One Crazy Dog Owner to Possibly Another

[msendo]

I know it sounds crazy, but has anyone ever felt the slightest bit of guilt because they had to relocate their dog(s) to TV, along with yourselves? Once our house is sold, we are planning on buying a CYV. This in itself will give my two 'guys' some freedom. My dogs do play in dog parks, though they are empty at times. My husband and I have seen ALL the parks in and out of TV. However, since my husband retired, those spoiled boys are use to walking trails, running and sniffing in large areas, unleashed, and love to go swimming in lakes and rivers. My black lab is drawn to water as if a magnet is pulling him. He would be alligator munch! My German Shepard is active and high maintenance. They also would have to leave my kids, who are attached to them, as well. This wouldn't stop us from leaving and living the life that we are looking to live, but at the same time, I do feel guilty and sad at times. Anybody?

[skyc6]

I know it sounds crazy, but has anyone ever felt the slightest bit of guilt because they had to relocate their dog(s) to TV, along with yourselves? Once our house is sold, we are planning on buying a CYV. This in itself will give my two 'guys' some freedom. My dogs do play in dog parks, though they are empty at times. My husband and I have seen ALL the parks in and out of TV. However, since my husband retired, those spoiled boys are use to walking trails, running and sniffing in large areas, unleashed, and love to go swimming in lakes and rivers. My black lab is drawn to water as if a magnet is pulling him. He would be alligator munch! My German Shepard is active and high maintenance. They also would have to leave my kids, who are attached to them, as well. This wouldn't stop us from leaving and living the life that we are looking to live, but at the same time, I do feel guilty and sad at times. Anybody?

Have you thought about how you are going to deal with your guilt and sadness? The activities you talk about are not available here in The Villages.

[redwitch]

I think you'll find many in your position. We move and our pets have to adapt to a whole new way of life with us. They'll adjust. They're with their people and that's much more important to them.

Yes, they'll have to walk on a lead but there are some great running areas where they can run and be walked untethered (very large area on Rio Grande behind the mailboxes -- not a dog park). If they're people dogs, they'll get lots of love and attention from strangers. If typical, they'll love riding in the golf cart.

So, shed a tear or two for what they'll lose and then think of what they'll gain -- happy mommy and daddy, lots of attention, new smells and sounds.

[ugotme]

I think you'll find many in your position. We move and our pets have to adapt to a whole new way of life with us. They'll adjust. They're with their people and that's much more important to them.

Yes, they'll have to walk on a lead but there are some great running areas where they can run and be walked untethered (very large area on Rio Grande behind the mailboxes -- not a dog park). If they're people dogs, they'll get lots of love and attention from strangers. If typical, they'll love riding in the golf cart.

So, shed a tear or two for what they'll lose and then think of what they'll gain -- happy mommy and daddy, lots of attention, new smells and sounds.

EXACTLY!

Moved from Long Island to So. Fl. with 2 large dogs. We ALL had to adapt.
But your dog(s) are with the ones they love and you are with them.

Can you really imagine leaving them and coming to TV without them - EVERYONE would be sad and miserable.

Together, you will all be fine. Their tails will be wagging like crazy !

ENJOY !

[skyc6]

EXACTLY!

Moved from Long Island to So. Fl. with 2 large dogs. We ALL had to adapt.
But your dog(s) are with the ones they love and you are with them.

Can you really imagine leaving them and coming to TV without them - EVERYONE would be sad and miserable.

Together, you will all be fine. Their tails will be wagging like crazy !

ENJOY !

Sadness and Guilt should not be the emotions you are feeling! :)

[oot]

I think you'll find many in your position. We move and our pets have to adapt to a whole new way of life with us. They'll adjust. They're with their people and that's much more important to them.

Yes, they'll have to walk on a lead but there are some great running areas where they can run and be walked untethered (very large area on Rio Grande behind the mailboxes -- not a dog park). If they're people dogs, they'll get lots of love and attention from strangers. If typical, they'll love riding in the golf cart.

So, shed a tear or two for what they'll lose and then think of what they'll gain -- happy mommy and daddy, lots of attention, new smells and sounds.



I agree. The boys will love riding in the golf cart as their new adventure. Seems like all the dogs love doing that!

We had a house (on a main street) in the city and a house on a lake in the woods up north. Our dog LOVED running free and being on the lake on weekends. But during the week, we played with him he did just fine in the city. He just wanted to be with us!

So never fear - just so long you are there they dogs will be HAPPY!

[msendo]

So true, dogs, being so faithful, are just happy to be with the ones who love them. I know we would adjust. Thanks form the boost. I actually can picture them riding in a golf cart!

[CFrance]

Our dog grew up running free and swimming on our 1.5-mile long gorgeous dog beach in Muskegon, MI, a block or so from our condo. He ran up and down behind our condo from the marina to the house to chase a tennis ball (allowed). He considered being on a leash to be a forced march and an affront to his freedom.

We came here, and the leash went on. I started him out at one-mile walks, after dark because he's hairy and gets hot in the sun, and have worked him up to three miles. He's actually presenting himself to me at 8:30 (how do they know the time???) to get going.

And another new thing he's discovered--lounging out on the front walk on a line, watching the world go by. He loves it.

Would he rather be at the beach? You bet. But as someone said earlier, he'd rather be on a leash with us than not be with us at all.

You'll find things to do with your dogs that they will enjoy. We've discovered a dog beach at the inlet at New Smyrna Beach. It may be just a monthly thing, but after we sell our MI place, we will take him swimming there.

Good luck and don't worry!

[paulandjean]

Maybe you could leave them at home ,where they live now.Lakes, woods and friends.

[Taltarzac725]

Doggie Doo Run Run has a 5 acre field where dogs can run and do this frequently. It is just about a mile north of Southern Trace Shopping Center near the intersection of CR101 and CR104.

Even though I have not visited them there are good sized parks that allow dogs in Leesburg, Inverness and Ocala. http://barkcentraldogpark.com/index.html

[Madelaine Amee]

Maybe you could leave them at home ,where they live now.Lakes, woods and friends.

NO, don't leave your dogs behind, you are going to have to adjust and they will too. We all bring our animals with us, they become our children when we are empty nesters.

[gomoho]

Maybe you could leave them at home ,where they live now.Lakes, woods and friends.

What an absurd thing to say - no one that has ever owned or loved a pet would even think of that! Who would they have to share ice cream with???

[msendo]

And pizza!!! Yep. They'll be coming with us. We'll all figure it out. Everything will be fine.

[CFrance]

Disregard the trolls and flames!

[KathieI]

And pizza!!! Yep. They'll be coming with us. We'll all figure it out. Everything will be fine.

Yes, it will be fine. I brought my dogs with me from CA and not only did they take the car trip very well (no one threw up, thank God) but when they got here, they became very comfortable with their new surroundings. Yes, they don't have the large, walled in yard, that they used to run around in all day, but they like the large house and huge lanai and still enjoy running around after each other. Dogs adapt very well esp because they are with mommy. The only thing they still can't get used to is LIGHTENING AND THUNDER, but then again, neither can mommy.

[Barefoot]

Doggie Doo Run Run has a 5 acre field where dogs can run and do this frequently. It is just about a mile north of Southern Trace Shopping Center near the intersection of CR101 and CR104. There are good sized parks that allow dogs in Leesburg, Inverness and Ocala. Bark Central Dog Park (http://barkcentraldogpark.com/index.html)

We relocated our dogs from a horse farm where they ran free all day. The dog park known as Doggie Doo Run Run is a dream come true for most dogs. Only $30 per month for two dogs, and they clean up after your pets. Our dogs adore our daily trip to DDRR where they get to run free on 5 acres and play and socialize and do all the things that make dogs happy. There is a wading pool there, and usually there is a lab splashing and lying in it. It's a perfect solution for us, and only 7 minutes from our house.

[Bonnevie]

I have been thinking the same thing. One of my dogs is older and seems to be exhibiting some dementia. I worry she'll not take to new surroundings well. But I think if I'm happy, they will be, too. and I'll be with them more so that should help.

[paulandjean]

What an absurd thing to say - no one that has ever owned or loved a pet would even think of that! Who would they have to share ice cream with???

Did she not say, The dog would have to leave the kids ,who are attached to the dog.Pretty simple to me. Call me crazy, I only share ice cream with humans,the two leg type not the four leg type.

[jebartle]

our little dachshund lived on a golf course with freedom to run and ocassionaly come home with a golf ball (adopted by the membership, he would be well fed also, Ahhh!) but now his mom and dad bought him a golf cart and all is well with the world!

[Barefoot]

Maybe you could leave them at home ,where they live now. Lakes, woods and friends. Did she not say, The dog would have to leave the kids ,who are attached to the dog. Call me crazy,

OK, I'm calling you crazy, but only because you asked. :evil6:

I know you don't really think that the OP should leave their dogs up north ... who would leave a family member behind! I think you just like to poke people with a stick to see if they're awake!! :mornincoffee:

[CFrance]

OK, I'm calling you crazy, but only because you asked. :evil6:

I know you don't really think that the OP should leave their dogs up north ... who would leave a family member behind! I think you just like to poke people with a stick to see if they're awake!! :mornincoffee:

Some not-so-nice posts are worded in such a fashion as to allow the author to hide behind another explanation when called to task.

Maybe the pet forum should have a password known only to pet owners! (Just kidding...):shrug:

[msendo]

Did she not say, The dog would have to leave the kids ,who are attached to the dog.Pretty simple to me. Call me crazy, I only share ice cream with humans,the two leg type not the four leg type.

They are my pets to care for now, and my responsibility. I will keep on loving them, ass they are a part of the family. My 'kids' are at a stage in their life where they are pursuing careers and working unpredictable hours. They may not be permitted to have dogs where they live, as they are not all in a position to purchase homes. We will make the adjustment and keep on loving them to death. That's what pet owners do.

[Bonnevie]

all the more reasons the kids will have to visit....

[gomoho]

msendo - don't take things personally - sometimes we have folks that love to stir the pot. As you can tell from the majority of the posts we love our fur kids and wouldn't leave them behind and do everything in our power to make their adjustment as easy as can be. And then share some icecream with them (this comes up 'cause it drives some folks crazy that people share their ice cream with a dog, or take them for a walk in a dog stroller, or bring their dogs to the square - even if the dog is not a problem. We use to go to the McDonalds drive thru and buy our Great Dane a burger that he would take bites of, just like you or I)!

[CFrance]

msendo - don't take things personally - sometimes we have folks that love to stir the pot. As you can tell from the majority of the posts we love our fur kids and wouldn't leave them behind and do everything in our power to make their adjustment as easy as can be. And then share some icecream with them (this comes up 'cause it drives some folks crazy that people share their ice cream with a dog, or take them for a walk in a dog stroller, or bring their dogs to the square - even if the dog is not a problem. We use to go to the McDonalds drive thru and buy our Great Dane a burger that he would take bites of, just like you or I)!

gomoho's right, and most will love your fur kids too. They sound like super dogs.

[paulandjean]

msendo - don't take things personally - sometimes we have folks that love to stir the pot. As you can tell from the majority of the posts we love our fur kids and wouldn't leave them behind and do everything in our power to make their adjustment as easy as can be. And then share some icecream with them (this comes up 'cause it drives some folks crazy that people share their ice cream with a dog, or take them for a walk in a dog stroller, or bring their dogs to the square - even if the dog is not a problem. We use to go to the McDonalds drive thru and buy our Great Dane a burger that he would take bites of, just like you or I)!

Do you have your own bowls or do you share them. Dinner at your home must be a hoot.

[CFrance]

PM'ed you, Msendo.

[Hopeful2]

I was concerned about how my dog would adapt to the heat, along with a totally new environment. (He's getting up there in age.) We visited TV with Casper last July and he absolutely loved it! We have been back with him two more times and each time, he has been a very happy camper. I have no doubt at all that he's ready to make the move as a full time Villager.

Dogs do great, as long as they're with their "family". :doggie:

[duffysmom]

Maybe you could leave them at home ,where they live now.Lakes, woods and friends.

Cruel....

I believe what the Dog Whisperer Cesar said, dogs live in the present moment and enjoy life in the NOW.

Also the ticks who carry Lyme are rare in Florida unlike the Hudson Valley and that's a good thing.

[CFrance]

Cruel....

I believe what the Dog Whisperer Cesar said, dogs live in the present moment and enjoy life in the NOW.

Also the ticks who carry Lyme are rare in Florida unlike the Hudson Valley and that's a good thing.

Not to mention there's Lyme tick protection available for dogs.

[duffysmom]

Not to mention there's Lyme tick protection available for dogs.

True but unfortunately it is a difficult diagnosis in humans and causes severe medical problems and freqently you never see the bite or tick. The Hudson Valley is a mecca for Lyme.

On topic you will find many happy dog owners here from all over the country.

[CFrance]

I know that, Duffysmom. I was just responding about dogs picking it up.

On another note... anyone wanting to read a description of what Lyme disease can do to a person should read Amy Tan's biography (author of The Joy Luck Club), The Opposite of Fate: A Book of Musings. She has suffered through this disease, and the story is astonishing.

[msendo]

msendo - don't take things personally - sometimes we have folks that love to stir the pot. As you can tell from the majority of the posts we love our fur kids and wouldn't leave them behind and do everything in our power to make their adjustment as easy as can be. And then share some icecream with them (this comes up 'cause it drives some folks crazy that people share their ice cream with a dog, or take them for a walk in a dog stroller, or bring their dogs to the square - even if the dog is not a problem. We use to go to the McDonalds drive thru and buy our Great Dane a burger that he would take bites of, just like you or I)!

Sorry,
Didn't mean to sound so serious. I've heard great things today. On a lighter note,
Augie and Monkey have had their share of Mc Donalds. But as I've said before, they love love love pizza. Seriously?! A German Shepard named MONKEY! You bet.

[redwitch]

Sorry, gotta say it -- I'd be a high maintenance dog, too, if my name was Monkey. Your poor Alsatian. ;-)

[Schaumburger]

Sorry,
Didn't mean to sound so serious. I've heard great things today. On a lighter note,
Augie and Monkey have had their share of Mc Donalds. But as I've said before, they love love love pizza. Seriously?! A German Shepard named MONKEY! You bet.

Augie and Monkey -- love those names. If you ever visit Chicago, buy Augie and Monkey some Lou Malnati's pizza -- it is like heaven. I hope all of you will be very happy in The Villages once you move there. Keep us posted on your house hunting plans :wave:

[casita37]

If I had it to do over, I would not have brought our dog to TV.

We had a small dog and a cat. The dog was pretty much a lap dog, with a love me, love me, demeanor. Never met a stranger, and everyone loved him. Our cat was, and is, high maintenance. We had to warn visitors not to pet her or ever get too close. Both pets had free run of a large fenced yard, in a very warm climate. The cat could actually flatfoot the fence and go off wandering the neighborhood, causing terror amoung the other cats in the area.

We worried so much about how the cat would adjust to TV and being an inside cat. We never gave a thought to how the dog would adjust. After all, he would be with us, and that was all that ever mattered to him. Well....we sure got that one WRONG!

We had pre-shipped the little bit we brought with us, and the house was not bare, but starting to look like no one lived there. We could see the anxiety mounting in the dog, but still....he was with us. On moving day, with our final luggage sitting in the middle of the living room, as we put him into his carrier to go to the airport (where he traveled in the cabin with us), he had, as the Vet put it, an "event". We don't know if it was a stroke or a nervous/mental breakdown, but he starting barking and whining. We had tried to travel without tranquilizers, but during a plane change, we finally drugged him. Did no good. I held him in my lap for the entire flight, while he whined. I must say a giant thank you to the flight staff and fellow passengers on AA that day. They did not say a word or give us dirty looks. Everyone was very understanding.

Long story short.....and lots of vet visits and various medications....our little buddy did not survive. His little heart just gave out from the anxiety. He was about 16 years old and had congenital heart disease. He had just a few months here, where he refused to go to the bathroom outside, with walks hourly, including over-night. It was too cold for him, and he would not walk, or go, on the grass. If one of us was not holding him, he was barking. We took turns staying up with him at night.

@ paulandjean, I don't find your suggestion offensive, at all. Sometimes making the tough decisions come from love. I would have either stayed where we were for a few more years or left him behind with friends. Like I said....everyone loved him. We just didn't know and made the wrong choice based on what we assumed. What else can you do?

On a brighter note....the cat has adjusted better than we ever thought even possible. She even makes friends with visitors, although we still warn not to get too cozy. She doesn't seem to have an interest in going outside. She enjoys the lanai and just surveying the neighborhood from her warm perch.

Not meaning to discourage the OP from bringing their dogs. Of course, bring them!! They will not only have you, they will have each other.

Just another side of the story.....

[Barefoot]

If I had it to do over, I would not have brought our dog to TV. Long story short.....and lots of vet visits and various medications....our little buddy did not survive. His little heart just gave out from the anxiety. He was about 16years old and had congenital heart disease.

I'm very sorry to hear your sad story, and that you ended up losing your dog. You sound like great pet parents. However I did have one thought. It's quite possible that the end result would have been the same if you had left your dog behind. He possibly would have experienced terrible separation anxiety as he obviously loved you very much. I think you did the right thing for him.

[paulandjean]

If I had it to do over, I would not have brought our dog to TV.

We had a small dog and a cat. The dog was pretty much a lap dog, with a love me, love me, demeanor. Never met a stranger, and everyone loved him. Our cat was, and is, high maintenance. We had to warn visitors not to pet her or ever get too close. Both pets had free run of a large fenced yard, in a very warm climate. The cat could actually flatfoot the fence and go off wandering the neighborhood, causing terror amoung the other cats in the area.

We worried so much about how the cat would adjust to TV and being an inside cat. We never gave a thought to how the dog would adjust. After all, he would be with us, and that was all that ever mattered to him. Well....we sure got that one WRONG!

We had pre-shipped the little bit we brought with us, and the house was not bare, but starting to look like no one lived there. We could see the anxiety mounting in the dog, but still....he was with us. On moving day, with our final luggage sitting in the middle of the living room, as we put him into his carrier to go to the airport (where he traveled in the cabin with us), he had, as the Vet put it, an "event". We don't know if it was a stroke or a nervous/mental breakdown, but he starting barking and whining. We had tried to travel without tranquilizers, but during a plane change, we finally drugged him. Did no good. I held him in my lap for the entire flight, while he whined. I must say a giant thank you to the flight staff and fellow passengers on AA that day. They did not say a word or give us dirty looks. Everyone was very understanding.

Long story short.....and lots of vet visits and various medications....our little buddy did not survive. His little heart just gave out from the anxiety. He was about 16 years old and had congenital heart disease. He had just a few months here, where he refused to go to the bathroom outside, with walks hourly, including over-night. It was too cold for him, and he would not walk, or go, on the grass. If one of us was not holding him, he was barking. We took turns staying up with him at night.

@ paulandjean, I don't find your suggestion offensive, at all. Sometimes making the tough decisions come from love. I would have either stayed where we were for a few more years or left him behind with friends. Like I said....everyone loved him. We just didn't know and made the wrong choice based on what we assumed. What else can you do?

On a brighter note....the cat has adjusted better than we ever thought even possible. She even makes friends with visitors, although we still warn not to get too cozy. She doesn't seem to have an interest in going outside. She enjoys the lanai and just surveying the neighborhood from her warm perch.

Not meaning to discourage the OP from bringing their dogs. Of course, bring them!! They will not only have you, they will have each other.

Just another side of the story.....

Thank You very much............

[CFrance]

Yes, Bare makes a good point, Casita. Also, since your little one was up there in years, you may be right about not making a big move with him. You did what you thought was right, and I'm so sorry for what happened. You must have been heartsick.

[duffysmom]

Casita my Duffy (avatar) loved to ride in the cart and was generally a good natured happy dog. Several months before we had to say goodbye to Duffy he began to shake and whine when we tried to take him outside, it was so bad that he never went outside again. It was clear that he was suffering and his body was shuting down. Now that I look back I can see that he was unable to cope with leaving his safe place. I'm glad that your warrior cat is happy and hasn't missed his need to patrol the neighborhood. You sound like a caring and loving person.

[BK001]

I feel your pain. Not wanting to leave our little Yorkie for a week was one of the many (some silly) reasons my DH cited for not wanting to accompany me on a LSV to TV this summer.

[Bonnevie]

that story made me decide to bring more of my furniture than I intended....try to keep as many familiar items...maybe that will help mine when I move.

[CFrance]

I wonder--and this is not a criticism by any means--if the toy and smaller breeds are a little bit more nervous than the 85-pound big lugs some of us have. Their nervous systems seem to be more sensitive to their environment. Maybe they are just smarter and pick up on what's happening better than your average retriever?

Our dog is, like, "Where's my next meal? Oh, there it is. Okay, everything's fine." He gets apprehensive over loud, sharp noises and when the vet comes at him with a needle, but that's about it.

I hope everyone's dog & cat make a smooth transition. I'm sorry for what happened to casita's dog. What a tragedy.

[duffysmom]

I wonder--and this is not a criticism by any means--if the toy and smaller breeds are a little bit more nervous than the 85-pound big lugs some of us have. Their nervous systems seem to be more sensitive to their environment. Maybe they are just smarter and pick up on what's happening better than your average retriever?

Our dog is, like, "Where's my next meal? Oh, there it is. Okay, everything's fine." He gets apprehensive over loud, sharp noises and when the vet comes at him with a needle, but that's about it.

I hope everyone's dog & cat make a smooth transition. I'm sorry for what happened to casita's dog. What a tragedy.

CFrance I think you are right on.

[gomoho]

Think it is more temperament than size. Recently we took our 88 lb Aussie and 48 lb standard poodle to an overnight for boarding. The Aussie had his head out the window enjoying the ride and the moment and the poodle was fretting the whole time "where are we going, I don't think I like this, I want to go home, please turn the car around." Totally different personalities just like my kids - but that keeps it interesting!

[zendog3]

Our first house in TV was a courtyard villa. Not awful for our Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel. We walked the regularly but, in a pinch we could let them out on their own. Then we moved to a stand-alone house. Now I have to walk the dogs on a leash three times a day. Clearly, big dogs are a poor fit for TV, but what are you going to do. They are part of the family and we all adjust together. Trust me on this, your guilt is worse than any emotion the dogs might feel. The dogs don't really suffer -- especially when they get older and slow down.

[Barefoot]

Clearly, big dogs are a poor fit for TV, but what are you going to do.

Sorry, but I don't agree that big dogs are a poor fit for TV! Nope, not at all.

As you can see from my picture, we have a big dog, 70 lbs. And Lollipop gets to run and play off leash every single day where we're in TV. We take our dogs daily to the ten-acre private dog park on CR 101 where they can play off leash until they're exhausted.

[CFrance]

Sorry, but I don't agree that big dogs are a poor fit for TV! Nope, not at all.

As you can see from my picture, we have a big dog, 70 lbs. And Lollipop gets to run and play off leash every single day where we're in TV. We take our dogs daily to the ten-acre private dog park on CR 101 where they can play off leash until they're exhausted.

I can add to this. We have a "Chukker," which is a thingy that holds a tennis ball and enables those of us who throw like girls to throw the ball farther. A couple of times a day I take our golden out into the back yard and chuckker the ball, which he runs to fetch and then retrieves--and sometimes even gives up willingly. After a couple of practice sessions I learned just how far to throw so it stays on our property. We play till he gets tired, i.e., sits down and starts chewing the ball.

This is in addition to our daily long walk, which one should be doing anyway with any dog, as it's good exercise and discipline for the dog--and the owner.

[DonH57]

Until we moved here to TV our dog Bailey only had our yard for his exercise. He has gotten more active with our trips to the dog park and cart rides. The trips to the dog park meant more socialization for him.