I would like to share how transformative Morag’s input was for me and my dog Zela.
When I adopted her, I was told she was a happy, healthy and well socialized dog.
The reality was very different.
From day one Zela was too scared to move. She was too scared to eat. She lost control over her bowels when she saw the lead coming close to her head. She fled in panic and hid behind a shelf when I entered the room- or when I switched the light on. Then she would stay there for days and only come out to do a pee on a pad once night had fallen and the house was still. Often during the day, she was too scared to use the pads, so she used her bed instead.
Several months later and nothing had changed.
Apart from being deeply traumatized, I discovered she also suffered from Giardia – quite likely had been most of her life. She must have been in extreme discomfort. Her breathing rate was frighteningly high even asleep. Her claws were wrapped around the pads, so she must not have walked for months before she came to me.
It was heartbreaking to see an animal suffering so much from fear and illness.
Most people I had asked for advice- vets, trainers and behaviourists, told me either to just drag her outside and force her to get on with life, or not to bother at all and put her down. She was a lost cause to them. Besides they wouldn’t deal with her until the Giardia was gone.
This was a huge challenge: it was difficult to daily change the bedding of a dog, who is too afraid to leave her bed; or wash the floor around her, when there is nothing but fear every time you enter the room… I felt like I had to tackle the Giardia, but to do this I first had to gain some of her trust.
I ordered Bella and Duke raw food, hoping it would help Zela’s battered tummy. Then I read that dogs with Giardia should not be fed a raw diet, so, looking for guidance, I asked for a nutritionist’s advice, which they offer.
Just a few days later I got a phone call from Morag, who turned out to be not only a nutritionist but also a behaviourist and the most compassionate person I had talked to so far. Her advice of bowel rehabilitation, feeding plans and strategies was invaluable. Most importantly she did not capitulate when she heard the full and complex story- in fact she did the opposite. After this first conversation she offered continuous advice and was very generous with her time, kindness and helpful knowledge.
My first behaviourist appointment with Morag was four months after Zela arrived. She did not approach me or leave the room at this stage.
I had made up my own simple exercises to build trust, but Morag gave me a selection of options, training strategies and concepts. She structured it all in a very simple and practical way, so I felt certain we would eventually succeed.
I hadn’t felt so hopeful in a very long time- in fact, I was in tears most days for months beforehand, not sure if I could keep going…
Bit by bit it got better, and we tackled one issue after the next. Morag always had an idea, how to break things down into smaller steps, so Zela could progress just within her comfort zone. She showed us games and exercises to build confidence and relieve stress.
She knew which remedies would work to ease Zela’s struggles. She taught me how to be consistent, so Zela knew I was trustworthy.
Of course there were steps back, but to be honest, they were short lived.
Mostly we continued an exercise for long enough until, one day, it was the most normal thing for Zela to do. This was most notable with the lead, which she suddenly accepted happily after 10 months of inventive, tiny – step- training.
Today, 16 months after arrival, I am just back from our second ever (very short) car journey to a beautiful little woodland. She loves her walks, she loves her doggy pals and she loves hanging out with me! Other people still worry her, but nowhere near as much as a few months ago, and I am sure over time she will also accept their presence.
I can honestly say I don’t think I would have managed to keep going without Morag and am so very grateful that I came across her.
She helped make Zela a very happy dog and keep me sane in times of utter despair.
Thank you so much!
