Friday, January 8, 2010

Dog Mysteries

Some of you might know that Scout was uncharacteristically naughty while we were away for a few days. According to her dog sitter (for whom she usually behaves exceptionally well), she often would not come in from outside. She would scratch at the door to come in, and when the door was opened for her, she would run away. The cold weather made this behavior particularly annoying. They said a couple of times they had to trap her (although I'm having a hard time imagining how they did this -- she's pretty fast), so they started not to let her go outside very often.

When we picked her up on Wednesday she was pretty quiet. This isn't unusual, since she gets a lot of exercise at the dog sitter's. But she seemed really subdued. I was checking her over, and thought her nose looked kind of funny. It looked like there was some kind of scab or wound on both sides of her muzzle. I called the sitter to find out if she got along okay with the other dogs.

The next day, when the sitter got back to me, she said, no, she got along fine with the other dogs, just like always.

But here's what she said: Scout wanted to spend all her time outdoors -- until the last day. Then, suddenly, she did NOT want to go outside. They found her hiding under a bed and in someone's room, and at one point when someone came to get her and encourage her to go outside, she even snarled a little, very unusual for her.

So, obviously something happened that last day. But what?

11 comments:

Elaine Dent said...

Ah, these are the times we wish our dogs could talk to us. On the other hand, a talking dog would take away part of the mystery of their unique companionship

Di said...

Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that. Something doesn't sound right. I hope Scout's OK.

altar ego said...

I hope that whatever was troubling Scout diminishes the longer he is again in your presence and at home. Poor baby. It's hard to know what comfort to offer when the source of discomfort is unknown.

Lori said...

My guess is that she probably had a negative encounter with another animal outside. I'd have the vet take a look at her muzzle and ask about it.

Terri said...

Very curious....does make me wonder about something outside that was enticing her to want to be out and then that very same thing causing her to not want to be out...raccoon, possum (don't they hibernate?), or cat, squirrel, something...maybe she finally got close enough that it scratched her. (I'm thinking a cat)...hope she is ok.

Anonymous said...

I hope she's doing okay...I'm guessing along with mompriest that there was an animal outside.

Barbara B. said...

Yes, what everyone said!
Hope Scout is doing better...

DogBlogger said...

I know this sounds really weird, but I was awakened this morning at 2:45 by the urge to pray for Scout and you. Is everything okay?

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

I hope she's ok. I know I'd be very troubled if I thought Smokey had a bad experience.

Rev SS said...

I do hope Scout's okay

Lindy said...

I think Mompriest is right.
Something happened. Poor girl. Prayers continue for you both.