Maggie and I met Henry and his mom Kat at the dog run for the second time today. He has a great new life.
First and most important, Henry is still a delicate flower. He's terrified not only of thunder and lightning, which we knew, but he's also of it on TV. When a TV program had a storm on it, he shook and hid. Also, at the dog run recently a man with a big camera with a flash took Henry's picture. Henry tucked his tail, whimpered, and curled up near the gate. He had to go home. Clearly he believes that the camera steals your soul - or that the flash is a disciple of lightning. When he gets mad at his mom and dad, he stages protests. For example, he got scolded for going through the trash, and he took his bowl of food from the kitchen into the living room and throw the food from the bowl out onto the floor.
He doesn't like to go out after 7:30. He goes to sleep downstairs at 7:30 and if his parents want him to go outside after that, they have to catch him while he's changing positions. At 9:30 he goes upstairs to go to bed in earnest.
There's a parrot that lives on his street, and he hasn't seen it yet, but has heard it speak to him from the window as they walk by. He doesn't know what to make of that. He loves to run. It's great to see him at the dog run, running with the other dogs, barking at them to play with him. He has the deepest, loudest bark. Really impressive. All the dogs on his street go to this dog run (Wiggly Field) at the same time every day, so he gets to run a lot. He gets a 30 minute walk followed by 30 minutes of playing ball in the house each morning and evening. His mom takes him out when she wakes up at 6, then his dad takes him out again at 11, because their schedules are staggered, so he never has to wait too long to go out.
We're not sure if his reluctance to do his business at night comes from the storms that were so frequent his first week at his new home. Kat told me (last time) that the first night of a storm, she crawled into the bathtub and sat there with him and pulled the shower curtain shut to show him he was safe. She brings a little hand towel wherever they go to clean up the slobber that he often generates. He's slobbered up the walls a bit by shaking his head and spreading it like Hooch from Turner & Hooch. Kat isn't taking him to her parents next weekend when she has to go for the day because she wants him to feel secure, and not at all afraid that he might get left there, at a party with a lot of kids and people and confusion.
Bottom line: this boy has a great life. He's still incredibly fetching - people at the dog run seem to be taken with him - they ask questions and give him compliments all the time. No pictures, please.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
He's Gone and I Want Him Back
I've just taken Henry to his new home, and I'm worried. Really sad. I wanted to keep him. I hate to have left him there. I wonder if I made the wrong decision. He may not fit into their lifestyle. He doesn't have other dogs there, and doesn't have a fenced yard - they'll have to take him to the dog parks in order to get him exercise, though there's one closer to them than there is to me. It makes me so sad to dump him off and not be able to explain to him why or ask him what he wants. I'm worried he'll be lonely. I'm really worried I'll never see him again - he'll be their dog now. And I feel like I love him more than anybody else could. Maybe it won't work out with them (the rescue group sets up the first week as a trial period) and that will mean that he needs to live with me forever. I think that's almost what I'm hoping for at this point. I could take it as a sign. Even though it's hard for me to have him and it feels like too much, I want to be able to determine the type of life he leads and I want to get to see him and I want him to know he isn't forgotten. And most of all I think it's so incredibly unfair that dogs get no choice in this life. We have too much power over them. Maggie is going to be on serious cuddle duty tonight.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Adoption Application for Henry
Took Henry to the adoption event today, and a young couple was pretty taken with him. If you ask me, they made up their mind pretty quickly. But they were so nice. She's a librarian, he's a bookseller, they're homebodies (their application says), and they came in looking for a medium sized adult dog but they think of him as medium because her last dog was 95 pounds.
Anyway, home visit is tomorrow, and if it goes well he'll go to them for a one-week trial. Now we're home and sad/tired. Wish us luck.
Anyway, home visit is tomorrow, and if it goes well he'll go to them for a one-week trial. Now we're home and sad/tired. Wish us luck.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Henry and Maggie Spy a Bunny
The Bunny
Maggie and I have seen bunnies a few times around the apartments, and when we've been with Henry we've come across bunny smells (I assume that's what they were - a spot where Henry went nuts and I saw rabbit droppings). But tonight's the first time I've seen him see a bunny. I should mention that on our first walk tonight we basically just flushed kitties out of shrubbery. Only one actual sighting of a kitty fleeing, but he was really on the scent, and did a great job patrolling the area. Tonight on the last walk, when he saw a bunny it was almost like he saw a cat. He perked up, started to run for it, and then barked his head off when he couldn't get there. The barking I don't completely get - it's not a good hunting technique, it seems to me. Whatever happened to sneaking up on the prey. It was a cute juvenile bunny, and I'm glad the dogs were on leashes. We have Henry till Sunday. There's another adoption event tomorrow and his new foster mom has another commitment (volunteering at a new farmers' market opening in Athens). Wish us luck.
The Book
The Art of Racing in the Rain is completely drawing me in. But it's hard to read. No one with a sick or old dog should read it. They tell you right up front it's the last night of this dog's life. It's hard to read that part, think about our dogs not living as long as we do, think about the way they get put down.
Maggie and I have seen bunnies a few times around the apartments, and when we've been with Henry we've come across bunny smells (I assume that's what they were - a spot where Henry went nuts and I saw rabbit droppings). But tonight's the first time I've seen him see a bunny. I should mention that on our first walk tonight we basically just flushed kitties out of shrubbery. Only one actual sighting of a kitty fleeing, but he was really on the scent, and did a great job patrolling the area. Tonight on the last walk, when he saw a bunny it was almost like he saw a cat. He perked up, started to run for it, and then barked his head off when he couldn't get there. The barking I don't completely get - it's not a good hunting technique, it seems to me. Whatever happened to sneaking up on the prey. It was a cute juvenile bunny, and I'm glad the dogs were on leashes. We have Henry till Sunday. There's another adoption event tomorrow and his new foster mom has another commitment (volunteering at a new farmers' market opening in Athens). Wish us luck.
The Book
The Art of Racing in the Rain is completely drawing me in. But it's hard to read. No one with a sick or old dog should read it. They tell you right up front it's the last night of this dog's life. It's hard to read that part, think about our dogs not living as long as we do, think about the way they get put down.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Back with Stacey, his Foster Mom
Henry went back to see Stacey, his foster mom, tonight. I was getting sad before handing him off. Once my dad tried to take him and Maggie for a walk, and he wouldn't go without me, so I was kind of wondering how it would be. But when Stacey came, he was so happy to see her, jumping up and giving her kisses. He showed off by going into my room and barking and by doing his hilarious playing - he has taken to the tree of squirrels that Sammy D. gave Maggie for Xmas. He pulled out all the squirrels and the fish egg (ok that was from another toy), and runs around the house squeaking it (the fish egg) and dropping it and falling all over himself to pick it up again as FAST as possible. Stacey came in and hung out for a bit, and brought me a rescue group tee shirt. She told me they have turned down a couple of applications on him (or steered people a bit differently.) Someone was interested in 3 dogs - a puppy, a jack russell, or Henry. They decided this person didn't know what they wanted and needed to decide that first. Just like looking for a job. I'm getting him again Friday after work and taking him to the adoption event on Saturday, so I'm glad to be having this Henry time. When it was time to leave, Henry went with her with no more than a quick glance to see if we were coming along (and we weren't). It was really good to see. Anyway, it's all feeling better.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Walking and the Ball
Walking
Henry gravitates toward the hedges and the underbrush - he's a hunter. He's always looking for the places that the small animals hide. Maggie usually walks in the middle of a field. She's looking to see who needs bossing around, who's threatening her territory. Henry doesn't care. It's all about where the small animals might be hiding. He's good, too.
The Ball
He likes to get the ball now. He and Maggie steal the red rubber ball when the other one isn't looking. Then they run around and gloat and gnaw on it. He is so pleased with himself when he gets it. He was doing laps around the apartment a second ago. Of course Maggie does not really see this is a game - it's super-serious to her and she growls at Henry when she is closer to the ball but he's going for it.
Filled Out
He's filled out a bit - looks very handsome, not so gaunt. In the pictures, you could never really see how much his ribs stuck out, but in person it was really evident. Everyone would comment on it when they met him.
That's it for us. Have a good night, folks.
xo
s
Henry gravitates toward the hedges and the underbrush - he's a hunter. He's always looking for the places that the small animals hide. Maggie usually walks in the middle of a field. She's looking to see who needs bossing around, who's threatening her territory. Henry doesn't care. It's all about where the small animals might be hiding. He's good, too.
The Ball
He likes to get the ball now. He and Maggie steal the red rubber ball when the other one isn't looking. Then they run around and gloat and gnaw on it. He is so pleased with himself when he gets it. He was doing laps around the apartment a second ago. Of course Maggie does not really see this is a game - it's super-serious to her and she growls at Henry when she is closer to the ball but he's going for it.
Filled Out
He's filled out a bit - looks very handsome, not so gaunt. In the pictures, you could never really see how much his ribs stuck out, but in person it was really evident. Everyone would comment on it when they met him.
That's it for us. Have a good night, folks.
xo
s
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
A Little Better
Okay, things are a little better. Henry has settled in and so have I. We went for a walk - it was still light outside and nice (not too hot). We avoided all the poison ivy and ran into our neighbor (somewhere in the complex) Lonnie who has a real affinity for Henry. He was so glad to see him again, and is looking to move into a house at the end of June. He's really interested in our guy here at that time. But it's not just that. Henry is relaxing, rolling around and putting his belly up, Maggie's sitting on my lap and growling at him, I cooked and they both begged. It got to be a nice normal night here. Henry really liked Obama's speech tonight. No wait, that was me. Can't wait for this guy to have a permanent home and not get shuffled around everywhere - and I hope it's with someone who will let Maggie and me come visit a lot.
Henry's Back!
Henry's back. He seems sad. I'm sad too. Not at all what I envisioned. He wags a little if you talk to him. But basically he came here and he wasn't wagging. He was walking around checking things out - my sofa is gone (getting recovered) and he wasn't sure how that was. He waited by the door a bit. He'll push his droopy head up to me and let me pet him. He'll let me lie down with my face real near him and he flopped my way so I could rub on him.
I'll have to take him to get his stitches removed - they needed to come out last week on Thursday. Wow, it's hard to believe it's only been a week and two days that he's been gone. It's going to be hard when we warm up to each other and let ourselves be happy to see each other and then he goes again. I hope Stacey (foster mom) will decide to travel again soon.
He smells soooooooo soooooooo good. It is pretty depressing at our house right now.
I'll have to take him to get his stitches removed - they needed to come out last week on Thursday. Wow, it's hard to believe it's only been a week and two days that he's been gone. It's going to be hard when we warm up to each other and let ourselves be happy to see each other and then he goes again. I hope Stacey (foster mom) will decide to travel again soon.
He smells soooooooo soooooooo good. It is pretty depressing at our house right now.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Update
Henry is "still a little out of sorts," so I will get to keep him on Saturday while his new foster mom is out of town. I hope I'll still get to keep him next week while she's gone.
Maggie is fine - she has not been moping at all.
Only Henry and me.
How are you all doing?
Maggie is fine - she has not been moping at all.
Only Henry and me.
How are you all doing?
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
A Word from Henry's New Foster Mom
She writes: Henry is doing really well. The first night was rough and he definitely misses you, but he's settling in and having a great time with Edgar and I.
Ouch! I'm trying to finagle a visit with him.
Ouch! I'm trying to finagle a visit with him.
Henry Updates
Look how handsome he is! Henry's web page has been updated with two really good pictures and an expanded writeup: http://www.athenscaninerescue.com/Henry.htm.
Someone called me today because she saw the Found Dog poster I'd put up at the pet supply store - and later written on that he urgently needed a home. I referred her to ACR and she's really interested. She lives in an apartment too but her apartment has a fenced dog run and she has another dog so that he would have company. Plus, her dog is a dachshund, who would fit underneath Henry, and who doesn't want stackable dogs.
I'm still missing him and hoping he's okay.
Someone called me today because she saw the Found Dog poster I'd put up at the pet supply store - and later written on that he urgently needed a home. I referred her to ACR and she's really interested. She lives in an apartment too but her apartment has a fenced dog run and she has another dog so that he would have company. Plus, her dog is a dachshund, who would fit underneath Henry, and who doesn't want stackable dogs.
I'm still missing him and hoping he's okay.
Monday, April 28, 2008
He's Gone
Last Night
Last night Henry went to his new foster home. I felt relieved that it wasn't impossible to do - I had been so scared I wouldn't be able to. I had wanted to have the new foster mom come here and meet him, then us meet again, then have her come get him for good. None of that was realistic. I just took him to her house. Her dog and Maggie played - so rare - it was cute. Henry just sniffed everything all over the house while we talked about him and what was happening. After 1/2 hour or so, when it was time to go, I told him what was happening (I had taken a cue from Michele W. and explained it to him earlier, on Saturday or earlier Sunday). And he and she walked me out. He tried to come with us, but she had him on a leash, and he didn't appear distressed or make noise or anything.
After I left, I felt almost giddy at some points, glad to have him on the road to the right permanent home for him where he's fully settled. And glad for me to be back to what's manageable. A feeling of completion and success. And good about the person keeping him. Plus, we're keeping him next week - May 6-10 when his new foster mom Stacey is out of town for work.
Today
This morning too I felt good to being back to a one-dog household. It's so easy. And I can take control of the house again. Etc.
But now I'm missing him. As the day went on I've been thinking of him and wondering what he's been up to. Imagining what he's feeling and whether he's feeling lonely and desserted or whether he's just living in the moment and smelling things and getting to know Edgar. Of course I've imagined the worst.
I called to check on him (no response yet - but even if she calls back she doesn't have anything to compare his behavior to). His smell is in my car still - and it is the best smell in the world.
So, in summary, conflicted.
If Rocco and Maggie Had Kids
Oh, there was a dog at the adoption event who looked like Maggie and Rocco's daughter - and her name is Maggie (http://www.athenscaninerescue.com/Mags.htm).
Terrible Emails - Ode to Vince
I went to the Farm Sanctuary co-founder's speech/reading last week and got on the list for the UGA group that does animal things, and I've gotten these two emails below. I might have to take myself off this email list. Don't want to bury my head in the sand, but there's only so much a person can take.
Today at 3:47 pm:
Please forward this plea to friends, family, co-workers in hopes someone can save this sweet boy from euthanasia. He's already neutered! Was surrendered by his owner, so his time is very limited. He could be euthanized at any time....
Thank you. Chamblee
- - - -
From: poizenivey1@yahoo.com
Why Choose Me?
This big boy is an owner surrender so his time here at the shelter is pretty short. He has lots of energy and is very strong. He will need someone who is willing to work with him on his leash manners. Vince enjoyed playing with the rope toy and exploring his surroundings. In the interaction pen, he enjoyed our company and being in the sunshine! According to his previous owners, he is HOUSEBROKEN!!!!!
Anne
OVER 800 homeless pets are killed EVERY hour due to overpopulation. Please spay/neuter companion pets. DONT LITTER!
And then the follow-up, at 6 pm:
Unfortunately, Vince was euthanized, along with fellow pit bulls Stacks and Bubba and poor Parker and Rocky.
It's too late for them, but not too late for the many others at the shelter, including the high-kill-risk pit bulls Juno, Frankie, Lucy, Guiness, Thelma and Louise. Please share their pictures and stories with friends, to perhaps spare these dogs the same fate as Vince and the others.
http://www.athenspets.net/adoptables.html
Also, if you are in favor of the proposed spay/neuter ordinance for Athens-Clarke County, PLEASE let our Mayor and Commissioners know!
Last night Henry went to his new foster home. I felt relieved that it wasn't impossible to do - I had been so scared I wouldn't be able to. I had wanted to have the new foster mom come here and meet him, then us meet again, then have her come get him for good. None of that was realistic. I just took him to her house. Her dog and Maggie played - so rare - it was cute. Henry just sniffed everything all over the house while we talked about him and what was happening. After 1/2 hour or so, when it was time to go, I told him what was happening (I had taken a cue from Michele W. and explained it to him earlier, on Saturday or earlier Sunday). And he and she walked me out. He tried to come with us, but she had him on a leash, and he didn't appear distressed or make noise or anything.
After I left, I felt almost giddy at some points, glad to have him on the road to the right permanent home for him where he's fully settled. And glad for me to be back to what's manageable. A feeling of completion and success. And good about the person keeping him. Plus, we're keeping him next week - May 6-10 when his new foster mom Stacey is out of town for work.
Today
This morning too I felt good to being back to a one-dog household. It's so easy. And I can take control of the house again. Etc.
But now I'm missing him. As the day went on I've been thinking of him and wondering what he's been up to. Imagining what he's feeling and whether he's feeling lonely and desserted or whether he's just living in the moment and smelling things and getting to know Edgar. Of course I've imagined the worst.
I called to check on him (no response yet - but even if she calls back she doesn't have anything to compare his behavior to). His smell is in my car still - and it is the best smell in the world.
So, in summary, conflicted.
If Rocco and Maggie Had Kids
Oh, there was a dog at the adoption event who looked like Maggie and Rocco's daughter - and her name is Maggie (http://www.athenscaninerescue.com/Mags.htm).
Terrible Emails - Ode to Vince
I went to the Farm Sanctuary co-founder's speech/reading last week and got on the list for the UGA group that does animal things, and I've gotten these two emails below. I might have to take myself off this email list. Don't want to bury my head in the sand, but there's only so much a person can take.
Today at 3:47 pm:
Please forward this plea to friends, family, co-workers in hopes someone can save this sweet boy from euthanasia. He's already neutered! Was surrendered by his owner, so his time is very limited. He could be euthanized at any time....
Thank you. Chamblee
- - - -
From: poizenivey1@yahoo.com
ANYONE? Know anyone that will take him? He is very unique looking, I think because his ears are too short. Handsome boy. Neutered then dumped. An OS so time is VERY SHORT.
So many pitties there, and this one is just different to me for some reason. Please forward to anyone you know so we can try to save his soul.
Why Choose Me?
This big boy is an owner surrender so his time here at the shelter is pretty short. He has lots of energy and is very strong. He will need someone who is willing to work with him on his leash manners. Vince enjoyed playing with the rope toy and exploring his surroundings. In the interaction pen, he enjoyed our company and being in the sunshine! According to his previous owners, he is HOUSEBROKEN!!!!!
Anne
OVER 800 homeless pets are killed EVERY hour due to overpopulation. Please spay/neuter companion pets. DONT LITTER! And then the follow-up, at 6 pm:
Unfortunately, Vince was euthanized, along with fellow pit bulls Stacks and Bubba and poor Parker and Rocky.
It's too late for them, but not too late for the many others at the shelter, including the high-kill-risk pit bulls Juno, Frankie, Lucy, Guiness, Thelma and Louise. Please share their pictures and stories with friends, to perhaps spare these dogs the same fate as Vince and the others.
http://www.athenspets.net
Also, if you are in favor of the proposed spay/neuter ordinance for Athens-Clarke County, PLEASE let our Mayor and Commissioners know!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
He Knows
We went to the adoption event. Henry knows something is up. We never go hang out in a room with a bunch of other dogs without Maggie. You could just tell (something in the air) that something was different at the basset rescue event. And I think this was similar. He wanted to say hi to everyone, and then he wanted to walk and sniff outside far beyond the immediate area. I kept bringing him back. It was hot out, but he had plenty of energy when we were outside. I'd drag him back in and he would just lie flat on the floor.
Everyone thought he was handsome but no one really bonded with him.
A kid sang to him - and two kids did yesterday - "When your ears hang low."
Anyway, I just start feeling so sad and down that he knows what's going on. And you know how they can sense our emotions.
He was droopy in the car. Came home and Maggie thinks we cheated on her.
I'm starting to feel like I'm betraying him.
Did I mention he peed in my room yesterday? So I must keep remembering those kinds of things.
Everyone thought he was handsome but no one really bonded with him.
A kid sang to him - and two kids did yesterday - "When your ears hang low."
Anyway, I just start feeling so sad and down that he knows what's going on. And you know how they can sense our emotions.
He was droopy in the car. Came home and Maggie thinks we cheated on her.
I'm starting to feel like I'm betraying him.
Did I mention he peed in my room yesterday? So I must keep remembering those kinds of things.
Why We're Going to the Adoption Event
Henry on Match.com
Check out Henry's Match.com (well, Athens Canine Rescue) profile: http://www.athenscaninerescue.com/Henry.htm
Isn't that cute? Whoever wrote the blurb is good at it.
Why Henry is Leaving
OK, I've been hearing from more people who want me to keep Henry, and it's probably largely because I am only telling you how sad I'm going to be when he leaves.
But it's really too much for me to keep him. Remember how when we first got our dogs we all felt like we had to stay home with them so much? Well, I'm going through that again with Henry. Also, the walking. It's SLOW - time consuming, and there's no exercise in it for Maggie or me. So I walk him, then don't go out again with Maggie or alone - so I'm getting no exercise. Also, he really craves outdoor access and a chance to run around and chase the things he chases. We went to Memorial Park yesterday, a dog run that's actually FENCED IN! (novel concept). He ran around and checked things out and barked at them and did his thing again and again. He had a great time. It was a beautiful thing to see. There is poison ivy and poison oak ALL OVER that park. Dogs go through poison ivy. I've learned that people really do get poison ivy from contact with dogs who go through it. So we came home (Henry, Maggie and I) and all took baths. That was the messiest grossest bathroom. I can't go through that every single time I want to let the guy run a little.
My job is really stressful right now. I've got a paltry percentage of students with jobs, just 2 weeks before graduation. That's a stat I get measured on. That, and others that depend on that. I'm overextended from having Henry for a month, and from being out of the office for 2 weeks, and from the normal little challenges of life.
I need a little breathing room. It's just too much for me at this point.
And, I can't deal with that kind of stress like I felt on Monday night when I got the harsh notice from the apartment complex. Yes, I get that everyone is mad at them - and I appreciate your having my back! But I don't want to have to move in a month. He's doing better, but I need a feeling of security about where I live.
I really think Henry will be okay in a new place. And I really think we will be okay too.
Think of how many dogs you love that aren't your dog. How when you're getting to konw a new dog - discovering their little quirks - everything is so charming. And it is! But I don't think if he goes to another home I'll never fall in love again. :-) And I don't think that he will never fall in love again either. I am really hoping that I can stay involved with him - babysit for his foster Mom, or meet them at poison ivy central, or go visit, or whatever.
I too wish we could make this the romantic outcome - I could have a little cottage with some space around it and a fenced yard. But I'm not there right now. And even so, I really believe that this will work out so that everyone is fine. Of course, I hope he doesn't feel sad/depressed/dumped even for a little while, but that may be unrealistic.
BB
I found a round hard thing in his ear that moves around. It's like a BB in there, so now I'm wondering if he's been shot. I hope not. And when you run up to him or come up standing over him, he just cowers. I think he was mistreated.
Bath
So, yesterday, after we got back from poison ivy central and I bathed him, Maggie, and me. What a mess that bathroom was!!! Henry, who never gets on the bed or chair, and only occasionally gets on the sofa, went from one to the other, and sat his wet self right down on my bed. Maybe he just wanted something to dry him - but I think he was also making a statement.
Check out Henry's Match.com (well, Athens Canine Rescue) profile: http://www.athenscaninerescue.com/Henry.htm
Isn't that cute? Whoever wrote the blurb is good at it.
Why Henry is Leaving
OK, I've been hearing from more people who want me to keep Henry, and it's probably largely because I am only telling you how sad I'm going to be when he leaves.
But it's really too much for me to keep him. Remember how when we first got our dogs we all felt like we had to stay home with them so much? Well, I'm going through that again with Henry. Also, the walking. It's SLOW - time consuming, and there's no exercise in it for Maggie or me. So I walk him, then don't go out again with Maggie or alone - so I'm getting no exercise. Also, he really craves outdoor access and a chance to run around and chase the things he chases. We went to Memorial Park yesterday, a dog run that's actually FENCED IN! (novel concept). He ran around and checked things out and barked at them and did his thing again and again. He had a great time. It was a beautiful thing to see. There is poison ivy and poison oak ALL OVER that park. Dogs go through poison ivy. I've learned that people really do get poison ivy from contact with dogs who go through it. So we came home (Henry, Maggie and I) and all took baths. That was the messiest grossest bathroom. I can't go through that every single time I want to let the guy run a little.
My job is really stressful right now. I've got a paltry percentage of students with jobs, just 2 weeks before graduation. That's a stat I get measured on. That, and others that depend on that. I'm overextended from having Henry for a month, and from being out of the office for 2 weeks, and from the normal little challenges of life.
I need a little breathing room. It's just too much for me at this point.
And, I can't deal with that kind of stress like I felt on Monday night when I got the harsh notice from the apartment complex. Yes, I get that everyone is mad at them - and I appreciate your having my back! But I don't want to have to move in a month. He's doing better, but I need a feeling of security about where I live.
I really think Henry will be okay in a new place. And I really think we will be okay too.
Think of how many dogs you love that aren't your dog. How when you're getting to konw a new dog - discovering their little quirks - everything is so charming. And it is! But I don't think if he goes to another home I'll never fall in love again. :-) And I don't think that he will never fall in love again either. I am really hoping that I can stay involved with him - babysit for his foster Mom, or meet them at poison ivy central, or go visit, or whatever.
I too wish we could make this the romantic outcome - I could have a little cottage with some space around it and a fenced yard. But I'm not there right now. And even so, I really believe that this will work out so that everyone is fine. Of course, I hope he doesn't feel sad/depressed/dumped even for a little while, but that may be unrealistic.
BB
I found a round hard thing in his ear that moves around. It's like a BB in there, so now I'm wondering if he's been shot. I hope not. And when you run up to him or come up standing over him, he just cowers. I think he was mistreated.
Bath
So, yesterday, after we got back from poison ivy central and I bathed him, Maggie, and me. What a mess that bathroom was!!! Henry, who never gets on the bed or chair, and only occasionally gets on the sofa, went from one to the other, and sat his wet self right down on my bed. Maybe he just wanted something to dry him - but I think he was also making a statement.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Short Updates
The volunteer coordinator from Athens Canine Rescue called me tonight to talk about Henry. I cried. I am going to miss him so much.
Keeping him out of my room seems to be working during the day. No more barking complaints.
Poison Ivy blisters are popping up today - I didn't remember it taking this long, but apparently that's possible.
Apparently I really do think my dogs are my kids - today I was talking to the vet about the stitches from Henry's circumcision.
Did I mention I'm sad? And that I love him.
Colette and Meg are for keeping Henry. That's what a friend of mine in Athens recommended too.
What I Love About Henry
His ears smell great - bigger ears, bigger dog smell
He has the biggest poops in the neighborhood
He is really good at getting what he needs of the counter - self-serve
He is so sweet when he's asking for an invitation to get up on the sofa
He loves to be rubbed or talked to
Those baggy jowls really do trap scent
His willingness to go up to anyone
The way he just hopped in my car at the first invitation - and the way he crawled into the driver's seat when I left him there
His strong smelling skillset and the way he kind of chirps when he smells something he needs to get
The way he loves being part of the family
to be continued
Keeping him out of my room seems to be working during the day. No more barking complaints.
Poison Ivy blisters are popping up today - I didn't remember it taking this long, but apparently that's possible.
Apparently I really do think my dogs are my kids - today I was talking to the vet about the stitches from Henry's circumcision.
Did I mention I'm sad? And that I love him.
Colette and Meg are for keeping Henry. That's what a friend of mine in Athens recommended too.
What I Love About Henry
His ears smell great - bigger ears, bigger dog smell
He has the biggest poops in the neighborhood
He is really good at getting what he needs of the counter - self-serve
He is so sweet when he's asking for an invitation to get up on the sofa
He loves to be rubbed or talked to
Those baggy jowls really do trap scent
His willingness to go up to anyone
The way he just hopped in my car at the first invitation - and the way he crawled into the driver's seat when I left him there
His strong smelling skillset and the way he kind of chirps when he smells something he needs to get
The way he loves being part of the family
to be continued
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Bad News and Good News
Notice from Apartment
I came home Monday around 7pm to see a piece of paper folded and tucked into my door jamb - just my door - nobody else's. That can be a bad sign. But the result was worse than expected. It said "Three Day Notice of Default" Basically I had 3 days to cure the default of "dog incessantly barking during the day" or they would sue me, take back the apartment, keep my deposit, and I would still owe rent through the end of the lease.
I walked in the door and Henry was actually incessantly barking. The office closes at 6, so I had all night to worry about it. I panicked. I called Dad, who has always been my backup, in case I couldn't keep Henry. I told him the basics, we talked it through a little bit, and he said he would talk to Jeanie (his partner) about their keeping Henry for a bit.
While I was on the phone with someone or another about this situation, I was walking Maggie and Henry on their extenda leashes. Henry got all tangled up in some hedges and his harness started slipping back down his body. I was trying to get the harness back on him without alarming the neighbor on whose porch I was almost standing, and I dropped Maggie's leash handle. I looked up at some point when Henry was totally sans harness, and Maggie was 20 feet away lunging and barking and growling at a beagle, while the beagle's owner was trying to keep her away and restrain his own dog, who was trying to respond. This is the husband/partner of the woman who inspired a nastygram I got (nothing like this one) about having Maggie off leash.
I came home, found out I was out of all pet food, and saw little 1/2 inch lines of blood all over the carpet. Someone was bleeding. After some investigation, it proved to be Maggie's fingernail, the end of which was bright red and would NOT stop bleeding. I tried bandaging it twice to no avail. She was growling at me, licking it off, etc. At the same time I was on the phone with my dad, who was telling me in a roundabout way (since Jeanie was right there) that in fact he could not take Henry even temporarily. With 25 minutes to go before the pet supply store (15 minutes away) closed, I went to go get styptic powder/gel/whatever and pet food, and called Meg, who has had the neighbor-complaint-about-barking-dog thing in the past. She talked me through it all, gave me some good points for how to structure the conversation with the leasing office the next morning, and encouraged me to go in person.
I went into work, checked my schedule, and got my computer, and decided to go in late on Tuesday so I could deal with this in person. Monday was a bad night. Oh, and my pants ripped. I had walked the dogs (and done everything else) in my work clothes, and my slacks had an L-shaped rip right in the fabric on the shin. This no doubt had happened when I was trying to get Henry back on leash.
Tuesday Conversation
I walked into my apartment office and the person who sent the note said "Don't worry too much about that." They were going to work with me. There have been a lot of pet complaints and they are sending these 3 day notices for all pet complaints. When they sent them they didn't even know if my dog had in fact been the barker - that's just what the neighbor had said. They agreed to call me if the barking happened again. And I said I thought I could minimize the barking by keeping Henry out of the room that he barks in the most. I also decided to check into day care as an option - to get him "temperament tested" (the one day evaluation they do before they make you a regular client) at the day care place so that if I ever had to drop him off on zero notice, I could. So that was better, but I was wiped out all day Tuesday. I was able to drag myself to the talk and book-signing by Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary. It did me some good and he talked (after I asked) about how he keeps his spirits up to keep doing his work in the face of so much discouragement. And that helped a little.
Colette told me of her vision of Maggie, Henry and me moving to a house and letting Henry bark all he wants. I do love him.
No Room at Any Inn
Does everyone appreciate the biblical reference? I am in the Bible Belt Now.
It is damn hard to get a dog a home. Monday was strike out after strike out. I was trying. Dad was trying. Responses ranged from 2-4 people who listened to the story and tried to think of ways to help to organizations whose answer was basically "talk to the hand."
Possibilities Starting to Develop
Last night, Athens Canine Rescue came through and told me that I could bring him to participate in the adoption event this Saturday. They hadn't got back to me for like a day (long response time for them) because they were asking all the board members if it would be okay. This was a huge relief and also horrible - I have seen all these adoption events at pet supply stores where people just take the cutest dog home. And Henry needs someone who gets his houndiness. But then I looked at their website and it alleviated my fears - they have a pretty good adoption process, it looks like based on their website. So it was just about being sad about the prospect of giving him up.
Today ACR said they also believe they have a foster home for Henry starting Sunday. Which makes me so sad I can hardly think about it. But I am so glad that some people have come through to make room for this guy - he's such a special guy.
A Good Report Card
Today also I took Maggie and Henry to daycare for a "temperament test" for Henry. Henry needed to go so I could have an emergency option; Maggie just went to show Henry it was nothing to be alarmed about. And my boy passed with FLYING COLORS.
Check out his report card. Notice the stickers and the "Exemplary" rating. You probably can't read it - it says: Henry had all the ladies following him around. Grace, Gaby, Zoe & Becca were in love with him. Henry is the type of guy we enjoy having in play group. He's just so mellow and easy going. Thank you for bringing Henry to Pawtropolis. We love him and hope to see him again soon!
I am going to make a little flyer about him for Saturday, and I think I'll make this the back page of it.
I Love Henry
I'm really sad about the idea of losing him. But I'm hopeful we can find him a good home.
I came home Monday around 7pm to see a piece of paper folded and tucked into my door jamb - just my door - nobody else's. That can be a bad sign. But the result was worse than expected. It said "Three Day Notice of Default" Basically I had 3 days to cure the default of "dog incessantly barking during the day" or they would sue me, take back the apartment, keep my deposit, and I would still owe rent through the end of the lease.
I walked in the door and Henry was actually incessantly barking. The office closes at 6, so I had all night to worry about it. I panicked. I called Dad, who has always been my backup, in case I couldn't keep Henry. I told him the basics, we talked it through a little bit, and he said he would talk to Jeanie (his partner) about their keeping Henry for a bit.
While I was on the phone with someone or another about this situation, I was walking Maggie and Henry on their extenda leashes. Henry got all tangled up in some hedges and his harness started slipping back down his body. I was trying to get the harness back on him without alarming the neighbor on whose porch I was almost standing, and I dropped Maggie's leash handle. I looked up at some point when Henry was totally sans harness, and Maggie was 20 feet away lunging and barking and growling at a beagle, while the beagle's owner was trying to keep her away and restrain his own dog, who was trying to respond. This is the husband/partner of the woman who inspired a nastygram I got (nothing like this one) about having Maggie off leash.
I came home, found out I was out of all pet food, and saw little 1/2 inch lines of blood all over the carpet. Someone was bleeding. After some investigation, it proved to be Maggie's fingernail, the end of which was bright red and would NOT stop bleeding. I tried bandaging it twice to no avail. She was growling at me, licking it off, etc. At the same time I was on the phone with my dad, who was telling me in a roundabout way (since Jeanie was right there) that in fact he could not take Henry even temporarily. With 25 minutes to go before the pet supply store (15 minutes away) closed, I went to go get styptic powder/gel/whatever and pet food, and called Meg, who has had the neighbor-complaint-about-barking-dog thing in the past. She talked me through it all, gave me some good points for how to structure the conversation with the leasing office the next morning, and encouraged me to go in person.
I went into work, checked my schedule, and got my computer, and decided to go in late on Tuesday so I could deal with this in person. Monday was a bad night. Oh, and my pants ripped. I had walked the dogs (and done everything else) in my work clothes, and my slacks had an L-shaped rip right in the fabric on the shin. This no doubt had happened when I was trying to get Henry back on leash.
Tuesday Conversation
I walked into my apartment office and the person who sent the note said "Don't worry too much about that." They were going to work with me. There have been a lot of pet complaints and they are sending these 3 day notices for all pet complaints. When they sent them they didn't even know if my dog had in fact been the barker - that's just what the neighbor had said. They agreed to call me if the barking happened again. And I said I thought I could minimize the barking by keeping Henry out of the room that he barks in the most. I also decided to check into day care as an option - to get him "temperament tested" (the one day evaluation they do before they make you a regular client) at the day care place so that if I ever had to drop him off on zero notice, I could. So that was better, but I was wiped out all day Tuesday. I was able to drag myself to the talk and book-signing by Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary. It did me some good and he talked (after I asked) about how he keeps his spirits up to keep doing his work in the face of so much discouragement. And that helped a little.
Colette told me of her vision of Maggie, Henry and me moving to a house and letting Henry bark all he wants. I do love him.
No Room at Any Inn
Does everyone appreciate the biblical reference? I am in the Bible Belt Now.
It is damn hard to get a dog a home. Monday was strike out after strike out. I was trying. Dad was trying. Responses ranged from 2-4 people who listened to the story and tried to think of ways to help to organizations whose answer was basically "talk to the hand."
Possibilities Starting to Develop
Last night, Athens Canine Rescue came through and told me that I could bring him to participate in the adoption event this Saturday. They hadn't got back to me for like a day (long response time for them) because they were asking all the board members if it would be okay. This was a huge relief and also horrible - I have seen all these adoption events at pet supply stores where people just take the cutest dog home. And Henry needs someone who gets his houndiness. But then I looked at their website and it alleviated my fears - they have a pretty good adoption process, it looks like based on their website. So it was just about being sad about the prospect of giving him up.
Today ACR said they also believe they have a foster home for Henry starting Sunday. Which makes me so sad I can hardly think about it. But I am so glad that some people have come through to make room for this guy - he's such a special guy.
A Good Report Card
Today also I took Maggie and Henry to daycare for a "temperament test" for Henry. Henry needed to go so I could have an emergency option; Maggie just went to show Henry it was nothing to be alarmed about. And my boy passed with FLYING COLORS.
Check out his report card. Notice the stickers and the "Exemplary" rating. You probably can't read it - it says: Henry had all the ladies following him around. Grace, Gaby, Zoe & Becca were in love with him. Henry is the type of guy we enjoy having in play group. He's just so mellow and easy going. Thank you for bringing Henry to Pawtropolis. We love him and hope to see him again soon!I am going to make a little flyer about him for Saturday, and I think I'll make this the back page of it.
I Love Henry
I'm really sad about the idea of losing him. But I'm hopeful we can find him a good home.
Monday, April 21, 2008
More About Poison Ivy
If you see a plant that's not grass and not a tree, it's poison ivy. If it's green, or red, or yellow, it's poison ivy. If it's a huge bush or a vine or a little sprout on the ground, it's poison ivy. If it's big twiggy dead-looking shell of a bush in the winter, it's poison ivy. If the leaves are curvy and blistered at the beach, it's poison ivy. If the leaves are smooth-edged or notched like an oak tree, it's poison ivy. Don't believe me? http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view/pictures.html
When you might have been in contact with it, you have to put your clothes right into the washer - before you sit on your furniture. Wash them in warm, soapy water. Take a long cool shower (to close the pores) to wash off all the toxin. Wash your pets who were outside or they can spread the toxin around on you. Wash the clothes that your poison ivy clothes touched. Basically, just wash everything and keep on washing it for ever and ever amen. Wash the covering of the chair that your dog sits in if she's ever sat in it before a bath after a romp in the woods. Wash the sheets if you got into bed before a shower after being around poison ivy (which is to say: outside). Maybe this is because you are totally exhausted after, say, an incident you just had. Very important: do not lean into and rub your face all over the face of the big lug of a dog that insists on standing on the console between the front seats of the car, even if you are glad to be driving him home after you thought you might not get him back. Because if you do you could have some serious itching in the inner corners of your eyes. And you can know what it is and be dreading the hell out of what is coming.
Of course, I have to go to work now, but tonight I need to: wash the dogs' harnesses, my sheets, my towels. This is disgusting.
When you might have been in contact with it, you have to put your clothes right into the washer - before you sit on your furniture. Wash them in warm, soapy water. Take a long cool shower (to close the pores) to wash off all the toxin. Wash your pets who were outside or they can spread the toxin around on you. Wash the clothes that your poison ivy clothes touched. Basically, just wash everything and keep on washing it for ever and ever amen. Wash the covering of the chair that your dog sits in if she's ever sat in it before a bath after a romp in the woods. Wash the sheets if you got into bed before a shower after being around poison ivy (which is to say: outside). Maybe this is because you are totally exhausted after, say, an incident you just had. Very important: do not lean into and rub your face all over the face of the big lug of a dog that insists on standing on the console between the front seats of the car, even if you are glad to be driving him home after you thought you might not get him back. Because if you do you could have some serious itching in the inner corners of your eyes. And you can know what it is and be dreading the hell out of what is coming.
Of course, I have to go to work now, but tonight I need to: wash the dogs' harnesses, my sheets, my towels. This is disgusting.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A Scare
First and Last Trip to Oconee Forest Park
To be honest, only I was scared. Maggie was just enjoying the romp through the woods and dropping her ball thinking I ought to throw it. And Henry was following his nose.
Two or three dog people have told me lately about the dog park behind the intramural fields. They tell me about this when I tell them it's hard having Henry, because he can't be trusted off the leash but desperately needs to run and chase things. This place is huge and fenced in, they told me. Today we went there. It's in some lovely woods with lovely trails and we had a nice walk getting there. Henry was dying to go off the trail and follow his nose, but I pulled him back. Finally we got to the dog park. I noticed that there was one spot where a little ditch had washed under the fence - one big enough for Henry to get through. But it was so far away from where we went in I thought it was unlikely Henry will ever get there. I thought, if Henry goes that way, I'll go make sure he doesn't get underneath. The fence also was low in places, but Henry is low, so that seemed like a reasonable risk. This place had woods, hedges, a little house, grassy areas, paths, etc. etc. etc.
We got to the dog park, and I let him off the leash just like the other people were doing with their dogs. At first we were hanging around in the grassy clearings with the other dogs. Maggie was chasing her red ball. Henry was being very good, not going off. Finally, he could run a bit with Maggie when she went to fetch a ball.
Then it all changed: Henry got a scent and trotted off into the small trees and thick underbrush on the edge of the clearing. He stopped and barked at whatever it was, and I could see him. I called him (he doesn't really come when he's called out in the world - only in the house - I don't even think he hears me because he's so involved in the smells) and I was trying to figure out how to get to him in spite of the underbrush. Then he took off again. Again I could see him, but he only paused there for a second, and he was gone. I started after him and quickly realized I had no idea where he was - this was a very big place. He barked after a minute and I tried to head in that direction but of course there was no direct path there. I still thought I would get him at this point, but that was unrealistic. As this event unfolded it became clear just how big this dog park was.
I just looked it up online - 15 acres. For those of you (like me) who don't know how big an acre is, this park was 269 square yards. That is, big. If you had a square whose sides were each the length of 2-1/2 football fields, it would be smaller than this. And there was just no visibility!
After his bark two minutes in, I didn't hear Henry anymore. I was running and walking fast through the woods, having no idea which way to go. It was getting late - maybe 6:30 pm. If he moved every time I do, we'd miss each other forever. Should I keep going, or would he go back to where he'd left us? Two people who had come in around the time I did were helping me look for him, sort of, while they were calling their own year-old lab. I didn't know if I would ever find him in the huge enclosure. I thought, it'll be getting dark soon. How will this ever work? I'd left my bag with my cell phone and the leashes hanging on a fencepost - that seemed pretty dumb in hindsight. When I got near to a trail, a couple of people rode by on bikes - they hadn't seen him.
One of the people helping me look for me told me that the park wasn't fenced in after all! In fact, the the edge of it also backs up to "the loop," which is the limited-access highway that circles Athens. She said a lot of dogs had been lost this way. Some dog park! I was calling and calling - Henry didn't respond at all. I couldn't find him anywhere. Hounds are known for not being able to get back where they came from.
I decided after a while to try to be systematic about it. To check all the way to the right and then back toward where I'd started to get my phone and leashes. When I got there the lady who had been helping me find him was rubbing his ears. He then wanted to go back into the underbrush. I had a very hard time getting him over to where the leash was so I could hook him up. I'm sure this seemed terribly unfair to Henry, who after all had come back like a good boy.
Business Idea
I have been wanting to come up with a business I could start with minimal start-up capital... and finally I have! I'm going to start a company to make brown candles from Henry's excess ear wax. I think we can go far.
A Tick
Maggie had a tick today. She growled at me when I was just getting ready to take it off her.
Poison Ivy
It appears to me that poison ivy is freaking everywhere here. I hope a lot of these leaves are look-alikes. Usually I'm pretty careful about where I step and where I put my hands (I try not to scratch any itches on my face or the rest of my body if my hands have been in and among the questionable leaves), but of course I wasn't today. My eyes itch now - let's hope that's just a fluke.
OK, I just did that research to see how to tell look-alikes from poison ivy. I think everything I've seen really is poison ivy. Maggie, Henry, and I will be indoors for the remainder of the summer.
To be honest, only I was scared. Maggie was just enjoying the romp through the woods and dropping her ball thinking I ought to throw it. And Henry was following his nose.
Two or three dog people have told me lately about the dog park behind the intramural fields. They tell me about this when I tell them it's hard having Henry, because he can't be trusted off the leash but desperately needs to run and chase things. This place is huge and fenced in, they told me. Today we went there. It's in some lovely woods with lovely trails and we had a nice walk getting there. Henry was dying to go off the trail and follow his nose, but I pulled him back. Finally we got to the dog park. I noticed that there was one spot where a little ditch had washed under the fence - one big enough for Henry to get through. But it was so far away from where we went in I thought it was unlikely Henry will ever get there. I thought, if Henry goes that way, I'll go make sure he doesn't get underneath. The fence also was low in places, but Henry is low, so that seemed like a reasonable risk. This place had woods, hedges, a little house, grassy areas, paths, etc. etc. etc.
We got to the dog park, and I let him off the leash just like the other people were doing with their dogs. At first we were hanging around in the grassy clearings with the other dogs. Maggie was chasing her red ball. Henry was being very good, not going off. Finally, he could run a bit with Maggie when she went to fetch a ball.
Then it all changed: Henry got a scent and trotted off into the small trees and thick underbrush on the edge of the clearing. He stopped and barked at whatever it was, and I could see him. I called him (he doesn't really come when he's called out in the world - only in the house - I don't even think he hears me because he's so involved in the smells) and I was trying to figure out how to get to him in spite of the underbrush. Then he took off again. Again I could see him, but he only paused there for a second, and he was gone. I started after him and quickly realized I had no idea where he was - this was a very big place. He barked after a minute and I tried to head in that direction but of course there was no direct path there. I still thought I would get him at this point, but that was unrealistic. As this event unfolded it became clear just how big this dog park was.
I just looked it up online - 15 acres. For those of you (like me) who don't know how big an acre is, this park was 269 square yards. That is, big. If you had a square whose sides were each the length of 2-1/2 football fields, it would be smaller than this. And there was just no visibility!
After his bark two minutes in, I didn't hear Henry anymore. I was running and walking fast through the woods, having no idea which way to go. It was getting late - maybe 6:30 pm. If he moved every time I do, we'd miss each other forever. Should I keep going, or would he go back to where he'd left us? Two people who had come in around the time I did were helping me look for him, sort of, while they were calling their own year-old lab. I didn't know if I would ever find him in the huge enclosure. I thought, it'll be getting dark soon. How will this ever work? I'd left my bag with my cell phone and the leashes hanging on a fencepost - that seemed pretty dumb in hindsight. When I got near to a trail, a couple of people rode by on bikes - they hadn't seen him.
One of the people helping me look for me told me that the park wasn't fenced in after all! In fact, the the edge of it also backs up to "the loop," which is the limited-access highway that circles Athens. She said a lot of dogs had been lost this way. Some dog park! I was calling and calling - Henry didn't respond at all. I couldn't find him anywhere. Hounds are known for not being able to get back where they came from.
I decided after a while to try to be systematic about it. To check all the way to the right and then back toward where I'd started to get my phone and leashes. When I got there the lady who had been helping me find him was rubbing his ears. He then wanted to go back into the underbrush. I had a very hard time getting him over to where the leash was so I could hook him up. I'm sure this seemed terribly unfair to Henry, who after all had come back like a good boy.
Business Idea
I have been wanting to come up with a business I could start with minimal start-up capital... and finally I have! I'm going to start a company to make brown candles from Henry's excess ear wax. I think we can go far.
A Tick
Maggie had a tick today. She growled at me when I was just getting ready to take it off her.
Poison Ivy
It appears to me that poison ivy is freaking everywhere here. I hope a lot of these leaves are look-alikes. Usually I'm pretty careful about where I step and where I put my hands (I try not to scratch any itches on my face or the rest of my body if my hands have been in and among the questionable leaves), but of course I wasn't today. My eyes itch now - let's hope that's just a fluke.
OK, I just did that research to see how to tell look-alikes from poison ivy. I think everything I've seen really is poison ivy. Maggie, Henry, and I will be indoors for the remainder of the summer.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Poo Everywhere
One of the negatives about walking a stubborn dog who insists on weaving through the trees and bushes on an extenda leash is that he will weave places that it's hard for you to follow, especially if you are holding another leash too. So a couple of times I've locked the leash, thrown it beyond the tree he's gone around back of, and then grabbed it up near him and pulled the handle part back to me. This time: poo everywhere! Gross! Must have landed in some soft, recent, diarrhea-poo in the woods. Came flinging back not just on the leash but on my shoes, my pants, my hands, my cell phone.
Snip
Thursday
Henry got neutered on Thursday. Poor guy. I haven't had any patience with people who don't want to get their pets spayed or neutered, but now I get it. And I remember feeling this way when I got my cat spayed, too. I hate to change them in any way just because I want to - it seems so extreme. The cat peed in my face one morning while she was in heat; that made the decision much easier. With Henry, I think of it as: if he ever gets away again (and that's entirely possible) or if he interacts with dogs in the dog run, it's not that uncommon here for people NOT to get their pets fixed. So, puppies could result. And Henry doesn't really seem like the kind of guy who's gonna pay child support. So, no kids for him.
Advice from Meg
We got some encouraging words from Meg: "In another day or so he will feel all better and won’t even remember the experience. He can whine and complain to Maggie all day about how he’s not a 'real man' anymore, and she can tell him that all her boy friends in New York are in the same situation and that he should get over it."
Droopy
Henry was the saddest, droopiest dog you've ever seen on Thursday when he came home. His walk was very wobbly. He likes sometimes to walk on the edge of the curb like you did when you were a little girl and pretending it was a balance beam (okay, maybe not everyone did that). I'm amazed that he didn't fall off. Check out this picture of him - see the bags under the eyes - there's no iris showing here whatsoever - just bags and bloodshot white parts.
In the Closet
Then he hid in the closet - and I followed him with the camera - and then he left because I'd bothered him. Again - you're seeing no eye here - just bags.
Red Spot and Stitches
He has this little red spot - and look where the stitches are (two little blue stitches) - not at all where I'd expected. Also, you can kind of see in this first pic how much his rib cage juts out.
Microchipping and Lost Pet Service
He also got microchipped, so if he does get away, he has a shot at getting back. They now have this thing they give you when you get the dog microchipped where you can sign up for an alert service that notifies shelters and vets that your pet is missing and lets you make flyers online. This sounds like a total ripoff to me (though it's cheap) - I mean, the vets and shelters check for chips when the dogs come in, right? They say 90% of pet deaths are caused by getting lost. That sounds like an overly dramatic statement. It didn't make sense but of course it's because the shelters euthanize so many animals. How creepy is that though if it's even sort of true - all these animals die because they're lost. Ugh. Ok, now I want the ripoff service.
Why I Like Henry's Vet
When I pulled up to drop off Henry, there was a white chicken outside the dogs' pens, and they were barking their heads off at her. I asked inside. Chickens fall off the chicken trucks - which they do all the time - it's really sad - you see them in their tiny short cages all piled up on the back of a long truck and it's so often for one chicken to get free and climb up to the top of the pile. When the truck picks up some speed on the highway that surrounds Athens, the chickens fall and go splat. I didn't know any survived. Anyway, the receptionist said, chickens fall of the chicken trucks, and somebody picks them up, puts them in a box, and leaves them outside the vet's door. So they fix them up and let them live out their lives there. They feed them and take care of them. Here we are in chicken processing central and these little gals end up getting to taunt dogs. The one I saw was tall and elegant looking, thinnish, not like you'd expect.
Henry got neutered on Thursday. Poor guy. I haven't had any patience with people who don't want to get their pets spayed or neutered, but now I get it. And I remember feeling this way when I got my cat spayed, too. I hate to change them in any way just because I want to - it seems so extreme. The cat peed in my face one morning while she was in heat; that made the decision much easier. With Henry, I think of it as: if he ever gets away again (and that's entirely possible) or if he interacts with dogs in the dog run, it's not that uncommon here for people NOT to get their pets fixed. So, puppies could result. And Henry doesn't really seem like the kind of guy who's gonna pay child support. So, no kids for him.
Advice from Meg
We got some encouraging words from Meg: "In another day or so he will feel all better and won’t even remember the experience. He can whine and complain to Maggie all day about how he’s not a 'real man' anymore, and she can tell him that all her boy friends in New York are in the same situation and that he should get over it."
Droopy
Henry was the saddest, droopiest dog you've ever seen on Thursday when he came home. His walk was very wobbly. He likes sometimes to walk on the edge of the curb like you did when you were a little girl and pretending it was a balance beam (okay, maybe not everyone did that). I'm amazed that he didn't fall off. Check out this picture of him - see the bags under the eyes - there's no iris showing here whatsoever - just bags and bloodshot white parts.
In the Closet
Then he hid in the closet - and I followed him with the camera - and then he left because I'd bothered him. Again - you're seeing no eye here - just bags.
Red Spot and Stitches
He has this little red spot - and look where the stitches are (two little blue stitches) - not at all where I'd expected. Also, you can kind of see in this first pic how much his rib cage juts out.
Microchipping and Lost Pet Service
He also got microchipped, so if he does get away, he has a shot at getting back. They now have this thing they give you when you get the dog microchipped where you can sign up for an alert service that notifies shelters and vets that your pet is missing and lets you make flyers online. This sounds like a total ripoff to me (though it's cheap) - I mean, the vets and shelters check for chips when the dogs come in, right? They say 90% of pet deaths are caused by getting lost. That sounds like an overly dramatic statement. It didn't make sense but of course it's because the shelters euthanize so many animals. How creepy is that though if it's even sort of true - all these animals die because they're lost. Ugh. Ok, now I want the ripoff service.
Why I Like Henry's Vet
When I pulled up to drop off Henry, there was a white chicken outside the dogs' pens, and they were barking their heads off at her. I asked inside. Chickens fall off the chicken trucks - which they do all the time - it's really sad - you see them in their tiny short cages all piled up on the back of a long truck and it's so often for one chicken to get free and climb up to the top of the pile. When the truck picks up some speed on the highway that surrounds Athens, the chickens fall and go splat. I didn't know any survived. Anyway, the receptionist said, chickens fall of the chicken trucks, and somebody picks them up, puts them in a box, and leaves them outside the vet's door. So they fix them up and let them live out their lives there. They feed them and take care of them. Here we are in chicken processing central and these little gals end up getting to taunt dogs. The one I saw was tall and elegant looking, thinnish, not like you'd expect.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Learning to Play
Henry is learning to play. Last weekend while my dad was here, he grabbed the detached head of Maggie's stuffed lions and pulled out all the stuffing. He was in a hurry when he did it, like he was getting away with something. Yesterday morning when we got back from our walk, Maggie just kept doing the play bow to Henry. She must have done it 15 times. Finally she got him to chase her a bit around the coffee table and chair. They'd run around and then jump and bump chests. Then again. Then again. He got really into it and started doing his deep soulful bark. Course, it was 7 am, so I had to try to quiet them down a bit. It was great though. I was laughing and did not really want them to stop. Last night, on the way outside, Maggie was going to take her red rubber ball. When she was getting her harness on or had walked away for a second, Henry ran and got it and started running around the living room with it. He was klutzy and dropped it a couple of times - he was so excited to be able to get the ball. He's learning.
Today after he greeted me at the door - so happy - he went right into the bedroom and barked like crazy. That's his way of expressing enthusiasm. It's like Boo's carrying his duck around. And I think he likes to be corrected. As soon as I go into the room and do my serious voice and tell him to get out of there, he does it on the first request.
Thursday, we're doing the snip.
Bloodhound rescue is willing to help with Henry even though the only certain breed in him is basset - and the bloodhound rescue person thinks he's all basset. It's like I need to do the DNA test on the dog to find him a home! Still think basset rescue owes me an apology. And I'm holding my breath until I get it. Ready... go!
Meg, I just found the cute picture of you and Boo picking grapes next to your blog comment... and then I found your blog. Sorry I didn't know about it before. Are you starting it up again?
Today after he greeted me at the door - so happy - he went right into the bedroom and barked like crazy. That's his way of expressing enthusiasm. It's like Boo's carrying his duck around. And I think he likes to be corrected. As soon as I go into the room and do my serious voice and tell him to get out of there, he does it on the first request.
Thursday, we're doing the snip.
Bloodhound rescue is willing to help with Henry even though the only certain breed in him is basset - and the bloodhound rescue person thinks he's all basset. It's like I need to do the DNA test on the dog to find him a home! Still think basset rescue owes me an apology. And I'm holding my breath until I get it. Ready... go!
Meg, I just found the cute picture of you and Boo picking grapes next to your blog comment... and then I found your blog. Sorry I didn't know about it before. Are you starting it up again?
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Not All Basset
I spent the day going to Atlanta for an adoption event for Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia. I'd corresponded with them, sent pictures of Henry. We'd worked it all out. Got there, he was 2x the size of all the other dogs there. They said he wasn't all basset. He's 1/2 something else - bloodhound or coonhound. He does remind me of Whimsy. Always has. But the breeds are related, and the vet said all basset, so I believed him. And he is within the weight limit for bassets. He is just so much more muscle than they are, though. Whimsy wasn't so muscley was he? Hey that's almost a children's rhyme. So now I'm wondering what ELSE else might be in there.
Yes, he loves people, but maybe he's not separated from his home, maybe he hasn't really had one. From everyone who meets him talking about his being a stud dog since he still has all his parts to us not knowing what kind he is. Which wouldn't matter except that BHRG won't work with him since he's not all basset. That part kinda pisses me off. On their website they have a beagle/basset mix, and one of the other dogs there looked like beagle/basset, but of course they told me she was all basset. I felt like I'd gone to somebody's party in the 7th grade and the mean girls made us go home. The person in charge there (Julie) called the person I'd been talking to (Rosemary), who apparently is more in charge, and Julie told me what Rosemary said, which is that they won't work with us. At the same time Julie was delivering that news, a couple was filling out an application on Henry, so we suspended our parting of ways. In the end the couple chose another dog. I now kinda want to go get the home DNA test and prove, ha, he is TOO a basset hound, and he could take any of your wimpy basset hounds with two paws tied to his ears.
Henry wanted to hump every dog there. He made this groaning noise to get to the other dogs. And he wouldn't stop. It was traumatic for all of us. He was terrible in the car. Once I had to pull over because he launched himself onto the dashboard and rearranged the rear view mirror. At least that was not on I-85 in Atlanta. He and Maggie vied for front seat status, and I only had one seatbelt (must remedy that). You can tell him (or Maggie this time), get in the back, or no, or yell at him. It's like he doesn't hear at all!
Sorry. I'm a little scattered. Going to bed now. Keep wishing us luck!
BHRG had the nerve to recommend the Bloodhound Rescue of the Southeast (BRSE) - apparently they're less breedist? I dunno. We'll see.
Happy Monday everyone!
Yes, he loves people, but maybe he's not separated from his home, maybe he hasn't really had one. From everyone who meets him talking about his being a stud dog since he still has all his parts to us not knowing what kind he is. Which wouldn't matter except that BHRG won't work with him since he's not all basset. That part kinda pisses me off. On their website they have a beagle/basset mix, and one of the other dogs there looked like beagle/basset, but of course they told me she was all basset. I felt like I'd gone to somebody's party in the 7th grade and the mean girls made us go home. The person in charge there (Julie) called the person I'd been talking to (Rosemary), who apparently is more in charge, and Julie told me what Rosemary said, which is that they won't work with us. At the same time Julie was delivering that news, a couple was filling out an application on Henry, so we suspended our parting of ways. In the end the couple chose another dog. I now kinda want to go get the home DNA test and prove, ha, he is TOO a basset hound, and he could take any of your wimpy basset hounds with two paws tied to his ears.
Henry wanted to hump every dog there. He made this groaning noise to get to the other dogs. And he wouldn't stop. It was traumatic for all of us. He was terrible in the car. Once I had to pull over because he launched himself onto the dashboard and rearranged the rear view mirror. At least that was not on I-85 in Atlanta. He and Maggie vied for front seat status, and I only had one seatbelt (must remedy that). You can tell him (or Maggie this time), get in the back, or no, or yell at him. It's like he doesn't hear at all!
Sorry. I'm a little scattered. Going to bed now. Keep wishing us luck!
BHRG had the nerve to recommend the Bloodhound Rescue of the Southeast (BRSE) - apparently they're less breedist? I dunno. We'll see.
Happy Monday everyone!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Granddaddy is Here!
A Note from Henry and Maggie
Check out how much fun we are having with Granddaddy! Mom thinks he came to help her out 'cause she was feeling bad. And he did clean the house for her, and she kinda liked that. But we really know he came to see us. He took us for walks and we got to sleep with him. And he gave us belly rubs. And he played with the toys with us. He's just the best granddaddy ever, and we can't get enough of him!
A Note from Shannon
It's thundering, and Henry is shaking. He's climbed into and out of the bathtub. I was taking him for his last walk (he hasn't pooped since 8 am, and it's 10:45 pm now) but he heard thunder and made a bee line back to the house. He's panting and running around the apt. Wish us luck.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Root Canals Suck! And Migraine Pain Relief Tips
Read this Bit Only if You Can Handle It
Okay, perhaps they're better than they used to be. And apparently I had an unusual case. But it was really bad. 3 times after they had numbed me it was in pain - once when they were way up in the root of my tooth. God, that was nasty. The pain that I had till December stopped because the tooth was dying and the pain fibers along with it. Then the pain sprung back up again because the bacteria had bloomed and gotten into new areas. The part I can't get out of my head, that I keep reliving, is the way deep in the root shivering pain when I was supposed to be numb.
Safe for All Audiences
My tooth and mouth are sore, in spite of so much anesthetic that my nose and the very top of my cheek are numb. Nothing crunchy on that side for 3 months till the bone regrows, the tooth heals a bit, and I go back for part 2 (fill in of root with rubbery stuff that will not allow in bacteria) and then to my dentist for a crown (which till now was worst dental procedure I'd ever had).
Henry, Dad, and Going Back to Work
The friend from work who drove me to and from came in to say hi to the dogs after the procedure. Henry was so excited he went into my room and started barking up a storm. He does that when he gets really excited, but then he stops really quickly when I tell him to. Dad is coming up for the night, which I really appreciate. May or may not be back at work tomorrow.
Great for Migraines or Any Serious Pain
The endodontist told me about a great pain thing, though. Excedrin Tension. Take that 1/2 way in between doses of Aleve (or ibuprofen) - apparently really great pain relief. People in pain centers are studying why this works so well, because on paper "it shouldn't". This guy's wife has migraines and it's great for her. So Meg, something to think about. Also take Excedrin Tension and ibuprofen or Aleve when first know a migraine is coming on and it will stop it. Also ibuprofen and Aleve bolster the effect of the antibiotic.
Anyway. That's the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the women are sick, all the men are trying to figure out how to take care of them, and all the dogs are neurotic.
Okay, perhaps they're better than they used to be. And apparently I had an unusual case. But it was really bad. 3 times after they had numbed me it was in pain - once when they were way up in the root of my tooth. God, that was nasty. The pain that I had till December stopped because the tooth was dying and the pain fibers along with it. Then the pain sprung back up again because the bacteria had bloomed and gotten into new areas. The part I can't get out of my head, that I keep reliving, is the way deep in the root shivering pain when I was supposed to be numb.
Safe for All Audiences
My tooth and mouth are sore, in spite of so much anesthetic that my nose and the very top of my cheek are numb. Nothing crunchy on that side for 3 months till the bone regrows, the tooth heals a bit, and I go back for part 2 (fill in of root with rubbery stuff that will not allow in bacteria) and then to my dentist for a crown (which till now was worst dental procedure I'd ever had).
Henry, Dad, and Going Back to Work
The friend from work who drove me to and from came in to say hi to the dogs after the procedure. Henry was so excited he went into my room and started barking up a storm. He does that when he gets really excited, but then he stops really quickly when I tell him to. Dad is coming up for the night, which I really appreciate. May or may not be back at work tomorrow.
Great for Migraines or Any Serious Pain
The endodontist told me about a great pain thing, though. Excedrin Tension. Take that 1/2 way in between doses of Aleve (or ibuprofen) - apparently really great pain relief. People in pain centers are studying why this works so well, because on paper "it shouldn't". This guy's wife has migraines and it's great for her. So Meg, something to think about. Also take Excedrin Tension and ibuprofen or Aleve when first know a migraine is coming on and it will stop it. Also ibuprofen and Aleve bolster the effect of the antibiotic.
Anyway. That's the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the women are sick, all the men are trying to figure out how to take care of them, and all the dogs are neurotic.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Dog Pee, a Root Canal, and a Mom Update
Henry the Peeing Dog
Henry peed in my room 2 times yesterday. He got into a whole jar of jerky sticks that someone had given us. He drank a lot of water. And peed on my clothes and carpet in large volume. Really gross. Of all times to be out of Nature's Miracle!
Today he peed again! No jerky sticks. No overdose on water. But he peed in my room. On the clothes and on the carpet. Thanks, Henry.
Yesterday he made another escape attempt. Just saw an opening at the door when I was on my way out and shot out into the yard. He is so fast when he is on the lam. When I get close to him though, he gets low and cowers.
He and Maggie are a real barking team anytime anyone unauthorized (and they are very stingy about their authorizations) comes into the yard behind the building.
Maggie is getting really good at getting things off even high counters. Today: edges of fish tacos. I fed Henry and Maggie each a crispy, overwarmed tortilla with their food tonight. He ate the tortilla first.
And I just love him and his ears smell so good!
My Mouth
I am having a root canal tomorrow. Best case scenario. Or my tooth may have to be extracted. This is the same one that was hurting so much after dental work in October, right before my move. It took 3 months to settle down, rather than the 1 the dentist predicted. And it unsettled itself this weekend.
They did some dental work today. Gave me 2 prescriptions, one antibiotic and one painkiller (Lorcet). Wow, that made me really woozy.
Whole thing is scary. Not as scary as a sick mom, though. Have been reeling from that one.
Mom
She's feeling better. Had ups and downs today. Pulmonologist said the fluid they drained yesterday is bacteria-free but gram-positive. I have no idea what that is - from what I can see on the internet, gram-positive is a classification of bacteria. Bottom line is they need to get the fluid out. He's encouraged by her progress overall.
Henry peed in my room 2 times yesterday. He got into a whole jar of jerky sticks that someone had given us. He drank a lot of water. And peed on my clothes and carpet in large volume. Really gross. Of all times to be out of Nature's Miracle!
Today he peed again! No jerky sticks. No overdose on water. But he peed in my room. On the clothes and on the carpet. Thanks, Henry.
Yesterday he made another escape attempt. Just saw an opening at the door when I was on my way out and shot out into the yard. He is so fast when he is on the lam. When I get close to him though, he gets low and cowers.
He and Maggie are a real barking team anytime anyone unauthorized (and they are very stingy about their authorizations) comes into the yard behind the building.
Maggie is getting really good at getting things off even high counters. Today: edges of fish tacos. I fed Henry and Maggie each a crispy, overwarmed tortilla with their food tonight. He ate the tortilla first.
And I just love him and his ears smell so good!
My Mouth
I am having a root canal tomorrow. Best case scenario. Or my tooth may have to be extracted. This is the same one that was hurting so much after dental work in October, right before my move. It took 3 months to settle down, rather than the 1 the dentist predicted. And it unsettled itself this weekend.
They did some dental work today. Gave me 2 prescriptions, one antibiotic and one painkiller (Lorcet). Wow, that made me really woozy.
Whole thing is scary. Not as scary as a sick mom, though. Have been reeling from that one.
Mom
She's feeling better. Had ups and downs today. Pulmonologist said the fluid they drained yesterday is bacteria-free but gram-positive. I have no idea what that is - from what I can see on the internet, gram-positive is a classification of bacteria. Bottom line is they need to get the fluid out. He's encouraged by her progress overall.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia
I talked to the person from BHRG today. There are adoption events this Sunday and next Sunday in Atlanta that I'm supposed to take him to. We've arranged for me to he his foster person for a while rather than sending him somewhere else. After all, he's my fragile guy - I don't want him to be uprooted an extra time if we don't have to. The thought of just handing him over at a Petsmart one day - argh!
But the adoption application on their website is really good (http://www.bhrg.org/online_application.htm). Only thing I can't figure out is why home visits are only listed as required for outside of the Atlanta area. I assume there are some reference checks later in the process? Other than that, this looks pretty thorough.
I so want to keep Henry!!! But, no exercise with Maggie ever again... that's not a plus. The prospect of having the apartment managers say I have to remove a pet - they won't be lenient about the time frame if things get to that point. The expense - I think Henry is going to be... well, maybe not in the Boo price rage, but not cheap. And, I want to be able to take in a needy stranger if I find another one. But, I love this guy and it kinda feels like we were meant to be together!
He's been moping this afternoon - is it because he knows what I've been saying? Is it because I took him to his old vet (to get his tapeworm medication) so I could show him off? Is it that he's sore from getting in and out of the car (we went to Maggie's vet too)?
How does a person without cheese in her house hide pills to give them to a dog? Cold butter! Fake butter of course. Worked like a charm.
But the adoption application on their website is really good (http://www.bhrg.org/online_application.htm). Only thing I can't figure out is why home visits are only listed as required for outside of the Atlanta area. I assume there are some reference checks later in the process? Other than that, this looks pretty thorough.
I so want to keep Henry!!! But, no exercise with Maggie ever again... that's not a plus. The prospect of having the apartment managers say I have to remove a pet - they won't be lenient about the time frame if things get to that point. The expense - I think Henry is going to be... well, maybe not in the Boo price rage, but not cheap. And, I want to be able to take in a needy stranger if I find another one. But, I love this guy and it kinda feels like we were meant to be together!
He's been moping this afternoon - is it because he knows what I've been saying? Is it because I took him to his old vet (to get his tapeworm medication) so I could show him off? Is it that he's sore from getting in and out of the car (we went to Maggie's vet too)?
How does a person without cheese in her house hide pills to give them to a dog? Cold butter! Fake butter of course. Worked like a charm.
My Neurotic Basset Hound (Separation Anxiety, Dirty Old Man, and Tapeworm) and My Mom
Separation Anxiety
This morning I decided to take Maggie for a walk after I'd taken her and Henry for one. You know a longer walk, involving offleash time and throwing of the ball. I left Henry a bowl of food and thought, this may also make it easier to feed them, since he takes an hour to eat. When I came back, he had not eaten but about 1/4 inch of his food. But he had: gotten my cereal box off the counter (but not opened the bag), pulled down a bag from the counter, pulled open a bag of bread and taken a few bites, gone onto the porch and broken one pot of herbs and tipped over another.
Dirty Old Man
A few words on output (don't read these two paragraphs during lunch). Henry seems to have gotten over his creepy attachment to Maggie's pee. When we first got him, every single time she went, he would insist on getting to it, then put his nose down in it for a time, then lift up his head and move his lower jaw up and down just a little like it was quivering. They apparently trap scents in those jowls, so I guess he was remembering hers. But because dogs (at least my dogs) don't seem to be cognizant of any line between smelling and tasting, it gets a bit yucky.
Tapeworms
Saw two 1/2 inch long white worms on Henry's poop today. Hoo-boy. Each one was larger at one end than the other. Tapeworm, the vet's receptionist says - they fit the description, and they're the only thing that would be visible in the feces.
Mom
Had to have a sonogram today to look at her liver and spleen, which may be slightly enlarged, according to the CT scan. Not a big deal, just a make-sure-nothing's-wrong kind of a test, as far as I know now. She sounds good this morning.
This morning I decided to take Maggie for a walk after I'd taken her and Henry for one. You know a longer walk, involving offleash time and throwing of the ball. I left Henry a bowl of food and thought, this may also make it easier to feed them, since he takes an hour to eat. When I came back, he had not eaten but about 1/4 inch of his food. But he had: gotten my cereal box off the counter (but not opened the bag), pulled down a bag from the counter, pulled open a bag of bread and taken a few bites, gone onto the porch and broken one pot of herbs and tipped over another.
Dirty Old Man
A few words on output (don't read these two paragraphs during lunch). Henry seems to have gotten over his creepy attachment to Maggie's pee. When we first got him, every single time she went, he would insist on getting to it, then put his nose down in it for a time, then lift up his head and move his lower jaw up and down just a little like it was quivering. They apparently trap scents in those jowls, so I guess he was remembering hers. But because dogs (at least my dogs) don't seem to be cognizant of any line between smelling and tasting, it gets a bit yucky.
Tapeworms
Saw two 1/2 inch long white worms on Henry's poop today. Hoo-boy. Each one was larger at one end than the other. Tapeworm, the vet's receptionist says - they fit the description, and they're the only thing that would be visible in the feces.
Mom
Had to have a sonogram today to look at her liver and spleen, which may be slightly enlarged, according to the CT scan. Not a big deal, just a make-sure-nothing's-wrong kind of a test, as far as I know now. She sounds good this morning.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Sick Mom, Cut up Ears, Bathroom Trauma
The Most Important Thing
Mom is really sick, so I'm off to Macon. She's in the hospital, and I'm confident they will get her better. Here's what I can share about Henry...
My Traumatized Little (ok, Big) Long Dog
Here are also some pics of the ends of Henry's ears, which are so torn up from his life experiences.
And it's hard to get a pic that shows how skinny he is - he won't hold a pose like I'd like him to.
The people who came to see Henry last night are not the right fit. They are looking for a smaller dog. They look and seem like a really nice couple but they have a couple of stories to tell that are horrifying. The worst is this: they don't use collars on their dogs ever (as if my having a collar on Maggie or Henry were a problem! - I walk them with leashes attached to harnesses) because they had an experience where they had a lab who stayed during the day outside on a "run". This means a cable attached to another cable that let him run a certain length in the yard. He chewed that one up or otherwise broke it, so they put him on the run in the other yard (front or back, whatever). Apparently he didn't know his boundaries on that run (that's what they said), though it was the same length as the other one. He must have been chasing something because they found him with his neck broken and his body hurtling forward. Can you believe that story?! The dashchund chewed through an extension cord and made her lip go limp.
OK, Henry had to be put in the bathroom yesterday so work could be done on the apt (all apts in my building were having sprinkler repair - pets had to be in bathrooms or crates). Came home to the most traumatized dog you ever saw. Hang-dog, despondent, had a pee accident early in the time he was in there (a pretty big bathroom - the size of mine in NY, Meg's and Colette's all put together - well, not with tub space of all of us, but big), and got up on the counter, into the medicine chest (above the sink), and got down the Crest Whitestrips and other things. Apparently, this breed does not do well in confined spaces. Here are some pics of his mirror work - there were also tiny drops of blood on the counter - from his nails I guess.
and of course:
Had to put him back in after letting him out and cleaning up. Sprinkler testing still not done. Put dinner in with him - he wouldn't eat - poor dear.
Mom is really sick, so I'm off to Macon. She's in the hospital, and I'm confident they will get her better. Here's what I can share about Henry...
My Traumatized Little (ok, Big) Long Dog
Here are also some pics of the ends of Henry's ears, which are so torn up from his life experiences.
And it's hard to get a pic that shows how skinny he is - he won't hold a pose like I'd like him to.
The people who came to see Henry last night are not the right fit. They are looking for a smaller dog. They look and seem like a really nice couple but they have a couple of stories to tell that are horrifying. The worst is this: they don't use collars on their dogs ever (as if my having a collar on Maggie or Henry were a problem! - I walk them with leashes attached to harnesses) because they had an experience where they had a lab who stayed during the day outside on a "run". This means a cable attached to another cable that let him run a certain length in the yard. He chewed that one up or otherwise broke it, so they put him on the run in the other yard (front or back, whatever). Apparently he didn't know his boundaries on that run (that's what they said), though it was the same length as the other one. He must have been chasing something because they found him with his neck broken and his body hurtling forward. Can you believe that story?! The dashchund chewed through an extension cord and made her lip go limp.
OK, Henry had to be put in the bathroom yesterday so work could be done on the apt (all apts in my building were having sprinkler repair - pets had to be in bathrooms or crates). Came home to the most traumatized dog you ever saw. Hang-dog, despondent, had a pee accident early in the time he was in there (a pretty big bathroom - the size of mine in NY, Meg's and Colette's all put together - well, not with tub space of all of us, but big), and got up on the counter, into the medicine chest (above the sink), and got down the Crest Whitestrips and other things. Apparently, this breed does not do well in confined spaces. Here are some pics of his mirror work - there were also tiny drops of blood on the counter - from his nails I guess.
and of course:
Had to put him back in after letting him out and cleaning up. Sprinkler testing still not done. Put dinner in with him - he wouldn't eat - poor dear.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
The Play Bow
Maggie did a play bow to Henry! It was this morning as I was getting dressed to walk them. She sniffed his nose and was wagging and then did the bow. He just looked up at me with that Basset Hound look. I don't think he really plays. It's so cute to me that they are becoming a bit of a team.
The other thing I keep forgetting to mention is what a good balance beam-walker Henry is. He likes to walk along the little 5" cement strip on the edge of the curb - and every one of his steps is on it.
I think Sammy would applaud Henry's approach to walking. His basic principle is, you don't want to miss any smells. You can't rush. You gotta take your time and be thorough about it.
No word from Macon yet - it's too early to call in case they're sleeping.
The other thing I keep forgetting to mention is what a good balance beam-walker Henry is. He likes to walk along the little 5" cement strip on the edge of the curb - and every one of his steps is on it.
I think Sammy would applaud Henry's approach to walking. His basic principle is, you don't want to miss any smells. You can't rush. You gotta take your time and be thorough about it.
No word from Macon yet - it's too early to call in case they're sleeping.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Good Thoughts for Lenore and Chase; a Couple of Possibilities for Henry
Two things that merit a mention before Henry:
Mom is really sick. She's thought that she's had a really bad case of the flu. She went to the doctor today because she was having such intense pain in her chest that she thought it was a heart attack. It isn't - it may be pleurisy, pneumonia, or a really intense bacterial infection. We're hoping she can sleep through the night and won't have to go to the hospital tomorrow. She said it was the worst pain she'd ever felt, maybe the same as labor, but labor pains were intermittent and this was every time she breathed. Radiating pain from her chest, down her right arm. Was good to talk to her a few minutes ago - earlier tonight she couldn't talk - she was in so much pain.
My aunt Mary woke up this morning and found copious amounts of blood sprayed and soaked Texas-Chainsaw-Massacre-style all over one of the bedrooms, the hall, the kitchen, and the side of her black lab, Chase. She pressed paper towels against the bleeding ear (which had a tumor in it that he had had surgery on already 2x in the last 10 months) and it soaked through in less than a minute. After surgery #3, Chase is doing fine. At last report, sleeping on the bathroom floor because it is time for him to keep his mom company while she takes her bath.
Today's updates on Henry:
Mom is really sick. She's thought that she's had a really bad case of the flu. She went to the doctor today because she was having such intense pain in her chest that she thought it was a heart attack. It isn't - it may be pleurisy, pneumonia, or a really intense bacterial infection. We're hoping she can sleep through the night and won't have to go to the hospital tomorrow. She said it was the worst pain she'd ever felt, maybe the same as labor, but labor pains were intermittent and this was every time she breathed. Radiating pain from her chest, down her right arm. Was good to talk to her a few minutes ago - earlier tonight she couldn't talk - she was in so much pain.
My aunt Mary woke up this morning and found copious amounts of blood sprayed and soaked Texas-Chainsaw-Massacre-style all over one of the bedrooms, the hall, the kitchen, and the side of her black lab, Chase. She pressed paper towels against the bleeding ear (which had a tumor in it that he had had surgery on already 2x in the last 10 months) and it soaked through in less than a minute. After surgery #3, Chase is doing fine. At last report, sleeping on the bathroom floor because it is time for him to keep his mom company while she takes her bath.
Today's updates on Henry:
- Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia said they would help me with him if I didn't hear from his owner. Not sure what this means exactly but it sounds encouraging.
- A woman in a nearby town wants to meet him and see whether he would be a good fit with her other dogs - a 3-4 year old rescued basset, a 1.5 year old bought basset, and a dashchund. Also 2-3 teenage humans and two parents. Henry might just love that! We're going to meet this week, maybe tomorrow night.
- Meg wisely advised me not to get him neutered until I waited to make sure his owner never showed up (I think there's not a lot of chance of this, but she has a good point - this knowledge of having to keep a dog 2 weeks before he's considered yours may prove helpful after all)
- We walked around the apartment complex a bit this evening, and Henry found several admirers. People love the looks of him and he goes up to everyone he can see and sits and puts his face up to them so that they can love on him.
- I realized I've been underfeeding Henry. I've been feeding him about 2x what I feed Maggie (he's 70 lbs. and underweight, she's 45 lbs. and not). But according to the bag, he needs to be getting 2-3x that (yeah, I know, bags lie, but his ribs are seriously poking out), so tonight I gave him 2-3 cups of food, and Maggie was pretty upset about the injustice. I worried that she would try to start a fight with him about his food.
- Henry is barking more. He and Maggie are out on the porch right now talking some trash to any dogs that dare to walk by. It's a very deep manly bark and his tail wags.
- He can get up on the sofa! I just walked into the living room and he was getting off the sofa and looking guilty. Good for him for being able to make the climb. I guess he wasn't allowed to in his last house.
Looking Good Monday Morning
Henry's looking much better now - thought I would share a picture of him this morning. Took an hour's walk for him to do his business (average speed of 0.25 MPH), but he did it!
I was playing fetch with Maggie on the edge of the woods in the dark and she stepped on something that really hurt her paw - in the tender area in the middle of all the pads. She seems ok now, though.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A Trip to the Dog Run
I took Maggie and Henry to the dog run at Memorial Park today. It was an eventful trip over. Maggie got in the car and as soon as Henry got in, Maggie moved to the front seat, and would not renegotiate that. At a stoplight, I got out of the car to put my purse in the trunk. Maggie wanted to get out with me, and once the door was closed, Henry started moving into the front seat. I could not get him all the way back. I pushed on him hard for 5-10 minutes till he agreed to go to the back, but most of the time he just stayed there. Maggie was clearly scared of him.
At the park, Henry was either slow moving or not moving on the leash. Stubborn. Unwilling to go, except where he wanted, which was not where I wanted him to go. I dragged and cajoled him to the dog run and let him off the leash. When other dogs came up to check him out, he tucked his tail and got nervous. Ha, my big humping boy. Eventually he got a little chesty with dogs, looking like he might be about to hump, but he came away when I called him (a fluke?). I wonder if his back legs are strong enough to support him without the front ones on the ground.
He found several people to make a fuss over him, and that went well. He enjoyed a couple of cookies when he did good things. He peed and eventually pooped. When I got a little bit closer to where he was pooping he moved up 5 feet or so and continued his business. And if he pooped far away from me this morning (he probably did), it may be that he's shy, and won't ever poop on the leash. Hoo-boy - the dog run is 20 minutes away, and I don't want to repeat our morning romp through the woods.
At the end of our stay, and the reason that was the end of our stay, he went trotting off to the top of the hill and came back quickly, legs really shaking, all of him shaking. I'd seen his leg shake, but this was weird. I tried to give him cookies (because I'd called him when I saw he was coming back, and I was trying to build some sort of recall pattern - ha). He wouldn't have a cookie. I tried 3 times before we got back to the car, and he would have none of it. It scared me to see him so shaky. I couldn't figure out if he was cold (it was cold but not so cold), if his legs were overtaxed (but his whole body was shaking, and he seemed shaken a bit (I mean, he didn't even want a cookie)). We made it back to the car, though, and when we stopped in the ladies room, he went under the other stall door and got to know our fellow park-goer. When we got home, he didn't get out of the car - I had to airlift him. I think his legs were shaky. I hope we didn't overdo it for him, but who am I kidding - of course we did.
Good news is, his ear stopped bleeding overnight last night and has stayed scabbed over through today's adventures. Last night after the dripping-blood phase, I squirted a lot of the powder the vet gave me right onto the cut, and today there's a solid scab there that has lasted all day. That feels good. Progress.
I missed my favorite Sunday show (This Week) this morning, so I fired up the video on the computer. As soon as I did, Henry woke up from his collapsed state, sighed, and relocated. He started by going into the kitchen, then relocated into the guest bedroom. Sometime Saturday, when he was feeling better, I lay down on the floor with him and rubbed his belly and said nice things to him. And he sat there for a minute or two, then got up and went about 8 feet away, just inside the door to my bedroom, where he could rest unmolested.
He still does his helicopter-wagging of his tail when you talk to him.
We finally got the bathroom thing right tonight! Yippee! Number one at least. If I take him out and stay out about 10 times as long as I need to with Maggie and bring him back upstairs, he'll come back up. But tonight he wouldn't come in. I was using the extenda leash with him so I don't have to tug at him so much and he can have a little more independence. So we went back downstairs (took a cookie to get him to tackle stairs again - his legs are really tired). Walked. And walked. And stood. And cajoled. And walked. But eventually, in a dark place, he found a corner to pee on. Yes it was a corner of the building. But I didn't really care at this point.
At the park, Henry was either slow moving or not moving on the leash. Stubborn. Unwilling to go, except where he wanted, which was not where I wanted him to go. I dragged and cajoled him to the dog run and let him off the leash. When other dogs came up to check him out, he tucked his tail and got nervous. Ha, my big humping boy. Eventually he got a little chesty with dogs, looking like he might be about to hump, but he came away when I called him (a fluke?). I wonder if his back legs are strong enough to support him without the front ones on the ground.
He found several people to make a fuss over him, and that went well. He enjoyed a couple of cookies when he did good things. He peed and eventually pooped. When I got a little bit closer to where he was pooping he moved up 5 feet or so and continued his business. And if he pooped far away from me this morning (he probably did), it may be that he's shy, and won't ever poop on the leash. Hoo-boy - the dog run is 20 minutes away, and I don't want to repeat our morning romp through the woods.
At the end of our stay, and the reason that was the end of our stay, he went trotting off to the top of the hill and came back quickly, legs really shaking, all of him shaking. I'd seen his leg shake, but this was weird. I tried to give him cookies (because I'd called him when I saw he was coming back, and I was trying to build some sort of recall pattern - ha). He wouldn't have a cookie. I tried 3 times before we got back to the car, and he would have none of it. It scared me to see him so shaky. I couldn't figure out if he was cold (it was cold but not so cold), if his legs were overtaxed (but his whole body was shaking, and he seemed shaken a bit (I mean, he didn't even want a cookie)). We made it back to the car, though, and when we stopped in the ladies room, he went under the other stall door and got to know our fellow park-goer. When we got home, he didn't get out of the car - I had to airlift him. I think his legs were shaky. I hope we didn't overdo it for him, but who am I kidding - of course we did.
Good news is, his ear stopped bleeding overnight last night and has stayed scabbed over through today's adventures. Last night after the dripping-blood phase, I squirted a lot of the powder the vet gave me right onto the cut, and today there's a solid scab there that has lasted all day. That feels good. Progress.
I missed my favorite Sunday show (This Week) this morning, so I fired up the video on the computer. As soon as I did, Henry woke up from his collapsed state, sighed, and relocated. He started by going into the kitchen, then relocated into the guest bedroom. Sometime Saturday, when he was feeling better, I lay down on the floor with him and rubbed his belly and said nice things to him. And he sat there for a minute or two, then got up and went about 8 feet away, just inside the door to my bedroom, where he could rest unmolested.
He still does his helicopter-wagging of his tail when you talk to him.
We finally got the bathroom thing right tonight! Yippee! Number one at least. If I take him out and stay out about 10 times as long as I need to with Maggie and bring him back upstairs, he'll come back up. But tonight he wouldn't come in. I was using the extenda leash with him so I don't have to tug at him so much and he can have a little more independence. So we went back downstairs (took a cookie to get him to tackle stairs again - his legs are really tired). Walked. And walked. And stood. And cajoled. And walked. But eventually, in a dark place, he found a corner to pee on. Yes it was a corner of the building. But I didn't really care at this point.
A Conversation with Animal Control
I left Maggie and Henry here for several hours today - and they did fine. Henry wouldn't do any business on our brief "bathroom break" walk before I left. I went to Kinko's and made some lost dog flyers. Then I went to the pet store to put up a flyer and buy him a collar and id tag, and to return the dog bed that neither he nor Maggie stepped into. After this morning, I saw how easy it would be for him to get away and I thought he needed some identification (not attached to the harness - that comes off too easily).
I put flyers up at Pet Supplies Plus, EarthFare (the regional Whole Foods), Jittery Joe's, Espresso Royale (coffee shop downtown), and Animal Control. Also had a really disturbing conversation at Animal Control. The girl behind the desk (an articulate senior at the journalism school) told me that if you keep a dog for two weeks he's your dog, legally. I was surprised to hear that, but didn't really think too much of it.
She told me that if I wanted to find Henry a home, I should bring Henry there, and he would likely be adopted quickly. He would be something unique, she said, since he wasn't a mutt or a pitt bull. I said, but he could get put down, right? She said, no, for lost dogs we give them 5-7 days so that their owners can find them. Owner surrenders - they get put down very quickly. She said I could file an application as a "last resort" adopter. Then they would call me if no one else adopted him before they euthanized him. No, she corrected herself, I'd have to call them. Could I ever put Henry in a cage there? That's so much to put a dog through.
When she was taking information about him for their database, she asked me if he was neutered. I said no, but he was about to be. From the parking lot, I had just made an appointment with the Humane Society's spay-neuter clinic for Tuesday. She said, he's not even your dog, and you're going to have him neutered? This seemed foreign to her. It made me doubt my plan. If I brought him there, she said, the adopter would pay for him to be neutered. (They certainly should have to take some responsibility - I liked that). She also said, though, that if I did have him neutered, he'd be a quick sale (or something like that), because people could just leave with him that day, rather than having to wait for him to be neutered, and that would make him more likely to be adopted.
If I were going to bring him, Friday would be the best day, because Saturday and Sunday there were tons of people there and he would probably get adopted. Never bring a dog on a Tuesday as an owner surrender, because it will probably just be put down on Wednesday, which is the day they're closed to the public, and the day they do the euthanasia. If I brought him in before I'd had him two weeks, he would be considered a lost dog. After that, an owner surrender. I could just tell them I'd found him more recently, but if I told them I'd had them for two weeks - or if they knew that (and I'd printed the date I found him on the flyer in front of her), he'd be an owner surrender and be put down quickly. The whole conversation had me upset for a while. The idiocy of putting down a dog they think is adoptable because of some arbitrary category! I hope she doesn't understand the practice fully, specifically that they would make an exception in the case of a dog who wasn't really an owner-surrender. But I'm not so sure. How does a system so overloaded and flawed encourage someone to bring a dog into it?
Even if there were a way to get access to their adopting public without traumatizing the dog, and even if it wouldn't be taking a spot from another dog, they have so many people who come in there and walk out with whatever dog they think is cutest. I can see them getting him home and realizing what it is to have a basset hound. That doesn't have a good outcome. Not the way people treat their pets around here.
No one has reported Henry missing, according to the Animal Control database - and they went back a couple of years.
My next stop was the area where I found him. I asked employees at the two open local businesses if they'd seen him around. I thought someone might know who be belonged to, or on the other hand that he'd lived there for 2 years. They hadn't noticed him there.
I put flyers up at Pet Supplies Plus, EarthFare (the regional Whole Foods), Jittery Joe's, Espresso Royale (coffee shop downtown), and Animal Control. Also had a really disturbing conversation at Animal Control. The girl behind the desk (an articulate senior at the journalism school) told me that if you keep a dog for two weeks he's your dog, legally. I was surprised to hear that, but didn't really think too much of it.
She told me that if I wanted to find Henry a home, I should bring Henry there, and he would likely be adopted quickly. He would be something unique, she said, since he wasn't a mutt or a pitt bull. I said, but he could get put down, right? She said, no, for lost dogs we give them 5-7 days so that their owners can find them. Owner surrenders - they get put down very quickly. She said I could file an application as a "last resort" adopter. Then they would call me if no one else adopted him before they euthanized him. No, she corrected herself, I'd have to call them. Could I ever put Henry in a cage there? That's so much to put a dog through.
When she was taking information about him for their database, she asked me if he was neutered. I said no, but he was about to be. From the parking lot, I had just made an appointment with the Humane Society's spay-neuter clinic for Tuesday. She said, he's not even your dog, and you're going to have him neutered? This seemed foreign to her. It made me doubt my plan. If I brought him there, she said, the adopter would pay for him to be neutered. (They certainly should have to take some responsibility - I liked that). She also said, though, that if I did have him neutered, he'd be a quick sale (or something like that), because people could just leave with him that day, rather than having to wait for him to be neutered, and that would make him more likely to be adopted.
If I were going to bring him, Friday would be the best day, because Saturday and Sunday there were tons of people there and he would probably get adopted. Never bring a dog on a Tuesday as an owner surrender, because it will probably just be put down on Wednesday, which is the day they're closed to the public, and the day they do the euthanasia. If I brought him in before I'd had him two weeks, he would be considered a lost dog. After that, an owner surrender. I could just tell them I'd found him more recently, but if I told them I'd had them for two weeks - or if they knew that (and I'd printed the date I found him on the flyer in front of her), he'd be an owner surrender and be put down quickly. The whole conversation had me upset for a while. The idiocy of putting down a dog they think is adoptable because of some arbitrary category! I hope she doesn't understand the practice fully, specifically that they would make an exception in the case of a dog who wasn't really an owner-surrender. But I'm not so sure. How does a system so overloaded and flawed encourage someone to bring a dog into it?
Even if there were a way to get access to their adopting public without traumatizing the dog, and even if it wouldn't be taking a spot from another dog, they have so many people who come in there and walk out with whatever dog they think is cutest. I can see them getting him home and realizing what it is to have a basset hound. That doesn't have a good outcome. Not the way people treat their pets around here.
No one has reported Henry missing, according to the Animal Control database - and they went back a couple of years.
My next stop was the area where I found him. I asked employees at the two open local businesses if they'd seen him around. I thought someone might know who be belonged to, or on the other hand that he'd lived there for 2 years. They hadn't noticed him there.
Adventures with Henry
This morning's adventure with Henry was this. He came to the bedside in the morning and he, Maggie, and I were all happy to see each other. We got dressed and went for a walk and I thought for sure he'll do his business this time (didn't pee last night after the one in my house, no poops yet). We walked around the apartment complex a bit and he seemed to get tired and maybe turned around.
As we were coming back to my place, I thought I'd take him once around the back, and he trounced down into the brush and then the woods. I'd read that bassets were very efficiently built for making fast progress through brush, and that is true. He got the scent of something. There are so many thorns back there - I dropped his leash once and regrabbed it once I got back around a more people-friendly way. The second time I dropped it he got really far away from me and thank goodness the scent of whatever he was tracking ended at some point. His harness was around just his back hips. Picked up the leash, fixed the harness, and he took off again. Got to the top of a bank and the edge of a thicket of thorns 6 feet tall. He really wanted to go in there. I had to drag him back - harness around his back hips only again. But it worked. A few other incidents along the same lines.
So, Henry can really get around. He's pretty fast when he wants to be. And of course, he is all about the nose. I knew that of course, but I hadn't seen it in action - now I understand why people don't let their bassets and beagles off the leash. I wonder if perhaps he got separated from his family because of that nose, so I think I need to put up some signs where I found him. Wow. That was a one-hour outing. He prefers to do his business in the woods (at least he peed - he may or may not have pooped - I smelled some when I caught up to him but don't know if it was his). And he almost came inside without doing his business, which could only have led to another accident in the house. We definitely have a communication gap here.
As we were coming back to my place, I thought I'd take him once around the back, and he trounced down into the brush and then the woods. I'd read that bassets were very efficiently built for making fast progress through brush, and that is true. He got the scent of something. There are so many thorns back there - I dropped his leash once and regrabbed it once I got back around a more people-friendly way. The second time I dropped it he got really far away from me and thank goodness the scent of whatever he was tracking ended at some point. His harness was around just his back hips. Picked up the leash, fixed the harness, and he took off again. Got to the top of a bank and the edge of a thicket of thorns 6 feet tall. He really wanted to go in there. I had to drag him back - harness around his back hips only again. But it worked. A few other incidents along the same lines.
So, Henry can really get around. He's pretty fast when he wants to be. And of course, he is all about the nose. I knew that of course, but I hadn't seen it in action - now I understand why people don't let their bassets and beagles off the leash. I wonder if perhaps he got separated from his family because of that nose, so I think I need to put up some signs where I found him. Wow. That was a one-hour outing. He prefers to do his business in the woods (at least he peed - he may or may not have pooped - I smelled some when I caught up to him but don't know if it was his). And he almost came inside without doing his business, which could only have led to another accident in the house. We definitely have a communication gap here.
Henry Comes Back to Life
Overnight he came back to life. He is doing really well as of Saturday morning! He has a bladder of steel - didn't do any business on Friday, and Saturday he must have peed for a minute and a half straight in the morning.
He went down - and up - the stairs on his own, lured by promises of treats. He's responding to food and even stole my breaktast when I wasn't looking. A really sweet kid. He started feeling better sometime during the night and came into the bedroom. Maggie was a little more competitive with him Saturday morning, but nothing too serious.
His fur is so soft, and he wags his tail when you love on him. He also gives surprisingly slobber-free kisses. If I can't find his home (ha!) or a home for him here, my dad is going to take him (bless him!). I wish he could stay with us, though. (Maggie disagrees.)
His name is Henry. I registered him at the vet as George, a name that the vet suggested but that I was thinking, too. Then most of Friday I was thinking of him as a Dudley. Friday night, I was thinking of Barnaby, Dexter, Baxter, or Wendell - mostly Barnaby. But that's sort of poking fun at his weird look. His look is like a stuffy Englishman who's really not as dignified as he thinks he is. But this guy is too sweet to have his dignity mocked. And he's not stuffy at all. So, he's a Henry. He's just funny looking.
By the afternoon, Henry was continuing to do do better, and even exhibiting some dominant behavior. Maggie is a little afraid of him. He pushed his chest into Maggie and had that glint in his eye like he wanted a little somethin-somethin. He also did this to Marty, the little tiny rescue mix down the way. This complicates his going to my dad's. Next week he needs to get neutered. I left him alone while Maggie and I went to the park for a walk. I came back, and the wound on his ear was wide open and dripping all over my offwhite carpet. I'm not holding against him that he peed in my house, because I should have taken him out before we left (it's just that he never goes and he moves so slowly). But he almost ran to greet us when we came in and he made it down and back up the stairs without me even having to bribe him. His tail wags in a circle like a helicopter. He's learned the name I'm calling him. And he wags when I talk to him or go scratch him. Wish us luck. :-)
His fur is so soft, and he wags his tail when you love on him. He also gives surprisingly slobber-free kisses. If I can't find his home (ha!) or a home for him here, my dad is going to take him (bless him!). I wish he could stay with us, though. (Maggie disagrees.)
His name is Henry. I registered him at the vet as George, a name that the vet suggested but that I was thinking, too. Then most of Friday I was thinking of him as a Dudley. Friday night, I was thinking of Barnaby, Dexter, Baxter, or Wendell - mostly Barnaby. But that's sort of poking fun at his weird look. His look is like a stuffy Englishman who's really not as dignified as he thinks he is. But this guy is too sweet to have his dignity mocked. And he's not stuffy at all. So, he's a Henry. He's just funny looking.
By the afternoon, Henry was continuing to do do better, and even exhibiting some dominant behavior. Maggie is a little afraid of him. He pushed his chest into Maggie and had that glint in his eye like he wanted a little somethin-somethin. He also did this to Marty, the little tiny rescue mix down the way. This complicates his going to my dad's. Next week he needs to get neutered. I left him alone while Maggie and I went to the park for a walk. I came back, and the wound on his ear was wide open and dripping all over my offwhite carpet. I'm not holding against him that he peed in my house, because I should have taken him out before we left (it's just that he never goes and he moves so slowly). But he almost ran to greet us when we came in and he made it down and back up the stairs without me even having to bribe him. His tail wags in a circle like a helicopter. He's learned the name I'm calling him. And he wags when I talk to him or go scratch him. Wish us luck. :-)
A Slow-Moving Basset Hound Crosses the Road
Friday on the way into work, one exit before mine, I noticed for the first time that there was an animal hospital. About a mile later, at my exit, I saw this old, slow moving basset hound crossing the road at end of the exit ramp. I've pulled the car over for stray dogs before, and usually they run, but not this guy. He let me pet him on top of the head. He was muddy and bloody, so I got a nasty Maggie-towel out of the trunk and put it on the backseat. It wasn't easy for him to get up, but he was more than willing, and he got in the car and lay down. He sniffed out the window a little but was mostly very mellow. I drove back to the animal hospital (just a regular vet) and went in to make sure they were open and could look at him, and when I came back out to the car to get him, he had dragged his muddy, bloody body up to my seat and was resting comfortably.
He came inside with me, and they kept him for the day, checking him out (heartworm-negative, no microchip, looks about 6.5 years old or but probably younger and has had a hard life, a bit arthritic, has kinds of hookworm) and giving him some basic vaccines. Poor guy - last night they carried him to my car, and he waited patiently in the car while I went two different places to get the things he needed (a harness and dog bed). Other than wagging his tail a bit when I buckled his harness on him, he was pretty nonresponsive. Maggie wasn't too threatened by him because he was just a lump. I had to carry him up the stairs (and down and back up). He's a huge basset, by the way - 70 lbs. He wouldn't eat a thing, camped out on the kitchen floor and wouldn't move, other than having a bit of water.
I think his day at the vet really took it out of him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)