Pens and Paws

Turns out Oscar has a hypothyroid. Not uncommon in middle-aged dogs; still was a bit of a shock to us.

After two weeks on medicine, he’s like a young pup again: springing and glassy-eyed and all. Not to mention the weight he’s lost. He’s now down to a respectable 49 lbs. *I will call him Slim.*

The hypothyroid is not lethal, and neither it nor the medication should affect his future health. Huzzah for medicine!

It’s awesome to see our little poocher back to his old self again.

Today, the heartworms die! Well, at least, they would if our pups had any. 

Annual exams for our pups were today. For those who care, Oscar’s got a pound or two to lose, Maddy is in great health. And like most other vets we’ve seen at Family Pet Animal Hospital, the doctor we met with today (Dr. Kathi Berman) fell in love with Oscar and subsequently Maddy. 

“I could just stay here and play with you two all day,” she said as our dogs took saintly seats beneath her, staring at the treats in her hands, “you need to get a picture of these two, looking up. Just like this.” 

So, we did. Below is the picture.

Regardless, we sat and talked with the vet about Oscar’s food agression. Per our trainer, we asked about thyroid testing. Apparently - according to the vet - Oscar is the right age to show signs of hypothyroidism. So, off he trotted with her to have blood drawn. We’ll let you know the results. 

The title of this post might indicate the financial hit of our annual exams, but as responsible dog owners, I understand how this once-a-year lump sum will not only save us money, but also save our dogs’ lives. I say, a worthy cause. ‘Cuz we love our pups!

What our house looks like after an afternoon of outside play.

Wore the pups out on an epic walk through a forest preserve today. Awesome!

Brynn, our six-month-old niece, was baptized this past weekend, and as such, the family—husband, Oscar, Maddy, and I—drove up to partake in the festivities. As always, the pups did their car dance while we packed. Ironically, the dance is not that dissimilar to a traditional rain dance: circling, singing, hoping the “higher ups” heed our calls.

We had a full weekend, especially Maddy. On Saturday, she played over at Berta’s (the short-haired German Pointer) house whilst Berta’s mom and I went to lunch. Then, Alec, Maddy’s BFF and my four-year-old nephew, came to play after the service on Sunday. Need proof that Alec likes Maddy? On the ride from the church to the house, he grabbed his toy cell phone and “called” Maddy. He sat in his car-seat and talked to Maddy for about five minutes, saying things like, “Hi, Maddy…yes, we’re coming to your house…my dad knows the way…uh-huh…yep…I can’t wait to play outside too.” Needless to say, it was awesome.

Five hours later, after watching Maddy run around outside with Alec and Oscar hang out with the adults, Alec and family pack up to leave. My husband and I took the cue ourselves and began to pack up (it’s over a two hour drive back). Maddy and Oscar basked in the afternoon sun on the kitchen floor as we packed up the car. 

Then came time for us to leave. Oscar jumped right into the car sat down. After a final pit stop, Maddy came running from the backyard to where we were by the car. However, once she saw the car, she realized we are leaving, turned on her heels, and ran back to the house. We tried coxing her, tricking her, everything. Finally, my husband had to go pick her up and carry her to the car. 

Poor little girl didn’t want to leave all the excitement she found at the house. So, from now on, we will make sure there’s a nice lapse of at least an hour between parties ending and our departing. She’s been pouting for two days now.

As promised, here’s our pup making his first jumps. Look how happy he is!

Tonight, Oscar learned the art of jumping and the design of the shoot. Although a bit wary, Oscar conquered the dark tunnel to push his way out of loose fabirc. Stinky treats helped, of course. The jumps were a bit hilarious: he always sits for treats, so trying to get him to leap over a low bar is confusing for him. Many times, he cheated by sneaking under the bar (silly puppy). But he had a blast.

And, I don’t want to be that type of puppy parent, but Oscar really is one of the best in the class. He picks up things quickly and is eager to learn.

The teeter wasn’t there tonight, so we’ll see how that goes next week. He seems to be less afraid of the whole experience (in fact, he was whining with excitement when we pulled into the parking lot). He’s relaxed, ears up, glassy alert eyes, and wagging tail.

If only solving his food aggression was as simple. At least we are aware of it and are working on it. I think now that we are starting to train and play more with him in the house that he feels more secure, like this is a fun, healthy, safe place to be. One day at a time.

Maddy lounging on the ottoman. Apparently she thinks this is her chair.

Like many Americans these days, life can seem a bit overwhelming.  Although life can be a bit scary and daunting, I am confident it will be alright.  Why?  Because my four-legged youngings have the right attitude about life: relax, it will all be fine ‘cuz the whole pack is home and I have a toy.

They are my Zen Masters.