I’ve been neglecting the computer and my blog for a while. On February 13 we took Ling Ling and the dog to the vet. Ling Ling had lost weight and food didn’t seem to agree with him any more. It took a week for the results of his blood work to come, during which he lost even more weight. He is in kidney failure, probably because of his advanced age. He is 18 years old now. I started him on a k/d prescription diet, was so weak at first that I mushed the canned food up with hot water so he could lap it. It was tense, but he is doing a lot better now, eating a can a day and getting some weight back. Whew!
The foundling dog, Bode, did a lot better. His ears needed some attention and he needed wormed, but was generally in good health except for allergies and needing to lose some weight. He must have really porked out before he got lost! It took four days to coax him down from the field on the hill, and he may have been up there a lot longer.
He got immunizations and we left with a bottle of shampoo, ear cleansing solution, ear ointment, and three days worth of worm medicine.
Despite the bath and medication, he decided to stay and since it had been over a month since posting and contacting the animal shelters, decided he was adopted. Will celebrate his “birthday” on Valentines Day. Turns out he is house trained and is quite the fellow! The vet estimated that Bode is 8 years old.
Bode didn’t get up on the bed until he decided to imitate the cat! Ling Ling is still recovering and mostly just wants to curl up and sleep on my lap while I knit in bed. Bode’s front end is a lot easier to get up than the rear, so is a struggle. Fortunately the novelty seems to have worn off, but he did look cute curled up on the bed trying to look feline.
I have been brushing Bode every day, which he seems to enjoy. It is OK for me as long as I sit on the floor to do it. A few days ago Ling Ling got up on the bed and meowed while I was brushing Bode. He didn’t stop until I brushed him too!
Bode loves to ride in the van. He can jump into the back as well as enter the side doors now. I have taken him along to visit my folks a couple of times and to Chuck’s discount between here and Rural Valley for groceries. I have been encouraging him to exercise and substituting attention and praise for treats. He will retrieve a yarn ball, which makes for good exercise indoors if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
The final pet news is that Geoff called my mom today to report his dog Baby gave birth to seven puppies on March 9. He says they are doing well and that she is quite attentive, especially for a young first time mother.
