Though Tzipporah, my four-year-old Havanese rescue dog, has learned to pee on the wee wee pads, she often pees just off the edge (my feet are on the pad, though!), or she’ll pee on the rug by the front door, as a form of protest when we dare to go out and leave her behind for more than five seconds. I thought I was doing a good job of keeping up with all of the pee, sopping it up with paper towels and cleaning each spot as quickly as possible, but then came a week of wet weather and the pee smell seemed to rise up from the rugs to fill the air.
I ordered some high-powered anti-pee carpet cleaner, because I can’t for the life of me remember how to use the carpet shampooer we bought ten years ago (and haven’t used since), but before it could even arrive, Mom agreed to get rid of the rugs in the hallway. We’re still crossing our fingers, and paws, that the living room rug is salvageable, but we’ll see.
Unfortunately, Tzipporah is still nowhere near ready to pee outdoors. We’ve been taking her outside a few times a week, to help her get used to the grass, and the leash, but it’s been slow going. I’ve also been taking her with me to therapy once a week, to acclimate her to travelling in the car, if nothing else, and, of course, my therapist decided that if Tzippy was going to come to therapy, she might as well do some therapy work. Her goals for Tzippy are to come when called, to walk on a leash, and to accept treats from a human hand (other than Grandma’s). I was pretty happy with Tzippy’s growing ability to sit calmly in the car, and then on my lap for forty-five minutes in the office, but what do I know.
One very exciting development came when we took Tzipporah outside for one of her get-used-to-the-grass-adventures, and Kevin the mini-Goldendoodle came over and dropped his tennis ball at her feet, four times! Tzipporah had no idea what to do with the ball, but she seemed to recognize that he wasn’t a threat and allowed him to sit next to her on the grass for minutes at a time.
Tzipporah is decidedly different from any of the dogs we’ve had before, especially in her insistence on staying in her bed whenever we’re nearby, and never, ever, barking. And yet, I’ve caught myself almost calling her “Ellie” a number of times. It may just be that Ellie’s name comes to mind because she was our most recent dog before Tzipporah, or because Ellie was also a Havanese (though with different coloring). And it shouldn’t bother me so much, but it does. It’s not that I feel guilty for misnaming Tzippy, because I usually catch myself in time, it’s more that I’m afraid I’m forgetting Ellie too quickly, as if she’s so easily replaceable by someone else.
The problem is, while I can never forget Cricket, even for a moment, I sometimes struggle to remember stories and moments from Ellie’s life. My memories of Cricket are so full-bodied that it feels like Cricket is actually in the room with me when I think of her, as if I can summon her at will. Cricket was in my life for sixteen years, from puppyhood, and she imprinted herself deep into every cell of my body, but I only had Ellie for five years, and I’m afraid my memories of her, which are just whispers at this point, will soon disappear.
But, now that I think about it, we had to get rid of our rugs after Ellie’s first few months with us too, and I took her with me to therapy for two years (more for my sake than for hers, to be honest, but the process seemed to help her relax and bond anyway). So Maybe Ellie’s name comes to mind because she is still here with us, and here with Tzipporah. Cricket was Ellie’s trainer, pushing her to bark and run and beg for treats like a “real” dog, and maybe Ellie is doing her own version of big-sister-ing with Tzipporah from the other side of the rainbow bridge, letting her know it’s okay for things to take time and that she will be loved no matter what.
Ellie never became a Velcro dog, like Cricket, but she knew she was loved and safe. So, if even an echo of her is still present in the apartment, whispering in Tzipporah’s ear, maybe everything really will be okay.
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Yeshiva Girl is about a Jewish teenager on Long Island, named Isabel, though her father calls her Jezebel. Her father has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with one of his students, which he denies, but Izzy implicitly believes it’s true. As a result of his problems, her father sends her to a co-ed Orthodox yeshiva for tenth grade, out of the blue, and Izzy and her mother can’t figure out how to prevent it. At Yeshiva, though, Izzy finds that religious people are much more complicated than she had expected. Some, like her father, may use religion as a place to hide, but others search for and find comfort, and community, and even enlightenment. The question is, what will Izzy find?
rachelmankowitz 
I can’t get over how cute Tzipporah’s face looks with the coloring around her eyes. I’m sure she will learn her potty skills sooner rather than later.
She’s definitely working on it, but sometimes she gets distracted. Oy.
Some things take longer than others! When our little Pebble came into our lives she refused to wear a halter; so walking her was out of the question. Took a couple of years, but then, when the word ‘walk’ was spoken to her she almost lost control of her body as she jumped and swayed to and fro – still does! There’s always hope.
That’s wonderful!
The photo of Tzipporah and Kevin is so darn cute! Maybe she just needs a boyfriend first and the rest will happen. But I do think Ellie is whispering in her ear…
Kevin is working on being her friend, and he’s very persistent.
I’ve had a bit of loss when it comes to my fur over the last 7 or 8 years, Shoes the Big Orange, Grayson the Mighty, Mimi the Quirky, Blink the Li’l kit, even some other lesser time spent who were only with me for “moments” above my shelter owner’s garage and I do feel a bit of guilt if I say a name of a passed one into the air on my return homes sometimes but I just chalk it up to the communal nature of a MY/OUR house. We are Steve, We are Cat. I would never question the occasional slip/switch of a name. Really? It’s an honor and a compliment to tZ. Just let her know she is in fine company. Cheers Rachel.
Thank you so much! That helps!
sometimes when a memory of Lily or Lulu evokes a strong emotional response, without my saying anything Gracie is suddenly there, licking tears or tickling her whiskers on my nose.
So sweet!
All your dogs were/are lovely, Rachel, and you’ll get on top of the pee situation too. It may take some more time, but it will work out.
Thank you! I hope so!
Tzipporah reminds me of early Murphy. He stayed in his bed a lot, and he never barked…until he did! Just give her time, and she will be enjoying walks and visit with fur friends (how cute she is with Kevin!) barking at noises only she can hear. Enjoy the quiet time while they last! 😆.
(Try some baking soda, activated charcoal sachets or those lava rocks from the hardward store to help with the pee smell.)
Thank you!
I’m so glad you are able to give Tzipporah the time she needs to find her doginess.
Thank you so much!
Maybe Tzippy has a bladder issue ?
It doesn’t seem like it, but she’s going for a check up soon, so worth looking into. Thank you!
Love and patience seems to be what she needs and you have plenty of. Bless you both!!!
Thank you so much!
Ollie didn’t bark for a very long time, well over a year. We started to think something was wrong with him. Then one day the dog next door was in the garden barking at something, and Ollie joined in from behind the fence. I think it comes with confidence, and you will hear her ‘voice’ one day.
Best wishes, Pete.
That’s reassuring. Thank you!
your compassion for all your fur family members is beautiful – Tzippy is so lucky she chose your family. I especially loved Your last line which was so touching. ❤️
Thank you so much!
I’m a fan of Bactador from Amazon. It gets rid of pee, faeces, and vomit smells. I got it originally because I couldn’t get rid of male cat urine from my leather car seats despite four separate washes. I was taking a feral cat that I had trapped to be neutered. Just under a year on I’m glad to say he loves being a pet cat and the pee smell went away immediately.
Awesome! Thank you!
I love your caring, and concern for your fur babies! Ellie will always be with you, in heart and spirit. The pee issue might not resolve quickly. Each furry is different, a different personality, just like us humans. 💜🤗💜🐾-Lorri
Absolutely! Thank you!
Dogs all learn and grow at their pace and all have their points we will always remember. It sounds like Tzipporah really is channelling a little of Ellie and that will always keep both of them in your mind and your heart. She looks comfortable sitting with Kevin. That’s always a good sign. when animals like each other. Good luck with her. You have the patience and the love to bring her back into a world much different than the one she came to you from.
Fingers crossed!
🤞
Working with a rescue pet who comes with “baggage” is so challenging, but I know you guys are going above and beyond, she’s in the best possible place now.
Thank you so much!
I think Tzippy is doing really well and she’ll soon get the idea.
My dog Pepper from many years ago used to do a protest wee on the front mat if we left her behind.
Wee pads weren’t around in those days so it was newspapers. However, with Barney (1995-2005), we used paper while we were out, but then we made a secure run outside with a kennel so he could do his business when he needed to. With Maggie we took her outside every two hours extending the time gradually whether she wanted to go or not using key phrases each time. If she performed, she got a treat. She slept in a cage at night when she was very young which was also used if we had to go out, but during the day it was left open and was her ‘safe place’. We even used to get up at 2am to take her out which was daft really, but it helped with the house training, and I was the only one working at the time.
Maya was 13 weeks old when we got her, and she peed indoors twice before I caught her on the third, stopped her and took her outside. She didn’t do anything indoors after that. She had definite ‘tells’ which we soon recognised, but sometimes she does get us up early, around 4.30 if she wants to go out.
We often call her Maggie, even though there were 15 months in between. We had Maggie from 7 and a half weeks and she was two months shy of her 16th birthday when we lost her.
Ellie did well with frequent walks, eventually. Hopefully Tzipporah will get the hang of things in time.
I’m sure she will, she’s still learning and finding her way in her new home with you.
Ellie will always be with you, Rachel; you needn’t worry about that. And Tzipporah seems to be making big strides.
As for the pee odor, we found Nature’s Miracle to be very effective. I looked to see if it’s still available, and chewy.com is offering it for 35% off and free delivery today. (Note: I have NO financial interest!)
Best regards,
Annie
Thank you!!!
I wouldn’t doubt that Ellie is there helping Tzippy. I’ve often thought Angel Lexi has helped my Xena from time to time. I’ve even called on her to do so, especially to help her be more brave.
I really hope Ellie is visiting Tzipporah, and me, sometimes.
It took a long time for our own PTSD rescue dog, Katrina, to bark. For awhile, we feared she might not be able to. But Katrina did eventually regain her voice. Whatever her quirks, we love her dearly, in the same way you love Tzippy. ❤
It would be so nice to hear Tzipporah’s voice!
You provide such attentive care for your dogs. I’m sure they are as happy as they as they are safe. (I guess the two go together.) I’m sure you’ve thought to write down stories of Ellie whom you knew more briefly. But, goodness, you do well by your dogs, even as they provide warmth in every way for you. Symbiosis–love, really–at its best.
Thank you!
I really love that picture of Tzippy and Kevin! Go, Kevin! He’s like the canine organizer of your complex, making sure everyone gets along 🙂
He’s the mayor! If you need a tennis ball, he’s your man!
Love your puppy stories. Although we get to visit our two “granddogs”visit each summer, we don’t own any dogs. I get to live vicariously through your stories.
I’m so glad!
Such a sweet picture of your Sweethearts
Thank you!
You’re so very welcome
Good luck with training! It’s been two years for my Benji now.
I’m pretty sure Tzipporah is going take as much time as she needs, no matter what. Fingers crossed that the anti-smelly spray works!
Hi Rachel – know absolutely the attachment and loyalty to first rescue dog. Rosie becomes Millie sometimes. Good luck with Yeshiva Girl – sounds intriguing and would certainly fill a gap in my education.
Thank you so much!
Isn’t it amazing how a new dog can worm its way into your heart when you thought you would never get over the loss of his predecessor, even one who misses the piddle pad.
Absolutely!