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tyler_petty

Scared husky

10 years ago

Sugar is a 9 year old Alaskan husky who I have known since she was 6 months old. She has always been shy-my family owned a dogsledding business and that is where I first met her. When we first got her she wouldn't let anyone near her. It took me an entire year to get her to the point of me petting her without her running away. For the past 3 years she was my lead dog and was always excited to see me! My file has since sold the business and I let the new owner know that when she retired I wanted to adopt her. That day finally came yesterday. Now I knew she would be freaked out being transported somewhere completely new. She has eaten some but she hasn't pooped at all since she came to me. She wasn't fed the day of travel and she has eaten a full can and a half of wet dog food. No vomiting but no poop yet. I am assuming I am just jumping the gun but should I get here something to take the edge off? Anyone have a similar story?

Comments (33)

  • 10 years ago

    Thank you so much! Here she is!

  • 10 years ago

    Awe what a pretty girl. I had a similar experience with a kitten out of a litter her mother had in my bedroom. From the minute she was born, she was very scared and skittish and I ended up keeping her for that reason. After a few years of TLC, she completely blossomed and died at 19 a few years ago. Pure pumpkin is fiber and a good suggestion, it could help but I suspect she's probably not so much constipated as just nervous. I would take her out to her new spot every hour or so to help her get familiar and encourage her. Is there a place for her to run? Is she interested in taking walks maybe? The goal is to try to distract her from the fear with play or something she enjoys. Did you by any chance bring any of her old belongings? A blanket or toy possibly? Maybe having something familiar close by will help her adjust as well.

    Tyler Petty thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    Sugar is gorgeous! Lucky you! No new advice, just loved the pic!

    Tyler Petty thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    She's gorgeous! Best of luck! :)

    Tyler Petty thanked cat_mom
  • 10 years ago

    She was a sled dog and lived in a kennel with 100+ other dogs so she didn't come with toys or a blanket unfortunately. I am the only real familiar thing in her life. She is improving but she won't go outside without me leading her outside and staying with her. I plan on going for a good walk today with my other dog to hopefully walk some stress away. She isn't really keen on eating right now either-I have canned food that she will eat but she really wants to bury it-if I hand feed her she will eat. She is just a very nervous girl. She is drinking plenty of water thankfully!

  • 10 years ago

    I think getting her outside and doing as much as possible physically will help her. She was a working dog and she needs a job. You can google for more info on giving dogs a job, but I'd start with finding back packs for dogs, strap one on her and go for a long hike. If she's good with other dogs, see if there are dog parks in your area and let her run off some energy there.

    Here are some results from my search on google.

    Tyler Petty thanked annztoo
  • 10 years ago

    It is not that she doesn't like other dogs she is just terrified so that I'd why I was think a hike with my other dog would help instead of being around dozens of new dogs.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Here she is before a bath!

  • 10 years ago

    She's a sweety. A good walk may get things moving along in the intestines, as well as burning off some of that nervousness so I think that's a great idea.

    Tyler Petty thanked trancegemini_wa
  • 10 years ago

    She's cute. I think the walk with you and her new sibling is a good idea. Would she feel more comfortable walking on a harness, since she is used to wearing one, or would she pull too much? My shelter dog was scared when we adopted her, but she had diarrhea rather than constipation. At first she wouldn't eat but it turned out to be the (old) food that the shelter gave us. It took several days before she would play with me. Is Sugar used to a crate? She might feel more comfortable with an enclosed space of her own to sleep in.

    Tyler Petty thanked socalgal_gw Zone USDA 10b Sunset 24
  • 10 years ago

    I have a harness for her and she is very comfortable in a crate! I will update you after our walk!

  • 10 years ago

    Bless her heart, it's got to be so different for her. She's lucky that you obviously have the love and patience to help her along. She'll come around, she's just on her own schedule. Having another dog in the house for her to mimic is good too and I agree that a backpack may help, for some dogs it actually helps to relieve their stress. Hope the walk goes well and that you update us with her progress.

    Tyler Petty thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    So sweet. It just takes time. We travel a lot with our dogs and our of three huskies we've had everyone of them had troubles pooping of their first few road trips -- at least a couple of days each. Give her time.

    Tyler Petty thanked mojomom
  • 10 years ago

    How did the walk go? My dog is nervous on walks but better when another dog is along. Mojo mom is right, it takes a long time for some dogs in a new situation to feel trust and confidence in a new situation. She's a beauty.

    Tyler Petty thanked socks
  • 10 years ago

    Oh my word, she is beautiful, Sugar is going to be fine in time, with you as her Mom and all the advice you've been given, Sugar couldnt have gone to a better person. Please keep us posted about all her break throughs. Thank you so much for sharing her picture....

    Tyler Petty thanked christine 5b
  • 10 years ago

    Well she finally pooped this morning! On our walk she did really well and even was wagging her tail and we got home! Thank you everybody for the good advice and the support! I will keep you guys updated with all of her breakthroughs!

  • 10 years ago

    Yippee Skippy, I'm thrilled for both of you !!!!

    Tyler Petty thanked christine 5b
  • 10 years ago

    She is beautiful ... lots of big changes for her, she needs time to take them all in and get used to a totally new environment. You're doing fine, keep sharing updates and pictures.

    Tyler Petty thanked pamghatten
  • 10 years ago

    Just got full bloodwork with urinalysis and fecal done today! Hopefully everything comes back saying she is a healthy girl!

  • 10 years ago

    Glad to hear she did so well on her walk. She's pretty bright eyed, I can't imagine anything would be wrong. She has the sweetest smile!


    Tyler Petty thanked User
  • 10 years ago

    Sugar certainly has gotten herself a great new home! Glad she is doing well.

    Tyler Petty thanked socalgal_gw Zone USDA 10b Sunset 24
  • 10 years ago

    Healthy--yay!!!!

    Tyler Petty thanked cat_mom
  • 10 years ago

  • 10 years ago

    Sugar has a friend, too cute !!!!

  • 10 years ago

    Yesterday we went on two walks totally 4 miles and she ate 2 cups if her normal food and pooped again!! She is doing really well!

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I honestly believe when they come around that quick it's because they can feel they are loved. Now she's obviously anxious to love you back. It's a whole new chapter for her; one that has a happy ending for both of you. Great job Tyler, Sugar is a very lucky girl.. :c)

  • 10 years ago

    the girls at work...

  • 10 years ago

    awwwwww! :)

  • 10 years ago

    Tyler, best seat in the house!! I'm glad she is settling in so well.

  • 10 years ago

  • 10 years ago

    Cute picture! They look like they have a lot of personality!!

  • 10 years ago

    Lovely dog.. All reminds me of when I moved from an offshore Scottish island to Ireland. Three planes of increasing size. I took one of my cats with me and they of course travelled her in the hold... yep, she "lost" it on the first tiny plane, then we had a long wait first there, then in Edinburgh and a night in a B and B before a train then a car to deepest Mayo.... and never anything out of her all that while. Unsettled and reluctant to leave traces.