Howdy blogaroos. Happy Sunday. And happy Pet Parent Day. It’s also Superhero Day. The Warden says that in this household, the fact that they both fall on the same day is VERY appropriate. I think she wants a medal or something. She says that only a superhero could put up with my ricochets, thievery and now (in following in the Boss’ footsteps) – indiscriminate barking. And then we have the Coyote- who drives her batty with his daily appetite preferences….

Speaking of the Coyote, I should tell you the results of his vet appointment. Some good news, some well… not BAD but challenging.

So. I went along for the ride, but as soon as he realized where he was, the squeaking began. The Warden met with the vet before bringing the incessant squeak machine into the building – so they could hear each other. They talked about everything- from the meds he is on, to his inconsistent appetite, to his fluctuations in output “consistency” (meaning his more than typical issues with soupy poops), to his current urinalysis results. They also talked about putting him on tick medication. Because ticks were the cause of this whole debacle.

For those new here, he got Lyme and Anaplasmosis from a tick – which, in a SMALL percentage of dogs, results in Lyme Nephritis. Many dogs can get Lyme and be asymptomatic. Or they show symptoms (like lameness) but once treated with antibiotics, they are FINE. Unfortunately, in Lyme nephritis, the kidney is affected. And it is usually fatal. We know SEVERAL dogs who have gone to the Rainbow Bridge with Lyme Nephritis. However, likely due to many good vibes and prayers, and a great vet who is guiding us through this forest, the Coyote is still miraculously here. But since the whole health challenge last Fall, and since he’s been on more than 5 medications daily, the Warden was afraid to add a tick medication to the list. Yes- we WAS taking tick meds before this began- but truth be told, the Warden sometimes stretched the monthly administration to 6 weeks….NOT a good idea. We realize some people are against flea and tick meds but we tried every natural tick option under the sun. And yes, she checked us ALL the time. But clearly that did not work. He still got bit by a tick that was on him long enough to transmit Lyme….

So. Should she reintroduce a tick med? Was there any possibility of an interaction with the multiple meds he is still taking? The vet and the Warden discussed it at length. As well as his other issues. Like intermittent soupy poops. They came up with some plans . And THEN, the Warden brought the Coyote in….

They plopped Squeaky on the scale – and he has gained another two lbs. the vet said he looks AMAZING. I mean really amazing. She examined him, and thought he was feeling good – and fit. The Warden then asked that she look at a skin tag the Warden had found that morning behind his ear. The Vet was feeling him all over, and looked at the skin tag. Get ready. It was pinkish in color. But it wasn’t a skin tag. Oh no. It was a tick. The Warden nearly fainted. It’s not like she hasn’t seen or removed a tick before. Heck – you may recall she had one on herself last year. But this one didn’t look like a tick to her. But it was.

The Warden’s heart sank. What if THIS tick had Lyme? What would happen? The vet said she didn’t know – the Coyote represents a VERY small percentage of dogs who live through Lyme Nephritis. And of course, his kidneys ARE still affected. But he’s here. And thriving.

So at that point they both agreed he needed to go on a tick medication. And – spoiler alert – he took it and has had no side effects. They also decided to put him on an antibiotic- in the event that the tick was carrying Lyme. He’s doing fine with that as well.

I am on tick meds and I will be getting a Lyme vaccine. The vet discussed that there is a new vaccine, with booster, and they are having good results with it. So I’m being booked to get jabbed.

The vet said she is going to examine whether the Coyote may or may not be a candidate for the vaccine as well. She was going to do some research first. As I said earlier, he represents a very small group who live following a diagnosis of Lyme nephritis. So it’s hard to know what’s best for him. But in the meantime, he is taking a tick preventative.

So he pranced happily out of the clinic – looking like a million bucks. Two days ago, he willingly ate all meals. Yesterday he ate 1/3. So we had some force feeding here- after which he anxiously ate blueberries. And bread. I’m beginning to think he enjoys the attention he gets being force fed. He’s such a strange guy….This morning he decided breakfast was a good thing. You never know from day to day.

So. All in all, not bad news. We are well aware that there are people who adamantly oppose tick meds, and some “gurus” on dog health are quick to point out the dangers of these medications. And no doubt, some dogs DO have poor reactions to them. Just as some humans can’t take certain medications, that others can with no problems. When a dog does have issues, it is QUICKLY placed on Social Media. At the same time, there are plenty of dogs who take these medications without any problem. But that usually isn’t posted on Social Media. It’s all about risks and benefits. Our once tick-free province has ticks. Lots of ticks. AND MANY carry Lyme. The vaccine, if appropriate, is one arsenal in the tick battle. Tick meds are another. Taken together, we are hoping that Lyme nephritis is never seen in our house again.

Oh – and no we didn’t send the tick off to be tested. Because it wouldn’t change what we are doing. The results would have taken some time to come back – and in the interim, the Warden would have been out of her mind with worry. He MAY be taking the antibiotic for no reason and we know that – but we’re OK with that. Again- it’s all about risks and benefits . And doing the best we can.

So. Overall, he’s doing well. Quite well. And since starting on the antibiotic, his poops are quite lovely, if I do say so. Which is interesting. His energy is A plus, and his appetite is well…typical for him. We’ve discovered he loves plain baked potatoes. Of course he does. For this week anyway. So we’ll continue doing what we are doing. And keep praying that he continues to thrive.

On a final note – the Warden got a gift this week that was quite bittersweet. It felt like a gift “from the other side.” She opened the mail – and it was a memorial contribution that had been made to a vet college in Frodo’s name. The sender? Shawn.

Maybe it’s a sign that his bark reduction training is working….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here to share the latest updates from the penitentiary.

Last week was…challenging. We are adjusting to no longer having the Boss here to oversee and moderate the chaos. The first few days after he left us, the Coyote ate better than he EVER has. But then – like someone flipped a switch, he refused to eat at all. So it was back to offering “options” and also to some force feeding. But not to worry- he gives giant tail wags afterwards. Go figure. And then, like a switch was again flipped, he went back to eating again. Who knows. I think I’ll start calling him yo-yo.

Meanwhile, he and I have increased our wrestling match time and Humpty Dumpty games by 500%. To say we are both WILD doesn’t come close to describing our behavior. Sometimes the Warden has to separate us- just to give us a break. And yours truly plays HARD. Our wrestling usually results in screams by the Coyote – but he comes back for more. Mind you, he screams if you try to brush a knot out of his hair…so it’s partly dramatic. Partly.

I have also become an insistent, clandestine thief lately. Whether it’s the Warden’s slipper, one of our bandannas, a glove, a dust cloth, a dish towel- they are ALL mine to steal. And like a baby puppy, I take off- and won’t bring them back. I enjoy the chase.

And if the household insanity and grief over losing the Boss wasn’t enough, last week the Warden lost a very, very dear friend. Shawn was well known in the dog world – he was a CKC Obedience and Rally judge. He was a guy who seemed to have a serious exterior – but if you knew him, you saw that he was a comedian with the heart of a giant marshmallow.

We got to see Shawn and his wife Patty a LOT last year. They and the Warden had a “project” involving pine cones- and they were at our place several times a week. It got to the point that we didn’t even bark (that much) when they arrived- because we were so used to them – and we LOVED when they gave us treats. I even did some heeling with Shawn – I thought he was a pretty cool guy.

So many people were shocked and so very saddened to hear about Shawn’s sudden passing. The world has lost a very good human. He joins his Golden Retrievers at the Bridge- and MAYBE he can teach the Boss not to bark so much. MAYBE. I hope he took LOTS of treats with him….

So while the past few weeks have been pretty rough and we have been kinda surrounded by “end of life” chapters – today we celebrate a “beginning of life” chapter. IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!! The world has been graced with 4 glorious years of my joyful, biting self. Speaking of which, I almost forgot to mention a ray of sunshine we saw around here- Joanie came to visit for a few days after the Boss passed. Now usually when visitors arrive, the Warden would let the Boss out to greet them. He would run up, wagging his tail and singing his welcome song. While he was loud, he was always friendly. So when Joanie arrived, the Warden decided to let me be the welcome wagon. We can’t let the Coyote loose to greet visitors. He’d say “hi” and “bye.” He still remains a flight risk.

Anyway, when Joanie arrived, I raced over barking my greeting. When I realized it was her, I spun in circles, brushed against her legs and gave her what I call, a love bite. When I get overly excited, that’s what I do. Some dogs pee. I bite. Neither of which is exactly socially appropriate. So she had a tiny bruise on her arm within 10 minutes of arriving. The Warden threw a toy to keep me occupied. I promptly returned it to Joanie – to make amends for my overly exuberant behavior. I returned it to her every time she threw it. It was also to demonstrate that I CAN be a good boy. Once in awhile. Good thing she’s such a good friend…

So back to my birthday. Because, let’s face it, the world revolves around me. Doesn’t it?! The Warden took me out to take my birthday photo- and in some I look like a cross between Salvador Dali and Geraldo Rivera.

I figured I would get to go to the pet store today to pick out some marvelous treats for my birthday. But noooooo. Today the Coyote has his vet appointment that was canceled when the Boss took his. We KNOW the Coyote goes crazy when he goes to the vet – so (yippee), the Warden has a plan. She’s taking yours truly along. She figures she can trick the Coyote if we BOTH go for a car ride. She thinks he won’t realize he’s going to the vet. This could be interesting. Because let’s face it – she can’t take both of us in. I mean that would be a total gong show. So I’ll stay in a crate in the car while Mr Stress goes in solo.

Maybe we’ll stop at the pet store on the way home….Or she can just cook me a sirloin steak. I’m good with that.

So that’s the current update from the penitentiary. Like I said- up and down and all around. We’re adapting to our “new normal.” Make that our “new abnormal.”

It’s been a time of grief. But as the corgi-loving late Queen once said “grief is the price we pay for love.” And aren’t we lucky to have had all that love in our lives in the first place….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ

Yo. Blog people. Elroy here to say hello and to let you know we are OK. I mean we’re not exactly super duper happy-go-lucky wiggy waggy, but we are OK.

The house is a bit quieter without the commanding voice of the Boss, but to make up for it, the Imp has cranked it up a notch. Who knew he could be as loud as the two of them put together? Oh my ears.

Her Highness has been taking us for walks together- which is a bit of a switch. I mean, before this, we either ALL went together to the lake OR we walked one at a time up the road. There was sort of a rule of “no dog left behind on his own.” So now it’s me and the Tasmanian Devil. I enjoy a good trot. He enjoys a good jet propulsion jog. Zig zagging all the way.

To Her Highness’s eyes, I appear to be somewhat sad. And yes, we dogs DO grieve…

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-grieve-other-dogs/

I’m a bit more sedate. And introspective. ALTHOUGH, I am eating ALL my meals. And extras. I think because Her Highness looked at me and said “OK Buddy, you better not die any time soon.” So I’m taking her command quite seriously- and doing what I can.

In the past, both the Imp and I slept in our crates at night, while the Boss was free. But on Friday, Her Highness said we could both be FREE. That was just great – in my opinion. I jumped up on her bed, curled up and made myself comfortable. The Imp, on the other hand, rolled on his back with his legs kicking in the air, and attempted to toss around pillows from that position. When Her Highness said he needed to relax, he jumped off the bed and ran off with one of her slippers. She gave up and turned off the light. He then sat next to the bed and stared at her face from about 2 inches away. I must admit, the dude does provide comic relief.

We want to thank you for the many, many condolences and messages of support. We know that many of you loved the old fella like he was one of your own. The internet is such a powerful tool for sharing. Both good and sad…

Our intention is to keep sharing our crazy lives with you. We no longer have the voice of wisdom to tell his tales, but maybe some day he’ll communicate his feeling from over the bridge. Right now he’s too busy peeing on things after Viktor, Paxton and Beamish leave their marks. And he’s no doubt reminding them that he’s still the Boss…

Meanwhile, the role of Boss is kinda up for grabs here. I mean TECHNICALLY, I should be next in line, given my seniority, but I’m not exactly the bossy type. I’m too laid back to give out instructions. But Her Highness is making sure that the Imp doesn’t try to step into that role. I mean he’s pushy enough as it is. He’s a bit of a Napoleon- and he’s lucky I’m so good natured. He plays rough – doesn’t he look like a vampire in this blurry action shot? I think I’ll call him Vlad from now on.

Thank you again for all your kind words and messages and care packages. They are appreciated more than you’ll ever know.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ.

After writing literally thousands of blog posts, I am finally at a loss for words. I can’t bring myself to type the details…my heart is so shattered.

It was Elroy who had a vet appointment scheduled today- but it was Frodo who I took instead. If we hadn’t had snow last night, I probably would not have noticed the blood in his urine this morning….

Numerous tests were inconclusive- but he was feeling fine. Absolutely fine. Barking and wagging and cooperating for needles and an ultrasound exam. And we came home to wait for some results that were sent off. But there was no feeling of urgency or dread…

He took a good walk with the boys down to the lake, and waited for supper. And then something happened. He was not himself.

I rushed him to the emergency clinic, but he was gone. He never did like to ride in the car.

One can do all the rational discussions in their brain “he had cardiac issues for years…. he was 14 years old….he didn’t suffer…“

But while my brain rattles on, my heart is screaming “NOOOOO!” How can my best friend of 14 years, my puppy nanny, my teammate, my protector, my best photography model, my household ruler, my soulmate be gone? If it wasn’t for Frodo and my introduction to this wonderful breed, there would have been no Viktor. And no blog. And no friendships made around the globe. Besides the gift of so many wonderful memories, he has left me with those friendships….

When the cardiologist diagnosed him, at age 9, he explained I might be lucky and he could live to 12. My luck went beyond that with 2 additional years and 2 months. But 2 more years still would not have been enough….nor would 2 more…

Hug your canine kids tonight….

Howdy blogaroos! It’s here! It’s Dyngus Day!!! Dyngus (pronounced Ding-goose) is a Polish celebration the day after Easter. Never heard of it? Where have you been?! The Warden grew up in Buffalo, NY – the reported Dyngus Day capital of the WORLD! You can read all about it here:

https://www.dyngusday.com/our-story

So in honor of this important occasion, she had to go Pussy Willow hunting at the crack of dawn. She took the Coyote- who thankfully did not need to go out in the middle of the night with soupy poops. But that’s an aside. Anyway – he found Pussy Willows and excitedly posed with them…

OK. He wasn’t that excited. But he stood still for 3 seconds.

Then we PONs got to pose with them. Pretty excited, I’d say. OK. We just wanted the treats in the Warden’s pockets…

Now it’s time for a proper Dyngus Day breakfast. Crank up the polka music!

Have a good one! Peace and paws up!! Stay safe. JBJ