Reilly was disappointed that he didn't get to go help feed sheep this morning, but we also needed to deworm them, and I had one that looks to be developing summer pneumonia, so he had to be checked out and given antibiotics. Corralling the sheep into the catch pen could have gotten little Reilly trampled. So, he was made to stay outside the gate. He pouted for a bit, then went back to the house. He got a bath when we got inside; his first in the tub. It was easier than I thought, and he stood well in such a large space. It was hard bending for me, but I'll try him in my walk-in shower next time, since he stood so well. That way I won't have to lean over a tub, but can stand right next to him. He'll get taller fast.
I posted on a mastiff forum I'm a member of, about the limping, giving them all the details I could think of. The responses all leaned toward what I'm also leaning toward, but I will still get the vet to check and make sure. Panosteitis. I'm hoping that's it. While it could still make him not usable as a service dog if he has issues over a long period of time, it is the least likely of all possibilities to put him out of the job. And it's the most common cause of limping in large and giant breed pups, particularly male pups. That alone puts it higher on the list, but it's no guarantee. I'll cross my fingers now, and still wait until Tuesday.
I'm know I'm wishy-washy between paranoia and optimism. The prednisone emotional roller-coaster strikes again. But I work it out in worry, and let the professionals double-check behind me. The prednisone makes so many things harder, and helps so little. But it could be worse...in fact, it has been. And the dosage is getting reduced right now, so in a couple months I should be off the roller-coaster. And we'll see what's left! I can deal with both Prednisone Pollyanna and Prednisone Worry-wart.
Anna, he's one giant growth spurt. But the sleepiness evidenced yesterday was rather extreme. We'll see how he does today. Lots of things can make you tired. His appetite is still good, which is also important. And he's not on any supplements or high energy/protein/calcium foods.
Speaking of appetite....I think Chris may have solved the poop-eating problem. The carrots aren't fully digesting. There are chunks of carrot in his stools. Too darn attractive. So, he's off his beloved carrots for a few days, while we watch and see if this changes his behavior. If it does, then he'll be off carrots until he can hold it all night. Once he reaches that point, we can give them back, and just pick up the yard after him. But if he's pooping carrot-studded snack-poo during the night when we're asleep, there's nobody to stop him. It's a shame. "Carrot" is the word he knows best! I'll see how he feels about cucumbers in the meantime. I offered him plain rice this morning when the big Boys got their rice and eggs, but he was not interested at all. And he doesn't need the extra protein in the eggs. I need to find something he can have when they get their breakfast. Perhaps just a couple dog biscuits will make him happy.
He's done very well with company today. They are all at the pistol range behind the workshop, and he's sleeping through the shooting. He's been showing off his good company manners while they're here, though. No pottying inside, left Amy's flip-flops alone when told, hasn't been harassing Murph. Hard to tell if he's being good or just tired, but he's been asleep for several hours now. On the other hand, we did take them on a walk-about of the place as Amy wanted to see the sheep, so he made the rounds again as if for feeding but during the hot part of the day. A reason to be more tired today. Did a little limping, but not much. And he doesn't seem to be in the pain he was in yesterday, either. We'll see if that holds all day.
10:00 pm:
After the company left, Reilly turned back into a puppy. Just like kids after the company has gone home. Not dreadful, but funny. He didn't sleep so much today, and had maybe five minutes of acting like something hurt. I'm not the only wishy-washy one around here!
It's been a very long day today, so Reilly and I are headed of to bed. Tomorrow is another day.
Meg and Reilly
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
A morning outside
Poor Reilly has to stay outside all morning. Not completely alone; he has Jake and Murphy with him. None of them are happy about it.
Fireants. In my kitchen. In the dog kibble. I had to eject the dogs to spray, and they have to stay out until everything is clean. A hot morning with good shade from the maple tree right behind the house and lots of water is far better than ant spray. But none of them believe that! I spent the last couple hours moving things, washing them, tracking fire ant trails, getting bitten numerous times, and think I finally have them at bay. Chris is going to go under the house and see if there's a close mound to treat, although we have a super colony here on our little farm, so we can set them back but not kill them off. Inside, I just need to sweep and mop up the poison, but I needed a bit of a sit-down first. It's still not yet 9:30, so The Boys should all be able to come back in by 10:30 at the latest. Not too hot yet.
I was fixing breakfast for The Boys after feeding livestock this morning when my feet got attacked. I thought I had brought some in on my shoes, until I looked down and realized I was standing in a trail of fireants in my own kitchen. Horrors! I fed the guys quickly, then evicted them. Hurt their feelings, I did.
8:20 pm:
The Boys forgave me for evicting them this morning. Dogs are so forgiving.
Today, Reilly has slept. A lot. More than a puppy his age should be sleeping, and more than he normally does. He wakes up now and then, and wakes up to bells, and plays a bit and gets into things a bit....but mostly he's sleeping. More like when he came home at 8 weeks than he was a week ago. Don't know that I'd call it lethargy, as he does get up on his own, he's eating fine, will come running for the promise of carrot, but still....sleeping a lot. He also has acted as if he hurts, starting this afternoon late. Not continuously, but again, intermittently. If he's still acting like he hurts tomorrow I'll be calling the vet again to see what I can give him. He's too young to have to hurt. His life should be happy.I did move one of the big dog beds over near my computer, and he's happily taken it over. I need get another one just for him, but not yet. He's been destroying one of the older ones that lives on the front porch, I discovered. I rarely go on he front porch, as the steps up from the carport are difficult, and the front door is an attack door. But I figured it out today. We'll sort out beds. He's got his smaller bed right now, and it'll work just fine for a while yet.
Tomorrow our daughter comes to visit for the day, and Reilly will get to meet her for the first time. She's coming down from DC, and is on a busy schedule, but we'll get her and her boyfriend for the day, which will be nice. Hope she likes her new little brother! When she met Murphy and Jake, she told us that people who had human children shouldn't have child-surrogate pets. HA! She also complained that when she and her brother were little, they weren't allowed to put their feet on the furniture, and now we had dogs walking on it! As my friend Lisa says, "That's why they call it FURniture." Amy likes dogs, though, and Reilly is irresistible!
Since Reilly has slept most of the day away, there's not much else to report for today. We'll see how the next day goes. One day at a time.
Meg and Reilly
Fireants. In my kitchen. In the dog kibble. I had to eject the dogs to spray, and they have to stay out until everything is clean. A hot morning with good shade from the maple tree right behind the house and lots of water is far better than ant spray. But none of them believe that! I spent the last couple hours moving things, washing them, tracking fire ant trails, getting bitten numerous times, and think I finally have them at bay. Chris is going to go under the house and see if there's a close mound to treat, although we have a super colony here on our little farm, so we can set them back but not kill them off. Inside, I just need to sweep and mop up the poison, but I needed a bit of a sit-down first. It's still not yet 9:30, so The Boys should all be able to come back in by 10:30 at the latest. Not too hot yet.
I was fixing breakfast for The Boys after feeding livestock this morning when my feet got attacked. I thought I had brought some in on my shoes, until I looked down and realized I was standing in a trail of fireants in my own kitchen. Horrors! I fed the guys quickly, then evicted them. Hurt their feelings, I did.
8:20 pm:
The Boys forgave me for evicting them this morning. Dogs are so forgiving.
Today, Reilly has slept. A lot. More than a puppy his age should be sleeping, and more than he normally does. He wakes up now and then, and wakes up to bells, and plays a bit and gets into things a bit....but mostly he's sleeping. More like when he came home at 8 weeks than he was a week ago. Don't know that I'd call it lethargy, as he does get up on his own, he's eating fine, will come running for the promise of carrot, but still....sleeping a lot. He also has acted as if he hurts, starting this afternoon late. Not continuously, but again, intermittently. If he's still acting like he hurts tomorrow I'll be calling the vet again to see what I can give him. He's too young to have to hurt. His life should be happy.I did move one of the big dog beds over near my computer, and he's happily taken it over. I need get another one just for him, but not yet. He's been destroying one of the older ones that lives on the front porch, I discovered. I rarely go on he front porch, as the steps up from the carport are difficult, and the front door is an attack door. But I figured it out today. We'll sort out beds. He's got his smaller bed right now, and it'll work just fine for a while yet.
Tomorrow our daughter comes to visit for the day, and Reilly will get to meet her for the first time. She's coming down from DC, and is on a busy schedule, but we'll get her and her boyfriend for the day, which will be nice. Hope she likes her new little brother! When she met Murphy and Jake, she told us that people who had human children shouldn't have child-surrogate pets. HA! She also complained that when she and her brother were little, they weren't allowed to put their feet on the furniture, and now we had dogs walking on it! As my friend Lisa says, "That's why they call it FURniture." Amy likes dogs, though, and Reilly is irresistible!
Since Reilly has slept most of the day away, there's not much else to report for today. We'll see how the next day goes. One day at a time.
Meg and Reilly
Friday, July 29, 2011
Crickets and bells...and limping, oh My!
I took Reilly out last night just before bedtime, and realized that he's found something new. Crickets. He's the Great Hunter Of Crickets now. Stalking and pouncing like a cat. Over and over and over. There's lots of crickets out there, which surprises me. The half-grown chicks are still running everywhere like a small pack of velociraptors, so I'm surprised there are any crickets on the whole place! But there are, and Reilly thinks they are the most fun thing out there!
I talked him into coming inside, and put him to bed. About fifteen minutes later, the bells on the door in the mudroom where he's currently sleeping started ringing like crazy! I immediately went and let him outside and told him how wonderful he was for ringing the bells (although he was just playing in there...but hopefully he'll figure out cause-and-effect here.) Once outside, he went right back to cricket hunting. I couldn't get him to go potty. Ah, well. He went on the paper several times overnight but still, that's what it's for. Accidents inside during the day are very rare now.
We got up this morning and walked, a short walk just on the path up and down in front of the car. Not even around the ball field...and he started the limping again. He wasn't doing it when we got home. I'll be calling the vet this morning to see what they think about this. I'm hoping it's just growing pains, but if there's something wrong, it could be an instant wash-out on training him for mobility. He has to be sound for it. The odds when training a dog for service are never good; there are so many things that can go wrong. Large things, like the dog not being sound. Things that look like little things, like his vocalizations, which may or may not end up being an issue. Someone letting a door close on a puppy could give him a door-phobia (like Jake has) making it impossible for him to go through a door with a person. Chasing squirrels or cats. Being too protective of his person. Being too food oriented. Fear of loud noises, or cars, or.... or.... or...... So many things. The best you can do is do your homework and give it your best shot. We'll see how it goes. (I'm hoping it's just my natural paranoia speaking here, and he's just got growing pains.)
1:00 pm:
It took me half the day to get through to my vet's office, so I couldn't squeeze in an appointment today. I have a brace fitting on Monday, which can't be changed, so I can't take him then, so our appointment is Tuesday at 3:00. In the meantime, of course I'm looking stuff up. Lots of sites out there with information on limping in giant breed pups, as there are a lot of things that can cause it. Here's a fairly good one: http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/mastiff/mastiffarticle2.htm
Some are less problematic than others. Just about all of them will stop his training....dead in the water. So, while we're waiting to get this evaluated, no more park walks, not even short ones like we've been doing. While some of these conditions can benefit by exercise, most will not, and exercise is more likely to harm than lack of it.
I'm going to try to maintain a hopeful attitude. This is hard. If Reilly has some disease or disorder that keeps him from working, then we're done. It was a huge decision to try this with two adult dogs at home already. The dynamics are different when there are already dogs in the picture. There is no way I could get a fourth, particularly with the third a puppy still. And by the time Reilly is an adult, I will not physically be able to attempt this anyway. So, while I'm trying to remain hopeful, I'm always a pragmatic person who needs to plan ahead for every contingency, which means I still end up dwelling on every possible outcome. Which makes me a worrier.
Best case scenario is it's something transient. Real transient, like a splinter I've missed that just catches wrong sometimes. And of course worse case is something permanent, that causes him pain. There's lots of graduations in between that wouldn't be a big deal for a pet. But they might be here.
So...I will go somewhere else and worry quietly. And not comment on it again until his appointment.
11:15 pm:
Today, Reilly has been a little rascal. He's pooped and peed in the house, even on his bed! (It's because this morning I said he was going in the house only rarely. I jinxed us.) He's snuck off and gotten into things in our room, which he hasn't been going into at all. He's gotten shoes. He's done all the bad puppy things he can think of. And he's been so cute doing them it's hilarious. I caught him in my room with something...and he immediately dropped it and ran to his room. By the time I got there, he was lying on the floor looking angelic.
And, I bought toddler socks to try out on him today. I need bigger socks. But the idea will work as he's growing, as long as I get the type that have a good cuff at the ankle. And no heel to speak of.
See:
And, because I wanted to show you how smartly sneaky he can be, here's Reilly using a shoe as a pillow. Yes, I had piled my book bags in the corner and tossed my shoes over there, too. Bad of me, I know. But there they are.
If he'd stayed like this...no problem. But after a while, he figured that Mom wouldn't notice if he started playing with the shoe instead of sleeping on it.
But I did. This is his "NOT FAIR" pout:
But he left them alone, right where I put them on the bags.
And one more today, because I wanted you to see how big his feet are. You can compare to Murphy, who is, as I said before, between 90-95 pounds:
Murphy's right front foot has a sliver of floor showing between it and Reilly, at least the wide part does, so it's not squished up or covered up on the edge; you can see the width of his foot. Murphy is three and a half years old, so he's not growing any more. Reilly was 12 weeks yesterday (And weighed 30 pounds, by the way. I posted his weight on the page with his health stuff.) and Reilly will do a lot of growing. Those feet are pretty comparable in size now! Reilly has shorter toes right now, but that'll change.
Today I did manage to can a couple gallons of grape juice from our grapes. Perhaps Reilly was feeling neglected today, and decided to do foolish puppy things because of it. Ah well, it's always two steps forward and one step back when you're potty training a puppy. No worries. He'll catch on soon enough.
Someone did ask me today why I don't just crate train him. The answer to that is...I'd rather house train him than crate train him. If he's not smart enough to learn to behave in his own home, then how could he be smart enough to help take care of me in unfamiliar places? And that goes for all the dogs we've ever had. I'm not a fan of crates, although they can be a huge help when used right. Most people don't use them right, though. Dogs end up being locked in crates most of their lives. It's an easy trap to fall into, and I can see why. But it's one I'd rather stay away from. We want our dogs to be family, not cage pets. I do agree that all dogs should be familiar with crates in case they need to travel or be confined at the vet. But crate training isn't for us. I'll just clean up a bit longer, until he's old enough to sort it all out.
Meg and Reilly
I talked him into coming inside, and put him to bed. About fifteen minutes later, the bells on the door in the mudroom where he's currently sleeping started ringing like crazy! I immediately went and let him outside and told him how wonderful he was for ringing the bells (although he was just playing in there...but hopefully he'll figure out cause-and-effect here.) Once outside, he went right back to cricket hunting. I couldn't get him to go potty. Ah, well. He went on the paper several times overnight but still, that's what it's for. Accidents inside during the day are very rare now.
We got up this morning and walked, a short walk just on the path up and down in front of the car. Not even around the ball field...and he started the limping again. He wasn't doing it when we got home. I'll be calling the vet this morning to see what they think about this. I'm hoping it's just growing pains, but if there's something wrong, it could be an instant wash-out on training him for mobility. He has to be sound for it. The odds when training a dog for service are never good; there are so many things that can go wrong. Large things, like the dog not being sound. Things that look like little things, like his vocalizations, which may or may not end up being an issue. Someone letting a door close on a puppy could give him a door-phobia (like Jake has) making it impossible for him to go through a door with a person. Chasing squirrels or cats. Being too protective of his person. Being too food oriented. Fear of loud noises, or cars, or.... or.... or...... So many things. The best you can do is do your homework and give it your best shot. We'll see how it goes. (I'm hoping it's just my natural paranoia speaking here, and he's just got growing pains.)
1:00 pm:
It took me half the day to get through to my vet's office, so I couldn't squeeze in an appointment today. I have a brace fitting on Monday, which can't be changed, so I can't take him then, so our appointment is Tuesday at 3:00. In the meantime, of course I'm looking stuff up. Lots of sites out there with information on limping in giant breed pups, as there are a lot of things that can cause it. Here's a fairly good one: http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/mastiff/mastiffarticle2.htm
Some are less problematic than others. Just about all of them will stop his training....dead in the water. So, while we're waiting to get this evaluated, no more park walks, not even short ones like we've been doing. While some of these conditions can benefit by exercise, most will not, and exercise is more likely to harm than lack of it.
I'm going to try to maintain a hopeful attitude. This is hard. If Reilly has some disease or disorder that keeps him from working, then we're done. It was a huge decision to try this with two adult dogs at home already. The dynamics are different when there are already dogs in the picture. There is no way I could get a fourth, particularly with the third a puppy still. And by the time Reilly is an adult, I will not physically be able to attempt this anyway. So, while I'm trying to remain hopeful, I'm always a pragmatic person who needs to plan ahead for every contingency, which means I still end up dwelling on every possible outcome. Which makes me a worrier.
Best case scenario is it's something transient. Real transient, like a splinter I've missed that just catches wrong sometimes. And of course worse case is something permanent, that causes him pain. There's lots of graduations in between that wouldn't be a big deal for a pet. But they might be here.
So...I will go somewhere else and worry quietly. And not comment on it again until his appointment.
11:15 pm:
Today, Reilly has been a little rascal. He's pooped and peed in the house, even on his bed! (It's because this morning I said he was going in the house only rarely. I jinxed us.) He's snuck off and gotten into things in our room, which he hasn't been going into at all. He's gotten shoes. He's done all the bad puppy things he can think of. And he's been so cute doing them it's hilarious. I caught him in my room with something...and he immediately dropped it and ran to his room. By the time I got there, he was lying on the floor looking angelic.
And, I bought toddler socks to try out on him today. I need bigger socks. But the idea will work as he's growing, as long as I get the type that have a good cuff at the ankle. And no heel to speak of.
See:
And, because I wanted to show you how smartly sneaky he can be, here's Reilly using a shoe as a pillow. Yes, I had piled my book bags in the corner and tossed my shoes over there, too. Bad of me, I know. But there they are.
If he'd stayed like this...no problem. But after a while, he figured that Mom wouldn't notice if he started playing with the shoe instead of sleeping on it.
But I did. This is his "NOT FAIR" pout:
But he left them alone, right where I put them on the bags.
And one more today, because I wanted you to see how big his feet are. You can compare to Murphy, who is, as I said before, between 90-95 pounds:
Today I did manage to can a couple gallons of grape juice from our grapes. Perhaps Reilly was feeling neglected today, and decided to do foolish puppy things because of it. Ah well, it's always two steps forward and one step back when you're potty training a puppy. No worries. He'll catch on soon enough.
Someone did ask me today why I don't just crate train him. The answer to that is...I'd rather house train him than crate train him. If he's not smart enough to learn to behave in his own home, then how could he be smart enough to help take care of me in unfamiliar places? And that goes for all the dogs we've ever had. I'm not a fan of crates, although they can be a huge help when used right. Most people don't use them right, though. Dogs end up being locked in crates most of their lives. It's an easy trap to fall into, and I can see why. But it's one I'd rather stay away from. We want our dogs to be family, not cage pets. I do agree that all dogs should be familiar with crates in case they need to travel or be confined at the vet. But crate training isn't for us. I'll just clean up a bit longer, until he's old enough to sort it all out.
Meg and Reilly
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Service dogs at work
This morning I had an appointment with Disability Support Services (DSS) on our campus. I had really anticipated some resistance to Reilly, which is why I started this so early. I should have known better. I've worked with these people serving disabled students, and they are good advocates for whatever is within the law. It was pointed out to me that not only is Reilly welcome when he's fully trained, but NC law allows him to come as an SDiT (Service Dog in Training), as long as he has manners and is not disruptive.
Our DSS also let me know that if I was unable to clean up after Reilly, that they would designate a potty area for him, out of traffic areas, and then the grounds crew would clean up after him. I will do the clean-up as long as bending is safe for me, but it's nice to know they are willing to go so far!
I was also informed that there will be two other service dogs on campus this fall. One is a guide dog, and I don't know about the second. That's all to the good. More dogs ends up being more acceptance in the long run. Since we're near a military installation, they are also expecting an increase in service animals from that area, including mobility mini-horses. I had actually considered a mini-horse at one point, but figured the dog would be easier. But for a big disabled soldier, a strong mini-horse makes sense. It would be much more useful for bracing a guy who's 200-250 pounds than any dog would be, with a much longer lifespan, to boot. I can't wait until we have some of those on campus!
This afternoon, Reilly and I went to the other pet shop to pick up rats and see the layout. I learned that I should check places out ahead of time if at all possible; at least until he's fully potty trained. Their walking area was too far across a parking lot for a puppy. I parked in the middle instead of by the building, but the hot pavement hurt his feet. He's going to need to learn to wear boots to protect his feet if I have to do much walking on pavements. I'll have to see what I can start him with, as fast as he's growing. Perhaps toddler or children's socks would work to start, just to have something on his feet. Not that they'd give him much protection, but they'd be practice. And shoot, they'd be better than barefoot. You can cook an egg on pavement in 100 degree weather in North Carolina! I bet I could design some custom knitwear for later. Fulled soles dipped in rubber (They make liquid rubber that you can dip things in and it dries quickly into a thin layer.) Tops knitted cotton, to be cooler. A warmer version for winter, as he's short-haired. I can do this. I remember waaaayyy back when I was working as a vet tech, we had a dog come in whose owner had taken him running, during the afternoon, on pavement. The dog had literally run the pads off his feet, and had bloody, raw, painful open places where his pads had been. Over fifty percent of the pads were gone. Took a long time to heal up. Reilly doesn't need this at all.
At any rate, after getting across the parking lot to the shop, we discovered that it was a great store. The best in town for dog supplies, as a matter of fact. Several different varieties of harnesses. If I hadn't purchased one yesterday, I would have tried on several today. As it is, I'll wait until he's ready for the next size, at which time he'll also be better at holding it, and will not have to walk across that parking lot! They also had a large variety of healthy treats, a larger variety of toys, bowls...everything. All the good brands of feed. I like this store. I don't like the location, but it'll be better for us later. And the staff was very helpful and pleasant. And not a single other dog in sight. I'm going to go back without Reilly and really look over those harnesses to see which looks the most comfortable. And find another water bowl for the car. The collapsible one is good, but a no-spill metal one would be even better. And I want to look over the beds they have. He'll need something practical in my office, but not so cushy that going to classrooms and waiting seems like a hardship.
So, today after chores Reilly spent the morning alone. I came home around noon and we had lunch, then went to the pet shop. Since then, Reilly has alternated between sleeping and pestering Murphy, or begging for carrots.
I would like to note that he did some limping today, at the pet shop...on his left foreleg instead of his right. Might have been the hot pavement, although I checked all his pads and there's no visible damage. Damage is not always visible, though. Only lasted a few minutes, then it was done. I'll be making sure he gets a full check his next visit, or before if need be.
I'm planning on walking tomorrow, but I'm going to find a shorter walk, just in case he starts limping again. I don't want to be on the far side of the ball field if he starts that. I think maybe just up and down a fifty yard stretch near the car would work better.
Meg and Reilly
Our DSS also let me know that if I was unable to clean up after Reilly, that they would designate a potty area for him, out of traffic areas, and then the grounds crew would clean up after him. I will do the clean-up as long as bending is safe for me, but it's nice to know they are willing to go so far!
I was also informed that there will be two other service dogs on campus this fall. One is a guide dog, and I don't know about the second. That's all to the good. More dogs ends up being more acceptance in the long run. Since we're near a military installation, they are also expecting an increase in service animals from that area, including mobility mini-horses. I had actually considered a mini-horse at one point, but figured the dog would be easier. But for a big disabled soldier, a strong mini-horse makes sense. It would be much more useful for bracing a guy who's 200-250 pounds than any dog would be, with a much longer lifespan, to boot. I can't wait until we have some of those on campus!
This afternoon, Reilly and I went to the other pet shop to pick up rats and see the layout. I learned that I should check places out ahead of time if at all possible; at least until he's fully potty trained. Their walking area was too far across a parking lot for a puppy. I parked in the middle instead of by the building, but the hot pavement hurt his feet. He's going to need to learn to wear boots to protect his feet if I have to do much walking on pavements. I'll have to see what I can start him with, as fast as he's growing. Perhaps toddler or children's socks would work to start, just to have something on his feet. Not that they'd give him much protection, but they'd be practice. And shoot, they'd be better than barefoot. You can cook an egg on pavement in 100 degree weather in North Carolina! I bet I could design some custom knitwear for later. Fulled soles dipped in rubber (They make liquid rubber that you can dip things in and it dries quickly into a thin layer.) Tops knitted cotton, to be cooler. A warmer version for winter, as he's short-haired. I can do this. I remember waaaayyy back when I was working as a vet tech, we had a dog come in whose owner had taken him running, during the afternoon, on pavement. The dog had literally run the pads off his feet, and had bloody, raw, painful open places where his pads had been. Over fifty percent of the pads were gone. Took a long time to heal up. Reilly doesn't need this at all.
At any rate, after getting across the parking lot to the shop, we discovered that it was a great store. The best in town for dog supplies, as a matter of fact. Several different varieties of harnesses. If I hadn't purchased one yesterday, I would have tried on several today. As it is, I'll wait until he's ready for the next size, at which time he'll also be better at holding it, and will not have to walk across that parking lot! They also had a large variety of healthy treats, a larger variety of toys, bowls...everything. All the good brands of feed. I like this store. I don't like the location, but it'll be better for us later. And the staff was very helpful and pleasant. And not a single other dog in sight. I'm going to go back without Reilly and really look over those harnesses to see which looks the most comfortable. And find another water bowl for the car. The collapsible one is good, but a no-spill metal one would be even better. And I want to look over the beds they have. He'll need something practical in my office, but not so cushy that going to classrooms and waiting seems like a hardship.
So, today after chores Reilly spent the morning alone. I came home around noon and we had lunch, then went to the pet shop. Since then, Reilly has alternated between sleeping and pestering Murphy, or begging for carrots.
I would like to note that he did some limping today, at the pet shop...on his left foreleg instead of his right. Might have been the hot pavement, although I checked all his pads and there's no visible damage. Damage is not always visible, though. Only lasted a few minutes, then it was done. I'll be making sure he gets a full check his next visit, or before if need be.
I'm planning on walking tomorrow, but I'm going to find a shorter walk, just in case he starts limping again. I don't want to be on the far side of the ball field if he starts that. I think maybe just up and down a fifty yard stretch near the car would work better.
Meg and Reilly
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
First store trips today
6:00 pm...
Reilly and I went to Tractor Supply this afternoon. He did better than my highest hopes! He peed before he got in the car. It's about a fifteen minute drive, so I asked him when we got there if he needed to go again, taking him onto the ground cover (no grass), but he didn't. Just to be safe, I kept our first visit short. We went inside, and he did fine with the electronic door. He acted like it was perfectly normal. He stayed with me to the first turn, as we headed back to the animal feeds and supplies. He paused by a rack of potato chips, but came instantly when I told him to. He paused again to smell a shirt, but again came when I told him to. In the doggie isle, he chose a John Deere green rope with two balls on it as his new toy. That one he'll keep in the car, as he needs something permanent in there for entertainment.
We walked back up to the register, and that's the first time Reilly left my side. A man ahead of us called him, and Reilly went happily. He was within loose leash range, so I didn't stop Reilly. Until he's wearing a working dog vest, it'll be awfully hard to say something to people who just want to admire your puppy, especially when said puppy is being so helpful. But we can learn. Once the man left, I told the cashier which feeds I needed, and she called it to the back for me. We stepped aside to wait, and I had Reilly sit. He did, and he stayed there, watching the next few people check out. No trying to go to anyone, no shying away from anything, just lots of interest. The young man bringing my feed brought it on a flatbed cart. This also didn't phase Reilly one bit! Nothing! And it was a rumbly one, too. He had to push it right in front of us for the cashier to ring up the feed and toy, but we paid, then went out so the man could put it in my car for me. I again checked to see if Reilly wanted a potty break, but he said no.
Then we went to the pet shop that carries the harnesses I like. Another ten minutes. Not much grass available, but I found a bit, and this time he went. We walked in through a manual door, and Reilly did fine with it, too. Neither of the doors phased him, and they were both glass with reflections, come to think of it. The smells in this place were more interesting, but Reilly walked with me to the back and we got a new harness and a new collar while we were at it. He's got about two more inches in his old collar, but might as well get one while I'm there. And I got some Flush Puppies dog poo bags...biodegradable! Yay! They aren't plastic, and can go in the trash or get flushed! That'll make me feel better.
He was a little more distracted by smells in here, and people too. He managed to lick one lady on her ankle before I could stop him. Thank goodness she didn't mind. I took him to the toy isle again, but he wasn't interested. He was interested in the treats and rawhides, but I wasn't getting those today. I need him to not pay attention to edibles in stores. However, when we checked out the cashier asked if he could have a treat. I asked if had chicken in it, and she said no, and showed me that they're homemade. They make them with oatmeal, apples and cinnamon with no meats. This time, I let him have one, since it wasn't something he was sniffing at. He ate it like a gentleman, and we left.
Tomorrow, I have to go to my meeting, but in the afternoon I think we're going to the other small pet shop to buy rats for Chris' snakes. That'll give us another outing and another place to test manners. And more new smells. In the car. Could be interesting. Wish me luck and good mojo on my meeting!
Shoveling Ferret...I don't know if I can hold one long enough to do the job. My parents have one; I'll try it out next visit and see if I can hold on to it. Good idea, thanks!
This evening Chris boosted Reilly up onto my lap, and he just snuggled for a long time. He's overflowing said lap, but didn't seem to mind. Just snuggled down and licked on my face and ears. I wish I could get on the floor with him. Won't be long before he'll be able to come get in bed with me though. :)
We need to get a king-sized bed. The queen we have now doesn't fit two adult humans and two adult dogs. Where are we going to put three doggies? And another sofa. The love seat holds two dogs or a dog and a person, but not three of anything. Time to move the rocking chairs out to make room.....
Reilly had a good day today. He showed he wasn't scared of new things like electronic doors and flatbed carts that rumble, that he wouldn't get into things in the stores, and that he was exceptionally well-behaved in public for a baby. A good day.
Meg and Reilly
Reilly and I went to Tractor Supply this afternoon. He did better than my highest hopes! He peed before he got in the car. It's about a fifteen minute drive, so I asked him when we got there if he needed to go again, taking him onto the ground cover (no grass), but he didn't. Just to be safe, I kept our first visit short. We went inside, and he did fine with the electronic door. He acted like it was perfectly normal. He stayed with me to the first turn, as we headed back to the animal feeds and supplies. He paused by a rack of potato chips, but came instantly when I told him to. He paused again to smell a shirt, but again came when I told him to. In the doggie isle, he chose a John Deere green rope with two balls on it as his new toy. That one he'll keep in the car, as he needs something permanent in there for entertainment.
We walked back up to the register, and that's the first time Reilly left my side. A man ahead of us called him, and Reilly went happily. He was within loose leash range, so I didn't stop Reilly. Until he's wearing a working dog vest, it'll be awfully hard to say something to people who just want to admire your puppy, especially when said puppy is being so helpful. But we can learn. Once the man left, I told the cashier which feeds I needed, and she called it to the back for me. We stepped aside to wait, and I had Reilly sit. He did, and he stayed there, watching the next few people check out. No trying to go to anyone, no shying away from anything, just lots of interest. The young man bringing my feed brought it on a flatbed cart. This also didn't phase Reilly one bit! Nothing! And it was a rumbly one, too. He had to push it right in front of us for the cashier to ring up the feed and toy, but we paid, then went out so the man could put it in my car for me. I again checked to see if Reilly wanted a potty break, but he said no.
Then we went to the pet shop that carries the harnesses I like. Another ten minutes. Not much grass available, but I found a bit, and this time he went. We walked in through a manual door, and Reilly did fine with it, too. Neither of the doors phased him, and they were both glass with reflections, come to think of it. The smells in this place were more interesting, but Reilly walked with me to the back and we got a new harness and a new collar while we were at it. He's got about two more inches in his old collar, but might as well get one while I'm there. And I got some Flush Puppies dog poo bags...biodegradable! Yay! They aren't plastic, and can go in the trash or get flushed! That'll make me feel better.
He was a little more distracted by smells in here, and people too. He managed to lick one lady on her ankle before I could stop him. Thank goodness she didn't mind. I took him to the toy isle again, but he wasn't interested. He was interested in the treats and rawhides, but I wasn't getting those today. I need him to not pay attention to edibles in stores. However, when we checked out the cashier asked if he could have a treat. I asked if had chicken in it, and she said no, and showed me that they're homemade. They make them with oatmeal, apples and cinnamon with no meats. This time, I let him have one, since it wasn't something he was sniffing at. He ate it like a gentleman, and we left.
Tomorrow, I have to go to my meeting, but in the afternoon I think we're going to the other small pet shop to buy rats for Chris' snakes. That'll give us another outing and another place to test manners. And more new smells. In the car. Could be interesting. Wish me luck and good mojo on my meeting!
Shoveling Ferret...I don't know if I can hold one long enough to do the job. My parents have one; I'll try it out next visit and see if I can hold on to it. Good idea, thanks!
This evening Chris boosted Reilly up onto my lap, and he just snuggled for a long time. He's overflowing said lap, but didn't seem to mind. Just snuggled down and licked on my face and ears. I wish I could get on the floor with him. Won't be long before he'll be able to come get in bed with me though. :)
We need to get a king-sized bed. The queen we have now doesn't fit two adult humans and two adult dogs. Where are we going to put three doggies? And another sofa. The love seat holds two dogs or a dog and a person, but not three of anything. Time to move the rocking chairs out to make room.....
Reilly had a good day today. He showed he wasn't scared of new things like electronic doors and flatbed carts that rumble, that he wouldn't get into things in the stores, and that he was exceptionally well-behaved in public for a baby. A good day.
Meg and Reilly
To limp, or not to limp, that is the question.
When we went for our walk on Monday, Reilly appeared to favor his right front foot for the last hundred yards. I checked his foot and found a bit of a red spot between his toes. I figured he'd stepped on something, or even had an insect bite bothering him. He didn't limp afterwards and I forgot it. Didn't even mention it on here, it was so thoroughly forgotten by the time I wrote. Today on our walk, he started intermittantly favoring that same foot. Not consistantly. And once we got home, he quit entirely. At this point, I'm wondering if it's not the harness putting pressure somewhere, although it's still loose enough. I switched his leash to his collar to get back to the car, in case. He doesn't show any signs of pain or irritation, or anything. Dang it. I know pups have growing pains like kids do, but I'll have him checked out anyway. Probably not until his next puppy visit, unless it becomes more frequent or more...anything. At this point it's very slight. Chris didn't notice until it was pointed out to him.
Oh, and Chris decided to go this morning, so I made him take a picture for this blog. Remember that it's 5:30 am. I'm not getting dressed up for a walk in the park at 5:30 am. It's cut-offs and a T-shirt for me. I'm wanting Reilly to learn to walk predominantly on my left side, which is where I use my cane. To walk him on the left, however, I have to put my cane on the right. The cane is for balance, so I can use it on either side, but it feels weird. You can just see the tip of it on the other side of me. With Reilly closer to the camera, he looks huge! But look how nicely he walks along. The leash is loose.
When we got home, we fed the livestock, then came in to fix breakfast for all the Boys. Here's another picture of Patience. You can see how much Reilly has grown! Remember that Murphy weighs between 90-95 pounds.
And despite the fact that Jake avoids Reilly in the house, I have discovered him playing with Reilly outside. I haven't been able to get a photo, because when I open the door, he stops. I tried taking one through the door, but my camera focuses on the glass, or on the screen if I leave the solid door open until they start back up. Jake is just running around him, with Reilly excitedly trying to catch him. A small game of "keep away", but they both seem to enjoy it. Both tails are going like crazy.
Just this for now,
Meg and Reilly
Oh, and Chris decided to go this morning, so I made him take a picture for this blog. Remember that it's 5:30 am. I'm not getting dressed up for a walk in the park at 5:30 am. It's cut-offs and a T-shirt for me. I'm wanting Reilly to learn to walk predominantly on my left side, which is where I use my cane. To walk him on the left, however, I have to put my cane on the right. The cane is for balance, so I can use it on either side, but it feels weird. You can just see the tip of it on the other side of me. With Reilly closer to the camera, he looks huge! But look how nicely he walks along. The leash is loose.
When we got home, we fed the livestock, then came in to fix breakfast for all the Boys. Here's another picture of Patience. You can see how much Reilly has grown! Remember that Murphy weighs between 90-95 pounds.
And despite the fact that Jake avoids Reilly in the house, I have discovered him playing with Reilly outside. I haven't been able to get a photo, because when I open the door, he stops. I tried taking one through the door, but my camera focuses on the glass, or on the screen if I leave the solid door open until they start back up. Jake is just running around him, with Reilly excitedly trying to catch him. A small game of "keep away", but they both seem to enjoy it. Both tails are going like crazy.
Just this for now,
Meg and Reilly
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
First and last
First time Reilly wanted on the sofa was today. He's watched the big dogs get up there, but he hasn't shown an interest. I haven't encouraged him, as it's a puppy-tooth-free safe-haven for Murphy and Jake. Particularly Jake. But I was sitting there, and he wanted to join me, so I boosted him up. He loved it. First, he tried to do the big dog thing, and use the arm of the sofa as a pillow:
He just couldn't get comfortable like that, though. His neck was all stretched out. So he decided to curl up like a puppy. I gave him a friend.
He got up again later, on request and with help. Woe unto Jake! He'd best go get in bed!
As far as "last" things, I think today is his last bath in the sink. He's grown a lot since his first one!
He stands so nicely for his bath. And his toothbrush. That's the red thing on the counter. Nobody wants stinky mastiff breath rolling in from the next table over in the restaurant! He got his nails trimmed today too. I don't have the hand strength to squeeze the clippers anymore, so I asked hubby to do it. He's not used to doing such things. He ended up quicking one hind toenail, which made Reilly yip, and made Chris feel bad. It wasn't by much and the bleeding stopped quickly, but it'll be a bit sore for a day or two. It didn't upset him though. After the initial yip, he was past it and made no objection to the rest of his nails being clipped.
The temps today were only in the high 80's! Murphy and Jake wanted to spend more time outside, and Reilly wanted to go too. I watched him through the window, as he went further from the house than he's gone by himself before. Maybe thirty feet! Getting braver all the time.
Today we did have one pee and one poop accident in the house, both in his room. Not bad at all for his age. Not bad at all. He'll be house trained in no time!
He's been acting his age today. He's been harassing Murphy and attempting total destruction on unsuspecting stuffed animals, on which he pounces in a very catlike manner with both front feet. Then he grabs them and shakes them, growling fiercely. In between those, he's been begging. For carrots. Vocally. He will whine and even bark for carrots, but not to go outside. Go figure. "MOM! You know they're in that big box! Get one for me while you're in there!" "WAIT! You forgot the carrot!" He's so funny with them. I don't care what kind of treat the Boys are getting, or what they have for breakfast. Give Reilly a carrot and he is thrilled to death.
I have mostly remembered today to make him sit and wait for permission to exit an open door. I forgot once or twice, but mostly we're doing it. It confused him to start, but by days end he's in less of a hurry to get through the door.
Tomorrow Reilly and I will go for our walk in the park without Chris. That'll give us more time to work on walking beside me on the same side instead of switching. Our current plan is to walk every other day, so as not to strain little puppy legs. Chris will join us on days he can. His work schedule varies. Once classes start back, we'll see what schedule works best. Although my earliest class is only 9:00 am, I'll have long days to be there. I'm only teaching three days a week, with several sections a day, plus office hours and prep. It's a lot of time on my feet for lectures and labs, although I have a break between classes, which is where I put my office hours. So I do alternate standing and sitting. (No, I will not teach sitting down. Boring.) Starting off getting tired may not work well. And I still have livestock to feed. I think I'll end up walking on non-teaching days. That'll be Wednesday, Friday and the weekend. We can either walk W/F/Sunday, or walk all four of them, as Reilly gets older and stronger.
Reilly is spending more and more time awake, and more and more time wanting attention, which is good and as it should be. He is quite vocal still, and demonstrates it more and more. This will be our biggest hurdle to overcome. (So far, anyway.) He can't be so vocal out in public. If he doesn't outgrow it, we'll have to cue it and not give the cues in public.
Tomorrow we'll be going to pick up that next size harness he needs. And maybe to Tractor Supply for some rabbit food. I want him to have his third set of shots before he goes into PetsMart. It's always full of dogs and unvaccinated puppies. The store that carries the harnesses I like is pet friendly, but I've only seen one dog in there, so we're less likely to run into one, especially during the day. And Tractor Supply is dog-friendly, but you rarely see one in there, either. We can buy a new toy there. I'll let him pick it out.
Another positive day. Life is good.
Meg and Reilly
As far as "last" things, I think today is his last bath in the sink. He's grown a lot since his first one!
The temps today were only in the high 80's! Murphy and Jake wanted to spend more time outside, and Reilly wanted to go too. I watched him through the window, as he went further from the house than he's gone by himself before. Maybe thirty feet! Getting braver all the time.
Today we did have one pee and one poop accident in the house, both in his room. Not bad at all for his age. Not bad at all. He'll be house trained in no time!
He's been acting his age today. He's been harassing Murphy and attempting total destruction on unsuspecting stuffed animals, on which he pounces in a very catlike manner with both front feet. Then he grabs them and shakes them, growling fiercely. In between those, he's been begging. For carrots. Vocally. He will whine and even bark for carrots, but not to go outside. Go figure. "MOM! You know they're in that big box! Get one for me while you're in there!" "WAIT! You forgot the carrot!" He's so funny with them. I don't care what kind of treat the Boys are getting, or what they have for breakfast. Give Reilly a carrot and he is thrilled to death.
I have mostly remembered today to make him sit and wait for permission to exit an open door. I forgot once or twice, but mostly we're doing it. It confused him to start, but by days end he's in less of a hurry to get through the door.
Tomorrow Reilly and I will go for our walk in the park without Chris. That'll give us more time to work on walking beside me on the same side instead of switching. Our current plan is to walk every other day, so as not to strain little puppy legs. Chris will join us on days he can. His work schedule varies. Once classes start back, we'll see what schedule works best. Although my earliest class is only 9:00 am, I'll have long days to be there. I'm only teaching three days a week, with several sections a day, plus office hours and prep. It's a lot of time on my feet for lectures and labs, although I have a break between classes, which is where I put my office hours. So I do alternate standing and sitting. (No, I will not teach sitting down. Boring.) Starting off getting tired may not work well. And I still have livestock to feed. I think I'll end up walking on non-teaching days. That'll be Wednesday, Friday and the weekend. We can either walk W/F/Sunday, or walk all four of them, as Reilly gets older and stronger.
Reilly is spending more and more time awake, and more and more time wanting attention, which is good and as it should be. He is quite vocal still, and demonstrates it more and more. This will be our biggest hurdle to overcome. (So far, anyway.) He can't be so vocal out in public. If he doesn't outgrow it, we'll have to cue it and not give the cues in public.
Tomorrow we'll be going to pick up that next size harness he needs. And maybe to Tractor Supply for some rabbit food. I want him to have his third set of shots before he goes into PetsMart. It's always full of dogs and unvaccinated puppies. The store that carries the harnesses I like is pet friendly, but I've only seen one dog in there, so we're less likely to run into one, especially during the day. And Tractor Supply is dog-friendly, but you rarely see one in there, either. We can buy a new toy there. I'll let him pick it out.
Another positive day. Life is good.
Meg and Reilly
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