Bring On The Bubble Wrap

It's funny how sometimes you resolve to do something and then it comes back to bite you in the rear, or the toe as the case may be.  Tuesday I was talking about trying to find the happy balance for Blueberry between being active and not overdoing things.  We got a nice helping of snow Tuesday and it was my last day of break before going back to work, so we decided to take the girls to the dog park.  It's an activity that Blueberry enjoys, as do Morgan and Bunny, and she can go at her own pace there.

We arrived and Blueberry took off with Bunny.  I could tell that the snow and cool weather were a perfect mix for them.  Mr. Taleteller and Morgan soon joined us and Morgan was off to try to catch up with them.  They did several huge circuits around the dog park and it was awestriking to watch them do what they were born to do.  Blueberry was really enjoying herself and giving it all she had.  She and Morgan seem committed to helping Bunny get in shape for that big race.

The park has a section for small dogs and so the larger dog section is actually a large L shape.  Blue is particularly interested in hanging out in the back section and stalking squirrels.  As Bunny and Morgan came back around and kept up their antics, I didn't think much about the fact that Blueberry wasn't with them.  After a few minutes, though, I decided to walk around and check on her, to make sure I knew where she was and what she was doing.  When I walked around the corner, I saw her, holding her paw up and looking a bit relieved to see me.

I walked over to her and brushed the snow off her foot, figuring that the cold was getting to her.  Still, she held the foot up.  I tried coercing her into walking forward a bit.  She kept the brakes on.  Her back legs were trembling from the strain and cold and I pulled her over to lean against me.  Then I called my husband.  I could carry Bunny or even Morgan, but Blueberry is a big girl.  He huffed, but picked her up to carry her to the van to warm up.  There are a few perks to getting old.  Bunny and Morgan circled around to see what was going on and offer moral support. 

After Bunny and Morgan had run out of steam, we collected them and headed back for the van.  When I opened the door, I was surprised to see her still holding her foot up, but the van doesn't offer a lot of room to do exams, so we loaded up and headed home.  Morgan and Bunny were escorted out of the van and I turned to have a closer look at Blueberry's foot.  She wasn't having any part of being examined and when I looked down at her, without any snow on her paw, I realized that the toe was sticking out at an awkward angle.  Mr. Taleteller carried her into the house and I gave him the news.  He was not too happy.  To his credit, he did not say "I'm so glad I gave up half a day of work for this" or "You know Morgan and I are going to miss our first obedience class tonight."

It's not uncommon for Greyhounds to dislocate toes.  I was pretty sure that's what had happened.  I gave a sigh and made the call to the vet's office.  Mr. Taleteller dutifully carried Her Royal Blueness back out to the van.  We set of to have the toe examined and x-rayed.  I felt awful for her in the lobby while we waited as she tried to pretend that not being able to see her would make it all go away.

I wasn't quite sure if they'd actually be able to do anything for her, but I am glad we went.  It turns out that she broke her P3, which would be her third phalanx bone in her toe.  It's not shattered, just broken in two, possibly three pieces.  She has a splint and a nice IV bag to wear over it to keep it dry.  She won't be visiting the dog park, or hiking, or much of anything for the next six weeks.  I'm ready to go with Morgan's idea of bubble wrap suits. 

So, I guess we'll start easing Blueberry back in to easy hikes in the Spring and see how it goes.  I'm not too worried about her getting too crazy because she's pretty mellow and laid back, but I do want to come up with some ideas to keep her from getting too bored while she's on the mend.  My question is for everybody out there who's ever experienced an injury that required rest or who just happens to have any creative ideas.  What do you do with a dog who wants to be somewhat active, but is on restricted activity?  I know she's going to need some special time just for her or she's going to get depressed seeing Bunny and Morgan getting to go out and do things while she can't.  Any and all ideas will be appreciated.

This is framed in my vet's office.  It's a note he wrote to his mom when he was a boy.  His mom gave it back to him when he grew up.  Every time I see it, I have to smile!  I guess it's a good thing that we don't get everything that we wish for.

Space Age Dogs

Bunny here writing about the experience Morgan and I had at the vet's office Tuesday afternoon.

I know, you're all thinking a trip to the vet never leads to anything good.  At first, we didn't know what was going on.  We'd gone from being all excited that Dad came home early to get us to feeling like we'd been a little mislead.  Then we saw Mom there, too!  She came over to the van to get me.  It turns out she came to meet us there at the vet's office. 

We went in and had to wait for a few minutes.  Looking down that hallway was a little nerve-wracking.  I know that the elevator table of death is back there. 

Sure enough, soon they called us back there and we both had to get up on the elevator table of death.  Dad told them not to make it go up in the air with me and it would be fine, so they didn't.  Morgan rode up higher than I did. 

It seemed like we both barely had to stand on that table and they were taking us off there.  I felt a tiny touch on my neck and it was over.  Morgan and I both got microchipped, so now we always have our licenses with us if we'd get separated from our pack and need to get back.  So, now I'm a Greyhound with a Facebook account, a blog and a microchip.  I'm one high tech puppy!

Afterwards, Mom and Dad took us to My Dog's Bakery.  One of the German Shepherds named Mirage was in there.  She's only a month older than Morgan.  I think Morgan would really have liked to have been able to play with her.  They even took our pictures to put up on their Facebook wall.  I guess we're local celebrities or something!

It gets even better!  After we picked out our treats at the dog bakery and Mom found me a very snazzy
leather collar with a rhinestone buckle at their sidewalk sale, we went to Culver's and got to share Mom's fried cheese curds.  It was really a very nice day!

I highly endorse getting microchipped.  It's was great fun for me, and it could lead you back home if you should ever lose track of your people.  Not that I ever let them out of my sight, but just in case!  We hope we'll never need to use it, but we'd rather have them and not need them than need them and not have them.  If anybody is worried about it hurting, neither Morgan or I ever even flinched.  It was a teeny, tiny little thing and they put it right in my back.  I guess this means Mom and Dad are keeping us and can't get rid of us now!

Ouchie Mama

Bunny here, with a little tale to tell. 

Mom mentioned the other day that we went to the vet for a visit.  I like going in there.  They fuss over me, they have a cat buffet and they help me stay healthy.  However, there is one thing that I do not like about going in there.  That would be the elevator table.

You have to get on the table, then they tie you to a hook and it goes up.  I did what I was supposed to do until it came time for them to trim my nails.  When the vet tech picked up one of my feet, I slipped and my leg fell off the table.  They caught me and quickly picked me back up.  I didn't fuss or anything.  No self-respecting greyhound would!

Well, Saturday afternoon it was rainy and grey.  I curled up with Mom on the couch.  I wasn't feeling my best.  You know how it is the day after you get shots.  I wasn't miserable or anything, but we couldn't go for a walk, because I don't have a good raincoat that fits me, and it was chilly and just a blah day.  Mom got up to get something in the kitchen and I rolled over to have my belly rubbed.  That's when she saw it.  I have several ouchies on my leg from falling on the table. 

Mom made a big fuss over me, rubbing my tummy and gently inspecting my scrapes.  I batted my eyelashes at her.  Honestly, it didn't hurt, but I enjoyed the attention.  She gave me a little treat and snuggled me a little.  Then she even ordered me a raincoat!  In just a few days I'll be able to walk in any weather!  I suppose a little scrape is worth it when retail therapy is involved.  I also got to use her leg for a pillow all day and she covered me up with a blanket and fluffed the pillows for me.  That vet visit is really paying off!

You're Taking Us Where?

A couple of weeks ago, we got one of those little postcards in the mail from the vet's office.  It was a reminder that Bunny and Lilac were both due for some booster shots and a yearly check.  So, today was the day I loaded them up and took them in.  From the beginning, I should have known how it would go when I found myself taking Blueberry along so she wouldn't be disappointed about being left at home while Bunny and Lilac got to go somewhere.  I tried talking her out of it, but she was sure it was going to be some grand adventure.  On our way over, I believe the conversation was something that would prove as another hint to me.

Lilac:  Where are you taking me?  Why do I have to go?

Blueberry:  Where are we going?  I can't believe you didn't want to take me!

Bunny:  Who cares where we're going?  I just want them to pet me!

Me:  We're just taking a little trip to the vet.  It's no big deal and it will be over in no time. 

Lilac:  The vet?!  You interrupted a perfectly good nap for a trip to the torture chamber?  Take me home this minute!

Blueberry:  The vet?!  It smells funny in there!

Bunny:  The vet?!  Alright!  They love petting me in there!

Me:  They only need to see Bunny and Lilac.  Blueberry, you're staying in the van.

Lilac:  I'll stay in the van!

Blueberry:  I never get to go anywhere!

Bunny:  Alright!  I'm going in!

Lilac:  You puppy!  It's the VET!  Do you know what they do to dogs in there?

Bunny:  They love to pet me and there's a cat buffet in the back!  They always forget to give me my cat, but I'm sure they'll remember this time!
We arrived and I took Bunny in with me first.  I decided to let Lilac rest in the van since standing for a long time is hard for her and I knew she wouldn't relax and lay down on a dog bed.  Bunny was weighed and then we were escorted into the dog room.  She was very concerned by the sound of a crying dog and cat on the other side of the door.

Then, Dr. Sherry came in and we talked a little bit about the girls.  She gave Bunny the obligatory pets and fussed over her cuteness.  Soon they led her into the back to the elevator table to do the exam.  One thing I really like about our vet's office is that they always let me go in the back with the dogs.  It's never a secret about what's going on back there.  They are also very greyhound-savvy and the head vet there was in charge of the animals at the local zoo for a long time.  It's nice to know they're in good hands.

Of course, when it was over, Bunny waited expectantly for her treat from the cat buffet, but she walked out gracefully when no cats were offered yet again.  All in all, even though she slipped on the table a little, she was still as happy when we left as when we went in. 

After I took Bunny out to the car, it was Lilac's turn.  I didn't take any pictures of Lilac in there because I had to hold on to her.  The floors are a bit slick and I worry about her falling.  She also gets tired quickly these days and needs a bit of help to stand up, so I was holding on to her.  In true grand dame style, she had to leave an editorial comment by pooping on the floor as I paid for their services for the day.  Why she felt I needed that little stroke of embarrassment, I don't know, but it seems to be her trend of visiting the vet's office.  At least they are very understanding about such things there!

The best part is that both of them are very healthy girls.  There were no problems with either of them and they're both caught up on booster shots.  They also both got pedicures and a clean bill of health.  Fortunately, we also returned home without any cats!

Things We Do For Love

I have mentioned that our handsome boy, Hawk, who really hates the limelight, has not been feeling well. Ever since we went through that round of sickness from the bad dog food, he has been losing weight. He hasn't bounced back, and given his age, that's a cause for real worry. So, since I happen to be sick today myself, we decided to move his vet appointment up to today to see if we could get some answers as to what's wrong. To protect his dignity, I did not take the camera along today, although I wished I had as we drove over this morning.



Hawk has always loved to go for car rides, as long as the car ride involves going to a drive through where he gets some French fries or a Milkbone at the magic window. He's even happy to ride to the grocery store and wait in the car when the weather is nice. Just don't take him to Petsmart or somewhere else where he has to go inside. He hates the strange acoustics in Petsmart and will do almost anything to get out of there, including poop on the floor. That was a long time ago, however, and we don't bring it up. Today he thought he was in heaven, bless his heart, as he rode in the van between my husband and me, watching out the window.



Given how weak he's been in the back end, we encouraged him to lay down. Apparently, that won't allow him to see if the sky starts to fall, which he knows it will at some point. He went to the back bench seat and tried to climb up, turning to look at me in what has become a classic pose for him -- front feet up on what he wants to climb up on, back feet on the floor as he gazes at me and waits for help. I suspect that he's gotten a little to used to the help, since he went and jumped into the back seat of the car on his own the day I was frantically trying to load Lilac into the car when she had her strange seizure. Anyhow, he wanted on the back seat, so I crawled to the back and lifted his back legs up for him. He gave me his big grin and I crawled back up to my seat. As I strapped on my seat belt, there he appeared again. I sighed and patted his head in reassurance. A few minutes later, he was back at the seat, waiting for my help again. Dutifully, I unbuckled my seat belt and climbed back again to lift his butt back onto the seat. As I sat down, there he was to sniff my arm again. Then he returned to the back.



Husband: Maybe he wants the seat down. You just pull it out in the front.



Me: Okay! (climbing back into the rear of the van again)



Hawk: Aww, you really love me!



Me: (after pulling the seat out so it's a big flat surface for him) Okay, this is the last time I'm lifting your butt up here!



Hawk: I'll take that under advisement.



So, I lift him up and get back into my seat as my husband giggles over what the people in the car behind us think I must be doing to the dog back there. Of course, a minute later, Hawk's back up in the front with his happy grin. I just look at him and shake my head. He stood the whole half hour ride to the vet's office, which was not a wise decision on his part.



We entered the vet's office and Hawk was escorted to the scale where they confirmed that he's lost a lot of weight. We went into an exam room and laid a bed down for him. Of course, he still wouldn't lay down. The vet came in and we spoke about what's been going on. In order to help allay his fears, we went back into the back exam area with him, and I will say that I am happy we have a vet who welcomes us back there with our dogs. There aren't any mysteries about what happens back there for us. My husband lifted him up onto the elevator table and they secured him and raised the table. The vet tech held his front end as the vet began her exam. Hawk started to get tired and nervous. I saw his back end sagging. He could have sat on the table, but his dignity told him to stand. So, being the person who loves him, I stood behind him and held his back end up. Yes, the things we do for love!



At last the exam was over, his blood drawn and they needed to get a urine sample. They walked him out the back door and we returned to the exam room. A few minutes passed and the vet tech returned him to us stating that he wouldn't go. That's a first! He's almost always locked and loaded, ready to drop pee-mail whenever the need arises. Still, it wasn't a big deal and he was very stressed. So, we'll see what happens and if we're able, I guess we'll make a delivery to the vet's office later when he's feeling more refreshed. Hawk still refused to lie down, but his rear end wasn't taking the hint. We spoke to the vet and then it was time to go. My husband took him out to the van while I paid the bill.



Then we had to make a stop at McDonald's so he could have a hash brown, since it was too early for French fries. Bless his heart for believing that was the real reason that we took the whole trip. He polished it off as he rested on the dog bed, finally laying down and comfortable. He rested the whole way home and allowed my husband to carry him into the house, assuming he'd finally been promoted to king of the castle status. He's now resting comfortably on his favorite bed as we await word on the test results. It was an eventful morning for the old guy and fortunately, he saw it as an adventurous outing and doesn't hold a grudge.

There's No Place Like Home!

Lilac is now home and resting comfortably. She'd like to send her thanks out to everyone who wished her well, and so would I. We still aren't certain what happened.

The bloodwork and tests that were done all indicate that Lilac is extremely healthy for a dog who will turn fourteen years old this weekend. Her potassium and phosphorous levels were a bit low, so we'll be rechecking those in a couple of weeks. She's on antibiotics for the next couple of weeks and we'll be watching her closely.

They believe that she could have had a vestibular episode, which would be the best option. Vestibular disease seems to hit older dogs suddenly and without warning, and the symptoms disappear just as quickly and mysteriously as when they arrived. That's not to say that it's what she experienced for sure, but it is one strong possibility, and it gives us hope that she may go on to celebrate many more birthdays with us.


We celebrated her return home with a can of Merrick's canned dog food, which she actually got up and went in to the kitchen to eat. I'd expected her to eat on her bed. It must have smelled good enough to go to the kitchen for, though. She didn't want any of the whippersnappers getting her share. She is now resting very comfortably while it digests in her stomach, now doubt even happier that there are soft dog beds here at home. I don't think the dog beds at the vet's office are quite up to her cushy standards.

My husband has been convinced for a long time that she will outlive us all. She may just prove him right!

Hope Springs Eternal

Today life took an interesting turn for Lilac, our old lady greyhound, and Bunny, the puppy. During the week, my mornings at home are usually filled with Bunny cuddling up as close to me as she can possibly get on the couch. If we were any closer most mornings, she would be inside my skin. I believe she keeps hoping that she can will me to stay at home with her. That, and of course, hope always springs eternal that I will feel generous and share some of my breakfast with her.

However, a surprise was in for her today. I got ready to leave, but instead of grabbing my things for work, I grabbed my purse and the bag we take with us when the dogs go with us. I picked up a leash, and Bunny couldn't get to the back door fast enough. Hawk and Blueberry, our other greyhounds, also beat a path to the back door. I called to Lilac, and she opened an eye from the cushy dog bed at me, then flopped her ear back to the bed. So, out the door I went with Bunny while hubby held on to the other two who were not going. Then he got Lilac and convinced her to come out with him.

Lilac does not like to ride in any moving vehicle. It doesn't impress her at all, and at thirteen years old, she is most content to sleep in a sunny spot in the house. She was a good sport, however, and went to lay on the back seat, no doubt praying to the canine gods that she would survive whatever crazy ordeal we were putting her through this time.

Bunny, on the other hand, loves to go for rides. Her little nose is always pressed to a window, watching the world go by. Each and every thing is still new and exciting to her. She associates going for rides with drive thrus, where people fawn over her, trips to the dog bakery, where people fawn over her, visits to the nursing home, where people fawn over her, travels to dog obedience, where people fawn over her, and going other places where people fawn over her in general. Perhaps you see a trend.

In the back of the van, Bunny was her enthusiastic little self. Lilac looked at her the way you look at a person who runs off to jump into the icy waters of New Year's Day as a Polar Bear. I think she even shook her head in mild disgust. I can imagine the conversation between them.

Bunny: This is so exciting! It's gonna be great! I wonder how many people will want to pet me!

Lilac: It's not going to be what you think it is, kid.

Bunny: I hope there are people there! They'll want to pet me!

Lilac: There will be people there, and trust me, you don't want any part of it.

Bunny: I'll bet they think I'm cute! Everybody will want to pet me!

Lilac: I'm getting car sick. Think what you want, just be quiet.

When we arrive, Lilac's suspicions are confirmed. This is nothing she wants any part of. She squats in the grass as we head inside, doing everything she can to delay us from getting inside. Bunny, of course, is at the end of her leash, waiting for the big adventure. As we walk in the door, I see her little nose start twitching. Most likely she's trying to figure out why she can't smell the people who are no doubt waiting inside somewhere to pet her over the strong smell of antiseptic. Lilac tries putting the brakes on at the door, but Bunny's and my forward momentum pulls her over the threshold and we're inside.

Fortunately, we are the first appointment of the morning, so we don't have to wait in the lobby. We head straight for the scales. Dutifully, Bunny hops up on the scale, wagging her tail in anticipation of the attention she's about to recieve. Lilac begrudgingly stands there after I lift her up so all four feet are on the scale. Then we head for the exam room.

Bunny checks every nook and cranny, no doubt waiting for the fanfare that is about to begin at her arrival. Lilac tries to climb in my lap, completing her entire spring shed there in the exam room. She blows enough hair off her body to make a carpet for our entire upstairs level in our house.

A few minutes later, the vet comes in to get Bunny first. She fusses over her unusual coloring, and Bunny wags her tail like a little fan, doing the greyhound version of the Grace Kelly wave. Finally, the people have noticed her. Lilac tries to hide under my chair as we wait. Her plans are foiled, however, as they return Bunny, whose tail is no longer wagging until she sees me. Lilac is reluctantly led from the room, most likely hoping that they are not cutting her toenails this time.

Five minutes later, it's over, and I collect our things, along with both dogs and go out to pay. We get back in the van. Lilac can't get in fast enough. Bunny is stunned, there weren't people there to fuss over her after all.

After lunch, I decide to run out for lunch. I take the dogs out first, and then decide I'll take them along for the ride, since Blueberry and Hawk are sulking over being left behind before. I open the door to the van, and help Hawk get his back feet up in there. Blueberry leaps in right behind him. Bunny waits for her turn, then leaps like a dainty gazelle into the back as well. I turn to look, and Lilac has departed, to stand at the back door, waiting to go inside. No amount of convincing will get her back to the van, so I open the door and let her go inside. She's happy as a clam.

We pull out and head off to go pick up my lunch. It seems another conversation is going on in the back.

Blueberry: Bunny, stay on your side of the seat! I need my space.

Hawk: Don't step on me, I'm an old man!

Bunny: Where are we going? I bet they're all waiting to pet me!

Ahhh, hope springs eternal!