July 2, 2019

White Dog's conversation with me yesterday proved to be prophetic. Steve came into the bedroom after dog breakfasts clearly shaken. "Roman is over the top hysterical. I cannot put his muzzle back on. He is snarling and snapping at even me. Everyone else is safe."

It was the full blown PTSD attack we had not seen before. He did not recognize where he was. He refused to be touched. His muzzle dangled under his chin. And his eyes were wide with terror.

"He is will take treats from my hand. I can sit with him. But nothing more. He has had his Prozac and meds but..." Steve was shaken and frightened a bit at this manifestation of our boy.

"Be sure NO one can get any where near to him," I said as I grabbed the phone and speed dialed Dr. Julia's office. Thankfully Cindy was there; she has rescued reactive dogs so I laid out what was happening.

"My thought is pain," she said confirming what I had as a guess. Steve doubled his gabapentin as she and I continued to strategize. "Give him the heavy duty ACE tranquilizer. We need to get him calm enough to get that muzzle on. It should take about two hours for it to kick in; call me with progress in meantime I will pull chart and talk with Dr. Julia."

It was as if Roman received nothing. Two hours later he still raged at high alert. Steve managed to slip a slip lead over him and after locking the other inside took him out to potty. Then, with the others gated out of the bedroom, Steve and I worked to calm our boy with treats and perhaps together slip the muzzle up and on. Roman leaned against my leg and took treats from my fingers but when I shifted my hand to under his chin my loving baby boy attacked. The leash and my expectation saved a serious accident but he DID nail my hand. Thankfully he responded to being led and told to walk the 4' to his crate where Steve securely locked him inside.

"Cindy, we are going to nearly knock him out to get that muzzle on and his rage level is off the charts. This is a setback that makes me wonder in general." Steve held hope that this was a moment and that time and love was still the long term answer.

For now, the vet's office helped us put together a multistep cocktail that we could administer in phases until the drugs were able to overcome Roman's anxious adrenaline. It took until late in the afternoon before Roman sort of stumbled alongside Steve into the yard to try taking care of business. (Still under strict separation from others). This time the drugs had slowed Roman's reflexes enough that we were able to slip mask up and while I held it, Steve fastened the straps firmly. He went willing back into his crate and was locked in to sleep.

He did come out into the pack for dinner, wearing his protective gear. The hostility was drugged out and maybe has passed. Now, he sleeps deeply. There will be no bedtime walk for him and I pray the noises are few (rain is threatening).

Tomorrow I will check in with Dr. Julia and we will have a plan in place to get us past the 4th. Then we will address the bigger issues and other medication options. Like White Dog whispered, "I know you hurt, momma and dad was shocked at the intensity, but imagine what Roman must feel. Don't give up on him."

What a dance; helping my boy overcome his demons and protecting everyone in the pack. I ask the Universe (and YoYoMa who sent him to me) for guidance.