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Post by Dave on Sept 8, 2014 3:00:14 GMT -5
I decided today that Sedona's hiking days are done. She didn't want to do the trail today, second week in a row that was just not for her. She's been uncooperative for a while, so I decided to end her hikes. I know quite a few people will be disappointed, but I have to do what's best for her.
These hikes have been both a godsend and a torture. She realized that people can be great friends, but the hikes have also reinforced that the outdoors can be a very scarey place. I have tried to balance the good with the bad, but lately the bad has prevailed.
Our hike today started out well, but quickly degraded. The bright spots were only at the parking lot... She was happy to see her friends, and we were fortunate to see Megan and Roxy again. But as the hike progressed, Sedona became hesitant. Just like last week, it just wasn't her cup of tea.
So three years of the group hikes have been both helpfull and hell. The two things Sedona has learned from the hikes is that people are not all bad, but the outdoors is and always will be hell. This little pup will never see the outdoors as a happy place.
I'll have to find other ways to fight Sedona's fears. They are very powerful, so we will continue the fight. Just don't know how.
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Post by melonie on Sept 8, 2014 17:17:38 GMT -5
All you can do is keep her home her happy safe place. Or at least as much as it can be.
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Post by maryellen on Sept 8, 2014 18:41:23 GMT -5
Honestly who cares who is disappointed. You have to do what's best for her.no one else lives with her and sees what you deal with. They only see the hike part.
I think her turning point was hunting season, that first time she heard the guns while we were hiking remember? That freaked her out and i think that is what sealed the deal. After that she wasn't the same .. You did great with her on the hikes and you could see which parts she really loved. Its ok that she wont go hiking anymore , you do what's best for her:)
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Post by Dave on Sept 10, 2014 6:28:06 GMT -5
ME, two weeks ago we had to turn back because of gunfire. Several people wanted us to continue and fight her fear, but if you'd seen how in an instant she changed from relaxed to shut down you would have agreed with me. It's just not worth the torture. And this last one, she just did not want to hike the narrow trail. As soon as we left the parking are, I could tell she wasn't into it. She only tolerates the wide open road-type hikes.
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Post by sugar on Sept 10, 2014 8:36:39 GMT -5
I think gunfire would make Chubby shut down and he doesn't have the same level of fear that Sedona does. You are doing the right thing by tailoring your approach to the world around Sedona as an individual. You did right by her, everything else comes second to that. You are a good dad Dave.  |
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Post by maryellen on Sept 10, 2014 11:31:35 GMT -5
You def did the right thing dave. And with hunting season here the gunshots would make her worse. How the hell can they say to keep going?????wtf is wrong with people.... You cant flood dogs with their fears - it just makes it worse....morons....
Let me know when you will be up this way .. I will actually be down in oceanport friday but you will be at work right?
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Post by maryellen on Sept 10, 2014 11:32:41 GMT -5
Ps- Dave did you see Venus is lost? Hillary has it al over fb..
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Post by megan on Sept 22, 2014 11:06:05 GMT -5
It was nice to see you and Sedona, Dave, but I wholeheartedly agree that if she's not enjoying the hikes, it's unfair to push her. You're doing what's right for her and that's the most important thing. I'm certain she is happy that you are able to recognize that and do what she needs instead of worrying about what other folks are worried about. She's lucky to have you. And I can't believe people asked you to keep her going a few weeks ago when there was gunfire and she was that afraid that she shut down  I would have shit a brick if I heard people say that! |
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Post by Dave on Oct 2, 2014 19:52:45 GMT -5
Megan, I really miss the hikes. The problem with Sedona started last winter. We missed so many over so many months she just reverted to her old fearful demeanor. The hikes were no longer routine and became just another fearful event. Depending on her mood and the venue we may come from time to time, but it's not likely.
ME, I did follow Venus' adventures. I was really surprised she didn't travel, and really happy when she was found.
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Post by maryellen on Oct 2, 2014 20:18:55 GMT -5
she is so lucky she found her...
i think sedonas problem started the first time she heard the gunshots- that reallly freaked her out that time and i think she associated the woods with that ...since hunting season is so long it made it harder for her to go on the hikes...
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Post by michele5611 on Oct 3, 2014 8:15:33 GMT -5
Sorry to hear that Dave. You know Sedona better than anyone and it def sounds like it was doing more harm than good at this point. Hopefully down the road you may be able to go from time to time.
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I would have shit a brick if I heard people say that!
