An update on Sam Dog, you ask? Sure! My life certainly revolves around him so why not share the love?
As most of you know, Sam, is our pit bull mix rescue dog that came to us about six months ago. We really struggled with whether or not we should keep him, knowing the responsibility attached to such a decision. And, you all know that we did, indeed, bring him into the family fold.
This morning I went to town (that means Charleston) to buy Sam some new toys at Pet Smart. I couldn’t wait any longer to make this trip as he is out of toys! If any of you out there in cyber space have a big pit bull mixed breed dog that suffers from separation anxiety, you know what I mean! Being out of dog toys at my house is very dangerous!
Since Sam can destroy most “indestructible” toys in a matter of minutes, I had spent hours on Pet Smart’s website reading customer reviews of the different products, ruled out the majority of them and made a list of only the ones that customers said their toy destroyer dogs could not destroy!
I bought a container of snacks and squeeze cheese to stuff the stuffable toys with treats. Supposedly, this can keep him occupied for hours. I also bought a container of bitter grapefruit spray to spray on every piece of furniture in my house!
I spent $158.00 on this handful of "indestructible" toys. Tink, our boy tabby looks on, agog at everything we bought for Sam!
I should tell you that Sam is, mostly, a sweetheart when we are at home. We do often have to scold him for tormenting the cats. And he wakes us up several times each night ,whether it is when he is climbing in and out of our bed or when he barks cause he hears his girlfriend, Princess, (the neighbor’s new rescue spaniel) escaping from her enclosure.
Except for that, and destroying our house and costing us a fortune at the vet and pet store, he is a good dog!
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- I spent $158.00 on this handful of “indestructible” toys. Tink, our boy tabby looks on, agog at everything we bought for Sam!
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- This is our handmade Amish rocker.
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- Sam pulled up the sticky vinyl tiles in our sunroom. We want to change them, anyway.
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- Sam has chewed all four dining room chairs.
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- This is the livingroom recliner. It was the first piece of furniture destroyed and is now known as “Sam’s chair.”
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- This is the coffee table that Brian built.
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- This is our couch.
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- This is one of two lampshades in our bedroom that have been smashed.
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- This is the dresser in the master bedroom.
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- The other area rug has been thrown out. This one is in better shape!
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- The vet’s office loves Sam! His neutering surgery was a success and he weighs just shy of 60 pounds!
We need an update, Cindy! Is Sam doing better now?
Maija, If you are referring to Sam’s penchant for chewing, then, the answer is no, he is not doing any better. I will soon be out of places for people to sit!
My goodness, your house just doesn’t look the same (Sam). Get it! He certainly is aggressive. But Sam is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever been around. The toys will help, but, you really just have to wait until he outgrows it. As you know, my dog Lilly, is a crazy dog but we all love her just the same.
I think that Carrie should take Sam week and train him . . . Tee Hee!
Oh, yes, and then we could have a mini-vacation from Sam! Weeeee!
There is nothing like having a vacation away from your pets! The BEST!
Sammydog has officially destroyed more things than my three dogs combined! Maybe he needs some doggyprozac……he will certainly mmmeeelllooowww out. Tee hee!
Doggy prozac? Hmmm…
Cin, I bet the dog whisperer (Caesar Millan) could fix Sam’s bad habits. You should summit Sam’s story with your pictures. It would be cool if he would come to South Carolina (he occasionally goes to other states).
Rocky dog can be a pest and still pee’s and poops on the carpet. I’m getting my carpet cleaned on Mon. because of the cat and dog mishaps. He seldom distroys anything which I’m thankful for. Anyway, good luck with Sam dog and I’ll pray for him too.
We actually do use a number of Cesar Millan’s techniques! And, Sam is very good at “Come” and “Stay” and “No!” The chewing up of things when we are not home is harder. But, yes, we are doing what Millan recommends for separation anxiety and Sam is being less destructive. Our biggest issue with treating this anxiety disorder is to make sure he gets vigorous exercise daily, but we do not have a fenced yard, so cannot let him out unleashed. You just can’t play ball on a leash! I may buy a “run,” to put him on during play, which could help some. And, instead of just walking him, maybe I can jog, and get the added benefit of getting myself in better shape, too! (Yeah, I don’t really see that happening, either!)
The first ten photos are “Oh my gosh, look at what a bad dog Sam is!” photos. Then you see photo number eleven and you say “Oh my gosh, look at what a sweet dog Sam is!” I guess it’s all in the perspective.
I think because of how he came to us, he is more attached to us than the “average” dog and also more stressed and fearful when we are away. So, we continue to do what we can: puppy proof the house as much as we can before we leave, provide regular exercise and provide engaging toys.
I say little prayers throughout my work day, asking for this day to be a good Sam day. And, when I pull into the driveway on my way home from a long day away, I say one final, “Please, let there be no new destruction!” Right now, we’re averaging about 50/50.
Sam is a very sweet, loving and loyal dog. We love him.