Ray is a lot more “bouncy” of late (I could have never imagined referring to almost 80lbs of dog as “bouncy”!).
On a typical early morning, he used to do a quick trot over to his pee spot of the moment, and then trot back to the house and await his breakfast.
This past week, he has gone out into the back garden and leapt around like an overgrown spring lamb! He will then “mock charge” me and obviously wants to play, so I run up to him and give him a rather rough massage, after which he gallops away.
Soon he is leaping around and coming back to me for another few seconds of rough play before eventually finding a pee spot. Then he will run to the backdoor and wait however, if I walk over to him, suddenly turn, and run back across the garden … he is soon charging after me once again.
There are a number of potential explanations of course. Spring? The snow has melted so his traction in the garden is very good now. The temperature is a lot more amiable, although I rather suspect that he doesn’t care about that so much. I am happy to spend more time out there with him now, which I think he likes to take full advantage of and, probably most likely, he is adjusting to being on only half of his original anxiety medication dosage!
Assuming the last one is the cause, then I shall look forward to reducing his meds by another 25%, and ultimately off them completely. It rather looks as if there is a fun loving/very playful dog from beneath that thick fur. Those earlier traits of being aloof, cautious and generally restrained, are being replaced by being rather outgoing and playful. The “real Ray” is coming to the surface I suspect!
For more information on Ray, and the emotional roller coaster of his first 18 months of living with us, please remember his book “Who Said I was up for Adoption?”. That book is being offered by the FriesenPress (on-line) Bookstore at a 20% discount (paperback and hard cover only) up until the end of April.
Below is a link to my interview by The Authors Show where they ask about the book.
I think you are right, what you are seeing is the real Ray beginning to emerge. How wonderful!
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Wonderful it certainly is. 🙂
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Seeing that joyous romp must make you grin from ear to ear. So happy to hear Ray continues to make progress in life. And with less ‘benefit’ of chemical assistance. Keep up the good work, Ray!
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It is lovely to watch him bounce around! 🙂
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I hope you are able to keep up with his spirits 🙂 So glad to here his meds have been reduced! Enjoy 🙂
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🙂
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The mists are fading away to reveal the entire pup that was hidden within! So very happy for Ray and his minions. Surely hoping that Ray continues along this path until he becomes drug-free. Thank-you for sharing Ray’s progress!
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Hi Ellen. Always nice to share in world that is interested, and cares.
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Just as I started reading it I KNEW it was the meds. Glad you think so, too. Even though “head meds” are supposed to help you, they can really temper you down to a point of vegetation (vs. living). I’m so happy Ray is taking it all very well. Fingers crossed for a “happily ever after”.
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I have every confidence that he will be off his meds completely over the next few months. 🙂
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Whatever the reason, this is something to enjoy!
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Hi Sarah. That’s the “bottom-line” isn’t it! Analyzing and drawing conclusions can have value. but the” bottom-line” is simply enjoy! 🙂
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Oh, I love the analyzing – but I try to remember to tamp it down sometimes and just enjoy Choppy. She’s certainly not analyzing me, but just enjoying her own life!
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🙂
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I’m so glad Ray is getting his Groove back! 🙂 He is the only dog I ‘know’ who is on anxiety meds.
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German Shepherds typically do not do well in enclosed spaces (shelter cages), so a shelter Shepherd on meds is apparently not unusual.
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Ray, your peeps didn’t know they had a big, furry, bundle of fun living with them, did they, fella? Wishing you the best Spring of your life (so far).
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Thanks Amy. I feel so alive now. Woof! Ray. 🙂
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So good to read about Ray showing a playful side! He’s bouncy like “Tigger” eh! 🙂 Hoping that you will continue to see more of his playful side as his meds keep decreasing.
You better put on your running shoes, you may soon have to run even faster with him. Wouldn’t you love to know his thoughts?
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Every time he comes up and just looks at me … I would love to know what is going on behind those big brown eyes!
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I am so happy for Ray. Whatever the reason he’s certainly enjoying himself. But you know Colin, maybe it’s just that Ray thinks YOU need more exercise! 😂😂
🔹 Ginger 🔹
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Well …. you know ….. he has totally destroyed my pre-Ray routines of running and cycling. Perhaps you are right! 🙂
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Perhaps you should be sure to take your vitamins as you will have a dog that wants to play a lot! Hope you are up for it! 🙂
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Had my annual check up last week. Everything is good! 🙂
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No worries. Ray will keep you in shape!
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He certainly will… both physically and mentally! 🙂
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So glad to hear Ray’s meds reduction is working well. I also enjoyed the interview 💜💜
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Thank you Willow. The interview was certainly an “interesting” experience! 🙂
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…and who can blame Ray for being a bit more lively following the end of winter…..certainly our Labrador would agree.
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Exactly! 🙂
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