We rescued a puppy from a dumpster two years ago, and we have been really pleased with how easy to train and how well-behaved our new addition has been. We believe he's a German Shorthair-Dalmatian mix, and he has tons of energy, loves to run, and loves to be near us. Lately though, he has been listless and miserable and we're out of ideas.
First off, we live overseas so we're limited in access to a vet. We initially lived in a house with a very small yard, but when we got the dog, we managed to switch with another family and we moved into a rural house with a huge yard for the dog to run around in. I attempt to walk him, but the area where we live is not safe. I've tried everything to make walking safer, but the country we live in just doesn't make it possible. He was definitely bored during the day in the summer, but we set up lots of doggie playdates with friends and we did okay. We even got a cat to keep him company when we're out of the house, and they love each other.
Now it's winter, there's two and a half feet of snow on the ground, and we can't even let him out in the yard it's so cold. The puppy play dates have become less frequent because of the poor road conditions. He initially drove me nuts following me around constantly, but now I'd have that instead of the listless, practically numb dog who we have now! The always happy, energetic, thrilled to see us dog of before has disappeared. He lays around all day staring into the distance, and has licked the area on his belly, between his hind legs, raw. I've given him treat balls, kongs, chew toys--everything-- and it's not making a difference.
We think he's miserable with us, and we don't know what to do. We've considered trying to find him another home with children or other pets, just so he'd be happier. We've thought about a second dog, but with our constant overseas moves, we just dread the logistics, but we'd do it if that's the only solution. He has all the food, love, and belly rubs he could want, but the last few months, he's slowly slipped into a depression that is so sad to watch. We have no vet, no access to doggy day care, no way to go on long walks-- but we have to think that our home is better than him being on the streets! HELP!
