lirpa23
Boxer Booster
I recently have taken in an older boxer that was left at the pound to be put down. He is a very gentle soul, and has very sad eyes. I was reluctant to bring in another rescue because of another bad experience, but this fell into my lap. Before I picked him up I was shocked to learn that his age was assessed to be around 6 years old. I say this because over the phone I was initially told that he was on 1 year old!
I'm used to younger dogs, as my male is a 17 month old ball of energy that never stops. On the intial visit the dogs got along well, although the rescue didn't seem very interested in our male, which is understandable because he had just been dumped at a dirty pound by his family who apparently decided that they didn't have room to take him when they moved. But no aggression, lots of sniffing and tail wagging, none the less. I really thought it would be nice for my male to have another dog to play with, although the age difference concerned me.
Well, we just picked up the rescue on Friday afternoon. Keep in mind that he had just been neutered, and I really don't know what type of anasthesia/medications were used for the surgery. I'm sure he is still sore, and I hardly expect him to be pouncing around after only 2 days.
But...what type of energy level can a dog this old have? At this point the poor rescue, Diesel, is a sweetie, but seems very very calm, to the point where he doesn't really do anything but lie around. I don't know anything of his medical history, so that could be an issue, and I know that he recently had surgery, but he almost seems sedated. He mostly lies down all day, and when he walks, goes very slowly. Sometimes he gets up and just stands there and stares at the floor, literally for several minutes in the same spot. He now will come to us to be petted, but just lies his head in our lap and stands there wagging his tail, as if he has no energy. He pants alot. He is eating well and drinking plenty of fluids. He isn't coughing, and his eyes are clear and alert. He never cries or acts as if he is in pain. He sleeps well, but even when awake lies in his bed or stands in one spot.
I haven't had him assessed by my vet at this time. I will take him in on Tuesday. The only thing the rescue did was neuter and rabies vaccination. The only medical concern is a golf ball sized lump on his hip, which I was told is more than likely a fatty tumor and probably harmless.
Can this by psychological in nature, or physical? Is he simply too old to jump and play? My boy, Rocco, tries and tries to tempt him into a play session, but no luck so far. Diesel seems to like our male fine, but won't even lift a paw to interact. He just walks in circles to get away from my pup.
I know this sort of behavior was present before the surgery, because I remember the rescue care worker told me over the phone that he was extremely calm, to the point that he acted almost sedate. I thought she was exaggerating, or attributed it to his current situation of being dumped by his family and living in a strange place. But now I wonder if this is a permanent state for him.
Any advice for someone that has never taken in an older dog before? Is this normal?
I'm used to younger dogs, as my male is a 17 month old ball of energy that never stops. On the intial visit the dogs got along well, although the rescue didn't seem very interested in our male, which is understandable because he had just been dumped at a dirty pound by his family who apparently decided that they didn't have room to take him when they moved. But no aggression, lots of sniffing and tail wagging, none the less. I really thought it would be nice for my male to have another dog to play with, although the age difference concerned me.
Well, we just picked up the rescue on Friday afternoon. Keep in mind that he had just been neutered, and I really don't know what type of anasthesia/medications were used for the surgery. I'm sure he is still sore, and I hardly expect him to be pouncing around after only 2 days.
But...what type of energy level can a dog this old have? At this point the poor rescue, Diesel, is a sweetie, but seems very very calm, to the point where he doesn't really do anything but lie around. I don't know anything of his medical history, so that could be an issue, and I know that he recently had surgery, but he almost seems sedated. He mostly lies down all day, and when he walks, goes very slowly. Sometimes he gets up and just stands there and stares at the floor, literally for several minutes in the same spot. He now will come to us to be petted, but just lies his head in our lap and stands there wagging his tail, as if he has no energy. He pants alot. He is eating well and drinking plenty of fluids. He isn't coughing, and his eyes are clear and alert. He never cries or acts as if he is in pain. He sleeps well, but even when awake lies in his bed or stands in one spot.
I haven't had him assessed by my vet at this time. I will take him in on Tuesday. The only thing the rescue did was neuter and rabies vaccination. The only medical concern is a golf ball sized lump on his hip, which I was told is more than likely a fatty tumor and probably harmless.
Can this by psychological in nature, or physical? Is he simply too old to jump and play? My boy, Rocco, tries and tries to tempt him into a play session, but no luck so far. Diesel seems to like our male fine, but won't even lift a paw to interact. He just walks in circles to get away from my pup.
I know this sort of behavior was present before the surgery, because I remember the rescue care worker told me over the phone that he was extremely calm, to the point that he acted almost sedate. I thought she was exaggerating, or attributed it to his current situation of being dumped by his family and living in a strange place. But now I wonder if this is a permanent state for him.
Any advice for someone that has never taken in an older dog before? Is this normal?
for rescuing Diesel, he deserves all the love in the world and he's finally found it. I think it may take a while for Diesel to adjust, I don't have experience with rescues but who knows what kind of history he's had. It's probably alot on him right now
