Changing "caregivers" - YorkieTalk.com Forums

McheleM · 06-10-2012, 09:25 PM

I am the general caregiver for all 4 of our dogs. I am having surgery in 3 weeks and that will be followed by radiation and chemo as well as other surgeries in the future. We are in the process of my husband and son taking over more of the care them since I wont be able to as much after surgery, but the dogs seem to be resisting. Is there anything we can do to make the transition smoother for them?

They've stopped eating if my husband or son puts the food in the bowls, yet will eat if I do it, they refuse to go outside with my husband or son and will only go if I go too, and they just seem to be mopey and sad. Some of that could be attributed to them being in touch with us and know that this is a stressful time for all of us, but I worry about them not eating while I'm in the hospital and having treatments. My babies mean the world to me and I don't want them suffering.

lillymae · 06-10-2012, 10:34 PM

My babies are the same way with me But whenever I have had to be in the hospital and have had surgeries, somehow they know I am out of commission & are perfect angels for my DH. Once I'm home no matter what condition I'm in, Lilly & Taylor do want to be in the bed with me & it's as if they think they are taking care of me & neither of them are as pushy about their huggins & pettins as they normally are & they just lay quietly near me keeping an eye on be. My other 3 get more clingy to my DH until I'm feeling better. I would not worry too much as they know when a human family member is not feeling well & will usually seek the attention of another family member.
I will be Praying for a full & speedy recovery for you.

Lilymo · 06-10-2012, 11:41 PM

So sorry to hear about you health issues and will keep you in my thoughts. Don't worry about your babies they will adapt. Have you tried standing beside your husband when he is putting the food in the bowls so they can see you ? Let him fill the bowls and put them down and you can talk to them while he does this. Once they accept this you can stop talking but still stand there and them move a bit away and so on until hubby is doing it in his own. Might work if you do it a bit at a time. Good luck.

Mom to Hot Rod · 06-11-2012, 01:41 AM

So sorry that you are dealing with health issues. I would suggest that when your hubby and son are "taking care" of the babies that you go upstairs or to your room or maybe out for a short walk. I say this because with my 2, hubby doesn't exist when I'm in the room.

If I'm upstairs (the upstairs is gated off) they are either on the sofa next to or on hubby. lol But as soon as I come back into the family room, boom, they are right there with me. As for feeding them, I know mine eat better when I sit in the kitchen with them, does your husband/son stick around or do they just put the food down and go away? Try having them sit or stay around where the food is and see if this makes a difference.

I'm sure they can sense things going on with you. I know that you are concerned for their well being but I'm sure they will be just fine. Good luck with your surgery and hope you have a speedy recovery. Hugs.

Alvindy · 06-11-2012, 03:56 AM

They are pretty intuitive - they will 'know' that you are not well. The only thing you should worry about it your health! Good Luck!!

Patti · 06-11-2012, 05:56 AM

I am sorry you are having health issues and will keep you in my prayers. The first time I left my 4,Pixie wouldn't eat. That lasted 1meal then she was fine. I think they will adjust pretty quickly.

BabyGirl Rosie · 06-11-2012, 06:04 AM

I am so sorry for your health issues. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. As far as your pups, I really do think it is a difficult transition for them. When my son was in the hospital, I stayed the whole time with him. Mikki did fine. But Rosie had a very hard time. I will say that after a day or two, Rosie did eat and go potty for DH. She acted not happy but she did finally start doing her routine. I will add a smooth transition for them to my prayers as well. (((Hugs)))

TxVicki · 06-11-2012, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McheleM

I am the general caregiver for all 4 of our dogs. I am having surgery in 3 weeks and that will be followed by radiation and chemo as well as other surgeries in the future. We are in the process of my husband and son taking over more of the care them since I wont be able to as much after surgery, but the dogs seem to be resisting. Is there anything we can do to make the transition smoother for them?

They've stopped eating if my husband or son puts the food in the bowls, yet will eat if I do it, they refuse to go outside with my husband or son and will only go if I go too, and they just seem to be mopey and sad. Some of that could be attributed to them being in touch with us and know that this is a stressful time for all of us, but I worry about them not eating while I'm in the hospital and having treatments. My babies mean the world to me and I don't want them suffering.

Michelle I understand what your going thru as I went thru the same thing you are going thru 7 years ago.
Mine didn't eat much when I was in the hospital. But when I came home, my hubby was there and prepared the food, I was a able to put the food down for them, and they didn't have a problem with that. I know things will difficult for time especially with those drains in. I had two of them.
My hubby works overseas, so he wasn't here when I went through Chemo and radiation. Once the drains were removed I didn't have a problem with preparing the food.
All my babies at the time were very in touch with what was going on.
Also don't be surprised of they back away from you on the day of chemo as they can smell it on you.
Mine loved to lay in bed in with me.
Please know many prayers are going out for you.

gracielove · 06-11-2012, 09:40 AM

Some dogs are just creatures of habit. Your husband may have to take one out on a leash and try to get the others to follow. It may take a while for them to give in and accept the new arraingements but hopefully everyone can be patient and get into the new way things have to go.

My prayers are with you for a speedy and comfortable recovery.

LunasMomma · 06-11-2012, 01:48 PM

You've already gotten some great advice, so I just wanted to wish you the very best with your surgery and the treatments to follow. You are in my thoughts and prayers

marcie · 06-11-2012, 02:04 PM

I am so sorry you must go thru this. Please don't worry the pups will
be fine. Sending you hugs and prayers. Please keep us updated on your
progress.

McheleM · 06-11-2012, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxVicki

Michelle I understand what your going thru as I went thru the same thing you are going thru 7 years ago.
Mine didn't eat much when I was in the hospital. But when I came home, my hubby was there and prepared the food, I was a able to put the food down for them, and they didn't have a problem with that. I know things will difficult for time especially with those drains in. I had two of them.
My hubby works overseas, so he wasn't here when I went through Chemo and radiation. Once the drains were removed I didn't have a problem with preparing the food.
All my babies at the time were very in touch with what was going on.
Also don't be surprised of they back away from you on the day of chemo as they can smell it on you.
Mine loved to lay in bed in with me.
Please know many prayers are going out for you.

What about lifting after the mastectomy? I know they don't weigh much but were you able to pick them up okay??

This has thrown our world for a loop, I really hate that it will interfere with the dogs lives too!

McheleM · 06-11-2012, 04:45 PM

Thank you all for the prayers and positive thoughts.

I will try some of the things mentioned and see if they do better. Luckily we still have a few weeks to try and figure it out.

TxVicki · 06-11-2012, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McheleM

What about lifting after the mastectomy? I know they don't weigh much but were you able to pick them up okay??

This has thrown our world for a loop, I really hate that it will interfere with the dogs lives too!

At the time the only one I couldn't pick up was my late Lizzie. She weighed 11 pounds. As for the others I had at that time if I had to pick them I did so very carefully.
Also every day I did range of motion exercise. Once the drains were pulled were it so much easier.

Your babies will adjust. Mine did really well.

I'm here if you have any questions.

Msgatorslayer · 06-11-2012, 05:55 PM

My Doberman used to do this.

If I was away for just a weekend he wouldn't eat. It's like they know who the caregiver is and it's almost like a form of anxiety where they can't eat till the Mommy gets back home.

IDK, I always thought it was so odd because he had a wonderful, playful, loving relationship with his Daddy. But I was the one who mainly fed him.

On the flip side, he was known to chew on the remote control if his Daddy was gone.

06-10-2012, 09:25 PM	#1
McheleM Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Mesquite, TX Posts: 2,659	Changing "caregivers" I am the general caregiver for all 4 of our dogs. I am having surgery in 3 weeks and that will be followed by radiation and chemo as well as other surgeries in the future. We are in the process of my husband and son taking over more of the care them since I wont be able to as much after surgery, but the dogs seem to be resisting. Is there anything we can do to make the transition smoother for them? They've stopped eating if my husband or son puts the food in the bowls, yet will eat if I do it, they refuse to go outside with my husband or son and will only go if I go too, and they just seem to be mopey and sad. Some of that could be attributed to them being in touch with us and know that this is a stressful time for all of us, but I worry about them not eating while I'm in the hospital and having treatments. My babies mean the world to me and I don't want them suffering. __________________ "You've never learned to live until you've done something for someone for which they can never repay you."~Ralph Hall.

06-10-2012, 11:41 PM	#3
Lilymo YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Scotland Posts: 441	So sorry to hear about you health issues and will keep you in my thoughts. Don't worry about your babies they will adapt. Have you tried standing beside your husband when he is putting the food in the bowls so they can see you ? Let him fill the bowls and put them down and you can talk to them while he does this. Once they accept this you can stop talking but still stand there and them move a bit away and so on until hubby is doing it in his own. Might work if you do it a bit at a time. Good luck. __________________ Eileen mum to Mitzi Brodie Robyn Molly and Lilly RIP Morgan

06-11-2012, 01:41 AM	#4
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	So sorry that you are dealing with health issues. I would suggest that when your hubby and son are "taking care" of the babies that you go upstairs or to your room or maybe out for a short walk. I say this because with my 2, hubby doesn't exist when I'm in the room. If I'm upstairs (the upstairs is gated off) they are either on the sofa next to or on hubby. lol But as soon as I come back into the family room, boom, they are right there with me. As for feeding them, I know mine eat better when I sit in the kitchen with them, does your husband/son stick around or do they just put the food down and go away? Try having them sit or stay around where the food is and see if this makes a difference. I'm sure they can sense things going on with you. I know that you are concerned for their well being but I'm sure they will be just fine. Good luck with your surgery and hope you have a speedy recovery. Hugs. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

06-11-2012, 05:56 AM	#6
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	I am sorry you are having health issues and will keep you in my prayers. The first time I left my 4,Pixie wouldn't eat. That lasted 1meal then she was fine. I think they will adjust pretty quickly. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

06-11-2012, 06:04 AM	#7
BabyGirl Rosie I ♥ my girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: With My Yorkies Posts: 18,980	I am so sorry for your health issues. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. As far as your pups, I really do think it is a difficult transition for them. When my son was in the hospital, I stayed the whole time with him. Mikki did fine. But Rosie had a very hard time. I will say that after a day or two, Rosie did eat and go potty for DH. She acted not happy but she did finally start doing her routine. I will add a smooth transition for them to my prayers as well. (((Hugs))) __________________ Momma to three sweet Yorkie girls Rosie Marie, Mikki Leigh , and Lily Mae Grace!

06-10-2012, 10:34 PM	#2
lillymae YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,544	My babies are the same way with me But whenever I have had to be in the hospital and have had surgeries, somehow they know I am out of commission & are perfect angels for my DH. Once I'm home no matter what condition I'm in, Lilly & Taylor do want to be in the bed with me & it's as if they think they are taking care of me & neither of them are as pushy about their huggins & pettins as they normally are & they just lay quietly near me keeping an eye on be. My other 3 get more clingy to my DH until I'm feeling better. I would not worry too much as they know when a human family member is not feeling well & will usually seek the attention of another family member. I will be Praying for a full & speedy recovery for you.

06-11-2012, 03:56 AM	#5
Alvindy Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Oakville Posts: 216	They are pretty intuitive - they will 'know' that you are not well. The only thing you should worry about it your health! Good Luck!!

06-11-2012, 09:40 AM	#9
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	Some dogs are just creatures of habit. Your husband may have to take one out on a leash and try to get the others to follow. It may take a while for them to give in and accept the new arraingements but hopefully everyone can be patient and get into the new way things have to go. My prayers are with you for a speedy and comfortable recovery.

06-11-2012, 01:48 PM	#10
LunasMomma Izzy's Momma Too! Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Stuart, Florida Posts: 8,799	You've already gotten some great advice, so I just wanted to wish you the very best with your surgery and the treatments to follow. You are in my thoughts and prayers __________________ Tracy, Mom to Izzy and Luna

06-11-2012, 02:04 PM	#11
marcie and Lucy too Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: ohio Posts: 6,325	I am so sorry you must go thru this. Please don't worry the pups will be fine. Sending you hugs and prayers. Please keep us updated on your progress.

06-11-2012, 04:45 PM	#13
McheleM Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Mesquite, TX Posts: 2,659	Thank you all for the prayers and positive thoughts. I will try some of the things mentioned and see if they do better. Luckily we still have a few weeks to try and figure it out. __________________ "You've never learned to live until you've done something for someone for which they can never repay you."~Ralph Hall.

06-11-2012, 05:55 PM	#15
Msgatorslayer Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Greater Tampa Bay Posts: 35	My Doberman used to do this. If I was away for just a weekend he wouldn't eat. It's like they know who the caregiver is and it's almost like a form of anxiety where they can't eat till the Mommy gets back home. IDK, I always thought it was so odd because he had a wonderful, playful, loving relationship with his Daddy. But I was the one who mainly fed him. On the flip side, he was known to chew on the remote control if his Daddy was gone.