Chris is publisher of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by email at cpruett79@gmail.com or by calling (812) 847-4487

I need some help with my new dog

Posted Friday, January 18, 2008, at 7:26 AM

I know there are a lot of pet lovers out there. I've heard from you from time to time.

I need to hear from you again ... this time with some advice on my new dog.

Sue, a Golden Retriever mix, was a Christmas present from my wife. She's between 2 and 3 years old, and it was sort of a rescue mission on my wife's part.

Someone couldn't care for Sue the way she needed to be taken care of, and my wife knows how much I wanted a dog, so she helped the dog find a new home.

Sue loves it out on the farm. She has lots of room to run, and plenty of "friends."

My problem is this: She eats everything she can see. The cat's food isn't safe. I have to protect the cat while he's eating, or Sue will devour everything in seconds.

Is solving my problem as simple as finding two areas completely away from each other to feed both animals?

Sue wasn't in the best of health when I got her (she obviously hadn't been fed regularly), but she's much better now.

Will my problem take care of itself over time?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Comments

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Chris, put the cat's food someplace higher than the dog can reach, but, the cat cat find, and it will find it. The cat will be able to eat in peace and the problem with the dog will take care of itself. Kinda like outa sight, outa mind.

-- Posted by corb300 on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 10:25 AM
We can't wait to meet Sue, she sounds like a wonderful (if not hyper) addition to your family.

Could you feed her inside, and the kitty outside?

Or vice versa?

She will calm down once she gets used to life on the farm.

Tell Sue her Aunt Jenny says hello.

-- Posted by Jenny B. on Fri, Jan 18, 2008, at 10:47 AM

Chris Pruett's response:
Jenny B.,

Believe it or not, the past couple of days I've been feeding the cat in the house before I go to work.

For the best interest of everyone (probably mine!!), I don't think that will continue.

Thanks for the advice, and come on down to the farm anytime you want.

Chris
Cat food has a much higher protein content, which is what draws dogs and other animals, but the excess protein is not good for dogs, of course.

If your dog is 'running' at large, she is probably eating a variety of unknown things and needs 'dewormed' more often as well. Parasites maybe 'soaking' up all her nutrition.

You may want to consider if she is so ravenous and running 'at large'....she is more likely to get into trouble, roam farther, get into neighbors trash and likely get shot at or hit by a car.

Also, depending on what food you are feeding, you maybe surprised how little nutrition your pet is even getting. Check out some links to what the pet food industry can legally put in pet food. http://www.api4animals.org/facts.php?p=359&more=1

Keep 'em safe and keep them healthy. (And yes, feed them apart!) You asked!

-- Posted by STILLHOPEFUL on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 8:46 PM

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