Re: [pyrnet] Intro

[Jack & Charlotte Perry <pyreau@erols.com>]

Welcome Sue & Sirius.
    I started a message and it just disappeared....so you may get two of
these.  We have had great results feeding older dogs "senior" lower fat
foods.  Like people, some of them just don't metabolize fats as well as
they did when they were younger. As far as arthritic changes, there are
several  list members who have had good luck with glucosamine etc.
(Barb?  Stephanie?).  It does sound like Sirius is having old-age
problems.  The only dog we ever had that had problems with incontinence
seemed to have suffered a stroke.  Did you know that there is a National
Capital Great Pyrenees Club?  There may be Club members in your area who
can recommend a good Vet who is familiar with Pyrs.  E-mail me privately
for more info on this.
Charlotte Perry (in Fauqier Cty VA...the real horse country)

Susan Christensen wrote:

> Hello everyone,
>
> I saw this forum and thought I would check it out.
> I have a white male Great Pyr (born 5/1990) out of a breeder in
> Texas. His name is Sirius, 'cause to us he *is* the dog star. He has
> got to be the nicest tempered dog ever, he gets along with other dogs
> and hasn't got a mean bone in his body. He used to let my kids climb
> all over him when they were little. When we were living in Texas, he
> used to drool horribly like some kind of St. Bernard. Once we moved
> to Virginia, it was a thing of the past. He gets along great with all
> 6 cats and our birds too. I don't think there is any more beautiful
> sight than Siri in the snow, rolling in it, eating it. What a goof!
>
> I have only seen a few messages so far, but I sure know what people
> mean when they say that their Pyr, if on the loose, just won't come
> if there is an opportunity to see the country! The one exception is
> if Siri sees us carrying his pink leash. He will come right over and
> let us hook him up since he loves to go on walks (which we can't do
> much in this area where we live--no shoulder to the road and too much
> traffic). One time Siri got loose and a kind lady caught him
> wandering up US 50 on his way west out of the county! I was really
> lucky he wasn't killed in the DC /VNA traffic.
>
> We have not had a barking problem. He has a wonderful deep "Woof" and
> the "Woo-woo-woo-woof" accompanied by a charge toward heavy trucks or
> motorcycles (he's on a line outside since our enclosures didn't keep
> him in). However, I haven't had any problems with constant barking
> (or digging). I didn't know that barking was a problem with the breed
> and wonder if there might be lines that are less likely to be
> constant barkers (?)
>
> Anyway, he is starting to get along in age now as evidenced by his
> hearing which seems less acute. It is much harder for him to get up
> and down than it used to be although for years he has had problems
> with sitting (shakes on the way down). That was a real problem for
> him in obedience class. I find he can be very stubborn. If he wants
> to continue something, he is immovable--like a rock! He is also a
> leaner--like to get his ears and body scritchies--and will plant
> himself in front of you until he gets some attention. The other thing
> I notice is that he has always been less likely to give me much eye
> contact (he does-but it's quick) than my other dog who is a terrier
> mix. I know he hears me talking as he will perk his ears, give a very
> fast eye contact and look away as I am talking to him.
>
> I was wondering whether GP's have a sensitive digestion as he seems
> easily prone to diarrhea if his food is changed or sometimes for
> unknown reasons. I don't really know if this greater frequency is
> also a sign of aging. He's my first dog and I have not dealt with
> aging changes before. It's a real problem when he can't seem to
> control his bowel movements or urination- a dog that size in a small
> house can make the atmosphere unpleasantly "fragrant" rather quickly.
> Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading about other people's
> experiences.
>
> Glad to meet you,
>
> Sue and Sirius in Northern Virginia
>
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