Movie Star

We have been working with Echo on HEELing on walks and DOWNs in the car. I have been trying a new command "Don't make me stop this car!", which usually gets him to lie down.

Echo has been in and out of the car a lot the last couple days. He has visited the drug store, grocery, library, village hall, doctor's office, drug store, department store, and drug store. When out in public, everyone thinks he looks like a movie star, Marley. My guess is that all our Yellows get the star treatment.



This week is Dog Whisperer week. Echo enjoys watching Cesar's projects and any other dogs on television. He watched Eight Below and Fluke this weekend. He watches the dogs and listens to their barking/whining. He was disturbed by the pictures of fetal cats and dogs on a promo for another show - he sat up and started barking.

New Beginning

Echo's "vacation" is officially over. We have been lenient with his training throughout his ordeal so it is almost like starting his training over. The stitches have been out for five days with no separation. To celebrate we went for a long walk to the park for some off leash exercise. He is sleeping soundly.



Yesterday was to the official "New Beginning". Echo was invited to Troy's birthday party which was fun for Troy, but so much fun for Echo. He played with the kids a bit, but most of the party was spent in a DOWN STAY. The only difficult distraction, which I completely blame the Puppy Coordinator for, was a balloon. Echo was entranced by the green orb as it rolled across the floor.



In the evening, we took Echo to another badger hockey game. He was not so skittish this time. He actually followed the action on the ice before we put him in a DOWN STAY.



Many pets and calm greetings as we walked around between periods. However, much to Lisa's displeasure, his dependence on me has seemingly increased. Echo needed to know where I was constantly as we walked through the crowd.

Visitors

Woof! Woof! Woof! (Ho, Ho, Ho)

Mom and dad had a whole bunch of people and visiting pups over the last few days! I had a chance to play with four other puppies. Three dogs were Mindy’s and one was Mike’s. We had a great time! During present opening time, mom and dad put all of us dogs away in our crates because there were lots of little things that we could get into. We wanted to help open presents and stockings. There was also food everywhere! But, no people food for me. I was given the same, old, brown dog food. I don’t understand why I can’t have that better smelling food - I was very good!

Mom has taken the tree and surrounding fence out of the living room. I don’t understand what it was there for in the first place. While fun to look at, trees don’t belong in the living room. It takes away from my floor space.

We also stopped by Sports Products to pick up all the OccuPaws shirts and Jackets people had ordered. I offered to model a shirt but they declined and said I could "wear" a bag instead.

It was really nice and warm yesterday so mom played with me a lot outside. It felt so good to run around the back yard and be a puppy. But a lot of Mr. Snow had melted away. Mom even took Fluff Ball for a little walk as the ice melted off of the driveway. She said it was too foggy to walk on the road, but she and Fluff Ball learned a lot about walking next to each other.

Fluff ball is getting bigger, and does not leak on to the floor as much as she used to. Mom is very happy about that.

Well, I hope all of you Woofs had as much fun as I did over Christmas. Mom says something called “New Year" is coming. I wonder if that is something I can open?

Slick

Tis the Season!

View Dually's Christmas.

Snow Snow Snow

I love Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to All,

Slick

Present Delayed

Wednesday is finally here. Echo gets a bath. It has been a long time since Echo's last bath and he has been through a lot. He just doesn't smell nice. Spritzing only works on the surface and as a cover up.

On our morning walk to the park we met up with and played with Leinie. Usually mild mannered, Leinie let Echo know who the boss was this morning. She barked at him and wouldn't take any of his puppy shenanigans. Getting out with other dogs for the first time in a while, they enjoyed their snow time.

Immediately after our walk Echo left for the Oregon Veterinary Clinic for suture removal, to be followed by a long bath. First we weighed him and he gained five pounds since the surgery. However, while taking the stitches out the vet commented that Echo should "remain calm" for a couple days and NO BATH for another week. His activity is more restricted now than after surgery.

Oh well Lisa will have to wait another seven days for a Christmas present from Echo.

Am I in Trouble??

Woof! BrrrWoof!

Zowie, I sure got mom mad today! I don't know what her problem was. I was just enjoying the deep snow!!! I remember she was calling me and there was something about me not wanting to come….it was too cold for her to chase me around…….and the snow was almost over the top of the backyard fence.



But, the snow is so much fun for puppies like me. Sure the snow is up to my belly, but I can charge right thru it - powder flying!

Mom did not think it was fun. She sinks up to her knees and with her two legs, she had trouble moving around the yard. So the next time we went out, she put a 50-foot lead on me to make sure I came when called.


That was not as much fun as I couldn't race up and down the hill and dive off the wall into the snow. She said she allowed me a “little slack” today because I have been so cooped up in the house,,,,but she also said I’d better be good next time. She worries about me walking over the top of the back yard fence and getting lost.

Lost?? I won’t get lost,,,I’m a big boy - I know where we live.

But, I did promise to try harder.

Slick

Yummy

Hi fellow woofs,

Did I tell you I like snow - but I don't like salt!!! That salt stuff humans use to not slip, really hurts and burns my footsies. I'm not sure what's going on, but I can play in the snow for an hour but walk in a salty ICE cold slush puddle and I can't walk - it hurts!!!

OK, enuff whine with that cheese - yesterday there was no salt at Shelton's so off to my corner while Mom, Dad, Joe and Karen ate ....I got NOTHING by the way :-(


But I did get quite a few nice pets and greetings when we left.

Brrrrrrr,
Slick

Wrestling

It has been too cold for the dogs or me to get much exercise outside. A la Cesar, we tried Echo on the treadmill, but he didn't want to walk on it. He kept being propelled off the back. After that I introduced Echo to my bike on rollers. He quickly understood to stay clear and instead caught a nap next to me while I biked.

The only indoor exercise that both dogs seem to like is wrestling. This is not an approved OGDA behavior, but we cut them a little slack due to the weather and the fact that Echo is still technically on vacation.



We did get out for a short walk this evening. The snow was packed down and very slippery. Both dogs were having a hard time stopping. Echo was running toward me and forgot about the road conditions and knocked my legs out from under me. On the way down all I was thinking about was not falling on him and hurting him. Fortunately there isn't any video or pictures of that.
.

IceMan

We administered the last doses of medicine to Echo yesterday and he has returned to twice a day feedings with dry food. The stitches will be removed on Wednesday and then he will get a much needed bath.

We went our our first outing since his operation - just a quick trip to the grocery store. Upon entering the house after our trip, Echo was growling and barking at the window. While we were out a stranger appeared in the window.



He didn't want anything to do with the "IceMan" until we turned the lights on.

SNOW DAY

Did I say I love snow!!!!!

"Ornery Men"

Woof,

Well, Mom's really lost it now. First she planted a tree in the house, next she put fire flies that twinkle in the tree, then she hung stuff on wires (I think she called them "Ornery Mens") on the tree.

Now yesterday she covered lots of boxes with paper and put them under the tree. I told Fuzz Face that the paper pulls right off which she thought was so much fun. So I told her if she brought me a couple of them there "horn mints" thingies I'd play tug with her.

Well fellow pups, Mom didn't think it was all that clever so she decided to build a fence around the tree and take away all our fun!!!

She even said we couldn't look at the tree. What's a pup to do for entertainment if he can't get his lil sis in trouble???

Slick

Road to Recovery

Echo is well on the road to recovery. He has started eating his regular (softened) dog food, 1.5 cups three times a day plus a few treats. The feedings coincide with the doses of medicine to protect his GI tract. His walks to the park have also returned, albeit somewhat shorter.

His coughing has lessened and the incision appears to be healing well. The only other evidence of the operation are the shaved areas: one on his front leg from the IV and a large area on his belly which show the scrapes from the razor.

Other than visiting Nicole the other day, there haven't been any trips. Even though he hasn't gotten out, he still received a treat from the clerk at Walgreen's. Lisa stopped at the drug store and Al, the clerk, asked about Echo. She explained his situation and the clerk went back to his lunch to retrieve a cookie to take home for Echo.

Sainted Clothes??

Woof! Woof!

My little buddy, Evan, was over yesterday. We had a lot of fun playing. He pets me really nice too!

Mom also for some reason put a tree in the living room! Then, she put lights on it….She has been acting really strange. On top of it all, she hung red socks on the wall.

Does that have anything to do with Scented Claws? Not sure what or who she is talking about. And who is this other guy Stained Nicolopoalas...human blah blah babble.

Slick

Back to Work

We have had some concerns with Echo's post op symptoms the last few days: bloody nose, excessive urine output, liquid stool, malaise. A quick check with the vet revealed that all symptoms are consistent with his treatment.

Three days after surgery echo returned to work. He and Lisa stopped by Nicole's house for a news story. The reporter wanted some footage of Echo kissing Lisa and he wouldn't do it. Anyone that knows Echo must be amazed - he was distracted by the camera, lights, and bells. Later, Echo did kiss the camera man.

Nicole requested a "cute" picture of Echo for some thank you notes. Here are some outtakes from his photo shoot. Can't be certain if he was not feeling well or embarrassed by his costumes.

Lost and Found

For the last month and a half Echo has been operating his personal lost and found area. The day before Halloween, we lost a squeaker from his new toy. It was found by the Oregon Veterinary Clinic on December 12. Unfortunately the storage location was his small intestine.



Echo returned home this afternoon after emergency surgery and a one night stay in the hospital. Except for some hair loss, dried blood, and about twenty stitches he looked much better than yesterday. He brought along a week's worth of medicine and a six pack of canned dog food (bland). Stitches can be removed in ten days.



Apparently they pumped Echo full of IV fluid. Immediately upon exiting the clinic, Echo pottied for a minute. This has been repeated every thirty minutes. He was also very hungry which is a good sign. It's tempting to dump his bag of food on the floor and let him eat until he gains ten pounds.

Needless to say we are very glad to have our little white dog back home. Buddy missed him too.

That's a Wrap

Woof! Woof! Woof!

What a day!!

Hooch, Reggie and I spent almost the entire day helping wrap presents for Occupaws at East Towne Mall. We were a hit!



Lots of people pet me, and lots of people came up to our booth to have their Christmas gifts wrapped.

Mom did not wrap too many presents because she does not wrap very well, but she cheered everybody that was working on. But, alas, there were no gifts for me. Poor me.

As this was my first Christmas, Hooch, Reggie and I met and had a picture taken with SANTA CLAUS! He had a real beard and a white and red suit. There were little kids that wanted a picture too, so we waited in line for our picture. When I talked to Santa to try to tell him what I wanted for Christmas, he did not understand what I tried to relay by brain waves.


Nikki also took me up and down the escalator at Dicks sporting goods when Hooch and Reggie were practicing on the escalator. I was hesitant the first time Nikki took me up, but the second time up the escalator I was OK and remembered when dad took me up.

Near the end of the day, I got really tired. Getting pet by all sorts of people is tiring! Mom fed me right away when we arrived home, and I went right to sleep.

One thing mom told me on the way home, was that Echo had eaten a squeaker that stayed in his tummy and that is what made him so sick. I understand that Echo will be OK after surgery and rest. So mom was going to double check to make sure that none of my toys at home have a squeaker. I don't think we have any, but, you know moms - they just have to double check!

Slick

NOT Mega :-)

After feeding Echo last night, I listened to his stomach and heard rumbling. This was a good sign that food was entering his stomach.

Echo woke up early this morning. We fed him as much hamburger with rice and dog food that he wanted to eat. He needed a full stomach for his x-ray. He wouldn't eat much and was somewhat lethargic. He slept all the way to the vet's office.

The veterinarian called with an update this morning with good news. Echo does not have megaesophagus. He only has a "mass" in his stomach. He will be transferred to Oregon for removal of the foreign body, which is probably a squeaker. He should be home this evening - completely fixed.


UPDATE: The squeaker has been removed and Echo is spending the night at the veterinarian's office. A little extra TLC for the weary puppy.

Shop til you drop

Woof! Woof!

Has mom been keeping me busy! She has been doing something known as “Christmas shopping”. All I know is that we go in the car, out of the car, in the car, out of the car, in stores, out of stores……my poor little tootsies.

One place we went to had all sorts of neat little crafty type things. But, why did she stop in an isle that just had flat pieces of cloth stretched out on a frame? After all, there was nothing drawn on the canvas yet, nothing interesting…

Wal-Mart did not have what mom wanted (she was surprised that they did not have a sled). But dad found some little plastic boxes that he told mom that he will use to organize little pieces/parts. Mom and I went to Toys R Us, where there were lots and lots of moms, dads, and their kids. Wow! Was that cool. Then, we went off to Mounds to get a new toy. Fluff Ball and I destroyed our favorite toy from “over use”, so mom gave us an early Christmas present.

I continue to be disappointed when mom, dad and I go to breakfast. Nothing seems to drop on the floor that I can have. It would be great is SOMETHING yummy would fall. After all, I would be there to catch it.

I understand that my friend, Echo, is under the weather. I will be saying a doggie prayer to get well for him every night.

Slick

Megaesophagus

The good news is that Echo returns home tonight. The bad news is that Echo's symptoms have been recurring every few days. An appointment with Dr Link in Madison has been scheduled for tomorrow. Diagnosis will involve x-rays, after eating, to identify where the food and water are getting stuck.

It sounds like Megaesophagus. The probable causes are genetic or a foreign body. For Echo's sake, I am hoping for the foreign body (ie squeaker). We would be responsible, but it could be corrected.

Little Ringer Boy

Nicole, Divit, Kath and I have been volunteering for the Salvation Army. On Monday we rang the bell for 4 hours. Divit helped by eating treats if people wanted to donate money. He helped raise $268 and change.

We rang the bell again today for another hour and a half. Because Div it was such a good bell ringer he was awarded his own bell.

I hope you get his picture with his bell.

Marcie, Kath and Divit

Echo Update

Echo seemed to be recovered last week. The puppy coordinator said that he was doing great. We thought that he might have had a reaction to some salt that he had ingested, however it appears more serious as he had a repeat performance last Friday night.

Invasion

OK fellow woofs,

What's a gentleman to do?? I was sleeping peacefully in my crate, dreaming of Christmas Doggie Treats, when who should appear - Fluff Ball.


The humiliation of it all.....

Slick

Without a Trace...missing dog

Woof!

Today I received a chance to hang around with Nikki and Dale at Mounds in Sun Prairie! What fun! We sat at a table and talked about Occupaws to all sorts of people. People would come up to us and pet either Dale or I. A couple of people bought Occupaws hats. We collected $69.00 for Occupaws.



Then, we went to lunch. Mom said I was naughty. After sitting under a table, mom had to help Nikki with her jacket, because her zipper was stuck. After fixing Nikki’s zipper, when mom looked under the table to make sure I was still settled, I was missing! I had just decided that other things in the restaurant were more interesting. Boy, was mom surprised. She collected me and put me back under the table… not without some stern looks and a correction from mom though though.

See mom,,,, even I can act like a “brain dead” adolescent some times. But I was good the rest of the time.

Slick

Quiet

Last night the OGDA Puppy Coordinator, Marlene, stopped by to pick up Echo. The house is very quiet now - too quiet.

Chance and Jonah need loving homes!

OccuPaws has two program dogs that are looking for loving homes. Because we have such a high standard for our potential guide dogs, not all of our program dogs will make it into Formal Harness Training. These dogs have had obedience training and are ready to make two families very happy!

“Chance” is a one year old, black Labrador Retriever out of English bloodlines. He is a gentleman and he is very sweet. Chance was donated to OccuPaws’ a few months ago. He is a great dog, but lacks the confidence we look for in a guide dog. He had prior field/bird training before coming to us.


“Jonah” is a 5 month old, yellow Labrador who was recently donated to OccuPaws. He is a very sweet and loving boy. Jonah, too, lacks the confidence needed to be a guide dog. He would make a wonderful pet for any family.


Please give these boys the best holiday gift ever… A FAMILY!!!

More Trouble

Echo just returned from three more days in Cuba City. He didn't get out to play much, but he spent more time playing with young humans. His new best friend, Troy, enjoyed sitting in Echo's lap. It was the best way to be close yet avoid puppy kisses.



On the negative side, Echo has been sick (again) for the last three days: vomiting on Sunday and diarrhea on Monday. He fasted from Sunday night to Tuesday morning. Needless to say he is extremely thin, yet he retains his playfulness and energy.

After his fasting, Echo made a few trips to the grocery store, drug store, and the florist. We also stopped in at the funeral home to visit "Grandpa".

Good Dog

Woof!

Mom tried to fool me today. She had to go to the house with no walls (which now has painted walls, and pretty tile and wood floors), so she thought I would “learn” from being dropped off at Nikki’s house. When first I first got there, I looked around the house - I was very good and did not run around to see everything, I just walked around and sniffed. When mom left, she told me to wait by the door when she walked out. I waited and waited, but she did not come back right away. Nikki even told me that it was OK to move, but wait I did until I figured out that it was OK to sniff some more.

Then, I played with Nikki’s two kids. Nikki told mom that I was very gentle with them, and did not try to chew or pick up their toys. Well, what did she expect? I’m a GOOD dog! During lunch, Nikki put me on a down/stay so that I could not enjoy treats that might fall to the floor. I even got to play in the backyard with two other Labradors while I was there, what fun! After playtime, I went to sleep in a crate for a little while. I whined just a little bit,,, after all, it is not my usual home.

Then, mom came back to pick me up. It was a lot of fun to see her! But I did not jump or bark when she came in the door….after all, I am a GOOD dog.

I don’t know what I learned,,,,but mom learned that I am a GOOD dog. (Humm,,,,is there a theme here? I understand that Santa only comes to visit GOOD dogs. :-)

Slick

Snow - Glorious - Snow!!!

Hey fellow woofs,

Did you know what happens when Mr. Grass goes away??? His friend Mrs. Snow comes out!!


The first time I saw this stuff I wasn't too much interested in this stuff or really concerned about the flakes until my favorite potty spots disappeared. I spent a lot of time sniffing and wandering but nothing was just right - no good spot to go :-(

But you know what happened? I discovered this stuff is fun! I can eat it, roll in it, catch it and it just disolves. It's really fun so I decided to wish Mr. Grass a goodbye and finally accept that Mrs. Snow is good to go too.

Did I tell you - I LIKE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE it!!

Slick

Buddyless

Echo raced back down to Cuba City Friday morning. We dropped Buddy off at a friend's house, so Echo is without his best buddy.

Echo quickly adapted to the commotion and people going in and out. He barely notices the front door opening anymore. Especially since Buddy is not around top instigate.

The highlight of his last two days has been playing with little humans. Echo found new playmates in Jared, Jalyn, Troy, and Izzy. The youngest two are under a year, still puppies like Echo. He was very calm amd gentle with them, but he licks too much.

Yawn

Well people, it's been a quiet week for me. No playing with Fluffball or any of my other buds. Lots of "quiet time" Mom said until my "fixing" is fixed. Wierd. I thought I was fixed but I must be broken now cuz I'm waiting to heal??? I already know how to heel, just go to the left side - right?

Anyhow, it's been quiet activities, touch, sit, down, sit, down, stand, heel, back - never can make up their minds, can they. On Thursday we spent lots of time in crates but that's OK, we were better off than that headless big bird on the table - he must have not listened to a command or something to end up that way.

I'm hoping for a more exciting week coming up as those pieces of string are finally falling off my tummy (with a little help from me) so maybe I can play again.

All for now,
Slick

Tryptophan?

Echo and Buddy were well behaved at Thanksgiving dinner, even when people came to the door. Not sure if they pick up on the energy of the crowd which was all adults or someone spiked their dog food with tryptophan.


"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner

Rolled

Echo is back on dry dog food. We have increased the amount a little to try to get some of his weight back. We found another issue with Echo during his illness. When lying down, he fights being rolled onto his side.

Echo accompanied us on two short trips to the drug store and grocery store where he surprisingly met the same little girl. Entering the drug store she asked to pet him. Never sure who is happier Echo or the "petter". Then in the grocery store she called him by name like long lost buddies.

Nail trimming before bed. This required us to roll Echo a few times.

Owieeee

Today was a really strange day. We got up early and went for a ride to Dr. Dave's. I fell asleep there and when I woke up I developed a large round blue growth on my neck.

When I came home Mom made me lie quiet and no playing. Reggie (my 10 yr old Border Collie bud) just snickered at me and said something about me being fixed now?? I don't think I was ever broken - strange.

Slick

Recovery

Echo is doing better. On Saturday we fed him small amount of water logged food throughout the day. Sunday, he was back on his normal schedule. Still water logged food split into two servings in the morning and evening without incident. Here's hoping that this issue is behind us.

Throughout the entire episode he remained in good spirits. Couldn't tell he was sick by his actions. Yesterday, we even went to the park for a long walk. Echo met up with Kane and Sable when we got to the park. Halfway through, we met Leinie and Geneva. We stopped to socialize for a bit. Then Coby, CoCo, and JoJo joined the pack. Mala strolled through. There were about six other dogs that I don't remember their names. Everyone was well behaved and went home tired.

Torture and Reward

Woof!

Well, a couple days ago I was put through major torture (for my own good they said) - Ha! I had to go and watch fluff-face get to play for an hour and not move a muscle - Ha!


I only moved when a bunch of them came roaring past the fence - I'm pleading puppy drive. I was told I wasn't being very good in a down-stay, but what's a pup to do - so many playthings...so little time.


At least I got to try some agility stuff later (I luv that tunnel!!).

Then today was the big day, I guess. Well, at least Mom was pretty proud of me today! I passed my CGC test at Badger Kennel Club.

First of all, mom signed up with some lady that gave her a piece of paper on a clip-board. Then, we went to talk to one lady who said “hi” while mom asked me to sit nicely. Then I was brushed. I was not allowed to sniff or lick the person who was brushing me. Then, off to down-stay and sit. After I sat, mom called me… that was easy. I ran to her really fast!!!!

But the hard part was when a nice chocolate lab was brought into the ring along with another person. At first I thought it came to play with me (I looked at it really close, with a lot of pizzazz),,,,but mom said that when we walked up to the lady with the chocolate lab I had to sit and be nice. So I was. The easiest part for me, of course, was when a really nice lady came and took me out of mom’s sight for three minutes. The lady pet me and talked to me. Being a lab, I did not even notice that mom was gone.

Mom was so happy with me that she gave me a big hug. Tonight we went out to dinner to celebrate with some friends.

I wonder if I can take the test again next week?

Slick

Starting Over

After a complete day of rice and hamburger (half a cup every hour) we went for a walk and to the grocery store before Echo had dinner. He had another half a cup of rice and hamburger which he immediately vomited. So we are back to square one.

Tummy Update

Lisa purchased some supplies for Echo: baby food, pedialyte, and pepto-bismol. She attempted some baby food which didn't keep and Echo will not touch the pedialyte. Buddy likes it though.

After I got home, Echo vomited again (5pm). I took him for a walk shortly after because other than his tummy issue he seems in good health and is eager to play/exercise. I also moistened some dog food for use later.

Around 7pm we started feeding him small portions of plain white rice every 45 minutes. Before bed I mixed in a few water logged pieces of dog food to the rice and let him drink the water - our main concern has been dehydration. A Labrador is hungry even with regular feedings, Echo must feel like we lost food bowl.

Everyone slept peacefully through the night. Echo and I stopped at the veterinarian's office this morning to check weight loss. Upon returning home, more rice and the rest of the water logged food. He had only lost a pound, so the road to recovery should be short.

It looks like Echo will be able to celebrate his birthday. He is seven months old. Remember when ...

Playtime

Arf Everyone!

Well what a great day for me yesterday. Mom got me up nice and early for a drive down to Beloit for a chance to practice a quiet neutral dog greeting and a chance to visit with old Occupaws friends! Dad took a few pictures of these precious moments with friends.

Here I am meeting up with my buds - I can't tell you how happy we were to see each other. I was just prancing with glee.

Then once we had a chance to meet and greet it was time for a little quiet R&R. Dad snapped this lovely picture of me catching a catnap amongst my dear pals - they are just so loving!

Then came that moment when I got to meet a special new girl - Sophie. I think you can tell that she was smitten with me and my charm. I just know it was the start of a long romance. Mom even hightailed it out of there to give us some alone time.

Then Marlene prepared a nice haute cuisine meal for us, but while the food was wonderfully prepared, as usual at any fine dining establishment, portions were meager at best. But we were gentlemen and ladies, sharing graciously and quietly enjoyed our meal.

Then it was time for an apre-dinner stroll and imagine my surprise running into Marlene and my sweetheart out on the sidewalk. I think she could tell I was a very good dog...snicker.

Finally, sad as it was, it was time to say farewell and head home alert,

content and well rested.

All for now,

Slick

Sleepless in Oregon

Echo went out for a potty break at 8 o'clock. He never moved from the front step. With parking regulations in effect, there was a truck parked on our side of the street which caused Echo concern and terror. He just kept barking so I had to take him over by it to "make Friends". The beginning of a very long night.

About 9 o'clock Echo seemed to be screaming in pain and the vomiting started up again. This was repeated every hour until 4am, so we spent the next seven hours waking up, if able to fall asleep, and racing to the door. The vet thinks that he has a stomach virus which should go away in a week.

Our poor little boy has been living on yogurt and water the last 24 hours. His last real meal was dinner on Tuesday. If things improve today, he will get some rice and maybe a little hamburger.

Sick Dog

Last night Echo was some exhibiting some mounting behavior toward Buddy which was not appreciated by anyone in the house. Least of all Buddy, since Echo had the ends mixed up too. So the timing appeared good for his neutering today.

This morning, before turning Echo over to the vet tech, I checked his weight which seemed a little low at 58 pounds. This confirmed our observations that he hasn't been gaining weight even with our increased feedings.

About an hour later we received a phone call from the vet informing us that he had vomited five times since I dropped him off. He hadn't had any symptoms prior so we thought it might be stress. Which is understandable given the significance of the operation.

They proceeded to run some blood work which indicated some minor issues. They also administered an anti-vomit drug before sending him home. Nonetheless the surgery has been postponed and Echo remains intact. Apparently the drug has worn off or was ineffective, because Echo has since vomited a few times at home.

Girls Gone Wild!!!

Well almost...

While I was being the bestest dog ever, a plot was unfolding to replace Dale and I with a dog substitute!

I went with Mom, Dad, Fuzzface, Nikki, and Dale to a Girl Scout meeting last night. At first, all was well as they calmly asked questions about guide dogs and how they can help blind people go places and do things. I was pretty happy as I had at least 4 or 5 girls calmly petting me while I rested.

Then crazy Nikki asked if they would like to see a demonstration (big mistake). After Dale walked Nikki through an obstacle course, I figured it would be my turn, but noooo, good ole Dad decided to be a dog instead.

He lead all the blindfolded girl scouts and mom's through the obstacle course - some faster than others.
While they were doing that, the girls got to hold and pet Fuzzbag, Dale and me and they went pretty crazy cheering for the blindfolded ones while they each got to play dog trainer.

I for one, was exhausted by the time we were done but it was fun.

Today we go to Marlene's to "practice" something...whatever-I don't need practice on anything.

Slick