As I sit here waiting for the vet to arrive to send Hoover to the rainbow bridge I’m feeling so helpless.  He has been so valiant through his year long struggle.  Last night he started coughing up white phlegm and having trouble breathing as his lungs were apparently filling with fluid.  He’s giving up.  This morning he refused all water and even salmon.  He wouldn’t even lick a dish.  I called the vet this morning and they will be here in a few hours for that last trip to the rainbow bridge.  He seemed to brighten when I mentioned seeing Bog again (his sister).  His eyes are tired. Riggs knew something as he was especially close and clung nearby last night.  Hoover even tried to yell at him but it was only a gurgle.  Soo hard to see your best friend of so many years slowly fade away before your eyes.   I am so tired of going through this painful process.  As always, Hoover is strong and patient, quietly waiting while I’m torn up inside.  It’s been a long road Hoovie, and you’ve been such a trooper but I can see you’re ready – it’s in your eyes.  You are so tired and I understand.  I love you.  

Check out the new pictures of Shelby – one of our 9 year old puppies in an awesome home – she is photogenic!  I can’t believe they are 9 either.  Her sister Holly is still going strong.  She’s a little gray and now has this HUGE coat she never had before. She is still pretty spry – she hunted and got NINE bunnies in the past 2 weeks (1 a day almost) and ate most of them so now she is getting fat on bunnies.  I wish she wouldn’t as they get tapeworms from them and the little snot – after the first 6 I gave her some tapeworm meds thinking she was done with her annihilation spree but nooooooo, she got 3 more.  She leaves the legs and head then for Riggs & Moola & Jazzy.  Mo got one of her leftovers and proceeded to throw it up all over the back room, Jazz the other which she didn’t throw up, so I’m watching them for tapeworms too now…such fun~….Most of all Holly misses having a pack (Hoover was her pack) since he moved to the other room due to his infirmities.  

Right now we have Hoover is hanging in there longer than anyone.   He’s too heavy to take outside now (front legs are starting to get weaker) so I’ve made up all this equipment (a stretcher to take him to the vet, a donut to help the bedsores he got from lying soo much, a soft pad, etc. and he’s doing ok.  I couldn’t do it if I didn’t work from home but since I’m here and he is SO cooperative why not.  He’s so accepting of everything which is why I think he’s still here.  He’s cool about lying around, squeaks his toys if they are available, yells at Riggs & Jazz when they “look” at him, and his only request is his water.  When he needs to shift position it’s “lets rotate Hoovie” and he helps as much as he can to lift.  I’m making him his own website – dogswithdisabilities.com (there are some pictures there).  But I really doubt he’ll make it till spring – though I thought that was the case two times already, and he’s always sprung back unexpectedly – but he’s getting so thin with NO muscle on his rear at all and his front is getting weaker too. A little gray is showing in his face and he’s on the pain meds constantly now – but he seems to be doing fine as long as he gets his pill.

Holly wants a pack so bad she is trying to make friends with Chevy & Pod (who could care less). But she wants it on HER terms – in other words, to be their alpha – but Gracie (her arch enemy) is their alpha so that’s not likely to happen.  They’ve been tolerating her lying in the room with them while they are in their pens, and she’s not picking fights like she used to.  I’m hoping to breed Moola or Jazzy soon – but having trouble finding a stud dog that I like.  A couple of friends have been disappointing in that regard.

Well that’s all from Malamute Manor…have to go let Riggs & the girls out for their “run arounds” which means they go outside and run around the yard in circles 50 times first thing in the morning losing all that pent up energy.  

Well, Hoover is making a comeback – no thanks to some veterinarians who shall remain nameless.  I argued with them yesterday for some pain meds and that made all the difference.  When are they going to get it through their heads this is not something they can “fix” – it just IS and let’s make him comfortable for the time he has left!  So instead of 2 Rimadyl a day he is now taking: a strong steroid, a prescription antacid because the steriod is so strong, and now a narcotic pain reliever – 7 pills plus antibiotics 2x a day to take the place of 2 tasty Rimadyl 1x a day…and to top it off they are making him thirsty, taste bad,  he pees more and no doubt his liver levels are elevated – the reason they wanted me to avoid Rimadyl in the first place…WELL THAT MAKES SENSE (sarcasm).  He isn’t moving his neck any better, is still paralyzed like a quadraplegic, but you can see from his eyes he’s not in pain now.  He’s back to yelling at Riggs, Moola & Jazzy when they look at him – a good sign.  The pain dose they wanted to give him would have made him a Zombie (2 Tramadol pills every 12 hrs) so I started with 1/2 and that wasn’t quite enough, so went to 1 and that’s working better – though it’s only good for 12 hrs. vs. 24 with the Rimadyl.  So essentially we are doing what the Rimadyl (a non-steroidal pain med) was doing with Narcotics and Steroids…pretty stupid if you ask me. Really irks me he had to have 4 rotten days switching over when he was doing just FINE, thanks to their egos. 

On another note, I had my first dream about Shadow since he died.  It was wonderful (until I woke up and started crying because I miss him so much).  It was SOOOO real, and I was holding and petting him and his whole essense was there – aura, expressions, personality – I was carrying him around hugging him but he had no weight – just soft cuddlyness.  It was so nice.  After he died I felt so bad because so many of the dogs give you a “sign” they are ok at the rainbow bridge – a dream, a corner of the eye glimse when they aren’t there, a sound – but from him I got nothing.  Finally, a really strong sign he’s OK.  It felt good. 

I have a dilemma.  Hoover is not doing well.  He no longer can even sit so is on borrowed time.  I thought we would have to put him down last weekend, but as a last ditch effort to make him comfortable, I gave him some Rimadyl for the pain and inflammation in his spinal cord.  It worked miracles.  Within a couple of days his head was up, he was perky, and happy.  So I called the vet asking for more.  That’s when the trouble started. 

I got the response, they can only give him enough for 5 days – then they need a blood test to make sure it’s not hurting his liver.  Ok, I didn’t think he would last 5 days…so I agree.  5 days comes and goes and Hoover is doing better than ever (though he still can’t get up, but he’s so content just to hang out, he’s happy, the Rimadyl is working GREAT).  I call and ask for more, explaining.  Nooooo, they need the stupid blood test.  They  were concerned that his liver levels were too high from a blood test last July.  (turns out they were high because of the steroids they were giving him then – that didn’t work).  So that evening I sew a stretcher so we can carry him in for the stupid blood test.  His liver is NORMAL.  No problem, right?  Well, we can’t give you the Rimadyl anyway - we want to give you steriods (that made his liver go out of sight 3x normal last July).  He wouldn’t listen and got defensive when I asked what his reasoning was – and truthfully, I think his reasoning was WEAK.  He felt since it was a spinal thing – it might respond better to steroids (yeah, and wreck his liver, kidneys and stomach in the process – IDIOT).  I think it was an ego thing. So instead he give him the steroid – and Pepsid to keep from blowing out his stomach (it’s dangerous to switch from a non-steroid to steroid quickly as it can cause bleeding in the GI tract).  He also didn’t read his chart and thought Hoover had been on Rimadyl since July which he wasn’t and I clarifed that. 

 Did he read ANYTHING on the chart????  Apparently not – so they gave him the meds that made his liver go out of sight last July – along with meds to counteract the stomach problems it will cause, and an antibiotic to mess up his GI tract more just for good measure even though I argued that he’s doing GREAT on the Rimadyl.  I don’t know what to do.  Hoover has been fine for 2 days now without anything (the longer you can go between the non-steroid and steroid the better) but he’s starting to go downhill again.  You can tell it hurts and the reason I went in was for the Rimadyl (a PAIN killer and antiflamitory) medicine – but of course he didn’t give him anything for the pain either.  So, I guess we start the steroid tomorrow – I really don’t have a choice since it’s so difficult to move him.  I really don’t know what to do…he absolutely needs something to feel more comfortable.  I just hope this helps.  I really have my doubts.  

Well, as you all know Gracie was expected to have puppies – the vet saw at least two – one estimate was nine (never believed that one!).  So we took her for the final x-ray before they were due next week.  Nothing.  Zilch. Zip.  They are GONE.  Apparently she resorbed them.   We are so bummed.  Over a thousand $$ in AI’s, ultrasounds, vet stuff…and nothing.  And people think you actually MAKE money breeding dogs!  They are so WRONG lol!  And that doesn’t even touch the disappointment you feel when you are so excited about a really great breeding and it doesn’t work out. 

Ok, dealing with that – but I just gave Hoover his “weekly” bath (Hoover is incontinent, paralyzed and cannot move his back end but he’s alert, generally healthy and very content to just “hang around” in his spot).  Well, his only stubbonness is he always likes to lie on one side – I think it’s more comfortable for him and he can turn his back to the other dogs.  Anyway, I gave him his “bath” (we put him in the tub and hose off his back end then dry him so he can be “pretty” again) and discovered a nasty bed sore on the hip he always wants to lie on.  All the fur had pretty much worn off so to protect that hip I was laying him on thick fluffy rugs – but that apparently wasn’t enough.  Well, this thing is nasty and with all his other issues (not being able to even go outside anymore – especially with the snow and ice) it breaks my heart.  A tough decision is going to have to be made very soon.  I’m going to give it a week and see if it heals any, but if not, it looks like I’m going to have to put him down.  It has to hurt – bad. Hoover is such a sweetheart and doesn’t ask for anything except that he can reach his water bucket.  He never complains, never gives me a hard time about ANYTHING and tries so hard to do whatever is asked of him.  This is such a hard decision to make.  For a dog that is so easy to deal with even though he’s incontinent and paralyzed, I don’t want to see him in pain, though he’s a trooper.  Since turning him over to treat the spot he’s not too happy – and is coughing some from being on the opposite side.  But I’ve got to be able to get to this sore and hopefully it will heal – I guess I’m just hoping against hope.  I was working on a new website just for Hoovie – Dogswithdisabilities – it’s been almost 9 months that he’s been in the “nursing home” (our front hallway).  He moved in when Shadow moved out and has been doing so well, so though I know it had to happen sooner or later, you are never prepared.  People often ask me “how do you know when it’s time” and I say you just know.  Well, this is one of the harder ones.  At least Shadow was partially blind, somewhat deaf, demanding and falling apart.   Hoover just refused to get up anymore – he gave up.  Hoover’s not.  I think that makes it all the harder.  Well, gonna go hug the Hoovie and enjoy what time we have left before I cry all over my computer and short it out.  

What a week!  While out doing errands (and buying a ton of chewys for the gang – they have been stealing and eating everything in sight) I received a call from the Detroit Free Press wanting my take on the recent rash of dog attacks as the Canine Whisperer (my local moniker for dog training).  It’s the owner, not the dog in most situations, so that’s what I relayed to the reporter who seemed very responsive to our message that there is no dangerous breed – just ignorant or clueless people that don’t know how to be pack leader and raise the dog improperly (or not at all).  Here’s the link http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709150317  At any rate, turned out to be a very fair and informative article and I wasn’t misquoted too badly lol .  With my 15 minutes of fame – it’s back to picking up poop and keeping the guys from eating the house.  Toll this week:  2 coupons for free on-demand movies (arrrgh!), part of my wood Sander, assorted pads of paper, a rubber stamp and a few other things snitched off my desk.  I’m hoping a huge supply of rawhides and bones will alleviate the energy the cooler weather has brought.  I think my worst culprits are Moola and Jazzy – at least that’s who I catch with all the stolen items. 

 It was bath week this week for Hoover, Pod and Riggs…they look much better now.  Hoover wasn’t too crazy about lying down in the tub (he’s the one that can’t walk) but he did ok.  He is such an easy going guy and hates to be dirty so he humored me.  Pod was a real challenge – kind of like bathing a pogo stick! 

We just got back after a wonderful week in Marquette, Michigan for our first dog show in a long time.

Gracie cleaned up – THREE Group 4’s – one each day – at least you can say she’s consistent!  And best of all Hoover had a blast.  I wasn’t sure how hard it would be to travel with a handicapped dog – but it turned out fantastic.  He had an enjoyable time just hanging out at the dog show and by the end of the trip we coudn’t stop without him rotating himself around wanting to get out.  The excuse was to pee, but I think he was just enjoying the scenery like we were.  I coudn’t pack his wheelchair due to lack of space, but that didn’t stop him.  I served as back legs and he was able to get into and out of the van just fine and even insisted on checking out the sand dunes and going down to the water.  He wanted to do everything the others did. 

We also took evil Holly (to spare our petsitter her brattiness)  and Moola who I showed (she is becoming the reserve queen like Grandma Penny – I always said they were alike!).  Anwyay, it was very enjoyable and we just love the area.  Everything went well for our wonderful petsitter back home – Pam Gibbings who did an awesome job.  I really think the guys at home thought THEY went on the vacation themselves. 

We ate out a lot and stayed at a really nice hotel that allowed dogs in the rooms.  We put a plastic shower curtain down, with Hoover’s rug on it, and Hoover did just fine.  Midway I made a laundromat stop to wash his rugs which was the only real concession to an incontinent, paralyzed dog. The only thing he wasn’t too crazy about (and neither was I) was camping in the tent on Saturday.  We both could have done without that!  The wind was really whipping and scary and I HATE tent camping so that was totally miserable for both Hoover and I.  Other than that though, the week was fabulous.  

After losing Shadow, Hoover has now taken over the geriatric spot by the front door.  His back legs have become increasingly paralyzed though his overall health is good.  We put him on thyroid and saw a HUGE improvement in attitude and interest in life so for now we have a healthy, handicapped dog.  Because there is no quality of life to just lying around (plus muscles atrophy) I was looking for a solution to get him more mobile.  While we were carrying him outside to enjoy the nice weather, he couldn’t go anywhere and days of looking at 4 walls or sitting under a tree were boring.  He got to where he looked depressed and didn’t want to do anything.  So I asked on Freecycle.org if anyone had an old wheelchair I could convert.   Lo and behold, some very kind person offered one.  So I cleaned it up, put in a new seat (with appropriate pee hole) and then had to figure out a way to keep Hoovie’s back feet from dragging on the ground.  He was not too happy with me the first couple of days while in development as I experimented and kept putting him in and out of it.  Finally I got the right combination and it worked.  Because our ground is not level and there are no sidewalks, we have to help push, but it’s doing a lot for his front end strength and morale.  We go for one or two short “walks” a day around the front yard.  He seems much happier and can go look at things he wants to see rather than wait for the world to come to him.  There’s not the space to use it indoors (plus, don’t think the other dogs would accept it).  Gracie was absolutely mean to him through the fence – barking and growling at Hoover in his new contraption.  But he just barked and growled back like – “yeah, I’ll take you on!” as if he could!  I see a huge improvement in attitude between the thyroid and wheels and his condition is now pretty stable.  For awhile we were sure he had only days because he was getting to where he didn’t even want to sit up anymore…but things are looking up for Hoover and his new Hoovermobile.  Send me your handicapped dog pictures and stories – I’m thinking of doing a site just for handicapped dogs. 

Today’s been relatively quiet – maybe because the weather is warming up and the snow is melting a little.  Everyone has been content to just hang around the house.  Riggs had a long conversation with Shadow this afternoon – one of those long non-verbal esp sessions humans will never understand.  Pod spent the better part of the afternoon outside hunting – she loves to hunt.  Chevy helped as much as he could then went and sat on the porch.  That of course drove Hoover absolutely nuts seeing him through the doorwall – Hoover was whining and yelling at him.  Clueless, Chevy took a nap.