Separation anxiety

[Lynn Pilarski]

Hi to all, I am hoping for some help.

I am currently fostering an 11 month old female Great Pyrenees. Maddie (Pyr's name) came to us several weeks ago weighing in at next to NOTHING(52 pounds) ...she is only slightly above that now. She is a total love of a dog - very gentle, and soft natured. But maybe due to the possible abuse, and certainly neglect - that she has gone thru for the first part of her life, - She does suffer from seperation anxiety, and we are working very hard with her to overcome this. I pray that we will be able to teach her security and give her some peace of mind soon. She finds no peace in our pack, if I let her run the house with them.....she inappropriately chews things, and
she is also upset enough, that she unsettles my group. When I crate her,
she is very anxious to be in the crate, panting almost to the point of hyperventalation - I have tried just blocking her off
to a utility room where she can cause little damage - but still she is
wigged out. On my last visit to the holistic Vet that I see, I talked to him about
Maddie and he suggested calming pheromones (which I purchased and am now
using) as well as Lavender oil on the inside of the ears to help to calm and
sooth her. I'm seeing little effects. I also dose her with rescue remedy, again to little satisfaction.. I should also mention that I wake up an hour early so that I can take Maddy out for a early morning 45 min walk in an attempt to tire her body out - giving her a desire to rest (sleep) during the day while we are gone - - this does not achieve what I hope for.....although I can say that I am exhausted during the day.: )

I am reluctant to go to a heavy sedative, just because I hate the thoughts of her spending her days in a drug induced haze - but at the same time, equally hate the thoughts of her contending with her own anxiety every day.

I HATE that I am supposed to be this SWEET - SWEET girls salvation, and she
has further torment in my care. Do you have any ideas or secrets that
you can share.

While Maddie has been here with us, her demeanor has changed, she has lost her frighten and worried look - and has found a sense of play both with her housemates and with us - but - we're still looking for a way to give her the peace that she needs when we can't be at home with her.

Any thoughts - ideas or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

Lynn

[Mickala]

Hi Lynn,
I'm so sorry to hear about Maddie's problem, she looks so gentle. I asked my mother about the situation since she's more knowledgeable then I. She noticed that Maddie was with a cat in one picture, has she leaned more towards the cat then the other Pyrs? Perhaps if she has something small of her own to take care of she would feel more relaxed, since Pyr's are naturally prone to taking care of smaller animals, the other Pyrs might intimidate her. I know our Great Dane sucks on blankets and toys to help his anxiety but I'm not sure if that would help Maddie, if she doesn't already do that. Sorry we can't be of much help, please keep us updated on her!
-Mickala

[Lynn Pilarski]

Thank You Mickala, I appreciate your (and your Mom's) care.

Maddie is a very gentle soul, she has a kind heart and is receptive to pretty much everything that she has been exposed to. She loves Kids, and is so endearing to watch with them...she is also very attentive to the three cats that live in our home. Maddie does initiate play with our crew and readily participates in the activities that we do with our dogs - the only problem (for and with) Maddie are that loud noises - fircrackers and thunder storms - send her into a panic, and then the dreaded leaving her alone in the house (mind you the house is filled with dogs and cats for company) make her very anxious. Like I said - I am very hopeful that love and patience will teach her that she has nothing to fear - I just wish that I could get inside her head and reassure her.

Thank you again for your care, and for the site - Great Job!!

I qill keep you posted on this dear girl.

Lynn

[animal-house1]

My Labradoodle used to have separation anxiety as well. My vet recommended that he have 1 place in the house that is his only. A place where he can feel safe, but still not be all alone. I managed to find a spot where he could his own area, but he can see the other dogs and know that he isn't all alone. Hope this will help you. It may also just take some time. Who knows what the poor thing went through before she came to you. It's a great thing that you are doing. Only a special person can love so unconditionally knowing that you will have to give her to someone else one day.

[Lynn Pilarski]

Thanks for responding, and for your advice - every little bit helps.

Also, thank you for your kinds words on rescue, - I easily get my heart broken a dozen times a year by the fur faces that I take in. I chronically have to remind myself that I am just their stepping stone, but none of that matters when I fall in love with them.

My husband and I took in a one year old Landseer Newf last year...and I knew the moment that I saw Kahlua that she wasn't going any where else.. She's a silly girl that has such an endearing charm.

Thank you again for your help.

Wishing you a great day.

Lynn