dog geek Posted June 13, 2013 Share Posted June 13, 2013 I am in considerable anguish over a little Pom in my area - about eight months ago I noticed he was 'bunny hopping' quite badly on his daily (his owner is so wonderful, cares for him beautifully, hence my quandary) walks. After about a month, I could no longer stand seeing him in such discomfort, so pulled over one day when driving past them, and asked his owner (after the basic social necessities of hello how are you etc) if she was aware that he was bunny-hopping quite badly. "Oh, yes he does that when he goes up the stairs at home..." No, I explained - I mean, he does walk beautifully at heel with you, I thought perhaps since he was not in your line of sight that you might not be aware that he bunny hops when you are walking him... and it is a sign of a problem with his patellas or his hips - what did your vet say last time he saw him?? "oh, no, vet has not mentioned anything about them... I am sure it is just he is getting a little old." She clearly was not interested in hearing her dog had a problem, and was definitely annoyed that I was interfering... Now, the poor little dog is still being walked regularly - and the condition has clearly progressed, he now gimps along gamely, back is now very hunched as he walks, stumbling along after his owner... It KILLS me to see it, any suggestions as to how to approach his owner again would be gratefully received!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cassie Posted June 13, 2013 Share Posted June 13, 2013 Do you know where she lives? Maybe send a bunch of flowers or something with a card explaining that you're not trying to be a know-it-all but you are just concerned for her dog's welfare. Say you know she looks after it because it seems in otherwise great condition (if it does?) but you have seen a similar case before where the dog turned out to be in quite serious pain. That's what I'd do. She can't get mad at you if it isn't face to face, and you can write down everything you want to say without her walking off before you've finished. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 Do you know where she lives? Maybe send a bunch of flowers or something with a card explaining that you're not trying to be a know-it-all but you are just concerned for her dog's welfare. That's a bit stalkerish. I'd be totally weirded out flowers or no flowers. Hi, I just noticed your dog, followed you home and purchased you flowers because you refused to take my first conversation seriously enough for my liking! There is probably a very real chance the woman knows what the problem is with the dog if its reasonably well maintained and being regularly walked. Maybe the dog doesnt have long to live and shes enjoying what time she has left with it, she just doesnt feel the need to expain it to a person who randomly pulled over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minimax Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 Do you know where she lives? Maybe send a bunch of flowers or something with a card explaining that you're not trying to be a know-it-all but you are just concerned for her dog's welfare. That's a bit stalkerish. I'd be totally weirded out flowers or no flowers. Hi, I just noticed your dog, followed you home and purchased you flowers because you refused to take my first conversation seriously enough for my liking! There is probably a very real chance the woman knows what the problem is with the dog if its reasonably well maintained and being regularly walked. Maybe the dog doesnt have long to live and shes enjoying what time she has left with it, she just doesnt feel the need to expain it to a person who randomly pulled over. + a billion You've stated your concern, she said the vet hasn't found a problem which means she has probably seen a vet for something else. I'd leave it alone. If you see her out and about, a nice friendly hi how is your dog feeling today could be appropriate, but pulling the car over or sending her anything is a little on the creepy side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 I am in considerable anguish over a little Pom in my area - about eight months ago I noticed he was 'bunny hopping' quite badly on his daily (his owner is so wonderful, cares for him beautifully, hence my quandary) walks. After about a month, I could no longer stand seeing him in such discomfort, so pulled over one day when driving past them, and asked his owner (after the basic social necessities of hello how are you etc) if she was aware that he was bunny-hopping quite badly. "Oh, yes he does that when he goes up the stairs at home..." No, I explained - I mean, he does walk beautifully at heel with you, I thought perhaps since he was not in your line of sight that you might not be aware that he bunny hops when you are walking him... and it is a sign of a problem with his patellas or his hips - what did your vet say last time he saw him?? "oh, no, vet has not mentioned anything about them... I am sure it is just he is getting a little old." She clearly was not interested in hearing her dog had a problem, and was definitely annoyed that I was interfering... Now, the poor little dog is still being walked regularly - and the condition has clearly progressed, he now gimps along gamely, back is now very hunched as he walks, stumbling along after his owner... It KILLS me to see it, any suggestions as to how to approach his owner again would be gratefully received!!! You have, without being asked , told a stranger their dog has possibly two ailments ,... I think you have done your bit , and suggest you do not pursue it further . The little dog may indeed be very old, and still enjoy his walks, albeit with reduced mobility.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 You know her schedule...why not accidentally bump into her when walking one or two of your own? As you walk then together you can "notice" the lameness again and exclaim that you knew of dogs with just that problem and the pain had completely done away after the vet had treated them for patella luxation or whatever ... make it all seem accidental. She may have never have mentioned it to her vet, often the lameness only appears with exercise. She may not understand that the dog is in pain and that is why they are lame...I have met very caring owners who had no idea that there was associated pain because their dog went happily hip-hopping along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 You have made alot of judgements . If some random came up to me i wouldn't be impressed . You have no clue what this dogs history is yet & the owner doesn't have to share there business with you. We had a Greyhound with severe thyroid issues & he was taken out wearing coats & likes because we got feed up with people making judgements & then doing the "your not interested in what i say look". You have informed this person of your concerns its up to them . If some random sent me flowers that would be more than creepy & to stop is weird aswell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 I do find it very painful to have to explain to strangers about why Amber is little etc. Maybe the lady was having a day were she couldn't be bothered explaining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 I do find it very painful to have to explain to strangers about why Amber is little etc. ???? why should you have to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 I do find it very painful to have to explain to strangers about why Amber is little etc. ???? why should you have to? I shouldn't have to but not sure what to say. The convo usually goes something likes this: Person: How old is she, is she a puppy (no idea why people always ask how old the dogs are!!) Me: She is 3 Person: oh she is little Me: ........... I guess I could just say yes she is a runt. It doesn't help that my other dog is built like a brick shithouse :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dog geek Posted June 14, 2013 Author Share Posted June 14, 2013 ... oops - my bad, I failed to relay some relevant back-story. Lady in question and I are acquaintances through children having gone to the same school at the same time, we have lived on the same street for ten-plus years, she was so proud when she bought this little guy from the RSPCA and I have multiple Poms so she knew I would love to hear about him, we are both organic gardeners, etc etc etc. So, it is not quite as aggressive as randomly screeching to a halt in the street to accost her. Hmmm.... I am meditating on your various suggestions (except the ones that seem unnecessarily rude) and thank you all for your efforts to help. Further contributions eagerly awaited. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 DG ..thanks for the background info ... it makes a difference if you are acquainted ... :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danois Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 Stay out of her business is my suggestion. You've commented to her and she has told you her response and its clear the dog is seeing a vet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosetta Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 I think it is great that you are concerned about the little guy. As the owner of several Poms yourself it is only natural to discuss health aspects. As long as you keep it non confrontational I don't see how it could be offensive. I would just keep having a chat and casually get to know what treatment the little fellow is having and perhaps you can suggest some good specialist vets or supplements to her. I think people can be a little over sensitive sometimes to well meaning conversations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corie Posted June 14, 2013 Share Posted June 14, 2013 If you own poms yourself you can approach it from a purely inquisitve side - why is he walking like that you've never seen it in your dogs before, does he struggle/take longer than he used to up stairs, has it impacted how long their walks are, do you think it's something she thinks you should be watching out for etc. Keep your attitude towards what you can do, not recommendations for what *she* should do :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now