Rita and Boots both seem to be missing Vince. Rita keeps barking because when she barks, he’ll go talk to her, pet her, tell her everything is ok. II do the same, sit down and she barks again. I guess she thinks if she keeps barking, he’ll eventually come see her.
Boots came upstairs this morning, sat in his favorite spots for a few minutes, was restless, walked toward the bedroom, looked around and went back downstairs and hasn’t been back up. I’m betting he’s waiting to hear Vince’s voice before he comes back up. I fixed him a chair in front of a big window so he can set upstairs and look out if he wants but so far, he doesn’t seem interested.
I’m a chicken – always have been and I guess I always will be. When it gets dark, I want to be inside and I want to stay inside. Sunset here today is supposed to be 5:02 p.m. That means several trips with Rita out in the dark. I don’t mind til about 11:00 p.m. and then I don’t like being out, especially since no one knows I’m outside and if something happens, I could freeze to death or get eaten by buzzards before anyone knew I was missing! 🙁
Sometimes Rita wakes up during the night, and sometimes more than once, wanting to go out. I had been doing it before Vince got here but now that there’s a chance of ice or snow and slippery concrete and steps, I don’t think it’s a good idea so I’ve rigged up what I hope will work.
I don’t even know why we have a huge dog crate because we’ve never had a huge dog but it was up on top of the freezer in the garage so I got it down, cut a piece of cardboard to fit so Rita wouldn’t feel the wires.
Then I put puppy pads in it. I’m sure it’s not what she’s going to like but I’ll stay out there with her and maybe she won’t realize she’s not outside and maybe she’ll get used to doing this if she has to go out during the night.
Of course, she doesn’t know if it’s night or day I suppose. She definitely doesn’t like snow or rain so, in time, she may appreciate my idea.
Pat Laney says
I was visiting a house one day and they had a piece of fake grass in a frame on they porch. There little dog came over and used the bathroom like it was outside. Maybe that would work for Rita. I was surprised it worked.
Judy Laquidara says
We may have to try that but I guess you have to eventually take it out and clean it it or get another piece of fake grass.
Dottie Newkirk says
Wishing you the best of luck. Hopefully Vince will be able to get things done quickly and be back with you, Boots and Rita.
Teri says
This seems like a good idea — I hope it works. If you go outside at night please bring your cell phone with you.
Nelle Coursey says
They do have the little “grass” pieces that you can use for this at pet stores. But I bet this would work. Just don’t let her go on the concrete because it will seep in. But Cat litter should help that.
Nelle Coursey says
Just a thought but if you could put a piece of Vince’s clothing (not washed) where they sleep then maybe they would think he was still there. Tell him to wear a hanky around his neck and send to you. Put it in Rita’s bed and put one where cat likes to stay. It will have his scent on it and they will think he is around.
Twyla says
I think our little Mavis just wants to go out and check whether other dogs or animals have visited our yard. Sometimes she doesn’t even do her business just sniffs all around. She has him trained as they go out several times at night. I say NO lay your butt back down and she does and makes it til 5:30am. They can train us ya know. Your outhouse for Rita is a good idea and good luck with it.
Judy Laquidara says
Rita hates going out in the cold so I know when she wants to go out this time of year, she really has to go and she’s super quick most o the time.