Readers share pets’ strange behaviors
I received several emails regarding last week’s column, and I wanted to share a few about the “strange behaviors” some pets exhibit.
From Robin F.:
“I had to laugh at your column about the strange behaviors. I just recently adopted a dog from the humane society in November. Her name is Taylor, and at the humane society, they told me that she likes to back out of the flap to get out of her crate. When we got her home, her toys were in a bucket, and when she got some, she backed out and into the living room. I have three stairs going down into my kitchen, and once in a while, she will come up the stairs backward.
“We thought she was confined and couldn’t turn around. I don’t know if that’s the case or not, but when she’s in my room, if she wants to come out, she backs out of my room and then backs down the hall. If you throw a ball or a toy to her, she chases it backward. I just wanted to share that with you: funny, funny behaviors, but we love them, and I love that you say adopt, not shop because all my dogs have been rescued. Thank you so much!”
A dog that walks and runs backward. That’s a new one to me, but it sure is cute.
From Rita F.:
“Bentley is a rescue from the spay and neuter clinic at Indian Lake Road, Daytona Beach. He is a Pomeranian, pug, and corgi mix. I adopted Bentley two years ago, at age 9. Bentley enjoys licking the two polyester suede pillows every day when we sit together on the couch. He also licks the bedspread where he sleeps every night. I enjoy your weekly column.”
Here is an email from Wayne H.:
“Just wanted to let you know our dog Sassy does this (licks carpet, etc.) from time to time. We found with our dog it’s because she has an upset stomach. She will lick the carpet, couch and bed sheets. After this, she usually brings up whatever she ate that’s bothering her.”
Thanks to Wayne for sharing what his dog, Sassy, does and his assessment of why she does it. My dog Bentley eats grass when his stomach is upset, which makes him up-chuck, but my Cooper, who licks the carpet, only coughs up a fur ball. I think he is part cat.
Here is a nice email from Walt Y.:
“I am a retired Edgewater police officer, 72 years old, living in Palm Coast. I have been rescuing basset hounds since 1997. I sometimes transport hounds for Sun Coast Basset Rescue. I had two older basset hounds that had medical issues in 2023 and had to be put down only a few months apart, the first time since ’97 that I did not have a basset hound.
“In December, I rescued a 15-monthold basset hound named Sam from All Hounds Rescue. All Hounds Rescue got Sam and three siblings from a breeder going out of business in Georgia. Sam was timid, but I thought we could work with him. He is great with my wife, and I can pet him in bed at night; he has slept in our bed since the first night. In the morning, until the lights come on, I can pet him, but during the day, he barks and runs away from me. He lets me pet him during our Jeep rides during the day but not at other times. He is scared of men during his walks, so we try to avoid interaction with people.
“I found out from the pet owners who adopted Sam’s siblings that they are experiencing the same issues. I also have a female, a 5-year-old basset hound that I recently rescued from a breeder who wanted to find her a good home. She is so sweet and comes on my lap to be petted. Sam just watches. I have never had this problem with a dog not liking me before, and I am looking for advice. Thank you and we enjoy your articles.”
Walt, if you are reading this column, you should try placing an article of your recently worn clothing in Sam’s bed or crate if he has one. Maybe wear a bandana around your neck one day, and at the end of the day, place it where Sam feels comfortable. Don’t tie the bandana around his neck. Just place it in a safe place where Sam is at ease. The more he smells your scent and connects it to feeling safe, the more he should accept you. I hope this helps bring you and Sam closer.
Please adopt, don’t shop, and support your local animal shelters.
Barry KuKes is the former community outreach director at Halifax Humane Society. Email him at bkukes@ gmail.com. View more of his work at minicooperproductions.com.