A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}

FlightMech wrote:
This story is of a subject very dear to my heart, that is our "Old Pets" . I am just about ready to make my first tour in my newly aquired motorhome and have been concerned with a pet of mine, an old "Rescued" Poodle. I have 3 small poodles and 2 cats burried along my front fence each in their own New Pine Box and Granite Grave Markers.

I got him, "Babe" some 11 or 12 years ago and he at that time had a few years on him. Had to have him shaved to get his hair to where it could be controled. Today he gets me up repeatedly during the night to go outside to do his thing. Another problem is, he does not have a tooth in his head and his tounge hangs out the right side of his mouth. He is quite hard to feed not having any teeth and is quite picky at what he will eat. Human food is a No-No, really messes up his bowel movement.

Babe has since my wife passed away 6 months ago been the reason I am not already on the road. I have decided to try and do the RVing with him and would really appreciate good Help/Advice on how to maybe train a dog of his age to use a Pad placed in the Shower of my Motorhome so I could better enjoy it and my trips. I took him on a weekend trip the first of October 2010 and on one of his outside visits around mid-night he wondered off. He was 5 days later brought up to the RV Park gate from somewhere off site. The lady at the gate called me and within 5 minutes I was on my way back to the park to get him. He was so tired and hungry, he never moved all the way back home, I feel sure he spent at least a little time running from the Big Dogs. After that he means even more to me.

Any help APPRECIATED.

J.C. Wheeler
Clarksville, Arkansas

Yours is not an easy solution with a dog that is aged and having problems with his bladder. It is going tp take time and effort on your part to train him to use a pad.

I would start by using a kennel crate. Put a pad in his crate at night and I believe he will get used to using the pad. Dogs don't like to mess in their beds. Have the crate large enough so that at one end he has his bed, at the other he has his pad.

The next advise I can give you is to never let your pet outside by himself, always go with him and put him on a leash. Never allow any pet to go outside in a camping situation or when you are away from home without being on a leash.

I have had a number of older dogs in my life time and each one needed special care, that is just a part of growing old. It is going to take a lot of love and understanding on your part to deal with his accidents and retraining. I have discovered that old dogs can learn new tricks, they have to be encouraged and know they are loved, then they will want to please, no matter what. Just remember your pet's abilities are limited at his age and even though he may be 12-14 years old, he is still a baby about three years old in his mind.

Also listen to Gary's advise and have him checked for UTI at your vet.