We recently moved my mother-in-law into a senior memory care facility. She has early alzheimers and needed more care than we could give her. The bad news is she hates us, the good news is she was able to keep her little Chichauhau. Lulu (her dog) is so sweet to our family, but snips at everyone else. Things have been ok for these first 3 weeks but today we got a call that the dog snipped at a family member of one of the residents and they are concerned about keeping her on the floor. They have to think of the well being of everyone. My problem is I don't know how to take the dog from mom. She lives for that dog. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this?
It comes under the Fair Housing and disabilities laws. A muzzle is a great idea or maybe keeping the dog in a kennel in her room during visiting hours.Or, you might gradually introduce a cat as a pet with your mom.........and take the nipper home with you but bring it back to visit.
A home reared dog might easily be traumatized by the relocation to a facility. We have a Jack Russell Terrier and i'm sure that he would resource guard me if I was moved out of my home. You mother's dog is probably just protecting the leader of it's pack who it undoubtedly perceives is sick and distressed about the move. That is a lot of stress for a small dog to handle.
The alternate course is for you or another family member to have the dog live with you and bring it to visit your mother when you go. This might also soften her attitude towards you since she will be seeing her precious pup whenever you visit.
Strangers should never pet a dog unless welcomed to do so by the owner. Perhaps a little crate would be good. Dogs love the feeling of a "den."
I've never heard of a "one dog house." Dogs learn behaviors from their humans and many times it can be "unlearned." There are experts who can help two dogs acclimate and learn to live together.
I hope you can avoid giving this dog up for adoption. That would just add more sadness for both your Mom and the pup.
good luck
I truly think that if you talk to the administrator and ask for a 'second chance' for the dog, perhaps it can be worked out! Hope upon hope!
Best you you and your family~
Hap
p.s. ANYONE who knows chi's KNOWS that they are snippy dogs!! Why not make a vest for the dog that says "DO NOT PET"
Also... talk to the facility about giving the dog another chance. making a change like this may very well make your mothers condition alot worse. They should know this.
I understand that there are liabilities where animals are concerned and surely they have some safeguards in place to make sure nothing happens to other residents or visitors.
BUT.. if they will not allow the dog to remain, have THEM remove the dog,and allow YOU to rehome it. After all Mom is already unhappy with you (family).... it shouldn't be something that YOU have to do. Gosh... I know how lost she will be without her dog... my heart goes out to her (and you).