[angelaH]

Susi is still causing us concern. She is acting very strange and still only peeng in the house. She has started going out into the garden but has a strange look on her face. We fear some old memories have come back to haunt her. Snoopy is a 'normal' beagle now but keeps very close to Susi to protect her.

The moment one stops stroking Susi she runs indoors. It makes us so sad to think she will probably never be a normal, happy beagle.

 

[angelaH]

p.s Snoopy is in the foreground, Susi looking at Dave.

 

[Murphys Dad]

What a loving look Susi is giving Dave -- she obviously gets comfort from him. Hopefully, her demons will leave her soon!

 

[MakoCSH]

Susi may never be "normal", but you've given her more than her wildest dreams would have imagined while she was in the research facility.

 

[Murphys Dad]

Dear Susi, what horrible past have you recalled? The Bagel says "Carpe Diem", you've got Snoopy, Dave and Angela :thumbup:

Let's hope the love Susi gets from you three will be enough to supress those memories.

 

[debannib]

Oh Angela,

I just read a book over the weekend, written by a family who adopted a research beagle. It was a wonderful, and quick book to read.....and it touched on the same awful nightmares that Suzi has. Reading it gave me insight into the challenges of research beagles.....their beagle improved over the years, but there were many steps backwards.

For Bea...the story of the beagle who changed my life, by Kristin Von Kreisler
(one of our wonderful members here, posted the name of this book once before, so perhaps you've read it....if not, I would recommend it. WONDERFUL!!)

 

[Murphys Dad]

What adoration Susi's showing as she looks at Dave. It's very touching. I hope she overcomes whatever has her spooked soon.

I second Deb's book recommendation. That's a wonderful book, and does give some insight to the difficulties of research beagles.

 

[jcfehr]

it is heartbreaking to think that she is having such a hard time letting go of whatever horrible life she had before you guys .....

one day at a time Susi....hopefully you will let it all go one day !!

 

[Murphys Dad]

I'm sorry that Susi is still not feeling right. It must be hard for all of you. It's great that Snoopy is there to keep an eye out for her.

 

[Mom of 2 Beagles]

Sorry to hear that Susi isn't herself.

Do you think her vet could think of a medication she could take maybe only for a while to calm her or to elevate her mood?

 

[janna]

I can't even begin to imagine what memories poor Susi has of her time before you rescued her. The look she is giving Dave says volumes about the progress you have made with her. Hopefully she will feel o.k about going outside with Snoopy, you and Dave to help her through.

 

[we3beagles]

Suzi was probably given punishment for peeing in inappropriate locations and has developed a fear of peeing when someone else is looking or in the vacinity. In the house you cannot let her pee under any circumstances. You must be supervising or have her crated if you cannot. Any peeing in the house will be a huge setback. Take her out on a very long lead and maybe hide behind a corner or something if you can. When she does go outside make sure you praise and treat like crazy. Whoever had her before has messed her up and it is up to you to make her the confident little beag she can be again with your patience and love. She needs consistancy and devotion and in no time she will be housebroken. It was probably a major reason she was given away in the first place. People say that beagles are very hard to housetrain, but it really doesn't take any more time or patience than any other pup. I've never had any trouble with any foster for more than a week and I have had about 20 foster dogs in the past 2 years. With the possible exception of Teddy who peed everytime you looked at him. He was so submissive and scared. Suzi looks like she knows she has found her forever home and is so grateful. Training will give her confidence and boost your bond so teach her lots.

 

[angelaH]

Thanks all. We think Susis days of being a puppy machine has returned to her memory. She has moments when she dashes behind bushes and yelping scratches the earth like mad. Our last beagle used to do this during her false pregnancies.

We3beagles. We adopted Susi and Snoopy in December 2005. Until recently both were housetrained. This trouble started when we bought a new carpet last month. It could be a coincidence though. Susi had a particularly hard first 5 years in a research station having to produce one litter of pups after another, which they killed to see the affect of chemicals they had used on Susi. She didnt see the outside world and did her business in a tiled room. Susi seems to know she shouldnt do it indoors as she looks guilty and runs onto the terrace. She is totally mixed up.

Thanks folks for the tip about that book, I shall get a copy.

 

[CarrieD]

That poor animal! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif Suzi is very lucky to have a loving owner after all she's been through.

 

[rjcataldo]

It is so sad to hear what goes on in this world. A lot of people have no respect for the lives of other beings (human or animal). I hope Suzi can eventually open up and be a happy girl.

 

[Genie]

Poor sweet Susi. That is such a beautiful picture, with the loving adoring look she is giving your husband. Bless her heart, and curses on those heartless researchers!! I also reccomend the book For Bea--it is wonderful! Good luck to all of you.

 

[we3beagles]

Poor baby! Of course she is mixed up. Just be patient and don't punish her in any way. She wants to please you so badly. Make it as clear as possible by not giving her the opportunity to pee inside. You could even tether her to you so she is not out of your sight. I cannot believe the cruelty people inflict in the name of science. They should test on themselves first.

 

[Mom of 2 Beagles]

Would it freak her out to have her wear some little doggie pants? They make some doggie pants for boy doggies that mark in the house. the come with a pad inside. But that may freak her out even more?