Babe and Who Should He Live With?

[M101]

I've discussed how Babe came to me.

Briefly, my 96 yr. old Aunt fell and broke her hip.

The problem now is my Aunt will be returning home. She will have round the clock care from nurses.

The problem is: My Aunt has never treated any dog she has ever had w/ love and respect. Babe now a 9 mo. old puppy in my opinion deserves a home where he will be loved and cared for properly...a home where he can live a happy life for many, many years.

Babe and I have bonded well. He gets very excited when I greet him each day. I am the primary caregiver for all his needs. When I leave him at night to go home I feel guilty, and worry about him--is he sleeping?

It's wonderful my Aunt is going home--BUT having 3 different people come in each day to care for my Aunt only--not Babe--in my opinion the puppy will become confused; he may not like these strangers; he doesn't remember my Aunt; he could be abused by these strangers--not everyone likes dogs; and lastly, I know his previous behavior patterns will return.

I've worked very hard on keeping him on his dry puppy food only--no table scraps--gotten him on a schedule for eating; napping; grooming; playing; and bedtime. I've been working w/ him to teach him proper behavior; a few tricks; etc. I basically have taken an ill-mannered puppy and made him a calm puppy 90% of the time. He does have his puppy moments.

I have not gone to see my Aunt because I knew she might mention Babe. It is my opinion that if she desires something to hold perhaps a bunny would be a nice pet.

My Aunt in her mind felt she was caring for this puppy correctly by putting him outside by himself; or putting him in an empty room to sleep. Babe has needed the human touch of someone to hold him and talk to him; pet him; play w/ him; make sure his bed is plumped up for him; etc. Basic reassurance that he is deserving of a better life then what he was exposed to.

The downside w/ the puppy is that he cannot tolerate any noise at all. He
requires an atmosphere where you can almost hear a pin drop.

Do I send my Aunt a note explaining to her my feelings as I've described here; or do I let him return back to her and ciaos knowing that if she passes away soon he will be returning back to me?

I've looked at this from both sides...Babe has feelings...I feel if he returns to her and his previous behavior pattern it may be impossible to undo the damage again w/ him from the exposure to ciaos.

Any suggestions? :confused:

[I Found Nemo]

:confused: Why can't he just stay with you>>>:confused:
Why would you even think of returning him? I thought he was with you permanently? I would give him to someone who loves him or a MAltese Rescue before I would give him back to your aunt~
She obviously can't take care of him and I think what she does is a form of abuse:( He deserves to be with someone who is going to show him love. One of the Maltese characteristics is that they don't like AT ALL to be alone, they are people dogs. I really hope you reach a decision and do the right thing:)
Good Luck,
ANDREA~

[maltesemum]

I think he sounds way better off being with you & in a nice sort of way you should try & make your aunt believe this too!

P.S. do not get her a bunny as these little animals require alot of care too.

[M101]

I'm going to see my Aunt when she returns home. Explain that Babe is recovering also. I will tell her that he requires special attention that she can not provide him. And she should be concerned w/ her recovery only. That she should be happy that he is w/ me. I'll take her a few pictures when I have my friend come to take them.

The flip side is that my parents who are older don't have the patience w/ him. He is just being a puppy. And they don't use the same method for training him that I do.

I personally don't have the space for him where I live. I wouldn't want to raise him in a play pen--he's too old for that. I just need to work out the final details w/ my parents. They were the ones that asked for the puppy to be brought here.

It will all work out.

[I Found Nemo]

I would tell your aunt the truth, I know she is 90, but she can't treat an animal that way. How do your parents deal with Babe?
I really hope it does work out for you.You sound like a nice person (I didnt get ur name)?Please remember we are all here for you and whatever you decide, we will back you up..
ANDREA~

[Morkie4]

I think Babe needs to stay put........with you and your parents. You need to let your aunt know in a kind way that this breed dog is not for her as he needs much more attention than she can give him to keep him sound and healthy. That maybe at this point in her life she needs to just care for herself. Also remind her that there will be nurses coming and going and Babe may have some issues with that. As for you parents, tell them that right now he is a puppy but soon will be an adult and much less trouble for them to handle. And I was wondering about the sleeping arrangement. Is there anyway, you can take him home at night with you? Both of my dogs sleep through the night and never even leave my side. So you might want to think about that so that the night time responsibility is not put on your parents. Can't hurt to just try it one night and see how it works.

[Kanga]

It will all work out. But it is good you are working thru all the scenarios so that you are prepared. I honestly feel your aunt will be overwhelmed when she gets home and will realise she does not have the energy for a budgie in a cage let alone a puppy who will be getting in the way of her walker... I am assuming she will be using a walking frame.

Babe will survive quite well in your bedroom while you are not there. As long as when you are there with him that you give him some attention and play time.

Where there is a will there is a way. ( cliche I know but a true one) :D

[M101]

All of you that posted a reply are correct.:D

I've been a nanny to this point. But because my Aunt will be returning home in the next few days w/ round the clock nurses coming in and out, it was time to make the final decision about what was best for Babe...if I keep him his name may be changed to Troubles.

My Mom is unhappy because he is in the kitchen w/ a metal fence attached to her kitchen cabinets that she must high-jump over.

Babe has by accident sunk his teeth into her hand...he is teething and does this for comfort.

My Father acts jealous of the attention I give the puppy.

My feelings are...

This is a puppy that deserves to have only the best. I'm very strict w/ him--regarding his diet; keeping him on a schedule for meals; grooming; naps; and bedtime; and of course playtime and training.

This is a puppy that w/ my Aunt was left on his own--outside or in an empty room. Fed food he should never have had. And I don't think the groomer was doing the best job.

He is also a puppy that was exposed to a blaring T.V. at my Aunt's and loud conversation. She did not attempt to train him or even play w/ him.

So returning him to my Aunt--NO!

I feel if I had a chance to install metal fencing at different openings in the main house that closed w/ magnets or something easy for adults to open/close but not for Babe my Mom would be happier.

My Mom said last night that if she gets a call to return Babe to her she would do it. She knows this is wrong.

The tips that you all have provided me (and I appreciate greatly) I have left the info. w/ my Mom--the pineapple bits to stop him from trying to eat his poop as an example.

I've explained to my Mom that this is a puppy that needs to be w/ the family...not excluded. That it is important to use the same training methods I do by everyone. That this breed dog needs to know the owner is close by; certain toys require supervision--other toys he can have w/ him; I've shown her how to groom him; etc.

My Mom has the time for Babe and his needs, but she has not groomed him; played w/ him; etc.

I'm trying to illustrate to my Mom that this is a small dog and once he is trained he can go into other rooms provided the rooms have been baby-proofed, and Babe has his bed or mat to lay on for that room--his zone.

My Mom forgets that we raised an Afghan from 6 wks. to just under 12 yrs. of age starting in the kitchen. But he didn't have this severe of a teething problem. He never destroyed anything.

So hopefully my Mom will come to her senses soon--very soon!

And I am Linda--and yes I am a nice person--Thank You!

I wish you all a wonderful weekend! It's bath day today for Babe--I hope to master the trimming of his nails and try and remove some hairs from inside his ears:fainted: (Me not the puppy).

[maltesemum]

Linda, your doing a great job & are to be commended for everything!

Has anyone mentioned spraying bitter apple on the things that babe likes to chew? this should deter him somewhat from chewing!

What about getting a doggie play pen that could be placed in any room & then your mum would NOT have to jump over the fence! I found this piece of equipment invaluable when i got my third pup & i wish i had it for the other two, training & disciplining was so much easier with it.

All the best,

Elaine

[I Found Nemo]

:eek: :eek: He sunk his teeth in her head, cause he is teething:confused:

[M101]

Elaine: Hello...Where do I get bitter apple? It was mentioned to me. Also, Cayene Pepper. Babe likes to chew on my fingers. I can see in his mouth several teeth that should be coming out fairly soon.

As long as he is kept busy w/ his toys he's fine. But when he can think about his teeth (I guess?) then he is apt to go for fingers.

Yes I discussed w/ my Mom the play pen...but 90% of the time he is well behaved. He's a lot different then when he arrived in 1/07.

I would like to get the play pen because they do roll and he could be moved from room to room and never be alone, but I wondered if he would feel he was being punished? He's close to 10 mos. now.

I have a question because you have had so many furry kids: Removing the hair from inside his ears, and trimming his nails...he squirms...unless he falls asleep grooming him can take a while w/ play time to tire him out. I feel he should be able to nap w/o being disturbed. Any suggestions for these tasks? I truly believe that if one of you experts saw him in person you would see emerging a well behaved dog--and I do each day. I thought he had an attention span problem, but he is just being stubborn. He is super in letting me know when he must go to the bathroom if I'm grooming him on his table. And I find when I train him small tricks--rolling his tennis ball to me from about 10 ft. he does remember how to do it, etc. And each day the energy bursts normally in the breed, he has less per day--one sometimes none. He's just a puppy that is being a puppy.

The life of a puppy is new to me. The Afghan I had years ago never acted like a puppy at all. He was very adult/human-like. So this is a new experience for me.

The most rewarding part of my time w/ him is in the a.m. when he gives me 5 mins. of kisses, and in the p.m. just before his bedtime when he gives me my final kisses before he goes to sleep. It makes the entire day worth it. He's a heartbreaker.

You've had several of this breed...Have you ever seen one w/ freckles near his nose and freckles in the mouth?

Thank You for the reply...you all are very helpful and I do appreciate it more then I can say.

[maltesemum]

Linda, the bitter apple spray can be found in pet shops!

I don't think he would feel as though he is being punished if you enforce a positive attitude with the pen & reward him for being good. I think it will be good for your parents too & they might feel less restricted than hiking over the fence & feel that they kinda have there home back! A puppy does change the whole running of a house.

How do his ears look inside? Me personally Linda have never pulled the hair from inside my dogs ears, i try to keep the ear clean by inserting cotton balls when bathing, after that i use an ear cleaner that you can buy at any pet shop & massage it into the ear then dry with a cotton ball.

My Abbie wriggles when having her nails cut & sometimes it takes two of us to do it! The nails are softer after a bath, i wrap Abbie in a towel quite tightly but not as to hurt her & take one paw at a time. It takes time to get used to doing this but I'm sure you will manage.

As for the freckles, yes Jude has them on the bridge of his nose & on his belly. This is supposed to be a sign of good pigmentation, some dogs have more than others.

Keep up the good work:D he will reward you tenfold, any more questions dont hesitate to ask!

[maltesemum]

:eek: :eek: He sunk his teeth in her head, cause he is teething:confused:


Andrea:fainted: re-read, NO NOT her head!

[I Found Nemo]

Andrea:fainted: re-read, NO NOT her head!
:D oops!!! Sorry..

[M101]

Hello All--I've got a serious problem...last night my Aunt phoned the house, and I spoke to her about what her plans were for Babe...Did she want the puppy to stay w/ us...explained that this breed dog was accustomed to being w/ the family not isolated...that I had put the puppy thru puppy boot camp--proper diet; schedule life; etc. And that he was teething terribly...I was concerned he would bite...that she needed to concern herself w/ her care. And that not all people (caregivers) like dogs. Did she plan on having a Nanny there for the puppy because he required one.

Her remark was..."I'm not supposed to have a dog." Next statement..."I'll face what to do w/ him when the time comes." And then she went on about the way she had treated him; I stopped the conversation then because I didn't want to hear it--I knew it.

The chance of my Aunt living very long is slim. I just wanted to see what she had to say before she returned home.

The next person in her life is her son--I have no comment regarding his intelligence other then to say--the lights are out in his brain. He's upset because she survived.

The puppy has shown no signs of missing her.

Do any of you have another approach to use w/ her?

She wanted to know why I hadn't come to see her...I explained that I've been home w/ the puppy. She had a chance to thank me for caring for him--but didn't.

It was my opinion that separating her from the puppy now was easier before she returned home; and she needed to face reality.

She has her health issues...and the puppy is entitled to the life he deserves.

My plan next week was to get two playpens for him--one for the main house and one for my house because I missed him at night.

Help!!!

[maltesemum]

Linda, keep him & tell her outright that no way is he returning to her:( I know this is so hard for you & you dont know where you or babe stands!

What can she do, could she get the law onto you if you did not return him? I dont know how this works in america but he is way better off with you:(

Best wishes to you & Babe :Hug:

[LadyofYorkies]

Linda, who paid for him? If your family bought him for her as a companion, then just take him back and tell her she doesn't need to have to worry about a puppy when she still needs medical care. If she bought him, you need to be more diplomatic but still make her see that she can't care for the puppy and it's not right to expect nurses to care for her puppy. In fact as a former nurses aide who did home health care, we were not allowed to care for the pets. We were there for the human and ONLY the housework as it applied to the human. If we were caught tending to the needs of the family pet, we were written up.

It sounds like she bought the puppy because she wanted someone to love and cuddle and the puppy turned out to be more work than she could handle. Sounds like if she MUST have a warm body to love, she needs an adult dog who has already been trained and is loving and who loves to be cuddled. The problem with this as I see it is that your aunt may not be a cuddly lover herself.

In a nutshell it sounds like your aunt cannot physically care for a puppy. From your explanation it sounds like she didn't love on him anyways. Sorry, if I offend you but I can only go by what you have written. Sylvia

[M101]

Hello Sylvia: My Aunt had the puppy delivered to her...paid for him. As I've stated puppies come and go like a revolving door. Neighbors complain of the barking; they've bitten people; and it goes on and on.

I know that caregivers can not care for pets.

This puppy was outside all day by himself; and at night put in an empty room to sleep. He received no training at all.

The puppy is very bright; docile now 95% of the time; he has bonded w/ me...he the last two days has been very adult-like in his manner. He wants to be held; reassurred; played w/; groomed; he takes his "beauty naps"; he's as cute as a button--a heartbreaker. And he feels he's home.

I spoke w/ my Aunt on Sat. p.m. She said she was not supposed to have a dog. She can not care for any dog or puppy. No dog/puppy she has ever had has lasted 'til their natural passing. They have all been ill-mannered; barkers; bitters; etc.

I'm taking it day by day. I never thought he would bond w/ me and let me train him this fast. He's no longer biting my fingers--just kissing them now. He is teething terribly. I explained to my Mom getting the playpen was the best option.

Absolutely if she had an older dog that was trained; behaved; docile; etc. then she should by all means have the dog, but he does require care and is not in that category.

I explained to my parents if he goes back he will require a Nanny to be w/ him; and that won't happen. I have him on a schedule; and he knows the schedule. No I'm not offended. I'm being realistic; I'm not trying to hurt her. But the puppy has rights also.

Thank You for Caring--I'm only posting the truth...sometimes we must let go of things we love.

[M101]

Dear Elaine and Your Furry Kids:

Sun. was a sad day for me because supposedly my Aunt was going home on Mon. No...we don't know when this will be.

I told Babe on Sun. he was going home. (I talk to him like he's a baby). I got very joked up and started to cry. He was kissing away the tears.

Sun./Mon. he acted like a different puppy--very well mannered; no biting; no fussing--a perfect gentleman!

I explained to my Mom the pluses re: the playpen...You are referring to a baby play pen? I must ask a stupid ???--this would also be his bed? How about getting him to his papers?

I cried all Sun. p.m./Mon a.m.--I felt so empty...I'm trying to help this furry guy...give him a happy life; I don't think I'm being selfish. I never dreamed a puppy would be entering my life.

Have you ever seen a Maltese w/ a freckled rim around one eye? His rt. eye has this partially around the eye--I thought he had an injured eye, but it's a freckle.

Last ?--His bangs are almost long enough for top knot...how do I/and what do I use to begin training him to like his hair pulled back? Baby barrettes? Or?
He looks right now like a Sheep Dog puppy.

Also, last two days he's been in the a.m. spitting up yellowish stuff--could this be from the pineapple bits; carrots bites; or his vitamin? He also burps after eating--Normal?

I'm taking it day by day. My Mom said she would miss him--she's easier to discuss issues w/. No tears tonight. Just hope.

Again, Thank You so much...I read the replys and do what is suggested for his care because I'm learning/he's learning. And I'm trying very hard.

I'll post after my Aunt has gone home, and let you know who has custody.

Hugs to your furry kids and from me...

Linda

[LadyofYorkies]

My Yorkies have been known to spit up bile in the mornings. It usually happens when they haven't eaten all night. I keep food down all the time because Yorkies are known to have low blood sugar and I don't want them fading on me. When they can help themselves to the food they don't fade and they don't spit up bile.

I'm not saying your puppy is spitting up bile but it is a possibility. Sylvia

[M101]

Dear Sylvia:

Babe eats at 5:00 p.m....He finishes all his food in a few minutes. If I leave a few extra kibble in his dish he eats it immediately.

Do your Yorkies ever burp after eating?

Also, I wait an hr. or so before we play before bed to give his food a chance to digest.

In 5 wks. he's added weight; and his coat is filling in nicely.

Any info. on Science Diet Food? He likes the Puppy Bites I tried w/him--less tearing.

Thanks

[maltesemum]

Linda i feel terrible that your having to go through this:( It is so obvious that you & babe are meant to be! I hope & pray that all works out in your favour.

The play pen does not need to be a baby one as you can get ones for animals, if you have a big enough area you can put his bed in this area, also his papers, food & water. If you use a water bottle clipped onto the side of the pen this will help with the staining around his face also!

I have no personal experience with the Science food although i have read that it did not rate very good. We get different foods over here but I'm sure there are some threads about good dog food, one being Wellness. Others will be able to offer some advice on the food.

The burping to me sounds as though he is gulping air when eating so therefore eating too quick. I would try to slow his eating by maybe putting his kibble in a treat ball, this will take him longer to retrieve the food & should stop the burping.

The freckle on his eye rim sounds like the pigment has not come fully in! Maltese should look like they have eyeliner all the way around the rim of the eye, if this has not come in then it could look like a freckle. If you are concerned at all get your vet to check him out.

His bangs will look cute in a little rubber band, this takes time to master on both accounts! While he is chilled & relaxed try gathering it up & playing with the hair on his head to let him get used to it, he will eventually let you put a band in his hair.

Regarding the yellow liquid, my boys do this too but not very often! I tend to think its maybe cause they ate something they shouldn't have or a little hair stuck in the throat. Again if it concerns you, see the vet.

Sounds to me he is turning into a little charming boy of a Maltese, there is nothing quite like the kisses of a Maltese to make you happy when you are feeling sad:smlove2:

My thoughts & prayers are with you:hug:

[maltesemum]

Linda, i mean a pen like this one in the link!!!

They are available all over the web & some are very reasonably priced! Try Ebay too!

http://www.epetpals.com/exercisepens.htm

[M101]

Dear Elaine:

I saw the dog play pens online...I see advantages--like when we're away; but he needs room to play; doesn't want his papers near him; he's very particular.

His teeth are hurting him...he wants to chew on the metal gate partition.

I'll think about the dog play pen. Get the bitter apple; the treat ball; a satin harness; Natural Balance food; and grooming oil.

I can't explain the change in him. I just know he feels he's home. His favs are watching me cook or bake; and be rocked while I sit w/him on my Pilates ball. And design new beds for him.

I'll work on his top knot--his hair is in excellent condition. And he now enjoys his grooming. He knows his schedule/routine. I never had any kids so you know he's being pampered and spoiled.

And the kisses...I have to pull him away...he won't stop at times.

As Sylvia posted caregivers can not care for pets...and if my Aunt had an older; trained; docile dog of course she should have that type of dog w/her. I don't know if Babe will con't w/ this gentleman-like behavior?

And he is eating too quickly.

Again Thank You

Linda

[maltesemum]

I can't explain the change in him. I just know he feels he's home. His favs are watching me cook or bake; and be rocked while I sit w/him on my Pilates ball. And design new beds for him.



A Ha! the change is easy to explain!!

He has found someone who loves & cares for him:smlove2:

[LadyofYorkies]

Dear Sylvia:

Babe eats at 5:00 p.m....He finishes all his food in a few minutes. If I leave a few extra kibble in his dish he eats it immediately.

Do your Yorkies ever burp after eating?

Also, I wait an hr. or so before we play before bed to give his food a chance to digest.

In 5 wks. he's added weight; and his coat is filling in nicely.

Any info. on Science Diet Food? He likes the Puppy Bites I tried w/him--less tearing.

Thanks

We often have burps after eating. LOL I don't know about Science diet. What causes you to think he has less tearing? Are there any facts on that? Sylvia

[M101]

Dear Elaine:

A puppy emergency occurred Mon. p.m....Babe ingested one of my Mom's high blood pressure tablets. I induced vomiting...even though all contents of his tummy were expelled, I still know the tablet had begun to break down and enter his blood stream. I gave 1/2 tsp. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. Lots of water.

He goes to bed at 8:00 p.m.; but I told my Mom to sleep w/ him; con't lots of water; and watch him the entire night. He'll be fine. He's tough.

The pen--I have that now...this is what my Mom is high jumping over. I created the partition by doubling it and attaching it to her kitchen cabinets. He can jump over it. Tries to teethe on it. He could push it over also. I know he would never be happy in that...he demands that his papers are not near him. He's behaved in the kitchen, but of course kitchens have danger in them. This is why I stay w/ him.

Once we get the word he's staying w/ us, I want to create a gate between rooms that will close w/ a magnet. I just haven't been out of the house longer then 10 mins. to search for items.

But in the situation that happened Mon. he does need an area to place him when meals are being made; or kitchen is being cleaned; etc. Or I want him in another room to watch him.

I have no clue what happened to him from Sun.--now, but he acts so grown up...there is not much puppy in him. My Mom says he begins waiting for me to come in from 7:30 a.m. by the door. I don't come in 'til 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.--then he starts the kissing.

I may create a "small pen" for him...I know when he needs to go to his papers; I just haven't had time to leave--poor excuse. But today a first aid kit will be made for him.

Thank You--Babe sends a Big Kiss; and I a Hug!

[M101]

Dear Sylvia: The Science Diet Puppy Bites I got a sample on Sat. He loved them. Slowly began adding to his other dry food. Yes he has had less tearing; but he is teething terribly. The teething is disturbing him. He's frustrated.

I'm going to get him either Purina Pro or Natural Balance because of the high rating on the brands.

His tearing the last weeks until now was considerable. His burping has stopped because I give him his food in thirds--he was eating very quickly. If I sit w/ him he slows down and eats his dry food a piece at a time slowly.

Thanks

[bbry]

I would purchase the dog from my aunt so there would be no doubt about his ownership. Pay her with a check with proper info on the memo line & make sure the check is deposited into her account if you have to do it yourself. I would also write out a receipt & have her sign it if possible. If she should die, whoever will be the executor of her estate could force the sale of the puppy as part of her estate. Also if she has AKC or reliable registration, get those papers transferred to your name. Good luck. I can tell that you will be heartbroken if you lose him.:)

[M101]

You are right. BUT I'm the niece. My Father is her brother. When I mention the legal issues they think I'm wacko! So until I can offer my input I'm just the Nanny to this little guy. I will inform my Mom...she understands--my Dad wouldn't. Losing him would break my heart; my Mom's; and his heart also. He's very attached to me. He deserves a long happy life. And I'm willing to give him that.

Thanks