Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The current state of affairs

This past week has been a pretty rough one for The Dogs of Jackman Avenue. Last Tuesday morning, Sherman & Lola got into a huge fight and really haven’t stopped since.

We had 4 extremely terrifying fights within 72 hours...Friday night's resulting in Scott breaking a finger, me potentially breaking a finger, both of us receiving multiple bite wounds on both of our arms and part of Sherman's ear being torn off. It’s gotten particularly bad because Penny is jumping in to defend Lola. 2 of the fights occurred when we weren’t even in the same room with them. It has become a very dangerous situation for all of us. Fortunately Scott and I have both been there when anything has happened. I don’t know what I would do if I were all alone and the 3 of them got into it. I fear the worst.

We’re at the point where Lola can’t even be in the same room with Sherman without aggressing towards him. When Lola isn’t crated, she has to be on a leash or gated off on another floor. He is petrified of her and runs and hides if he even thinks she might be coming. After Friday's blowout, we’ve had 2 situations where if she wouldn’t have been leashed, she would have attacked him. We have no idea what has changed between them, it’s almost as if a switch has been flipped. Penny & Lola continue to be best buddies and we’ve had zero issues between them.

I fear there is no possibility of the two of them living harmoniously together. I simply do not trust her and he does not deserve to live the last years of his life being beat up. For the time being, Sherman is going to stay with Scott’s parents, who he just happens to LOVE. He will be spoiled and pampered beyone his wildest dreams. Ideally he would stay with them permanently and we wouldn’t have to rehome Lola. But that is a lot to ask of them and simply may not be an option. The reality of it is, Lola quite possibly will be going to live with another family in the near future.

We are just heartbroken over this situation. These dogs are such a huge part of our lives and thinking of being without one of them is horrifying. The next couple of weeks will be very telling. All we want is what’s best for the dogs and ultimately, for us. We’ll keep you all posted on the situation and would appreciate all of the good thoughts, prayers and cyber hugs you guys could send!

We may not be able to stop by and visit everyone for a little while but we’ll be back as soon as we can. Thanks a million for all of the support. It means the world to us...

~ Jen & Scott

92 comments:

Randi said...

Hey everybody...I am sending you all my good vibes, my calming zen & my slobbering kisses & fur covered hugs to all of you...We love all 5 of you & can't imagine having to be put in this difficult situation...

Give the pups all a great big hug...

Love & Licks,
Randi

ps...pee mail me for anything...OK!

wally said...

Hey guys,

We love you! We have our paws crossed that you can find a solution soon.

wally, oscar, ethel & family.

Ruby Bleu said...

Hang in there Jenn...We'll be thinking good thoughts for everyone. We know you will make the right decision!

Love, Michele & Ruby

Lacy said...

w00f's all, wow, u have sure had it last few days..is Lola not feeling good...that she changed all of a sudden..u sure cant have dogs that big fighting all the time..sumdog or human is gonna get hurt bad...good idea that ur parents r gonna take sherman for awhile...Our dog bear, use to love other dogs, now he cant stand any of them..and we dont know what changed either..do u think it would help to post about this on the boneyard, mayb sumbody would have some ideas on how to fix the problem..If u need to talk, my email is on our bloggie...(((((((((The Jackman Pups and humans)))))) u will b in our thots and prayers that everthing will work itself out...

Luv,
Rocky
grumpy Bear
and angel Lacylulu
and the mama...

Peanut said...

You know I am thinking of you and if you need anything you let me know asap. oh yeah I'm going to email you later today also

River said...

I'm so sorry that this is happening. In all the years I've been a rescuer I've had a few instances of this--of dogs I tried to keep. One was a boxer mix named Susie. I loved that dog. But one day she started attacking one beagle and one dalmatian--I mean a fight to the death. And she could never be near them again after that without trying to kill them. She was fine with the other beagles and certainly great with people. I found the Rottweiler rescue and they loved her so much they kept her. The explanation the vet gave was the 'click-on' at 18 months. I don't know exactly what that means. It was heartbreaking to let her go. I still miss her after 5 years.

I will be thinking of you, and all of us, beagles and dalmatian, are sending positive thoughts and hugs. These are such hard decisions to make!

love and wags,
River's mom & all the hounds

Doggy Mama said...

I'm so sorry. Paws crossed for the Jackman crew. Hopefully it will work out. Maybe Penny just has PMS. :)

Meg said...

I'm so sorry about the awful situation. I hope everything works out for the best.

Meg said...

I'm so sorry about the awful situation. I hope everything works out for the best.

Anonymous said...

Another option to re-homing one of the dogs would be to use a C&R protocol. Written with pit bulls in mind, it's good management tool for all dogs.
http://www.pbrc.net/rotate.html
HTH

Petra said...

Oh no.....how sad that things have changed like this. I'm glad that Sherman has a place to go while you sort through things, and I'm sure you'll make a decision that is best for everyone.

You're in our prayers.

Mack said...

I'm so sorry Lola is acting like that.
I wonder why she has changed?

Our thoughts and prayers are with you,

Mack & Mom

Sophie Brador said...

Jen & Scott, I wish I could send you the perfect solution alone with cyber hugs and all that. I can't imagine how you guys must be feeling right now. I'm sure that neither Sherman nor Lola is happy at the moment. Whatever the solution is, you should take comfort in knowing that it will be the best one for both of them.

On a super practical level, if they get into a fight and you are able to, throw water on them. I've done that with Sophie in the past (she can be aggressive with some dogs) and it seems to break work to break things up so you guys don't get bit or broken. (I do know what that feels like. Ouch!)

I'm just so sorry you guys have to go through this with these dogs who you love so, so much. Your blogging buddies are all here to do whatever we can for you.

xo
Sherry & Sophie Brador

Clover said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about the dogs fighting. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. We will be thinking of you and we are here for you! Hugs and kisses to you all.
Love Clover xo (and Mom, Jess)

Aggie said...

Lola,

Listen up girl! Things have got to change! You cant go around wanting to kill your brother all of the time.

I hope you can work out whatever you are going through.

In the mean time, I will be sending lots of sloppy kisses to your mom and dad.

My paws are crossed for you.

Boston Hugs from your friend,

Aggie

Molly the Airedale said...

Our paws are crossed that a solution is found that everybody can live with! We feel for you!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Georgeous said...

Oh NO? Lola is such a cutie - we must know more! we must be able to help, we have trained our owners well.
I'm so Sad, poor Sherman :(
Love 'n' Snuffs
George

Balboa said...

I am so sorry for your situation, I know you love all your dogs and will do what is best for each of them. You and your family are in our thoughts,

Balboa & Mommy

Snowball said...

I am sorry about the situation you are facing at home. Can try writing to Cesar Milan for help? We remember watching an episode in Season 1 of The Dog Whisperer where there is a dog who try to kill his mum's pet rabbit everytime he see them. Cesar manage to calm the dog down and put him into submissive position and when he is sure the the rabbit will not be hurt, he place the rabbit over the dog's boby, touching the dog's body. He says this will help to show the dog that the rabbit has a higher status than himself.

I can't find that video online but I think Cesar's method might really help Lola and Sherman. I hope you dun have to send any one of them away cos we have been to used to see the Dogs of Jacksman Ave to be a team of a hunk dog and 2 pretty lady dog. I hope everything works well for all of you. We will be sending pawsitive thoughts your way.

Have a speedy recovery for your finger, Scott.

Luv
Snowball

Charlie Daniels said...

I wonder what brought this on? Has Sherman changed his aftershave perhaps?

Sending lots of my Special Red Heelering Energy your way ...

Cheers

TBU & Charlie

Unknown said...

I am so sorry things have been so stressful around your house. There are several questions I would like to ask about the situation to see if you can pin down the problem.

1)how old is Lola?
2)is she speyed? Could she be coming into season?
3)has she had her tyroid checked lately? An out of whack tyroid can cause aggression.
4)has she started on any medications?
5)is Sherman sick? Dominant members of a pack will try to drive out or kill a sick member of the pack.
6)how long have you had the dogs?

There may not even be a root to the problem, sometimes these things just happen. I hate that you are in the middle of this and hope that the dogs can sort out something and if not, a good home can be found for one of them.

Hugs to you in this difficult time.

Gucci said...

Oh no!

I hope that the switch gets unflipped so you don't have to rehome a boxerkid!


xxxoo.
gucci.

Lorenza said...

Hi, Jen!
My mom is here crying just thinking that you have to rehome Lola. But at the same time you said it right. Sherman deserves a happy and peaceful life.
Decisions have to be taken and knowing how much you love them, I am sure you will do what is best for all.
My mom is praying, I have my paws crossed, we are sending good vibes.
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza and mom

Princess Eva and Brice said...

We wish we knew how to flip that switch back. But we do know that this was not an easy decision and you will do what is best for everyone.

Princess Eva

i said...

Really sad to hear this. Really wish they would live together happily. Hope you'll be able to find a solution to this without having to rehome Lola. Our thoughts are with you.

Joe Stains said...

We are keeping you all in our thoughts :(

Asta said...

I am so sowwy you have to face this howwible decision.you awe in ouw thoughts!
Mommi had to wehome hew beloved Charlie, when he and Nora stwted fighting so badly that Mommi thought one of them would be mowtally wounded..IT was howwibly hawd, but it was the wight thing to do..
I hope despite evewything that Scott's Dad can keep Sherman and Lola can stay..My heawt is sad fow you
smoochie kisses to all of you
love
ASTA and Mommi

Opy - the Original GruffPuppy said...

hey buddies,

we are thinking of you all at this time, and hope that you can come to a solution that has a happy ending.

sending you lots of love across the miles - and if there is anything that we can do, please let me know.

love

opy, charlie, greg and brooke

One of the pack said...

Ugh! Sad days when the pups refuse to settle their differences. Sometimes doing what we have to do for everyone's best interest is heart wrenching. We will think calm and happy thoughts in your direction.

Good luck!

The Forget Sit and Stay Gang

Girl Girl Hamster said...

Oh dear. I hope it all works out well with them. It's really heart breaking to have to seperate. I'll keep my paws crossed that everything will be ok..

~ Girl girl

FleasGang said...

Big hugs and licks from all of the FleasGang. This is a really hard decision to make. We'll send doggie prayers your way.

luv
The Fleas

Anonymous said...

Sibe and Kitty vibes to all of you. I am so sorry that all of this has been going on. I can not even imagine what it must be like for all of you. Know that we are all thinking and praying for you.
Hugs, Meows, and Puppy Woos,
Sitka, Tia, and Cornelia Marie

P.S. mom sends love too.

Simba and Jazzi said...

So sorry to hear about the dogs falling out. I hope they make friends again. I'm sure you will do whatever is best for all the dogs. Sending you nose licks.

Simba x

Moco said...

We will add you to the circle of healing vibes. Maybe Lola needs medication. Foley had some aggressive episodes and elavil worked wonders for him.

Tazo said...

Lots of hugs and purrs for all of you.

Ellie said...

Lola,

You must be good girl!!! No more of this nonsense! We boxers are nice friendly kind...even to other doggies!

My puppy prayers are with you all! I'm so sorry you're having to deal with all this and I hope everything gets better soon!!

Nubbily Wiggles!
Ellie the Boxer

The Daily Echo said...

We're thinking of all of you and are so sorry to hear this is happening. We're sending Sibe Vibes and crossing all of our paws in hopes that you figure things out.
ECHO

Anonymous said...

Oh my very best BFF Lola Sprout Beyonce! I'm SO SORRY you and the rest of your family are going through this! :( :( :( It made my girl's eyes leak water out of them.

Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope SO MUCH that you can work everything out.

Kat said...

Oh no. Has anything changed at all in your life recently? Is Lola reaching sexual maturity and thus...et, hum...growing some suddenly?

I'm sending you all of the positive vibes I can muster - - I really hope that there is a way to work this whole situation out that will make everyone (dog) happy.

the many Bs said...

we sure hope that things can work out for all of you. we want everydog to be happy and live together peacefully. we are crossing our paws and sending harmonious poodle vibes.

woofs.

Kirby said...

Oh my, what a difficult situation to be in. I'm sending you tons of aire zen that you find a solution that you are all willing to live with. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with this.

Your pal,
Kirby

Kapp pack said...

Oh no! Sibe vibes and hugs for all of you! Lola, girlfriend, straighten up!

Kisses, Sky boy

Boo Casanova said...

i'm so sorry to hear that. i wish the best of luck for everyone. please tell us what you will go and i'm sure everyone will support you.

wet wet licks

Boo

Huskee and Hershey said...

Hi Jenn,
I tried to leave a mesaage much earlier but blogger kept eating it up!! Anyway, I am so so so sorry to hear abt the fights between Lola and Sherman. I just wonder what the trigger was since they were ok before.
One thing I encountered before with my husband's dogs (a cross and a Rottie) was that the younger or healthier dog could attack an older or sick dog. We don't know why too but we notice that it only happens whenever his Rottie was just about to get a seizure or right after the seizure. Other times they got along ok (they were not best buds but they tolerated each other on normal days).
You must be feeling so so worried and helpless now. I wish there is something that we can do. For now, here's one great big giant hug for YOU and Scott... and of course 3 little hugs for Lola, Penny and Sherman.

Huskee's Mama

Murphy Dogg said...

Oh no! Hope you guys can find a solution to keep your family together. I can't imagine how upsetting this must be for you guys. Everyone over at Punk Rock Dogg-land is sending good thoughts!
C-ya,
Murphy Dogg & his Mama

Cairo The Boxer said...

I am so sorry to hear the news. I agree poor Sherman. You both are very good parents having to make an impossible choice.

I hope things get better really soon.

The Puppies said...

That is terrible! We are sending you cyber hugs and hoping the situation gets resolved. That is a terrible decision to have to make and we are keeping paws and fingers crossed that it can be resolved without having to remove a loved one from the home.
xoxoxo,
The puppies

Urban Smoothie Read said...

did u suspect health issue? maybe lyme disease?

is unusual that things just gets ugly all of a sudden when they hv been living together for ages...

Jake of Florida said...

We're so sorry to hear that the Dogs of Jackman Avenue are having trouble!! What a dilemma for you when you love Sherman
and Penny and Lola so much.

We sometimes get into scary-sounding fights -- but nothing like what you're describing. So we have no answers -- just lots and lots of wirey calming thoughts (there's an oxymoron for you -- wirey and calming)!!!

Jake and Just Harry and Mom

Deanna said...

Oh no! I hate to hear that. It is so heartbreaking.

The Army of Four said...

We're so sorry to hear about this! I hope you come up with a solution that lets everyone to be safe and happy.
Tail wags,
Storm
PS: My mom would have full blood panels drawn up and a big physical for Lola and probably Sherman - just to make sure there isn't some change in their medical condition that's causing the fights. :( GOOD LUCK!

Willie and Waylon said...

We hope everythng works out to the best it can be... you guys are in our thoughts & prayers.

JAZZ AND DIXIE said...

So sorry to read about your beloved Dogs of Jackman Ave that seemed to always get along well. We are not sure what could have caused such a change. We remember seeing something a while back on the Dog Whisperer about a similar situation but can't remember the outcome. We really hope that you can work something out so that everyone can be happy again. We are thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Lix
J&D

Shannon said...

So Sorry to hear of your heartache (which I know it is) Here's hoping everything will work out and everydog will learn to love each other~Sending lots of good "WV" vibes up 79 and wishing for the best. Sending lots of hugs to Sherman, Penny, Lola, and their Peoples ;)

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

OMD -

I'm so sorry to read this - as is my mom -

Our paws/fingers are khrossed that all will heal in a timely manner -

I think the AO4 mom had a good suggestion: make sure nothing is 'wrong' to be khausing this -

HEALING HUSKY HUGZ&Khysses,
Khyra and Her Mom

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

Oh my dogness, I can't imagine how hard this must be for you. We know you'll do what's right for all the dogs. J x

Dexter said...

Oh what an awful situation for everybody. I hope you can find a resolution.

Slobbers,
Mango

Chef said...

This is so unexpected.. so sorry this is happening to all of you. Maybe Lola needs a physical to see if there's something going on with her. Although, female Boxers can be aggressive with other dogs, especially other females.

We will think of you and root for you and hope that you will work this out so that everyone will be happy.

Hang in there, Jen and Scott. I can imagine how difficult this is for you, knowing how you love your dogs. Good luck.


xox
Linda and Chef

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

Oh that is so sad.. We hope that there is someway to fix this.. We would hate for you all not to be together..

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Kathryn and Ari said...

Oh, how awful. We're thinking of you and hoping that you're able to find a peaceful resolution soon.
All our best,
K&A

Princess, Tank and Isaac: The Newfs of Hazard said...

Wow. So sorry to hear about your situation.Best of luck sorting t out.

River said...

Please read the blog of a friend of mine. It might give you some good ideas:
Booker

The trainer sounds better than the dog whisperer!

love & wags,
River

Mr. T-Bone Beasley said...

Awww,

This is such sad news! I'm so sorry to hear about the craziness going on in your home.

I will work up a good amount of ESP and send it your way! My paws are crossed that everything works out well.

Slurp!
Mr. T-Bone Beasley

Trailboss said...

That is not the general character of a boxer. I can't imagine what has gotten into her. I did have a brief experience w/a young boxer male that had not been trained AT ALL that proved to be agressive toward my daughter (we got rid of him the next day) but other than that I can't imagine. Is Lola fixed? I have had 6 boxers in total in my life and they all, w/the exception of the prementioned one has NEVER been anything but a doll. Our girls we have now are the best behaved of all of them. I feel for you in this time because I know you love all of them. You are correct tho that Sherman doesn't deserve to live his senior years in terror. Thoughts are w/you.

Deefor said...

I hope things will get better between Lola and Sherman. Me and Arrow had some bad fights for a while but not all the time. The bark buster guy had my mom do some stuff that helped. I hope you can figure out a way to keep Lola but I understand. For a while I thought my owners would get rid of Arrow-- or me!

Deefor

Ralph said...

Gosh- I'm sorry to hear about the disconnect in your house- I'll put my little paws together and say a nice prayer for your family.

Woof,
Ralph

Bella the Boxer said...

Dear Jenn and Scott,

What a difficult situation. We will be thinking about you, and we hope the right decision will make itself clear in the next few days.

xoxo - Bella

Comet said...

We are sorry to hear that you are dealing with such a difficult problem. If you haven't already, I would get a good medical checkup for both Sherman and Lola, as there could be medical reasons causing this. If that all checks out, we are confident that you will figure out how to solve the problem that will be best for everyone in the long run. Good luck!

Southbaygirl said...

Jen and Scott-Mom and I are so sorry you are going thru all of this!!!! She can only imagine how hard it must be!! My paws are crossed and mom is sending good thoughts and vibes to you from california! We hope you find a good resolution!

Velcro and mom

Kevin Witmyer said...

All the bestest vibes to you all!!!

Doggy Mama said...

The boys and I are very sorry to hear about Lola and Sherman. Although they will never admit it, the boys had the same problem for awhile. Hopefully it will resolve itself with a little bit of time. We'll keep all of our paws crossed here in MN.

Puppy sniffs and kisses

Doggy mama, Jack, Cody

Princess Eva and Brice said...

Stopping by to see if there was an update.

I know that you have bigger concerns on your mind but stop by our blog when you can. We have an award for you.

Princess Eva and Brice

Cassidy said...

We are so sorry to hear this. It must be so scary and upsetting for you Jen & Scott. It is a truly difficult and heart wrenching situation to be in. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Katy x

Maya and Kena said...

We're sorry to hear about Sherman and Lola's fighting,
But we know you guys want the best fur them. We know your choice in the end will be the right one no matter what you choose.
We're praying fur you guys to find a good solution to bring peace back.
Wags and licks,
Maya and Kena

Georgeous said...

I've been thinking about you, how are things?
Snufffs
George

Poppy said...

What a terrible situation. I really hope everything turns out okay for all of you. We are thinking of you and wishing you the best.

Poppy

MJ's doghouse said...

oh dear...we are so sad to hear what is going on. I know in the end ...everyone will be happy, even though maybe a little sad for a little time. Hugs and slobbery kisses from MJ....good luck...

MJ's doghouse said...

oh dear...we are so sad to hear what is going on. I know in the end ...everyone will be happy, even though maybe a little sad for a little time. Hugs and slobbery kisses from MJ....good luck...

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen

Thanks for your email, I have replied this morning, hope you get it ok.

My thoughts are with you all.

Love and much light,
Jeannie x
Marvin xxxxx

The WriggleButts said...

Oh, I just read this. I'm so sorry to hear about this. I sure hope you find a solution you all can live with! Best of luck!

Hugs,
Ane & Bajas

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Oh NO...it's been a week since you posted and we HOPE so much that things may have settled a bit. I can give you the name of a dog trainer who used to work at Misty Pines and is now in charge of marketing down at Animal Friends down on Camp Horne Rd....she helped me out a lot with Scruffy...she will come to ur house. I also know she's willing to barter for services...ie she's trades ur services for hers if that would work....I had nothing to trade cept cash...but some have traded massages, Tai Chi instuctions etc etc. She's very good and the dogs really love her. It would be interesting to get a behavior eval. on Lola and see if she has any suggestions. Email me if you think she could help...

kreitm@gmail.com

I wonder if ur vet has any suggestions?

Let us know if there's anything we can do, kay? Thinking of you....

Marilyn...and Scruffy, Lac and Stan

Stanley said...

Hey buds.

Know that all of us here in GooberStan love each and every one of you dogs & hoomans, and hope you work out something where all the pups are still part of the family one way or another. If that can't happen, we know you'll do what is best for everyone!

Goober love & smooches,
Stanley

Agatha and Archie said...

OMG we are so behind..We are sending you all our love.....We fought terribly in our younger years( and still have the odd fight) so we know what this is like...terrifying and breaks your heart..We are thinking of all of you Love A+A+PL2

-The Mullin Clan's Mommy- said...

Oh-Woo that is simply awful! We hopes, Jen & Scott, that you 2 are recovering from getting in the middle & breaking up the fights!?!? Sending Sibe-vibes that this situation will get under control sos you can keep Penny, Lola & Sherman all together wif you!!

Cosmos & Juneau

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen

been thinking about you all and wondering how things were going.

Jeannie
cassievale@yahoo.co.uk

Noah the Airedale said...

We're very sorry to hear this. I can understand your situation and it's an awful one. We thought we were going to have the same issues between our dogs Tess & Lucy but thankfully it turned out well.
It's so strange how Sherman & Lola have just changed over night. These decisions are so difficult. I really feel for you.
Take care.

Denise Noah Willow Tess & Lucy

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

Hello pals, I hope you're all doing OK.
Thank you for your kind words on my blog. It really means a lot to me and the Js. J x

MJ's doghouse said...

wow...88 comments.mom says that is alot of people that care about you...i hope you are all doing well...update soon...we are all thinking about you and the tough times you are going through...

Unknown said...

Have you thought about a trainer? We are looking forward to working with the one we have found ... it's a big investment so we have to wait a bit, but we know that aggression and fights can be really really terrible ... good luck!

Izzie said...

This must be heart-wrenching for you! And for Lola and Sherman, too. Is there an update? Has Lola been checked out medically? Sherman too? I'm so sorry. Lola has been my secret crush and I've always been so jealous of how she got along with everyone!

Kevin Witmyer said...

Bestest Vibes for you all!!!

I gived you an award for your bloggie. See my bloggie when you get back to learn 'bouts it.

Wags and Well Wishes!!!

Weezie

Jake of Florida said...

Just stopping by to see how things are!!

Wirey love and woofs,

Jake and Just Harry