What's the Deal?

Yesterday, Winston went back to puppy day care for the first time since before the whole gimpy-leg thing happened two months ago.

He was hopping up and down, excited as a kid heading for the swimming pool on a 100 degree day. Tail wagging, he pulled me toward the door, eager to see his pals. He was happy. I was happy.

I picked Winston up about 5 hours later. He immediately fell asleep. That's what I love about day care. A tired puppy is a good puppy.

We got home, and as soon as I sat down, Winston upchucked all over the floor.

Do you think he and his pals may have over-celebrated?

Give Me a Break!

A puppy needs excitement. A puppy needs adventure. A puppy needs to chase a ball 3.5 million times a day.

Guess who's been trained to be obedient to commands? (Clue: I'm not talking about the puppy)

Peppy Puppy Problems

It's been an eventful few weeks. My dear, sweet mother-in-law passed from this life to the next on May 3 after a long and brutal illness. I'm glad she's no longer in pain, although she'll be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, most especially her husband of sixty-four years. What a sad and lonely adjustment this will be for him. Sometimes the circle of life isn't very easy.

A while back you may remember me mentioning Winston developed a limp. This has not improved, so he will see a veterinary surgeon on Wednesday. Apparently, he may have a dislocated shoulder. The surgeon doesn't know whether he can put things back in place and keep them there using a "sling" or whether Winston will need a full blown surgery complete with a screw and bolt to keep his shoulder where it's supposed to be. I guess this is one of the issues that can happen with little bow-legged dogs. Who would have dreamed a seven month old puppy would have joint problems? All I can say is...yikes.

I'm hoping for the least invasive option, but it all depends on what the vet thinks is necessary. Regardless of what method is chosen, looks like there will be several weeks where Winston is not allowed to run around or jump while he heals.Good luck to me on accomplishing something like that with the peppiest puppy around.

Tranquilizers, maybe?

Even with his current sore shoulder he still leaps up and down more than any frog Mark Twain ever ran across in Calaveras County--or anywhere else for that matter.

Suggestions for the weary are welcome.

Le Pup Misérable

It's hard to imagine a sight more pitiful than a dog getting a bath. I suspect Winston's face was unhappier than a teenager's on the last day of summer vacation. 

That's a lot of misery for one little dog.

But not to worry. After the dreaded bath, he was bundled in a towel and whisked to a warm room for purposes of drying and fluffing. (Note: The fluffing reminded me he needs to be scheduled for his first haircut-sure to be another traumatic experience)

When finished, Winston reverted to being a happy boy.

Happiness lasted until the following day when he went to the vet for his final round of immunizations. Crying, and screaming, and pouting, oh my! Winston is not a patient patient. And sadly, his vet visits aren't over yet. 

In two weeks he goes back to be "tutored". 

I'm afraid the vet will really be on Winston's "poop" list after that adventure.