Toby is what you might call a "sprinkler." A marker. A dirty dog that has not responded to any training that I've tried including positive reinforcement, crate training, timed take-outs, as well as every chemical "no mark" sprays I could find on the market. He went through three vigorous training classes as a puppy to increase our bond to help him with his potty training. He has urinated on wall outlets, power strips, books on bookshelves, and shoes (don't even mention my shoe budget as a result of this.) Walls have been fair game, as is any piece of furniture that touches the ground. Forget about rugs, too. The Tobster can stay out in the yard for three hours and then come in and mark again. Most recently I forgot to lift up my sewing machine pedal and he "got" that, too. It is awful! This dog has been a domestic nightmare. He has been my dirty little domestic secret that has made me miserable on a daily basis. I am constantly cleaning in my house, bit by bit, surface by surface. His access to areas of the house is limited to where I am or three rooms when I am not home, but it is still tough to keep up. Anyone who has been in my house can see this! And yet, I love him to bits.
Toby is the dog that is raucous, playful, and always happy. When he landed here as a puppy, his most notable feature was that his tail never stopped wagging. He just loves life. And, he loves me. At bedtime he insists on being plastered to my back or stomach, and should I get up in the middle of the night he is awake and ready to go with me in mere seconds. He loves food, chewy bones, barking at the cats and birds, and going for rides, even if it is just to the vets (new places to pee!) When I take him for walks, he will walk forever. Off lead, he takes off and marks so happily up and down the street his enthusiasm embarrasses me. He is the type of dog that will not come when you call him -- he just runs farther. He doesn't listen or follow the rules. He is willful, stubborn, and loaded with character. He drives me crazy, but he can't help who he is any more than I can not help who I am.
Tobes has had an auspicious and tough life, starting with his birth. I bought his sister, Ellie, from a family in Lisbon Falls, Maine. She has been an outstanding dog in every way -- easy to train, loyal, smart, easy going. She was doggie number three in my triad system. This was to ensure that the dog I had, Tilly, had a pal when my oldest dog, a gorgeous boxer, passed on. And she did. A month or so later, like magic, Ellie's parents called and said their pups had bred again, and all dogs in the litter died except for one. Would I like him so that he could grow up with his sister? How could I refuse? I agreed, took down the address and directions, and said I'd get him on a Friday night.
When Friday came, there was a terrible torrential rainstorm. I hit 95 north and was at the Maine Turnpike before I noticed that I'd left my directions on the kitchen counter and had brought a useless grocery shopping list instead. I remembered the name of the town, and took a chance by taking the first exit bearing its name. Not knowing what to do next, I went into a convenient store and asked to borrow a phonebook. I didn't even have the people's full name or number on me! The clerk asked why, and I told him the situation. He then told me I was right around the corner from the house where Toby was, and gave me directions. An auspicious start for sure.
Toby came home, and within a week he was at the vet with an expensive eye injury. Then skin problems, And ear problems. Never ending string of medical issues, it seemed. Then, about three years ago, he presented as blind and almost unable to walk. I brought him to my fantastic vet who immediately diagnosed him with Addison's disease, which means his adrenal glands do not work. He now needs a shot of medicine every month and prednisone every day (as do I - we share a script!) He returned to good health very quickly, and his skin and ear problems resolved, too. It was an amazing transformation. Since the diagnosis, I have the privilege of paying for his treatment and giving him medication that can make the marking problem worse. What a deal!
Back to the main issue, here. I picked up a new no-marking product that I hadn't tried before...and it works!!
I have had thirty six hours in my home without a restless pug trying to paint my home yellow. I put down new rugs, washed every floor, and am thoroughly amazed at the improvement. Toby looks at me with a feeling of great disappointment, but I don't care. He asks to go out, and comes back in on his own. He has not peed in the house. Even overnight when I am sleeping (his favorite time to sneak around the house and leave me surprises) he has not marked. It is truly a miracle! The product is all natural (yet can be toxic or irritating while wet.) I ordered a gallon of the magic spray from Amazon this morning -- here's to hoping this long story has a happy end and the New and Improved Toby is here to stay! Less time cleaning means more time and energy to devote to art making and a more peaceful home, where the African Grey is not yelling "Toby, NO!" every five minutes, too. Much, much better!! The things we do for our pets...
What will you make today?