1.09.2012

January 9, 2012

White Dog said, "No way THAT is going to be EZY!" She was referring to putting the new EZY On harness we had gotten for Quinn on the recipient. The harness has gotten excellent reviews and we liked the soft padded chest plate which we hope will be comfortable for our boy since we intend to leave the apparatus on pretty much full time.

The Mighty Quinn likes being manhandled and enclosed (even by the most loving arms) even less than he likes being photographed. It is times like these that my eyes tear as I wonder what horrors our gentle soul has endured. In anticipation of the arrival of the harness, both Steve and I have been slowly making progress in stroking him while we encircle his back or gently run our hands down both sides of his face and ruff.

When the harness arrived today, I unpackaged it and put it on the floor hoping that familiarity would help when it came to putting it on. TOWD walked passed it a few times and sniffed, but then Puff grabbed the end and hauled the harness off to her crate. I rescued it and put it back on the table.

The whole harness issue has arisen because of Quinn's post single seizure panic attacks. At times he just gets so confused and nervous that he reacts mindlessly. Last week he slipped his traditional collar at the Park while walking with Michael. Michael recaptured him but could not reattached his collar, so the two stood hidden from us until we went looking to find out why they were gone so long. And last Wednesday in a walk with White Dog and Puff before Steve's late teaching night, he did the same thing and took off running...but this time toward the busy Route 66. Steve dropped WD's leash and told her to "STAY!" but Puff has no such training and he just thrust the leash at a stranger coming out of a restaurant around the corner. Quinn was so panicked that he bit Steve.

It was then that we decided he needed a harness so there was always some way to grab him or releash him quickly without fear of getting bitten. The harness also eliminates the possibility of his slipping his leash and running blindly into unsafe conditions.

White Dog WAS right, Quinn was not happy about the process of fitting the harness. I held him with a leash attached to his collar and stroked his face as Steve slowly and gently moved around him to adjust and fasten the straps.We tried our best to keep the process as positive as possible but the minute we were done, he headed out of the dog door and hid under the deck.

All of the others went out to comfort him and one-by-one returned...except for Nuka, Another White Dog. When Steve looked out she had drawn Quinn out from hiding and was walking close by his side around the perimeter of the yard. At one point she turned and gently nosed his new harness and then rested her head on it.

Then they came in. Nuka rejoined the pack but Quinn went to his sleeping space to be alone. When I came in to blog, I thanked him for trusting us and tried to explain that we had his best interests at heart. Even with the duck jerky reward, I suspect it will be days before he doesn't act like he has been shackled.

14 comments:

Teddy Bear said...

Aww, Quinn, we hope you learn to love your harness. We didn't like ours at first and now we don't mind at all.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear & Sierra

KB said...

It sounds like the harness will make Quinn much safer. He'll forget about it before too long, I'd bet. What a sweet boy and what a sweet Nuka, looking out for him.

GOOSE said...

Sure hope it helps.
Blessings,
Goose

Random Felines said...

Poor Quinn...another one of those times we all wish we could explain our good intentions! Though mom can only imagine how startled that person was at the restaurant.... But the whole thing is scary and we are glad Quinn will be safer now.

TimberLove said...

Aw dear Quinn~ no one here liked our harnesses at first either but we've all learned that they are no big deal.Take care and be at peace little mate,

RA, Isis & Nanuk

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Poor Quinn...he must feel like he's re-living part of his past life. Thank Heaven for Nuka. She seems to really understand what's going on and helping in any way she can.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Nice to have a good friend to comfort you when you are upset. We are sure with time and maybe some tasty rewards he will be a lot happier and surely safer.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Kari in Alaska said...

It sounds like the harness is a good option

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Dachshund Nola said...

I hope it keeps you safe Quinn!
Dachshund Nola

Brian's Home Blog said...

Poor sweetie. But love and trust will prevail!

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Oh what a wonderful family Quinn has joined. Your gentle care and love for him is just beautiful. I'm sure in a few days we will read about his great adventures walking with his new harness. Hugs to all. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)

24 Paws of Love said...

We know how that can be. Learning how once bad things can now be good. It's a hard transition, but I'm sure your Mom and Dad love you so much and only want the best.

Especially no more scary run aways.

Bailey Be Good! said...

OOh, I hope the harness works for Quinn! :)

Woofs & hugs, <3

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

Sagira said...

I hope he learns that it is a good thing and nothing bad.

Like the bright color. :)