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Originally Posted by gracielove  My little shadow, Gracie, is very, very loyal EXCEPT when the grandchildren arrive or basically anyone new arrives at the front door.  Then she becomes absolutely ecstatic with the company of the new arrival.
I have some severe arthritis in a back injury that slows me down but I still force myself to take her on at least 2 walks a day. I have someone else take her on at least one walk a day so she gets to go as fast as she likes with them. I am always the one to feed her (except for the little snacks she may get from the grandchildren) When I have been sick she is always right with me the whole time. She seems to know when she needs to be the nurse dog.
Maybe your little girl feels you lost interest in her. They are very sensitive dogs. It seems strange that she would not be with you when you were not feeling well since my experience has been they are quite sensitive to illness or the pain of others. I would say bribery would work best in this instance. You know what she likes best so keep trying to win her back with her favorites. |
Thank you for your response, I feel I should explain and re-iterate some points relevant to my present physical condition.
Four weeks ago I had surgery for spinal degeneration as the corollary of a trauma injury experienced in 1975, when I also lost an arm. I'm quite good at suppressing pain anyway and the operation has immediately relieved my position as well. However I was instructed NOT to walk far until an MRI scan was taken two days ago and only then after seeing a consultant to view it's result. I have been on half mile return jaunts with my little girl on a few occasions, as I miss my time with her very much. However not wanting to risk the first real pain free period of my life for over ten years, I have erred on the side of caution and have remained essentially static.
I suffered a heavy fall 3 months ago whilst walking with Crystal and she was extremely defensive when people rushed to help me. For a week or so afterwards she was my constant companion and as I've posted elsewhere here, literally licked my wounds every day, until they healed.
I am on the subornation trail as I write and she responds well, but then returns to her solitary confinement on mum's bed, after a short stay with me.
I did also explain I had a project deadline to reach which resulted in me working for many days on the computer, which meant that whilst together alone for some time, we were essentially apart - she may have felt rejection here maybe?
I think our prolonged period alone when we are both deprived of Mom's company for a month, from next weekend may effect a change though?