This photo is from the Black Path along the railroad tracks, where I walked Bailey yesterday when she should have been getting spayed. Yes, once again, we've had to delay her surgery because she's still in "false pregnancy." Can you believe it? The vet said it can take three to four months following her "season" for that to end. We got her at the end of July, and supposedly she'd been in heat not long before that, although I'm fuzzy on exactly when. At any rate, it's apparently still too soon for spaying.
Honestly, I wonder whether we should spay her at all. We're not going to let her mate with any other dogs, so the likelihood of puppies is pretty much nil. I suppose it might help tone down her behavior, and will also lessen any urge she might have to escape. (God forbid!)
Anyway, we had a good walk. Then I came home and did a bunch of stuff around the house, involving cleaning and plants and blogs and whatnot. I'm still catching up from my time away.
In the afternoon I took Bailey back to the cemetery, where we encountered the women who hang out next to their car and blast music. This time it was "Send Me the Pillow That You Dream On," by Daniel O'Donnell. They seem to like their Irish crooners!
I made this video so you could experience what it's like to walk Bailey on her long lead accompanied by a musical soundtrack. As you can imagine, it's not easy to deal with the 10 meters of lead and a squirrel-obsessed dog while also recording a video! You'll see the women and their car in the background -- one of them was feeding pigeons -- and you can also hear kids playing sports on a nearby athletic field, on the other side of the cemetery wall.
And then we had some real excitement. We rounded a corner and saw a squirrel sitting in the middle of the path, about three feet on either side from two clumps of trees. I knew Bailey would bolt for it, but she was on her lead and the squirrel had easy cover within reach, so I thought, "Why not?!"
Bailey shot after the squirrel, and the stupid thing -- in the blind panic characteristic of all squirrel activity -- ran not at either clump of trees but at ME. It flew up one of my legs! I was so startled I shook it off, which of course put it at peril of being eaten, so it flew up my other leg. Once again I shook it off and it ran, Bailey hot on its tail, and all might have ended disastrously if I hadn't pulled back on the lead. The squirrel bounded across the grass and up a tree.
I have scratches on my legs from the panicked squirrel's claws. (I was wearing shorts!) This led me to research my beliefs that squirrels don't carry rabies and also that there's no rabies in the UK, and both beliefs appear to be true, so at least that's something I don't need to worry about.
Serves me right for using that squirrel as a dog toy.
Poor squirrel, thought you were one of Tolkien's ents!
ReplyDeleteHa! Exactly!
DeleteHA! HA! HA! I would have paid good money to see that squirrel running up your legs. As for spaying, I have found a YouTube video titled, "How To Spay Your Own Dog". I can give you the link if you wish.
ReplyDeleteDave keeps suggesting that. He said, "We have a melon-baller!"
DeleteWhen female dogs get on heat, they are hunting and wanting. She will be a much better pet companion if she is spayed. And you really do have to do something about her behaviour, but at least you do honestly write about what she does. A video of the squirrel seeking your body as a refuge would have been fun to see.
ReplyDeleteI want to honestly represent her personality, to myself as much as everyone else. I know she needs training and we're already working on that, though we have not yet called in professionals.
DeleteSteve, you and Dave are doing a great job with training. But obedience/manners training and behavioral training are not the same, and with Bailey's Big Emotions about other dogs, you might find working with a behaviorist helpful. If Britain is like the UK, anyone can call themselves a behaviorist; if you go this route, look for certifications (https://www.ccab.uk/, https://abtc.org.uk/, https://iaabc.org/). All Dogs Matter might have recommendations. (I live with a dog-reactive dog, and professional help has helped A LOT).
Delete(This is Chris from Boise)
DeleteShe is such a BUSY dog!!
ReplyDeleteShe really is. She's hunting all the time, at least in her mind, when she's out and about.
DeleteDefinitely not a quiet country walk but Bailey is having the time of her life!
ReplyDeleteWell, that's my goal. I want her to have fun and burn off energy!
DeleteOh my gosh. That squirrel story is so funny. I can just see it jumping up your leg! My first dog as an adult was a female that we didn't get spayed initially. We didn't want to put her through that surgery. But every six months, she would bleed, oftentimes in places in the house that would create a stain, and when she was like this, EVERY male dog in the neighborhood was in our yard!
ReplyDeleteOK, I did not know that female dogs bleed if not spayed. (Although I guess I shouldn't be surprised.) We definitely don't want that.
DeleteI shouldn't laugh but the squirrel story was funny.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with what Michael said. I had a female beagle who was not spayed for awhile because the breeder wanted to breed her. When she went into heat, there were drops of blood all over the house. You'd also have a hard time walking her because every male in the vicinity would be trying to mount her.
OK, you're talking me into the spaying! Thanks for presenting the alternative!
DeleteYour story reminded me of when Maggie had a squirrel run up her leg at school! I think it either lightly bit her or scratched her. I mean, really? And same for you. What bad luck. Squirrels do not think right when they're panicked.
ReplyDeleteHere's what I discovered when a female dog is in heat- every male dog in the surrounding countryside will do whatever they can to make their way to your door. I'm not kidding. And forget taking Bailey for a walk then.
I would recommend going ahead with the surgery when you can.
It's hard to imagine that other dogs are so sensitive they will perceive that, but I guess they do in the wild, so why wouldn't they in captivity? I've had squirrels bite me before, usually in places where they've been fed. They are not the brightest creatures.
DeleteThe squirrel drama is one video I'd like to see. I'm glad you survived. Life with Bailey is one long NADM. The hitch with not spaying is that you're liable to be harassed by many dogs scenting her in heat, and walking her could be tricky.
ReplyDeleteWhat is an NADM? Even Google doesn't know!
DeleteNever a dull moment. I say it now and then on my blog wrt to a neighbor's shenanigans.
DeleteI looked it up. Second entry in the search.
DeleteI wish there was video of the Squirrel Escapade!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I definitely could NOT have managed making a video and holding onto the dog during all of that chaos!
DeleteYou would hear me screaming when the squirrel went up my leg, from 3,000 miles away you would hear it.
ReplyDeleteLOL -- I screamed inside. I might have screamed outside.
DeleteQuite an adventure ! But the video was pleasant enough, Bailey seemed to enjoy herself. Calm before a storm.
ReplyDeleteFalse pregnancy etc; sometimes it's best to let nature run its course and leave it to destiny, perhaps it wasn't meant to be.
Good to have you "back", although you never actually left Blogistan 😊
Well, I had reduced involvement for a while there. It's hard to keep up when you're traveling!
DeleteThat squirrel drama would have scared the crap out of me. But I can see the squirrel's point of view -- you were the nearest thing to a tree it had, and when in doubt, go up. I'm glad there's not a rabies situation in the UK now but watch those scratches. Even pet scratches can get infected. As for the spaying, count me in with the other opinions here. And, the sooner the better. Did the vet say "come back in two weeks," or whatever?
ReplyDeleteExcept I WASN'T the nearest thing! There were two clumps of actual trees closer to it! That's why I thought it would be safe to send in the dog! I'm monitoring the scratches -- so far, so good.
DeleteSorry to be a downer here, but the squirrel situation was a perfect scenario for you to shorten the leash and tell her to "LEAVE IT!" Carry treats so you can reward her good behavior!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like she walks you, not nice-versa!
And, don't put off getting her spayed! If you have to wait until November or December, keeping her quiet for a couple weeks or so would be easier if it is super cold by that time!
Well, I wanted to give her the freedom to chase a squirrel. That seems like harmless enough behavior. You're right about spaying her in colder weather.
DeleteThat dog is a total pleasure.
ReplyDeleteThat's one word for it! 😆
DeleteI don't think you want to deal with Bailey going into heat every six months for two to three weeks. Especially trying to take her for a walk with male dogs around. And yikes, squirrel running up your leg not once but twice!
ReplyDeleteYou know, all my dogs since very early childhood have been spayed or neutered, so I really don't know what having a dog in heat is like. From these comments it sounds like I don't want to know!
DeleteHmmm... seems like Bailey is going to provide fodder for quite a few interesting blog posts to come ...
ReplyDeleteLife with Bailey is never dull, that's for sure.
DeleteWhat were you thinking, Steve? A squirrel is not a dog toy and Bailey should learn not to chase other animals or she could get hurt, too. I think you should keep the leash shorter so you can always see her.
ReplyDeleteI bought the long lead specifically to give her more freedom in open spaces like the cemetery, and to my mind, chasing squirrels is perfectly natural and harmless for dogs. (Assuming the squirrel is smart enough to go up the nearest tree, which this one wasn't.)
DeleteWell, I’d be covered in antiseptic ointment! Bailey is so inquisitive and so active, watching the long lead is like watching rhythmic gymnastics.
ReplyDeleteDave likens it to fly-fishing!
DeleteNow we know when a squirrel panics it seeks escape any way possible. Climbing your leg instead of a tree is hysterical. Being a Bailey's dad is definitely full of surprises.
ReplyDeleteI've had numerous female dogs and the spaying went smoothly. Today, the Vet tells me having the dog go through two heat cycles followed by spaying is the ideal.
This false pregnancy situation is entirely new to me. I'd think about getting a second opinion.
It's strange that it's gone on so long, I agree. But several vets at the same practice have all said this, so in a way I have multiple opinions.
DeleteI had a squirrel encounter like that many years ago in Florida. That squirrel just climbed up my bare leg. That was very scary. I can't believe the spaying got canceled again. I don't think I've ever heard of a false pregnancy in a dog. I wonder what causes that.
ReplyDeleteI've seen squirrels do that in St. James Park, where they are often fed. But I've never had one do it to me!
DeleteThe vet said false pregnancies are becoming more common in dogs and they're not sure why. It's a condition that gets kicked off when the dog goes into heat. Sometimes the body is fooled into thinking puppies are on the way, even when they're not.
I have had dogs in heat in my life- would never want to got through that again. Diaper changes every three hours, - stray men dogs circling the house, restrictions on where the hot dog can travel. ( kept indoors except for toilet business). Dogmones racing contributing to shite behavior. Parade a plump ripe vulva , tail askew, as invitation. Just NO. AND it seems to go on forever... Her false pregnancy is a result of having been in heat. It is a disorder . Her lead is long, probably not the best idea except in a cemetery where all of the folks are dead and the squirrels can bolt for their little lives. Bailey is a different dog . Clearly Pitty, unlike Olga for sure.
ReplyDeleteA pitty that looked more like Olga adopted us when we lived out on the rez- He was charming and adorable but ended up being gassed by the humane society for attacking another dog. Heart breaking breed, that. Nature nurture and strict rules do apply. Good luck to you.
The cemetery is so nicely kept, all lined up and tidy! Welcome home!
I only use the long lead at the cemetery or on Hampstead Heath, where there's lots of space. It's not for use on the street or in close proximity to other dogs. Bailey is different from Olga, it's true, but she's quite cuddly at heart. I think her reactivity will diminish as she ages.
DeleteWhen I was in college, the squirrels on campus were so tame that they would come close and if you were eating something, they were a bit TOO interested. I don't think I ever had one run up my leg though. Terrifying! I hope you can get the spaying done soon; although I never had a female dog, I've heard horror stories about dogs in heat from friends.
ReplyDeleteWe had squirrels like that at my university as well. I guess students are suckers for a cute squirrel and hence create bad behavior!
DeleteOMG! I can't remember when i've laughed so hard! I wish that had been caught on video! Squirrels can be stupid in a panic. I had no idea they couldn't get rabies.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others on getting her spayed. She'll likely be healthier, better behaved, and you don't want to deal with every non-neutered male in a five mile radius when she's in heat.
I would never be able to manage a lead that long. Tombstones would be pulled down all over the place.
Apparently any warm-blooded animal can carry rabies, but small animals like squirrels and rats seldom do, largely because they are usually killed in any encounter with another animal. (In other words, they don't survive whatever encounter might have infected them.) The long lead is a challenge but it's a lot of fun for her, I think.
DeleteSteve, if you were able to have captured a video of that squirrel jumping on your legs it would have been amazing. I bet you never would have expected the squirrel to react that way. And, that is a very long lead that you managed while filming the cemetary, very impressive.
ReplyDeleteIt's a 10-meter lead, which I bought to give her more freedom in open spaces (and yet maintain control on my part). I can reel it in quickly if need be! I definitely could not have managed making a video while wrestling with that squirrel situation, LOL!
DeleteI'm sorry the squirrel scratched you, but I wish you could have gotten a video of the squirrel running up your legs. It would be wild and hilarious. I think you should go ahead with having Bailey spayed. If she should happen to get out and some bastard manages to impregnate your baby, you'll wish you'd had it done.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Yeah, you've all convinced me that spaying is the way to go. I can't imagine Bailey allowing any dog close enough to mate with her, but maybe when she's in heat she'd do it. Then she'd be like a praying mantis and eat her mate's head!
Delete😂 That's why I no longer have a boyfriend. He found out about my head-eating ways!
DeleteAll's well that ends well, right? But, goodness!! When you said the squirrel ran up your leg I next wondered whether Bailey would try to follow...
ReplyDeleteI would never dream of blasting music from a parked car near a cemetery (or near anything, really). Why impose on others the music I want to hear?
Yeah, the music situation has perplexed me, especially at a cemetery. That's why I had to get it on video!
DeleteOh that squirrel encounter must have been so funny to watch. Our JR Rosy, once chased a squirrel up a tree, obviously gravity got hold of her and she fell back down again, but she must have managed a good six or seven feet of the trunk with her momentum.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty impressive, but Jack Russels are very nimble dogs! Bailey is too heavy to get that high but she does her best.
Delete