Today was another hydrotherapy day. We are doing better upon arrival. I try to use the pop method (instead of pulling/yanking), and we have the lemon to control barking. But... tell me... how do you unscrew the cap with one hand while holding a jumping, barking dog with the other, and then squirt it in his mouth? Thankfully, the sight of it has some effect, but the real squirt has a better result, yet it rarely happens due to the juggling involved.
He was semi-under control, though racing off to sniff nearby open/empty crates, when another client entered the facility without dog. He loves pulling my gloves off my hands in the winter, then playing the catch-me-if-you-can game. This past winter, he started stealing the gloves of other masters at doggie park. Today, he nabbed the woman's car keys out of her hand, but, being on leash, could not complete his game plan. What a character! He does make everyone laugh. His therapist referred to him as "Turd" today. I guess, that is similar to the "Stinkpot" name I have uttered.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Worrisome
We returned to the vet today for a recheck of the neurological test and his annual shots. Fortunately, no one was in the waiting room when we sprinted in. While they took Guinness in the back for his pedicure, a 4 year old black lab arrived in very similar fashion to Guinness's typical entrance, but slightly more reserved. When Guinness returned to the waiting room, the two were ecstatic to meet, then relaxed under durress. Meanwhile, another client and her little dog arrived. She did not trust the two crazy labs and kept her sweetie on her lap.
Yesterday, to do the neurological test, I held Guinness's head and the vet turned his paw, but he was still loopy from sedation. Today, he did not want to stand still, so the vet called in TWO assistants to hold the goofy boy still.
When the doctor turned Guinness's left (leg that had surgery) toes upsidedown, Guinness immediately put his pad flat on the floor -- a normal reaction. When his right toes were turned, he did not move his paw. Definitely not normal. The vet said it could be due to residual sedation or he may have a problem requiring a neurologist to assess the problem. He said he would call the vet college and speak to the intern from yesterday to see what they say, then let me know.
The good news for Guinness: Guinness did not have his annual shots today.
The good news for me: There was no charge for our visit, except for the pedicure!
Yesterday, to do the neurological test, I held Guinness's head and the vet turned his paw, but he was still loopy from sedation. Today, he did not want to stand still, so the vet called in TWO assistants to hold the goofy boy still.
When the doctor turned Guinness's left (leg that had surgery) toes upsidedown, Guinness immediately put his pad flat on the floor -- a normal reaction. When his right toes were turned, he did not move his paw. Definitely not normal. The vet said it could be due to residual sedation or he may have a problem requiring a neurologist to assess the problem. He said he would call the vet college and speak to the intern from yesterday to see what they say, then let me know.
The good news for Guinness: Guinness did not have his annual shots today.
The good news for me: There was no charge for our visit, except for the pedicure!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Today has Been a Day!
Today was the day for Guinness to have his 8 week post-op exam, x-rays, and progress report. His canine GPS was very accurate today. When we turned onto another highway, still 40 minutes from our destination, he knew where we were headed. Then two blocks from the veterinary college, he started dancing and whining with delighted delirium!!! We were early, so I stayed in the car for a few minutes while he deafened me with his eager barking. The lemon juice yields results, but his excitement exceeded its effectiveness. We went inside a few minutes early. Soon many other dogs joined us with their masters. Some looked to be in serious condition or had lost a leg. Despite their frailties, Guinness wanted to be their friend. I set the lemon beside me and threatened him with it many times.
We waited 45 minutes before being called, and then what a sight to behold. He dragged me across the waiting room as he bolted for the door. With a couple dozen people gaping at us, I declared, "He has passed advanced obedience! I have a certificate to prove it."
As he jumped repeatedly on the new intern, the doctor said that he looks like he is healing well. Assessing his level of activity, he told me that they would have to sedate him for his x-rays and asked me to return in an hour. Great! I didn't bring a book with me. The Academic Dean of my college told us once to never be caught without a book. I lamented that I did not think of that admonition today. I bought a coffee and breakfast bar at a nearby coffee shop, sat in an easy chair, and emailed, then napped.
The report is that he is healing well, but has a ways to go. He cannot be off leash, but can walk on a long lead to give him more exercise. Instead of two 40 minute walks a day, four 20 minute walks would be better. He can jump on a sofa now, but not use stairways. The doctor also felt that the sedation would wear off quickly and that Guinness could have his therapy sessions late this afternoon. We had to wait again in the waiting room before his paperwork was ready for him to be checked out. He was very groggy but nosed up against the people near me begging to be petted, and they accommodated him.
He walked to the car slowly and managed the ramp. After a few minutes on the road, he stood with his hind end crouched down and remained in that position for the remainder of the trip -- about 40 minutes. He also was salivating as if he might vomit.
At home, he walked down the ramp, but then had great difficulty walking up the grassy slope to get to the front door. Half way up, he dropped to the ground on my feet and his eyes went glassy. I was afraid he was dying! I had to leave him there to go inside to find the surgeon's phone number. I reached our intern for today, and he thinks that the car ride made him nauseous and that the sedation is wearing off slowly. He suggested that I take him to our local vet for my peace of mind. He called the vet to describe the sedation used and to prepare them for his arrival. I have to say that it was nice to have a calm dog at the vet's office. He actually behaved as a normal dog, though a bit sleepy.
I told the vet that he had crossed his hind legs when trying to walk up the grassy slope, so he did a neurological test of turning his toes under. A normal dog would set his pad flat on the floor, but Guinness didn't. So he wants to see him again tomorrow after the sedation has worn off. And, obviously, he cannot have his therapy sessions today after all.
We waited 45 minutes before being called, and then what a sight to behold. He dragged me across the waiting room as he bolted for the door. With a couple dozen people gaping at us, I declared, "He has passed advanced obedience! I have a certificate to prove it."
As he jumped repeatedly on the new intern, the doctor said that he looks like he is healing well. Assessing his level of activity, he told me that they would have to sedate him for his x-rays and asked me to return in an hour. Great! I didn't bring a book with me. The Academic Dean of my college told us once to never be caught without a book. I lamented that I did not think of that admonition today. I bought a coffee and breakfast bar at a nearby coffee shop, sat in an easy chair, and emailed, then napped.
The report is that he is healing well, but has a ways to go. He cannot be off leash, but can walk on a long lead to give him more exercise. Instead of two 40 minute walks a day, four 20 minute walks would be better. He can jump on a sofa now, but not use stairways. The doctor also felt that the sedation would wear off quickly and that Guinness could have his therapy sessions late this afternoon. We had to wait again in the waiting room before his paperwork was ready for him to be checked out. He was very groggy but nosed up against the people near me begging to be petted, and they accommodated him.
He walked to the car slowly and managed the ramp. After a few minutes on the road, he stood with his hind end crouched down and remained in that position for the remainder of the trip -- about 40 minutes. He also was salivating as if he might vomit.
At home, he walked down the ramp, but then had great difficulty walking up the grassy slope to get to the front door. Half way up, he dropped to the ground on my feet and his eyes went glassy. I was afraid he was dying! I had to leave him there to go inside to find the surgeon's phone number. I reached our intern for today, and he thinks that the car ride made him nauseous and that the sedation is wearing off slowly. He suggested that I take him to our local vet for my peace of mind. He called the vet to describe the sedation used and to prepare them for his arrival. I have to say that it was nice to have a calm dog at the vet's office. He actually behaved as a normal dog, though a bit sleepy.
I told the vet that he had crossed his hind legs when trying to walk up the grassy slope, so he did a neurological test of turning his toes under. A normal dog would set his pad flat on the floor, but Guinness didn't. So he wants to see him again tomorrow after the sedation has worn off. And, obviously, he cannot have his therapy sessions today after all.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Chautauqua
July 17 - 15, we vacationed at Chautauqua Institution.
This is where we lived this year -- in the first level apartment.
Due to his limited activity (no jumping on furniture!), Guinness was conveniently tethered to a very heavy coffee table while inside.
Grant and Guinness met the carillonneur! She petted Guinness while she played the carillon!
Grant asked her to play "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" for Karin.
Yes, that is Grant and Guinness at the base of the tower.
We took a couple of daily 40 minute walks around the grounds. Since it is a dog friendly place, we met many dogs on each walk. Guinness asks the other dogs to play by barking, so we had to use the plastic lemon for training. By the end of the week, he realized that barking was not appropriate! Yay!
Here we are walking past the President's home.
This is where we lived this year -- in the first level apartment.
Due to his limited activity (no jumping on furniture!), Guinness was conveniently tethered to a very heavy coffee table while inside.
Grant and Guinness met the carillonneur! She petted Guinness while she played the carillon!
Grant asked her to play "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" for Karin.
Yes, that is Grant and Guinness at the base of the tower.
We took a couple of daily 40 minute walks around the grounds. Since it is a dog friendly place, we met many dogs on each walk. Guinness asks the other dogs to play by barking, so we had to use the plastic lemon for training. By the end of the week, he realized that barking was not appropriate! Yay!
Here we are walking past the President's home.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Good Boy!
Guinness can do two 40 minute walks a day now, and we can increase that to an hour if *I* feel like it. ha! It is a 15 min. walk to the ballfield where we meet for "doggie park," another 10 min. to walk around the park, and 15 min. home = an even 40 min. This morning, I was a bit slow in getting Guinness out for his walk -- 8:30. I have been told that our group is now meeting at 8:30 instead of between 7:00 and 8:00. So I was worried about Guinness meeting up with his old friends and not being able to keep him from being too crazy on leash. He goes bonkers walking into the therapy building, because they not only do therapy, but boarding, grooming, obedience, etc., so there are always lots of dogs there. If there are any dogs in the play yard next to the parking lot, he nearly drags me to the ground trying to get to the fence. Not good!
We met Holly on the way to the park. He was interested in seeing her, but did not go crazy. Also, Holly's Dad obligingly kept her away from Guinness. At the park we saw Mattie, whom he ignored, and a new Golden, Wilson, was there. They sniffed, but then Wilson and Holly spent the time rolling in the grass while I had adult conversation, with Guinness calmly at my side. :-0 I was quite shocked. He must understand that he cannot play with his friends.
A woman walked by with a little Yorkie. Guinness was more interested in interacting with the little dog than with his friends. He started barking. I pulled out my new plastic lemon and squirted some juice in his mouth.
The therapists taught me that trick, and it works!!! Silence...
We met Holly on the way to the park. He was interested in seeing her, but did not go crazy. Also, Holly's Dad obligingly kept her away from Guinness. At the park we saw Mattie, whom he ignored, and a new Golden, Wilson, was there. They sniffed, but then Wilson and Holly spent the time rolling in the grass while I had adult conversation, with Guinness calmly at my side. :-0 I was quite shocked. He must understand that he cannot play with his friends.
A woman walked by with a little Yorkie. Guinness was more interested in interacting with the little dog than with his friends. He started barking. I pulled out my new plastic lemon and squirted some juice in his mouth.
The therapists taught me that trick, and it works!!! Silence...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Leaving
While preparing to leave, Guinness was afraid he would be left behind and somehow managed to run THROUGH this gate without knocking it down!!! We figured out that one of the bottom pressure points released allowing him to run through without pushing the gate out of the doorway. Must have hurt!
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Kevin giving him a goodbye hug.
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Kevin giving him a goodbye hug.
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Sunday, July 12, 2009
Brief Trip to NC
Grant and I made a brief weekend trip with Guinness to visit Steve and Kevin. Spunky passed over the Rainbow Bridge since we were last there. James was more brave this time. He stayed in the house most of the time, sitting on the sofa glaring at Guinness with a look that said, "What do you think you are doing in MY house?!"
Guinness acquiesced, demurely watching James. Guinny stayed far away from James, even walking behind chairs to keep as much distance between them as possible.
Kevin and I made some chalk drawings on the driveway while Guinness watched patiently. I think he enjoyed the warm NC sun too!
Kevin drew Guinness!
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And I labeled it for him.
Guinness acquiesced, demurely watching James. Guinny stayed far away from James, even walking behind chairs to keep as much distance between them as possible.
Kevin and I made some chalk drawings on the driveway while Guinness watched patiently. I think he enjoyed the warm NC sun too!
Kevin drew Guinness!
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And I labeled it for him.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Uh-oh
I returned home to find that Guinness had been a bit active while closed into the den. Thankfully, no harm was done to him, floor, or lamp (except the bulb).
Saturday, July 04, 2009
More Therapy
Today was Guinness's third hydrotherapy session and his second physio-therapy session (after the first assessment). He LOVES the pool. He swims for 30 minutes with a rest break or two in the process.
He is not quite so happy about the massage. I think he takes after me -- Don't touch me!!! I don't want a back rub, a manicure or pedicure! This week was better than the last time.
He is not quite so happy about the massage. I think he takes after me -- Don't touch me!!! I don't want a back rub, a manicure or pedicure! This week was better than the last time.
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