My Pet World: Owner believes dog is skittish on stairs because he sees a ghost
Q: When we moved into our house, it seemed as -- in general, Max our 9-year old German Shepherd mix, became a tad more skittish. We've lived here just over a year, and last week Max began to hesitate at the same spot going up stairs, at the very last stair from the top. When he does this he looks around, as if he's looking for something. I've followed your work for some time, and you frequently write about how keen dogs' senses are. Clearly, because of Max, we've learned there's a ghost at the top of our stairway. Who do we call? -- V. S., Las Vegas City, NV
A: Really? Is this just a set up for me to promote the upcoming "Ghostbusters" movie?
Not sure how serious you are regarding ghosts -- and while I suppose anything is possible, I am far more inclined to believe that your dog may have slipped at the top of the steps (perhaps it's a wood surface), and might have been painful, particularly since Max is an older dog possibly with some arthritis.
Of course, Max remembers. All it takes is one time. You trip over an uneven sidewalk outside, I bet you remember the next time you're walking in the same place.
Another possibility is that Max was once spooked as he happened to reach the top of the stairs, maybe a loud noise from outside, or someone in your house knocking something over.
If you think Max is seriously bothered, give him a reason to love that last step. You can become of cookie ghost -- randomly leaving surprise cookies at that last step for Max to find. Also consider having your veterinarian check out Max for arthritis.
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Q: My neighbors are physically mistreating animals, someone needs to do something. There are hidden crimes going on. What do we do? -- W.R., Wroclaw, Poland
A: We know that when there's animal abuse going on in a home, there's an increased chance that spousal and/or child abuse concurrently happening, or will soon begin to occur. Of course, abusing an animal is bad enough -- and what you describe may be a felony in the U.S., In Poland, I'm unsure.
In the U.S. veterinarians finding signs of animal abuse should report what they've found to local law enforcement, animal control and in some places even state child welfare agencies, as that is how significant the link is between animal abuse and child abuse. Of course, people who abuse animals may not visit the veterinarian, and vets can't report what they don't know. However, concerned citizens can report, even anonymously.
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