Finding Solutions

You might remember from my last post, “New Year, New Hopes“, that I’ve been trying (for a long time) to figure out why Shadow was being so “difficult” at meal times.

There were so many possible reasons for it that it made my head spin. And, it hurt my heart not being able to find a long-term solution.

Maybe, just maybe, the elevated bowl(s) will be that solution. Or at least one in a combination of solutions used together.

The probiotics are helping with the IBS issues; but that’s only a part of it.

It’s going to take time for her to get used to the new bowl setup.

I already had to change the height of the stand. And, I might need to change it again depending on if/how much Shadow’s neck muscles tense up on her again.

And, I had to move the food from the new bowl to her old one, wash the new one and set the old one inside of it.

And a few times I had to spoon feed the poor girl yesterday and this morning. BUT she ate her whole meal at one meal time! I can’t remember the last time that happened!

I also have a new floor mat for under the stand (the one in the photo). I’m not sure Shadow quite trusts it yet to stay put. But with the stand holding it in place, maybe she’ll trust it sooner.

Perhaps she needs to wear her slipper socks in the house. Perhaps just on her back paws. I know they help her walk better on the treadmill. She hadn’t seemed to need them this past week or two; but yesterday morning she seemed a teensy bit unsteady in the kitchen again.

With the changes I had to make for Shadow yesterday morning came the “revelation” that they won’t work for Ducky. A few minor, easy changes at and after meal times will take care of that. Like this one…The old placemat and water bowl on top of the new floor mat. And when it’s Ducky’s turn to eat, I’ll just move the stand to the other side of the dishwasher.

17 thoughts on “Finding Solutions”

  1. somethingwagging says:

    I’m so behind on keeping up with my favorite blogs but I’m dying to know if this is still working for Shadow. You’ve certainly given the problem a lot of thought.

    I also saw something interesting at BlogPaws–toe grips invented by a vet to help senior dogs feel more steady on their feet. The videos I saw of dogs using them were really interesting. I’ll just send a link in case it’s something you think would help Shadow feel more steady. https://toegrips.com

    Liked by 1 person

    • My Golden Life says:

      I thought of trying the toe grips; but the nail caps that the vet put on her nail that one time it split and broke wouldn’t stay on. So, I figured the same would happen with the grips.

      She’s been pretty steady on her feet since her knee healed, so the only times I put the socks on her feet now are when she’s going to be on the treadmill.

      Meanwhile, she’s gotten used to the elevated bowls, so that’s working great. The only problem now is the after-meal farts. Talk about “silent but deadly”! It doesn’t happen after every meal, but dang! She about knocks me out at times!

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  2. Jan K says:

    One meal at a time, right? I admire how you never give up, and just keep trying new things. One of these days you’re bound to hit on the right one, or the right combination!
    This set-up looks really nice!

    Liked by 1 person

    • My Golden Life says:

      I think maybe – just maybe – I’ve found the right combination, at least for now. We’ll see what happens.

      I know one thing for sure – Shadow does not like any human movement near her bowl at breakfast time. But she doesn’t like being alone in the kitchen either. So, while she eats, I have to sit at the kitchen table to keep her company. Small price to pay in exchange for her willingness to eat out of her bowl in the morning. (At dinner time she doesn’t seem to care.) I really like this set-up too. The bowls aren’t quite as snug a fit in the stand as I’d like, but it’s working so far.

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  4. edgar62 says:

    When my Maltese Terrorist went blind I had to make different arrangements to feed him. Sometimes I sat on the floor with him between my legs and held his bowl, moving it around as required. Sometimes I hand fed him. Generally he was ok but from time to time these darn corners attacked and trapped him and I had to rescue him. Many years ago now and although I love my Benji, I still miss my Maltese Terrorist. I think you’re doing a great job with your dogs adjusting arrangements as you need to. I also like the mat.

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    • My Golden Life says:

      Thank you! I hear you about missing your other dog. I love Shadow and Ducky with my whole heart but I will always miss Callie – the sister they knew – and Kissy – the sister who preceded all three of them.

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  5. Maggie says:

    Aww! It’s a universal truth, I think, that the solution for one never works for the other… at least, that’s been our experience! The socks in the house might help. We ended up keeping Em in booties to help with stability, and it also helped him build up his confidence. Also, I really like that elevated feeder! It’s so much cleaner/simpler than many I’ve seen!!

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  6. Jodi Stone says:

    I know you’ll figure it out, Sue! Sometimes it’s the simplest thing too. Honestly, they really are such creatures of habit. Hang in there! I’m glad she ate a full meal today!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Tails Around the Ranch says:

    Each pup is different and requires different strategies. Looks like you’ve got that covered. Your girls are lucky you take such good individual care of them. 😊 P.S. LOVE the ‘placemat.’ It’s so adorable.

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