Ask Your Pet

Dear Melissa,

The first thing that Penny told me was that she was severely confused and disoriented when she first went to live with your brother. She had a very traumatic past, and this makes it hard for her to adapt to new situations easily. Penny was originally with people who bred hunting dogs. She was confined to a crate much of the time and was kept outside a lot. Her diet was below par, as was her shelter from the elements. The people she lived with weren’t happy with her because she wasn’t cut out to be a hunting dog. They didn’t act like they liked her or cared about her.

Penny mentioned some mild discomfort in her mouth. And, she said she needs very nutritious food. She likes her food to be soft. She might like her dry food better if it’s in doggy gravy, or even moistened with water. It would probably be a good idea to talk to a vet about a vitamin supplement, and how to get calories into her if she isn’t eating well. I’d also get her mouth checked out, just to be safe.

Additionally, Penny said that she doesn’t like loud noises. People used to shoot guns around her and she hated it. When your brother takes her out for walks, he should avoid areas with a lot of traffic or other noise sources. Penny responds best to a soft, gentle voice. And, she has an intense need to know that she’s loved and accepted just as she is. Your brother may wish to consult with a holistic veterinarian or flower essence practitioner for a flower essence formula that could help Penny, or explore the animal wellness collection at www.greenhope essences.com. And, if her frightened behavior continues, it might be wise to consult with a very sensitive and gentle trainer or behaviorist who has experience with dogs who have been traumatized. However, I think that Penny mainly needs a lot of love, patience, stability and time, as well as very good nutrition.

Best of luck to your family and this very sweet dog.

Many Blessings,

Jennifer Dickman