What is Billy Grumbling About?

Billy is a 5-year-old male mixed breed rescued dog, who my client has had for just over a year.

Frances:  Hi Billy – how are you? 

Billy:  I’m good, why?  Who are you?

Frances:  That’s good to hear.  Your mom asked me to talk with you, is that ok?

Billy:   Sure, why not?  Anything for Mom.

Frances:  Great.  Do you know that your family loves you very much?

Billy:   I hoped so, it seems like it.  Is there something wrong?

Frances:  No, not at all honey.  I’m just letting you know that this is your forever home. You can be assured that you will not be living with any other family.

Billy:  Oh, I’m so glad you told me that.  I was really not exactly sure, but hoped that it was true. YAY for me!

Frances:  I’m happy you are happy.  That will make Mom happy too.  So now I have questions that Mom is asking, is that ok?

Billy:    Yes, of course.

Frances:  When you sound like you are grumbling, what are you trying to tell Mom?

Billy:   It depends on where we are and what we are doing.  In the kitchen, I want food or a treat. Sometimes I’m just trying to tell her that I love her.  Or maybe I want to go for a walk, a ride or who knows what.

Frances:  So it’s never just one thing all the time?

Billy:  Yep, just like us talking now – it’s different words, only I can’t say them like this to her.

Frances:  I understand. Do you like living with your family?

Billy: What’s not to like?  I have food, love and a roof over my head.  I can’t ask for more than that, can I?

Frances:  Well, let’s say you could ask, but you won’t necessarily get it, you know?

Billy: Yeah, I get it.  But I can try, right?

Frances:  Of course you can.  What else would you like to do more of?

Billy:   Now that I know I am staying, I would like to go on more car rides.  I was always afraid I would be dropped off and left like my other family did to me.

Frances:  I’m sorry that happened to you.  That will never happen to you again.  If they drop you off someplace, they will always come back and get you.

Billy:  Thank you, that is good to hear.

Frances:  Does your body hurt anywhere?

Billy: No, I’m good.

Frances:  Why do you sleep by yourself at night?

Billy:  I always have so I didn’t know it was ok to join the others in the house.

Frances:  Even though Ruby was in the house before you, she looks up to you to follow your lead and behavior.  When you are on walks in public, can you be calmer?  Pretend everyone is a friend, unless they show you otherwise.  Staying calm and near your mom is best.  Just being next to Mom or whoever you are walking with, is the best way to stay calm.  No barking or grumbling when in public.  It is sometimes scary for others to understand you are being friendly.

Billy: But I am being friendly when I talk.  

Frances:  Yes, but others don’t understand that, so best to be quiet and calm while in public.

Billy:  Ok, I’ll try that next time.

Frances:  Thank you, Billy.  I’ll be talking with Mom a bit later this morning.  Bye for now.

Billy:  Bye and thank you for talking with me.

Frances: You’re very welcome.

For the Love of Animals,

Frances