by Maria Geraci

Cute, isn’t she? This is a picture of my 2 year old dachshund, Truffles taken last Halloween in her “pumpkin” costume.

Lately, however, Truffles hasn’t been so cute. She’s reverted back to her early puppy days of doing her “business” in the house. VERY frustrating. It took forever to house train her to begin with, so this reversion back to puppy days has me pulling my hair. Especially since I’m on deadline and would rather not step into one her presents on my rare break to the kitchen or ironically, the bathroom.

The pet psychiatrist in me thinks this reversion is related to the fact that our sweet, old mutt, Charlie was put to sleep a couple of months ago. Charlie was 13 and a BIG dog (over 100 lbs). Despite the fact they had nothing in common (he was huge, she is little. He was mutt smart, she is pedigree not-so-smart. He was patient, she is hyper) they loved each other and loved taking their walks. Since Charlie’s demise, however, Truffles is afraid of her leash and refuses to go on walks, unless you carry her out the door. Sigh.

I talked to the vet about it and he thinks she will outgrow this with some patience, but I’m at the end of my rope. Where is Cesar Millan when you need him? Anyone ever encounter this sort of doggie behavior? I need to turn my overdue manuscript in!