate him" LOL He is fine with our family but isn't warm and cuddly either. And to send him to the boarding kennel, I have to put him on Prozac and add a second medication. Otherwise he's so upset when I get there that he'll even growl at ME LOL
Anyway, so nice to meet others who foster scared dogs and have come to love them!
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Puppy Forum and Dog Forums
Come join a community dedicated to the discussion of grooming, food reviews, training tips, rescue groups, and dog pictures. All dog breeds and dog breeders welcome
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
3GSD4IPO
52 Replies
DaySleepers
44 Replies
Little Louie
25 Replies
Recommended Communities
