Kona: Don't Eat Socks!

Our golden retriever, Kona, is 16 months old. He's potty trained, has good manners (most of the time), and obeys simple commands (when he thinks it's in his best interest). His best interest = treats! Loyal, loving, playful, fun, and energetic are all descriptors of this sweet dog. He prefers our laps to the floor or his bed and loves kids of any size; especially if they throw the ball for him or take him swimming.

Loves to lay on laps. Photo by S. Williams

When he was younger, he would eat rocks. Every time we'd go outside for a walk or for him to do his business he would scoop up gravel, pebbles, sand, or larger rocks and swallow them. I'm not sure why. The vet said many retrievers constantly eat things they shouldn't. The rocks caused havoc on his intestines and couldn't have been comfortable to pass. We'd scold him. Offer him chew bones. Squeaky toys. Treats. He preferred rocks.

Kona's many toys. Photo by S. Williams

And he ate socks. Big socks, small socks, clean socks, and especially dirty socks. Wool, cotton, nylon-he had no preference. If they were on the floor, tucked in shoes, or in a laundry basket he could reach, they were fair game. He'd gulp them down in seconds. No chewing, no playing with them. He'd swallow them whole. He was so fast that we didn't always see it happen. This resulted in multiple phone calls to the vet, several visits, and x-rays. He had several obstructions resulting in outcomes that I won't mention here. Our lean dog grew leaner. And sad. He didn't understand why he didn't feel good. He didn't equate eating socks with an upset stomach.

Socks that were in Kona's belly. Yuck. Photo by S. Williams

I bought tall laundry baskets that he couldn't easily reach into. And lidded trash cans for the bathrooms. We made his dog food, so we could control the ingredients and calories. He needed extra because of the weight he had lost. We became extra vigilant about what he tried to eat both inside and outside our home. Though it took a lot of time, we were consistent in his training. "This is yours. This is not yours." Correct and replace became second nature.

Kona enjoying a nap with "his" sandal. Photo by S. Williams

I'm happy to report that Kona no longer eats rocks. Now he fetches them out of the river. Buries his whole head underwater to find just the right one. And he no longer eats socks. He does still steal them, along with dish towels, shoes, and the grandkid's toys, but I usually find them on my bed. Unharmed. And not in his belly.

How many times do we eat, watch, listen to, do, or read things that make us "sick"? Sick physically, emotionally, or spiritually. I know I do this. Even when I'm reminded I shouldn't. I don't always equate my choices with my unwell reactions. I shut out those who come alongside me to gently counsel. Or I try the mantra "correct and replace".

Isn't it wonderful that we can outgrow and unlearn our bad habits? That we are given the gift of a fresh start every day? That we have hope? Take advantage of it! Be like Kona. Don't eat socks.

Do you have a story where your pet ate something it shouldn't have? Share in the comments.