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Brian50 · 08-13-2011, 05:59 PM

Hello all,

I just wanted to mention that it was a great comfort reading the posts last evening on this forum. Our little Yorkie Snickers has renal problems and it has been up and down the past few months. He has been on Sub Q fluids for over a year and is seeing an Internist who is just wonderful. Last few days he had had stomach issues and we are dealing with trying to keep him eating. He is on new meds and a new diet to stimulate his appetite. (Long story) but the vet suggested some boiled buffalo meat and he loves it! He is doing much better today, but last night I was pretty much at the end of my rope.

I am posting in this section because I was so inspired by so many posts from people who care so much for their pets and really do their best to meet their responsibilities as a pet owner. It helped me last night to read the numerous posts from owners who love their dogs and do so much for their dogs. We hear many awful stories about abuse and neglect, but often do not hear the positive.

My little Snickers has had many challenges in his life. He ate 2 chicken bones a few years back and had to have emergency surgery, he has “found” many food items on the floor and some health issues as a result, and one of his renal medicine caused neurological problems (fortunately no permanent damage.) Anyway, my wife and I do our job taking care of him. He is our responsibility and I just plain do not mind the time and money we need to invest in his care…..This is our responsibility and we owe this to Snickers. Not to mention we adore this little guy and is a member of the family.

I am a psychologist and, although it is not my area of expertise, there is mounting research that animals are, in fact, much more like humans in terms of cognition and emotion. (Of course this does not mean they function at the level of humans). Anyway, years ago animal behavior was explained in terms of genetics or learning (e.g., operant conditioning). Current research is showing what many of us pet owners know is that the bonds we form with our pets are very complex and our pets really do understand our emotions. With this in mind, I am heartened to see pet owners caring for their animals and taking their responsibility seriously.
So thanks to all of you for providing me with a bit of inspiration when I was rather overwhelmed!

Brian50

08-13-2011, 05:59 PM	#1
Brian50 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 3	Thanks for all the inspiring stories! Hello all, I just wanted to mention that it was a great comfort reading the posts last evening on this forum. Our little Yorkie Snickers has renal problems and it has been up and down the past few months. He has been on Sub Q fluids for over a year and is seeing an Internist who is just wonderful. Last few days he had had stomach issues and we are dealing with trying to keep him eating. He is on new meds and a new diet to stimulate his appetite. (Long story) but the vet suggested some boiled buffalo meat and he loves it! He is doing much better today, but last night I was pretty much at the end of my rope. I am posting in this section because I was so inspired by so many posts from people who care so much for their pets and really do their best to meet their responsibilities as a pet owner. It helped me last night to read the numerous posts from owners who love their dogs and do so much for their dogs. We hear many awful stories about abuse and neglect, but often do not hear the positive. My little Snickers has had many challenges in his life. He ate 2 chicken bones a few years back and had to have emergency surgery, he has “found” many food items on the floor and some health issues as a result, and one of his renal medicine caused neurological problems (fortunately no permanent damage.) Anyway, my wife and I do our job taking care of him. He is our responsibility and I just plain do not mind the time and money we need to invest in his care…..This is our responsibility and we owe this to Snickers. Not to mention we adore this little guy and is a member of the family. I am a psychologist and, although it is not my area of expertise, there is mounting research that animals are, in fact, much more like humans in terms of cognition and emotion. (Of course this does not mean they function at the level of humans). Anyway, years ago animal behavior was explained in terms of genetics or learning (e.g., operant conditioning). Current research is showing what many of us pet owners know is that the bonds we form with our pets are very complex and our pets really do understand our emotions. With this in mind, I am heartened to see pet owners caring for their animals and taking their responsibility seriously. So thanks to all of you for providing me with a bit of inspiration when I was rather overwhelmed! Brian50