How Beau's life has improved.

[Muttkip]

I've noticed something over the last few weeks, Beau's life has improved almost ten-fold. I'll admit I wasn't the best owner, there were days I didn't have time to walk him, let alone pet him other then his feeding time. There were days he'd sit in the rain and wait for me to get home from work, and since I worked late nights, I'd feed him give him a pat on the head and then walk back up the hill from his chain and go inside and he'd sit there for hours staring at the house. But ever since almost loosing him, I vowed to be a better owner and that he would never sit on a chain again in the open, my boy deserved better then that. So I got off my lazy butt, and started working towards that goal. I built him a kennel and even am trying new things with him. I bought him a kong for Christmas and the difference that one toy has made is amazing, he loves eating out of it and I noticed he's not barking as much, he's not pacing as much either. I'm trying to get better about walking him, but I do work weird shifts so it's harder to do so, but I'm trying.

So aside from my ramble,I guess I'm just saying this is something that I've noticed...that even just having him live in a kennel and not on a chain anymore, he's became a happier dog. And I'm looking to having back inside in the next year.

[magicre]

it takes some courage to admit neglect.....

i can respect that you're trying.....

next time you touch him, feel the heartbeat he has and carry that with you.

watch his face when he sees you....not even the love of your life will ever look at you that way.

it's gotta count for something, right?

i'm glad you gave him something to occupy his mind and a nice warm kennel....he also needs some lovin'.....but you're off to a good start.

[tuckersmom20]

Magicre is so right...

That stare they give you that shows complete and unconditional love... Is one you'll find nowhere else.
I can tell you that for a fact.... My boys look at me like I'm their world... And when my ex wasn't my ex... He still looked at me like I was no one.

[Muttkip]

it takes some courage to admit neglect.....

i can respect that you're trying.....

next time you touch him, feel the heartbeat he has and carry that with you.

watch his face when he sees you....not even the love of your life will ever look at you that way.

it's gotta count for something, right?

i'm glad you gave him something to occupy his mind and a nice warm kennel....he also needs some lovin'.....but you're off to a good start.

I know work is not the best excuse for anything, but it was hard to balance time with him and working oddball shifts. I've gotten better and I'll never let that happen to my dog ever again. I am going to be a better owner and the kennel has helped a great deal with this.

[magicre]

I know work is not the best excuse for anything, but it was hard to balance time with him and working oddball shifts. I've gotten better and I'll never let that happen to my dog ever again. I am going to be a better owner and the kennel has helped a great deal with this.

no, it's not an excuse. but you're admitting it on a public forum and you've exposed yourself to ridicule and lecturing, which, as i'm sure you know....we're pretty good at that :)

it's not the mistake....it's what you do after you admit the mistake....so you've made a promise....i expect you to live up to it. and i think you will.....because he's a beautiful dog....who loves you unconditionally....

make me proud.:)

[Muttkip]

no, it's not an excuse. but you're admitting it on a public forum and you've exposed yourself to ridicule and lecturing, which, as i'm sure you know....we're pretty good at that :)

it's not the mistake....it's what you do after you admit the mistake....so you've made a promise....i expect you to live up to it. and i think you will.....because he's a beautiful dog....who loves you unconditionally....

make me proud.:)

And I can take, I deserve it, but I am making the strives to be a better owner and I did get him off that chain...which is a huge step!!! Oh and he's not on Dog Chow anymore either, I've moved him up to Diamond...not the best but it's better the Purina!

[xellil]

Just think... one day you may be here speaking against leaving a dog on a chain. That would be a switch :)

I am glad he has a better life now. Remember, no matter how many kennels or how good the food - all he really wants is your attention and love.

[Muttkip]

Just think... one day you may be here speaking against leaving a dog on a chain. That would be a switch :)

I am glad he has a better life now. Remember, no matter how many kennels or how good the food - all he really wants is your attention and love.

Which he is getting more of! I spent almost 4 hours with him today outside, we went on a walk....he got treats. I cleaned out his water, played with him and fed him his favorite thing in the world Beggin Strips out of his kong. It was just a nice relaxing day with my smelly ol hound :)

[MollyWoppy]

Unfortunately, or maybe, fortunately, that's what life is about. Living and learning. We've all had dogs that, when we look back, just cringe at the way we innocently use to treat/feed them. As long as you are open to learning and open to new ideas, then you can only continue to improve the life of your pup. That's one of the best things about dogs is that they love you unconditionally. I'm proud of you for what you've done and I hope you keep trying to do the absolute best by him.
He's too much of a sweetheart not to!

[Muttkip]

Just think... one day you may be here speaking against leaving a dog on a chain. That would be a switch :)

I am glad he has a better life now. Remember, no matter how many kennels or how good the food - all he really wants is your attention and love.

I doubt I'll ever be against chaining, because it can be a great tool for containing a dog, but my Beagle boy will never see the end of one ever again unless I'm cleaning his water bowl!!!