Re: [PyrNet-L] Sad Story of Poor Fat Pyr

["Judith Stroh Miller" <jsmiller@newmex.com>]

On 25 May 99, at 23:17, D3melza@aol.com wrote:

>  Did I do the right thing? I have never confronted an owner about
>          a 
> dog before and I don't really feel it is my place to do so. But this was
> such obvious stupidity and neglect! The only saving grace for this dog,
> and all Pyrs was that he was neutered, thank god. But I don't think I will
> ever forget him. I hope he'll be okay.

I got a call last week about a pyr in trouble hanging out at one of 
our shopping centers.  Turned out I knew who the owners were, but had 
not seen the dog up close in several years.  I had the dog about 30 
hours before the owners returned.

Yes, he was overweight, ungroomed and probably has HD.  When the 
owner finally called me, I just said I am really concerned about your 
dog and I have some information brochures for you.  When she arrived 
to get the dog, we talked about weight, feeding, grooming, the why's 
and do's and don't's of caring for a pyr.  I also suggested getting 
his hips checked and why it was important to keep his weight down.

The owner seemed receptive to what I shared with her, just hope she 
follows through.  But most importantly I shared why containment and 
fencing are so crucial and how her dog would end up injured or dead 
sooner or later if she continued to allow him to roam.  She left with 
her dog,< who in 30 hours had been half brushed out> who also was 
extremely happy to see her and a handful of GPCA brochures on care, 
feeding, grooming and "Is this breed for you". 

Many times owners have no idea how to care for a pyr, especially if 
they receive no breeder support.  All we can do is offer information 
and hope it's accepted in the manner presented.  I now carry several 
info packets in my car, never know when I will need them. 

The hardest thing I've had to learn is to contain my temper and offer 
the information in a kind and sharing way.  After all it's the dog 
that might benefit.  When I get home to my babies, I hug them all and 
tell them what lucky pyrs they are!

Judith
jsmiller@newmex.com
Taos, New Mexico