Sunday, January 29, 2012

Increasing readership, compliments and a sick dog

I am seeing an uptick in readership and followers of this ever evolving, twisty tale that is my blog. I am grateful for that and the compliments I have received. I probably would have continued either way, but perhaps without as much quantity or motivation. I always wanted to write a book-I have the complete outline of a western set just after the Civil War. I just can't seem to sit down and finish it. So thanks everyone!
Now to the hound. I was very hesitant to adopt another 4 legged perennial two year old. I had invested so much emotion in companion animals, that I thought I had no more to give. My last dog lived thirteen plus years and suffered from hip displacia. She was much loved and Cosequin eased her pain enough that she lived a full life. She was always obedient and loyal. I miss her terribly and have kept her ashes. One day I saw an ad from a local rescue agency and the hound looked like Missy. Our first meeting did not go well, Kenai as he was called, acted very aloof around me. However Missy bonded right away and we ended up with a neutered Husky mix. That small to medium dog has grown into a 70 plus pound bundle of energy and love. Over time he has bonded just about equally with both of us, but he is my dog. I will probably not have another dog (at least that's the plan) but I will definitely not have a male. I have always had females and they have mostly been easily broke and trained. This male is very willful and is determined to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it. However, he has many other behavioral attributes that have endeared him to me. Recently Kenai has begun to suffer from seizures and we have started down the path towards either treating them or ending his suffering. It is a process similar to treating for allergies in that it evolves over a period of time. First we had to get him off of any medications to see if that was the cause. Next will be a battery of blood tests. All the while the poor dog continues to suffer from these seizures while we monitor their frequency and duration. For me it is an extremely difficult thing to witness. I have always had an affinity for animals which has had its good and bad points. I find the killing or abuse of animals in any form difficult to accept. I realize the necessity of slaughter to survive, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. My father was an avid outdoors-man and this behaviour drove him crazy. What can I say, I'm a pushover for animals. Anyway, we continue to care for Kenai and hope time, patience and a good vet can make his life tolerable. I cannot contemplate the alternative right now. I'll keep you posted.

1 comment:

  1. How is Kenai? have they given him seizure medication yet?
    hope he feels better !

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