OH arrived home and Rodders was busy chewing a cardboard tube on the door mat. OH stood outside and watched him for a moment before opening the door. Rodders leapt up, barked once and then started squeaking with delight. He was desperate to be picked up for a snuggle.
Once Rodders had calmed down a little we all headed upstairs so that OH and I could get changed in to our scruffs - so much easier when there is a chance of playing on the floor with a puppy or being leapt on with wet paws! Rodders had one attempt at raiding the laundry but one word from Oh and he stopped straight away.
I left OH and Rodders upstairs and came down to carry on with dinner. They soon joined me and were happy playing until it was time to eat.
Rodders always seems to ask to go out in to the garden while I am eating and so I am getting quite used to leaping up and down mid meal! OH thinks maybe we should swap sides so that he can take his turn.
After we had eaten Rodders was given his dinner by OH as I was clearing up and he sat and waited nicely while the bowls were put down. He was given the very last of a tin of id diet made up to 80g with kibble. It would appear that he was hungry as it disappeared fairly quickly. I have kept back 2 tins of id diet in case we have any similar problems in the future. Rodders seems to drink more when he is eating kibble which makes me happier, I know the id diet is wet food but I can't see how he can get all his water intake from that, I do like to see the levels on his water bowls decreasing! It is good to see that he is now drinking from the bowl in his crate.
Once he had finished eating he came through for a snuggle on the sofa with OH. OH was lying full length on the sofa and Rodders started off on his chest but soon went exploring. When I looked up he was standing on OH's feet peering over at me on the other sofa. He really is quite funny and very cute!
Once he asked to go down he was happy to snooze on his bed pad or, when he got too warm, on a snuggle fleece. He is still barking quite a lot but OH seems to be able to get him to quieten down easier than I can. Although he doesn't speak Rodders very well and can't tell when the bark means something like I have my toy stuck under a chair or somewhere inaccessible or if it means he wants to go out in the garden. So even when he is here it is still me that is leaping up and down!
At bedtime Rodders was happy to walk out in to the garden as long as I went with him but he took an age before he decided to piddle. As soon as that was done he wanted straight back in the house but had to be lifted in to his crate once I had locked up and switched the lights out. I gave him a few bits of kibble as a treat.
At just after 4am he started to bark the house down and OH shot out of bed (this makes up for not speaking Rodders!) and came downstairs to him. After a quick fuss it was obvious that Rodders was desperate to go out in the garden and he went straight out and pooped. Once back inside he wanted to play but OH wasn't having any of it. He enticed him back in to the crate with some kibble and said goodnight. Rodders wasn't happy and sat with his back to him and his tail out in the hope that the crate wouldn't shut, it did! Rodders gave a few whingy squeaks when OH came back to bed but soon settled back down.
When OH's alarm went off he switched it off and fell back to sleep so there was a bit if a panic when he did wake up. He went straight in the shower and had been in there for a few minutes before Rodders started to bark. I got up and came down to sort him out.
I gave Rodders a bit of a fuss and then he wanted out in to the garden for a piddle. He rushed back in when he heard OH come down and wanted a fuss. I got them both breakfast and made us a cuppa - Rodders doesn't get one of these! Rodders was slightly confused as there was only one bowl with something in it, I should have lifted the other one, silly me.
When OH was leaving for work Rodders went out with him but wouldn't come back when I called him so I had to go out and lift him up. As soon as OH was out of the gate I put him back down and he was happy to follow me inside.
I went up and got washed and dressed ready for a walk around the Rugby field. Rodders was very excited to be going out and it took a couple of attempts to make him sit and wait at the door. He also tried to pull on the lead to start with but we soon sorted that and by the time we got to the road he was happy to sit and wait before we crossed.
As we got to the field he sat and waited for me to swap leads and then he was off sniffing and running about. He stopped to poop and then waited while I cleaned up and we made our way up towards the bin to dispose of it. We finished our run around the field, swapped leads and headed home.
Once home I washed my hands and then made myself a sandwich to take to work, I only got crisps and chocolate yesterday and was so hungry by dinner time so I can't do that again. Rodders ate a bit more of his breakfast, but not all of it, and we had a snuggle on the sofa before I had to take off my jeans and jumper and throw on my dress and boots for work.
We had a quick snuggle on the sofa and checked how OH's journey was going before it was time to put Rodders in his crate, with some kibble, ad head to work. For the first time on my nice short commute I had to deal with queuing traffic! Still did the journey in 5 minutes though.
I popped home at lunchtime and once Rodders had calmed down a bit I gave him his lunch and then we went out in to the garden so I could poop scoop. Rodders came in with me while I went to the bin at the front door and then wanted to go back out. He came running in when the front door went. It was an asian gentleman trying to sell cavity wall insulation and Rodders didn't seem to like him and kept growling. I got rid of him fairly quickly and Rodders went back out for a piddle. Just as I put him back in the crate, with the dental kong full of kibble, the front door went again and it was Bob next door with a parcel for me. I took it off him as I went out the door.
After work the weather was horrid, howling gale and rain, and the traffic awful so it took me almost 15 minutes to get home. Rodders did go out for a piddle when I first got in but hasn't really gone out since. He has stuck his head out three times and I threw him out the fourth time he asked but he just stood on the patio getting blown about for a few minutes and then asked to come back in. He is going to have to go out before bedtime whether he likes it or not.
I cooked and ate my dinner, cleared up and sorted out Rodders supper which he got when he barked for it. He must have been hungry as this is the first meal he has finished all day.
Sue, the dog walker, came round tonight to meet Rodders, pick up a key and drop off the final paperwork for me to complete. She seems very nice and was well prepared for a shy puppy as she came armed with sausage. She will collect Rodders twice a week and he will probably be out of the house for a couple of hours, 1 hour will be spent collecting and dropping off other dogs and he will get a 1 hour walk. She usually has 4-6 dogs with her each time. She knows that he isn't allowed off lead yet and will wait for me to let her know when it is OK. We can drop a day any time we like by texting her the night before and, in an emergency, she can usually fit him in for an extra walk if needed. She doesn't approve of choke chains though so I may need to buy him another collar. She is also happy to out him back in his crate with a kong if I leave it out. We also talked about holiday cover as she does home from home boarding and she has provisionally booked Rodders in for July when OH and I are going to Gibraltar for a friends wedding.
Showing posts with label bed pad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bed pad. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
A quiet evening before going back to work
After a long walk and playing with Emily Rodders was exhausted and very happy to snooze on the bed pad.
He did come in to the kitchen with me for a little while when I cooked dinner but didn't hang about for long, the bed pad looked far more inviting than the cold kitchen floor!
Once I had eaten Rodders decided it was time for his supper and he could hardly wait as I weighed it out and filled his bowls. He was very good and sat and waited for me to put them down on the floor before tucking in.
He didn't even want to go out in the garden after supper and had to be woken up at bed time and taken out for a piddle. Once back inside he sat at the back door watching me as I locked up and switched out the lights. When I asked him to get in his bed he walked past me to try to get to his bed pad. I grabbed him and gave him a fuss before putting him in his crate for the night. He didn't make a sound as I went upstairs to bed.
Rodders didn't make any noise at all until I was in the bathroom this morning. As I came down stairs the barks turned to squeaks and he was happy to come out of his crate for a fuss before asking to go in the garden for a piddle. It really is evil put with a howling gale and driving rain so it looks as though we won't be going for a walk this morning.
When he came back in he wanted his breakfast and was dancing around the kitchen as I weighed it out and filled his bowls. He did sit and wait as I put them down and then ate it slowly.
He came up on the sofa for a little while before following me upstairs while I had a shower. He ran straight in to the bedroom to steal a sock and once that had been taken off him he played quite happily on the landing. When we came back downstairs he went out in to the garden to poop and was then playing with his toys until it was time to dry my hair and get dressed.
He sits really nicely on the bed while I dry my hair and potter about getting my clothes ready, even if he does sneakily steal my socks and then sit there as though butter wouldn't melt!
OH called as we came back downstairs and while we were talking Rodders wanted out in to the garden to play with the stones on the patio. Luckily as it was time to go to work OH got cut off and Rodders asked to come in!
Rodders knows the second I lock the patio door that someone is going out and he can tell if it includes him by the coat I put on. When he saw that it was not the dog walking coat he huffed a bit and then wandered off and wouldn't come near me. I got his new dental kong and got him interested in that so that I could catch hold of him and pop him in his crate with it. He is a good boy and once he is on there he just curls up and doesn't make a sound.
He did come in to the kitchen with me for a little while when I cooked dinner but didn't hang about for long, the bed pad looked far more inviting than the cold kitchen floor!
Once I had eaten Rodders decided it was time for his supper and he could hardly wait as I weighed it out and filled his bowls. He was very good and sat and waited for me to put them down on the floor before tucking in.
He didn't even want to go out in the garden after supper and had to be woken up at bed time and taken out for a piddle. Once back inside he sat at the back door watching me as I locked up and switched out the lights. When I asked him to get in his bed he walked past me to try to get to his bed pad. I grabbed him and gave him a fuss before putting him in his crate for the night. He didn't make a sound as I went upstairs to bed.
Rodders didn't make any noise at all until I was in the bathroom this morning. As I came down stairs the barks turned to squeaks and he was happy to come out of his crate for a fuss before asking to go in the garden for a piddle. It really is evil put with a howling gale and driving rain so it looks as though we won't be going for a walk this morning.
When he came back in he wanted his breakfast and was dancing around the kitchen as I weighed it out and filled his bowls. He did sit and wait as I put them down and then ate it slowly.
He came up on the sofa for a little while before following me upstairs while I had a shower. He ran straight in to the bedroom to steal a sock and once that had been taken off him he played quite happily on the landing. When we came back downstairs he went out in to the garden to poop and was then playing with his toys until it was time to dry my hair and get dressed.
He sits really nicely on the bed while I dry my hair and potter about getting my clothes ready, even if he does sneakily steal my socks and then sit there as though butter wouldn't melt!
OH called as we came back downstairs and while we were talking Rodders wanted out in to the garden to play with the stones on the patio. Luckily as it was time to go to work OH got cut off and Rodders asked to come in!
Rodders knows the second I lock the patio door that someone is going out and he can tell if it includes him by the coat I put on. When he saw that it was not the dog walking coat he huffed a bit and then wandered off and wouldn't come near me. I got his new dental kong and got him interested in that so that I could catch hold of him and pop him in his crate with it. He is a good boy and once he is on there he just curls up and doesn't make a sound.
Monday, 2 January 2012
Shopping and a new friend
When we get back from a walk Rodders always seems to be energised and runs about playing for a while.
He did eventually settle down and had a rest on his bed pad for a little while before asking to go out in the garden. Once he came back in I put on my coat and told him that I needed to go out shopping and he needed to stay here and go in his bed. He wasn't happy and when I put his front feet in to the crate he tried to escape. I grabbed him and put all of him in the crate and he curled up as I locked it and said goodbye.
When I got back from Tesco he was obviously asleep as he didn't make a sound until I was in the kitchen and, when I let him out of the crate, his tummy was all warm and toasty.
After I had given him a fuss I started to put away the shopping and he was chasing about after me. He did try to stick his nose in the shopping bags but stopped when he was told no.
I hadn't been back very long when Kev called in with his daughter Emily who is home from Uni. It didn't take her and Rodders long to make friends and they sat on the floor playing with his toys for ages while Kev and I had a New year drink.
Emily is happy to walk Rodders if I need her to when she is home from Uni, wish I had known she was home for this week before I booked the dog walker!
He did eventually settle down and had a rest on his bed pad for a little while before asking to go out in the garden. Once he came back in I put on my coat and told him that I needed to go out shopping and he needed to stay here and go in his bed. He wasn't happy and when I put his front feet in to the crate he tried to escape. I grabbed him and put all of him in the crate and he curled up as I locked it and said goodbye.
When I got back from Tesco he was obviously asleep as he didn't make a sound until I was in the kitchen and, when I let him out of the crate, his tummy was all warm and toasty.
After I had given him a fuss I started to put away the shopping and he was chasing about after me. He did try to stick his nose in the shopping bags but stopped when he was told no.
I hadn't been back very long when Kev called in with his daughter Emily who is home from Uni. It didn't take her and Rodders long to make friends and they sat on the floor playing with his toys for ages while Kev and I had a New year drink.
Emily is happy to walk Rodders if I need her to when she is home from Uni, wish I had known she was home for this week before I booked the dog walker!
He seems fine
Rodders came back in and carried on playing before asking to come up on the sofa with me. He didn't settle for long as the washing machine disturbed him and he started barking. He wanted to go outside but I made him come and see that it was just the washing machine.
He then went off to play again and was running up and down with his duck, managing to make it quack. He has been in and out of the garden too but had to be called back in once when he wouldn't stop barking.
It has taken until 9am for him to really settle down for a rest and he is now on his bed pad at my feet. I think I may need a nap later too!
He then went off to play again and was running up and down with his duck, managing to make it quack. He has been in and out of the garden too but had to be called back in once when he wouldn't stop barking.
It has taken until 9am for him to really settle down for a rest and he is now on his bed pad at my feet. I think I may need a nap later too!
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Our first New Years Eve together
I checked to see how Rodders poo is today (lovely topic I know!) and it is firming up so his tummy seems to be getting used to the kibble again. Rodders missed his supper again today as he slept through so I am going to increase him to 3 x 80g tomorrow and go for 50/50 id diet/kibble for a day or so and see how that goes.
When he was awake this evening he was happy playing. At one point he was lying on the floor and moving his bed pad with his paws, it was really funny.
During the evening there were fireworks going off intermittently and he was barking at them. I think we need to remember to use the Clix noise CD more this time next year as he was far better with them around bonfire night.
By the time we got to midnight the amount and volume of the fireworks had increased and he just stood and barked. It didn't matter if he was inside or outside, on the floor or up on the sofa with me, he just barked and barked. It was almost 1am before he settled down again.
Rodders and I had a very quiet New Year together and made sure that we were in contact with the important people in our life. This is just how I wanted it, I always get a bit emotional at this time of the year, thinking of all the people no longer physically here with us and shed a tear for them. It seems sad that we are passing another milestone without them with us.
When he was awake this evening he was happy playing. At one point he was lying on the floor and moving his bed pad with his paws, it was really funny.
During the evening there were fireworks going off intermittently and he was barking at them. I think we need to remember to use the Clix noise CD more this time next year as he was far better with them around bonfire night.
By the time we got to midnight the amount and volume of the fireworks had increased and he just stood and barked. It didn't matter if he was inside or outside, on the floor or up on the sofa with me, he just barked and barked. It was almost 1am before he settled down again.
Rodders and I had a very quiet New Year together and made sure that we were in contact with the important people in our life. This is just how I wanted it, I always get a bit emotional at this time of the year, thinking of all the people no longer physically here with us and shed a tear for them. It seems sad that we are passing another milestone without them with us.
Welcome to 2012 everyone! I hope it brings us all health, wealth and happiness in many ways.
Friday, 30 December 2011
Late evening/early morning
Rodders didn't settle until very late last night, he was running about playing and up to mischief until 10.30pm when he flopped on his bed pad. I had to wake him to go out in to the garden for a piddle at 11.45pm and he didn't really want to go in to his crate. When he does this I lift his front paws in and then he usually walks the rest of the way in by himself and curls up. With his new black bed cover and a black fleece in there it is sometimes difficult to see him in there!
He started to grizzle just after 5.15am and I left him to see if he would settle. By 5.30am he was barking quite loudly so I got up and came down. He wanted a quick fuss but he was desperate to get out in to the garden for a piddle and a poo. When he came back in he was starving so I gave him his breakfast (50g id diet, 25g kibble) which he wolfed down. The two bowl trick is working, what I clever OH to come up with that!
Rodders also drank out of his new travel bowl which is great, he had been giving it a wide birth. Just need him to start drinking out of the water bowl in his crate and I will be very happy! I hate the fact that he had no water in his crate but there was no room for it with the new bed pad and, when he did have one, he spent more time upending it than drinking from it. We have bought him a small bowl that hangs from the side of the crate, it only holds about a mug full but is better than nothing. If he gets on OK with it I can try to find a bigger one.
After breakfast he was happy to play for an hour (oh whoopee!) before asking to come up on the sofa. He took a while to settle but once he did he slept for over 2 hours. Not sure he would have woken then but he heard me upstairs getting washed and dressed and came to investigate and run off with my slippers. He doesn't seem to run too far, he can normally be found on the landing with them.
He has been back out in to the garden and was barking at Bob next door. Once Bob stopped to talk to him he stopped barking, this is huge progress! Rodders is now lying on a snuggle fleece chewing his dental kong, once his tummy is all better and he is back on treats this should keep him quiet for ages as we can put liver treats in it and squidge toothpaste down the outside.
I made contact with a local dog walking service today to see if they can fit Rodders in for a couple of walks a week. They are going to give me a call back later to talk in more details but it looks good so far. They also provide home from home boarding so, if Rodders gets on OK with her, this could be an option for when OH and I go away in July.
He started to grizzle just after 5.15am and I left him to see if he would settle. By 5.30am he was barking quite loudly so I got up and came down. He wanted a quick fuss but he was desperate to get out in to the garden for a piddle and a poo. When he came back in he was starving so I gave him his breakfast (50g id diet, 25g kibble) which he wolfed down. The two bowl trick is working, what I clever OH to come up with that!
Rodders also drank out of his new travel bowl which is great, he had been giving it a wide birth. Just need him to start drinking out of the water bowl in his crate and I will be very happy! I hate the fact that he had no water in his crate but there was no room for it with the new bed pad and, when he did have one, he spent more time upending it than drinking from it. We have bought him a small bowl that hangs from the side of the crate, it only holds about a mug full but is better than nothing. If he gets on OK with it I can try to find a bigger one.
After breakfast he was happy to play for an hour (oh whoopee!) before asking to come up on the sofa. He took a while to settle but once he did he slept for over 2 hours. Not sure he would have woken then but he heard me upstairs getting washed and dressed and came to investigate and run off with my slippers. He doesn't seem to run too far, he can normally be found on the landing with them.
He has been back out in to the garden and was barking at Bob next door. Once Bob stopped to talk to him he stopped barking, this is huge progress! Rodders is now lying on a snuggle fleece chewing his dental kong, once his tummy is all better and he is back on treats this should keep him quiet for ages as we can put liver treats in it and squidge toothpaste down the outside.
I made contact with a local dog walking service today to see if they can fit Rodders in for a couple of walks a week. They are going to give me a call back later to talk in more details but it looks good so far. They also provide home from home boarding so, if Rodders gets on OK with her, this could be an option for when OH and I go away in July.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Hmmm, wish I knew what was going on
Rodders wasn't sick again and he spent most of the afternoon and early evening playing both inside and out and really was quite lively, but he is barking a lot. I talked to OH about him and he wonders if giving him two bowls, one with kibble and one with the id diet will make a difference. I shall try this tomorrow rather than risk him being sick in the night. I did spot a mark on his fleece in his bed and wonder if he was sick in there in the night but ate it, would dogs do that? Anyway it had been washed and is hanging on the radiator to dry.
He barked for his tea and his supper and I just gave him the id diet, without any kibble. He wolfed it down as normal.
From about 8.30pm he slept on his bed pad until midnight when I woke him up to go out in the garden for a piddle.
I heard him give one bark about 3am and then he started barking for a piddle about 6.50am so I got up and came downstairs to let him out. He was very pleased to see me and wanted a fuss before being let in to the garden. The wind has got up overnight and it is blowing a gale out there and feels pretty cold.
When he came back in he was happy to come up on the sofa beside me but he wouldn't settle. His tummy seems very noisy again which isn't good. After about half an hour he wanted his breakfast so I weighed out 55g of id diet and 20g of kibble and put them in separate bowls. He wolfed down the id diet and had a little kibble before asking to go in the garden. When he came back in he ate the rest of the kibble.
He has been back in to the garden twice more and is now playing with his toys.
He barked for his tea and his supper and I just gave him the id diet, without any kibble. He wolfed it down as normal.
From about 8.30pm he slept on his bed pad until midnight when I woke him up to go out in the garden for a piddle.
I heard him give one bark about 3am and then he started barking for a piddle about 6.50am so I got up and came downstairs to let him out. He was very pleased to see me and wanted a fuss before being let in to the garden. The wind has got up overnight and it is blowing a gale out there and feels pretty cold.
When he came back in he was happy to come up on the sofa beside me but he wouldn't settle. His tummy seems very noisy again which isn't good. After about half an hour he wanted his breakfast so I weighed out 55g of id diet and 20g of kibble and put them in separate bowls. He wolfed down the id diet and had a little kibble before asking to go in the garden. When he came back in he ate the rest of the kibble.
He has been back in to the garden twice more and is now playing with his toys.
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
A quiet evening, other than the barking
Rodders and I stayed home this evening.
He pottered about while I cooked myself a nice dinner and while I ate it he was being very quiet so I got up to see why. He was very happily shredding a tissue on the kitchen floor.
After dinner he was happy to come and lie down on his bed pad until it was time for his supper. He has been so hungry today that he wolfed down his tea an hour early and then supper had to be early too. Luckily he was happy to settle down for the evening after a trip to the garden and didn't want anything else to eat. He did bark intermittently through the evening though.
At 11.30pm I woke him up to go out for a piddle and then had to encourage him in to his crate for the night. Tomorrow he is allowed some kibble mixed in to his dinner, I wonder how that will go.
He pottered about while I cooked myself a nice dinner and while I ate it he was being very quiet so I got up to see why. He was very happily shredding a tissue on the kitchen floor.
After dinner he was happy to come and lie down on his bed pad until it was time for his supper. He has been so hungry today that he wolfed down his tea an hour early and then supper had to be early too. Luckily he was happy to settle down for the evening after a trip to the garden and didn't want anything else to eat. He did bark intermittently through the evening though.
At 11.30pm I woke him up to go out for a piddle and then had to encourage him in to his crate for the night. Tomorrow he is allowed some kibble mixed in to his dinner, I wonder how that will go.
Friday, 23 December 2011
It's all go
We got back from the vets and I started to get everything ready to go away later in the day.
At 9.30am I popped Rodders back in to the car to nip to Puppy School to see Sam to explain that we can't do today's class as Rodders is poorly and, now I am working, we can't do the Friday class anymore so we will be back to the Saturday class in January. I also wanted to get Rodders a new choke chain. Sam checked and the only choke chain they had was a bit big for Rodders but we heeled around the room to make sure that he couldn't escape from it when it went slack. We had a chat about how he was doing and she can see how much more confident he is.
Back home I swapped jackets and put Rodders in his crate so that I could nip to Tesco as I needed some final bits to make dip - I would be sent home if I turned up at Christmas without it!
Rodders was a bit fed up of all the time I was spending in the kitchen making dip and he took himself off to his bed for a while. He was happier when I had finished and he came upstairs with me while I finished packing my bag. I started to bring down the bags of Christmas presents while he sat on the landing chewing my slipper.
He then wanted to go in the garden which meant that I could pack most of the car without worrying about him. Once he came in I took him for a quick walk around the neighbourhood while I delivered the last of the Christmas cards and then put him back in the lounge while I finished loading the car.
We managed to leave home just before 2pm and stopped at the pet shop at St Albans for some bits I had forgotten and then headed up the A1 towards Oakham. The weather was getting awful, what started as a cold morning had gone through drizzle and was now chucking it down with rain. At one point we were down to 50mph as the spray was so bad. Then we found out that there was a problem on the A1 and we may need to divert off. Then the traffic news said the road was open and then, when we were almost beyond the point of no return, they changed their mind. Grrrr.
We found our way off the A1 and on to the A47 and got stuck behind someone that thought it was good to drive at between 35-45mph. By the time we got to Uppingham there was quite a daisy chain of frustrated drivers behind him. Luckily for me he turned left as I turned right. Three hours after setting off we eventually got to my big sisters!
While in the car I managed to talk to both my sisters and OH. Rodders wasn't bothered by that or the fact that he had been in the car for ages and he didn't make a sound all the way.
After we had said hello to my brother in law and Ailie I took Rodders in to the garden for a piddle while they emptied my car. Ailie had great fun putting all the presents under the tree and Rodders hasn't really paid them any attention at all. My sister was away having her hair done and got back about half an hour later.
I gave Rodders his tea about 5.30pm and then took him up the road for a walk and let him have a runabout on his extendable lead. He kept getting bits of tree stuck in his legs and when this happens he just sits down until I remove it, bit difficult in the dark but we managed!
About 7.30pm my other two nieces arrived with a husband and a boyfriend. It was good to see them all together, I can't remember when that last happened. It was quite noisy and Rodders took a moment before he decided that he was happy with all these people around and then threw himself in to things and was getting lots of fuss. I made sure that everyone is aware that they cannot feed him anything because of his poorly tummy.
I tried to keep Rodders out of the kitchen while dinner preparation were afoot as he was trying to scavenge. We all sat down for dinner and Rodders was (mostly) on his snuggle fleece beside me. He did escape under the table a couple of times, I hope he didn't find anything to eat.
Once dinner was over I gave him his supper. He seems much happier of 75g and is taking a little longer to eat it.
There are so many people moving about that he found it hard to settle and probably didn't fall asleep on his bed pad until gone 10.30pm this evening. I will take him out in to the garden before bed, just not sure when that will be!
At 9.30am I popped Rodders back in to the car to nip to Puppy School to see Sam to explain that we can't do today's class as Rodders is poorly and, now I am working, we can't do the Friday class anymore so we will be back to the Saturday class in January. I also wanted to get Rodders a new choke chain. Sam checked and the only choke chain they had was a bit big for Rodders but we heeled around the room to make sure that he couldn't escape from it when it went slack. We had a chat about how he was doing and she can see how much more confident he is.
Back home I swapped jackets and put Rodders in his crate so that I could nip to Tesco as I needed some final bits to make dip - I would be sent home if I turned up at Christmas without it!
Rodders was a bit fed up of all the time I was spending in the kitchen making dip and he took himself off to his bed for a while. He was happier when I had finished and he came upstairs with me while I finished packing my bag. I started to bring down the bags of Christmas presents while he sat on the landing chewing my slipper.
He then wanted to go in the garden which meant that I could pack most of the car without worrying about him. Once he came in I took him for a quick walk around the neighbourhood while I delivered the last of the Christmas cards and then put him back in the lounge while I finished loading the car.
We managed to leave home just before 2pm and stopped at the pet shop at St Albans for some bits I had forgotten and then headed up the A1 towards Oakham. The weather was getting awful, what started as a cold morning had gone through drizzle and was now chucking it down with rain. At one point we were down to 50mph as the spray was so bad. Then we found out that there was a problem on the A1 and we may need to divert off. Then the traffic news said the road was open and then, when we were almost beyond the point of no return, they changed their mind. Grrrr.
We found our way off the A1 and on to the A47 and got stuck behind someone that thought it was good to drive at between 35-45mph. By the time we got to Uppingham there was quite a daisy chain of frustrated drivers behind him. Luckily for me he turned left as I turned right. Three hours after setting off we eventually got to my big sisters!
While in the car I managed to talk to both my sisters and OH. Rodders wasn't bothered by that or the fact that he had been in the car for ages and he didn't make a sound all the way.
After we had said hello to my brother in law and Ailie I took Rodders in to the garden for a piddle while they emptied my car. Ailie had great fun putting all the presents under the tree and Rodders hasn't really paid them any attention at all. My sister was away having her hair done and got back about half an hour later.
I gave Rodders his tea about 5.30pm and then took him up the road for a walk and let him have a runabout on his extendable lead. He kept getting bits of tree stuck in his legs and when this happens he just sits down until I remove it, bit difficult in the dark but we managed!
About 7.30pm my other two nieces arrived with a husband and a boyfriend. It was good to see them all together, I can't remember when that last happened. It was quite noisy and Rodders took a moment before he decided that he was happy with all these people around and then threw himself in to things and was getting lots of fuss. I made sure that everyone is aware that they cannot feed him anything because of his poorly tummy.
I tried to keep Rodders out of the kitchen while dinner preparation were afoot as he was trying to scavenge. We all sat down for dinner and Rodders was (mostly) on his snuggle fleece beside me. He did escape under the table a couple of times, I hope he didn't find anything to eat.
Once dinner was over I gave him his supper. He seems much happier of 75g and is taking a little longer to eat it.
There are so many people moving about that he found it hard to settle and probably didn't fall asleep on his bed pad until gone 10.30pm this evening. I will take him out in to the garden before bed, just not sure when that will be!
A Christmas Evening with OH
On the way home from work I stopped at the little Tesco so that I could make OH one of his favourite dinners so I was a little later home than normal. OH rang as I pulled up outside the house so we had a very quick chat before I came in to see how my beautiful boy was.
Rodders was very pleased to see me, and barking as I came in the door, but desperate to go out for a piddle. He then came back in for a fuss, a play and his tea.
OH called again, he is having a great journey home so far so I started chopping things for dinner. Usually when I am chopping Rodders gets a carrot top or something but as he is on his special diet I couldn't do this. He just sat beside me barking and no amount of being told no was cutting it.
He was so busy barking he didn't even hear OH arriving home until he was actually in the back door! They had a snuggle and then went upstairs for OH to get changed. Good job as I had just had a calgon tablet crumble all over the kitchen floor and I needed to clear up before Rodders was allowed back in there!
When they came down they both went straight out in to the garden and I couldn't see what they were doing but they were up to something!
Once they were back in today's dinner of Fajita's was out on the table, OH already knew what he was getting as I had forgotten the wraps and had to send him to Tesco for them on his way home so the surprise was spoilt.
Once we had dinner we swapped Christmas cards. I got a special one from Rodders to a No1 Mum, signed with a muddy paw print, and a lovely one from OH. He always finds cards with lovely words and always manages to bring a tear to my eye, this year was no exception.
As we don't spend Christmas together we always swap presents before Christmas and tonight was the night. I was a very spoilt girl as I got Red Hunter Wellies, a grooming table for Rodders and I to use and a cool pad for my bed. Rodders also bought me a yummy box of chocolates :-) All things that I need and I am one happy girl, well maybe chocolates aren't needed but they were very much appreciated! Rodders wasn't left out and he opened a new fleece and some special dog bubbles which he and OH played with straight away, Rodders seemed to like them! He also has some more presents to open on Christmas day.
Once all the presents had been unwrapped OH set up the grooming table in the passage for me while I sorted out the wrapping paper and cleared up the rubbish.
Rodders then got put up on the grooming table so that could comb him through before giving him his first bath at home as we want him clean and lovely for Santa. I also trimmed his bottom to make him a bit more hygienic. It is important that he has all tangles removed before he is wet as this makes them impossible to remove.
OH and I took him up to the bathroom and I made sure that we had everything we needed to hand before getting the temperature right on the shower head. OH tried to take off Rodders choke chain but it would appear it is now too small to come over his head so we had a bit of a panic, worst case scenario we would have to ask the vets to cut it off in the morning.
We put Rodders in the bath and I soaked all his body before shampooing him and rinsing him off. I then moved on to his head and he really didn't like this bit and was trying to escape from the bath. OH was doing a sterling job of keeping him in there and calm. He also managed to get the choke chain off, yippee!
Once all the soap was out OH picked Rodders up in a towel and brought him downstairs to dry him off a bit whilst playing. I followed them down with the hair drier and Rodders got put back on the grooming table to get him dry and make sure he looks smart. He wasn't so sure about this bit and OH had to keep hold of him while I dried. We then swapped over and OH was using the slicker to fluff up Rodders legs as we dried. He really does dry quite quickly. The last bit was to try and cut the hair between his pads. I managed to get his front feet done but he was a bit fed up by the time I got to his back feet so we gave up for the night, it is not worth upsetting him if we don't have to and they can wait for another day.
We found Rodders puppy collar and OH extended it so I can use that until I get to training school to buy a bigger chile chain.
After a busy evening it was time to sit down, relax and watch a bit of TV before bed. Rodders came up on the sofa with me until I got too warm and moved him to the bed pad.
Rodders was very pleased to see me, and barking as I came in the door, but desperate to go out for a piddle. He then came back in for a fuss, a play and his tea.
OH called again, he is having a great journey home so far so I started chopping things for dinner. Usually when I am chopping Rodders gets a carrot top or something but as he is on his special diet I couldn't do this. He just sat beside me barking and no amount of being told no was cutting it.
He was so busy barking he didn't even hear OH arriving home until he was actually in the back door! They had a snuggle and then went upstairs for OH to get changed. Good job as I had just had a calgon tablet crumble all over the kitchen floor and I needed to clear up before Rodders was allowed back in there!
When they came down they both went straight out in to the garden and I couldn't see what they were doing but they were up to something!
Once they were back in today's dinner of Fajita's was out on the table, OH already knew what he was getting as I had forgotten the wraps and had to send him to Tesco for them on his way home so the surprise was spoilt.
Once we had dinner we swapped Christmas cards. I got a special one from Rodders to a No1 Mum, signed with a muddy paw print, and a lovely one from OH. He always finds cards with lovely words and always manages to bring a tear to my eye, this year was no exception.
As we don't spend Christmas together we always swap presents before Christmas and tonight was the night. I was a very spoilt girl as I got Red Hunter Wellies, a grooming table for Rodders and I to use and a cool pad for my bed. Rodders also bought me a yummy box of chocolates :-) All things that I need and I am one happy girl, well maybe chocolates aren't needed but they were very much appreciated! Rodders wasn't left out and he opened a new fleece and some special dog bubbles which he and OH played with straight away, Rodders seemed to like them! He also has some more presents to open on Christmas day.
Once all the presents had been unwrapped OH set up the grooming table in the passage for me while I sorted out the wrapping paper and cleared up the rubbish.
Rodders then got put up on the grooming table so that could comb him through before giving him his first bath at home as we want him clean and lovely for Santa. I also trimmed his bottom to make him a bit more hygienic. It is important that he has all tangles removed before he is wet as this makes them impossible to remove.
OH and I took him up to the bathroom and I made sure that we had everything we needed to hand before getting the temperature right on the shower head. OH tried to take off Rodders choke chain but it would appear it is now too small to come over his head so we had a bit of a panic, worst case scenario we would have to ask the vets to cut it off in the morning.
We put Rodders in the bath and I soaked all his body before shampooing him and rinsing him off. I then moved on to his head and he really didn't like this bit and was trying to escape from the bath. OH was doing a sterling job of keeping him in there and calm. He also managed to get the choke chain off, yippee!
Once all the soap was out OH picked Rodders up in a towel and brought him downstairs to dry him off a bit whilst playing. I followed them down with the hair drier and Rodders got put back on the grooming table to get him dry and make sure he looks smart. He wasn't so sure about this bit and OH had to keep hold of him while I dried. We then swapped over and OH was using the slicker to fluff up Rodders legs as we dried. He really does dry quite quickly. The last bit was to try and cut the hair between his pads. I managed to get his front feet done but he was a bit fed up by the time I got to his back feet so we gave up for the night, it is not worth upsetting him if we don't have to and they can wait for another day.
We found Rodders puppy collar and OH extended it so I can use that until I get to training school to buy a bigger chile chain.
After a busy evening it was time to sit down, relax and watch a bit of TV before bed. Rodders came up on the sofa with me until I got too warm and moved him to the bed pad.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Sorry for being missing in action
Yesterday was quite a day and it started early.
OH got up with Rodders and woke me almost straight away to say that he had been sick in his bed. I came down as he was trying to clear it up but it was obvious that the bed pad was going to have to go in the washing machine as it was covered in undigested rice, he had also wet it. Rodders seemed OK, if a little sorry for himself, he still wanted to play and spend time in the garden. I took him for a quick walk up the rugby field and he was happy enough running about.
He was also hungry so, rather than chicken and rice which he A) didn't seem to be enjoying or B) fully digesting I gave him the smallest handful of kibble I could. He wolfed it down. He also wanted a carrot top while I was peeling vegetables ready to go in the slow cooker later.
When OH went off to work he wanted to go out to the gate as usual and came back when I called him.
I spoke to OH in the car after I had got ready for work and he reassured me that Rodders would be fine. I was concerned about him not having any water so while I was chatting I was googling for a water bowl that we can fit to the crate. I found one on Amazon and ordered it straight away, it should be here in a couple of days.
I was worried about leaving him to go to work but he seemed happy enough to go in to his crate with the other bed pad and some treats. I couldn't wait to get home at lunchtime and he was quiet when I walked in the door until he spotted me when he started squeaking. He had been sick again and had tried not to do it on his bed so it was mainly on the floor outside the crate. I took him in to the garden for a piddle and so I could check his poo from this morning - loose but not too runny. When we came back in I cleaned up the sick and turned the bed pad over as the first one wasn't yet dry and rang OH to let him know. He suggested I called the vets for advice.
I chatted to the vets and they brought his check up forward from tomorrow to tonight which would mean leaving work earlier, not the best thing during my first week but it can't be helped. The vet also suggested that I gave him a very small meal as they don't recommend starving puppies, and to make sure he still had water available.
I came off the phone and made him up a small amount of chicken and rice. The little monkey ate the chicken and left most of the rice. I managed to squeeze his water bowl in to the crate and Rodders drank from it straight away. He still wanted to play and have a fuss.
I also managed to put tonights dinner in the slow cooker but had to forego lunch as I just didn't have time, good job I had a bag of crisps earlier!
I had to leave him and go back to work and, the little star that he is, he went back in to his crate without any problems.
After finishing work at 4.30 I came straight home to find that he had been a little sick again and had managed to get most of it outside his crate. After clearing up and letting him in to the garden for a piddle I threw the bed pad in the washing machine and we went off to the vets. Luckily the bed pad washed earlier was dry so could go in to the car crate.
Rodders was his usual self in the vets and wanted to talk to everyone that was there. When I made him sit and wait he just barked his please let me play bark! After about 5 minutes we got called in to see the vet and he was very thorough and asked lots of questions as he was examining Rodders. He also weighed him and he is now 4.9k, so he has put on weight in the last week. He told me that his tummy was very noisy, so obviously upset about something. Again Rodders had to have the anti sickness injection and we have come away with more in tablet form for the next 4 days, more antibiotics and some special dog food. He isn't allowed anything else, no treats, no carrots, just this and water and he needs to be checked over again on Friday, earlier if I am worried. I am also to wait at least an hour before giving him anything to make sure the anti sickness injection works. We sat in the waiting room while they got the medicine and food ready and then paid the bill. Rodders was playing with one of the members of staff that he knows from puppy party, trying to attack her feet under the desk!
I rang OH, who was on his way home, as soon as we got out the vets to let him know how we got on. We are both so worried about the little fella.
Once home we put the 2nd bed pad on the bathroom radiator to dry and sat and had a snuggle until OH was home. After giving Rodders a fuss we needed to go shopping so that OH could get Rodders some Christmas presents. We had a great time in Pets at Home, Rodders loves it in there and OH hasn't brought him any presents before so he went a little nuts! This really is one spoilt puppy!
We also stopped at the little Tesco to grab some bits for dinner. I left Rodders and OH in the car and came out to find them in the Car Park. OH needed to use the hole in the wall so we walked him around a little before putting him back in the crate.
As Rodders has been poorly on both bed pads he was allowed his new bed early. OH took the labels off and put it in the crate. It is a very posh bed pad with a fleece topper that attaches with press studs and OH also bought a spare topper. It is exactly the right size for the crate and Rodders seems to like it.
I gave Rodders his antibiotic and measured out the special food. he is to have 50 grammes, 4 times a day. It looks such a little amount in his bowl. He was obviously hungry as it disappeared in seconds.
Oh went upstairs to do his Christmas wrapping as I finished off dinner. Rodders was running between us and seemed to be helping OH with his wrapping from the comments I could hear! I shouted for him to come down as I put dinner on the table. Rodders pottered about as we ate. Once we were finished OH went back up to finish wrapping and I cleared the table.
When we were all done OH played with Rodders for a while before I gave him his 2nd feed and then we settled down to watch some TV before bed.
Rodders had been in and out the garden all evening and went out again with me before bed. It was hard putting him in his crate without any treats but he didn't complain. He is such a good puppy.
OH got up with Rodders and woke me almost straight away to say that he had been sick in his bed. I came down as he was trying to clear it up but it was obvious that the bed pad was going to have to go in the washing machine as it was covered in undigested rice, he had also wet it. Rodders seemed OK, if a little sorry for himself, he still wanted to play and spend time in the garden. I took him for a quick walk up the rugby field and he was happy enough running about.
He was also hungry so, rather than chicken and rice which he A) didn't seem to be enjoying or B) fully digesting I gave him the smallest handful of kibble I could. He wolfed it down. He also wanted a carrot top while I was peeling vegetables ready to go in the slow cooker later.
When OH went off to work he wanted to go out to the gate as usual and came back when I called him.
I spoke to OH in the car after I had got ready for work and he reassured me that Rodders would be fine. I was concerned about him not having any water so while I was chatting I was googling for a water bowl that we can fit to the crate. I found one on Amazon and ordered it straight away, it should be here in a couple of days.
I was worried about leaving him to go to work but he seemed happy enough to go in to his crate with the other bed pad and some treats. I couldn't wait to get home at lunchtime and he was quiet when I walked in the door until he spotted me when he started squeaking. He had been sick again and had tried not to do it on his bed so it was mainly on the floor outside the crate. I took him in to the garden for a piddle and so I could check his poo from this morning - loose but not too runny. When we came back in I cleaned up the sick and turned the bed pad over as the first one wasn't yet dry and rang OH to let him know. He suggested I called the vets for advice.
I chatted to the vets and they brought his check up forward from tomorrow to tonight which would mean leaving work earlier, not the best thing during my first week but it can't be helped. The vet also suggested that I gave him a very small meal as they don't recommend starving puppies, and to make sure he still had water available.
I came off the phone and made him up a small amount of chicken and rice. The little monkey ate the chicken and left most of the rice. I managed to squeeze his water bowl in to the crate and Rodders drank from it straight away. He still wanted to play and have a fuss.
I also managed to put tonights dinner in the slow cooker but had to forego lunch as I just didn't have time, good job I had a bag of crisps earlier!
I had to leave him and go back to work and, the little star that he is, he went back in to his crate without any problems.
After finishing work at 4.30 I came straight home to find that he had been a little sick again and had managed to get most of it outside his crate. After clearing up and letting him in to the garden for a piddle I threw the bed pad in the washing machine and we went off to the vets. Luckily the bed pad washed earlier was dry so could go in to the car crate.
Rodders was his usual self in the vets and wanted to talk to everyone that was there. When I made him sit and wait he just barked his please let me play bark! After about 5 minutes we got called in to see the vet and he was very thorough and asked lots of questions as he was examining Rodders. He also weighed him and he is now 4.9k, so he has put on weight in the last week. He told me that his tummy was very noisy, so obviously upset about something. Again Rodders had to have the anti sickness injection and we have come away with more in tablet form for the next 4 days, more antibiotics and some special dog food. He isn't allowed anything else, no treats, no carrots, just this and water and he needs to be checked over again on Friday, earlier if I am worried. I am also to wait at least an hour before giving him anything to make sure the anti sickness injection works. We sat in the waiting room while they got the medicine and food ready and then paid the bill. Rodders was playing with one of the members of staff that he knows from puppy party, trying to attack her feet under the desk!
I rang OH, who was on his way home, as soon as we got out the vets to let him know how we got on. We are both so worried about the little fella.
Once home we put the 2nd bed pad on the bathroom radiator to dry and sat and had a snuggle until OH was home. After giving Rodders a fuss we needed to go shopping so that OH could get Rodders some Christmas presents. We had a great time in Pets at Home, Rodders loves it in there and OH hasn't brought him any presents before so he went a little nuts! This really is one spoilt puppy!
We also stopped at the little Tesco to grab some bits for dinner. I left Rodders and OH in the car and came out to find them in the Car Park. OH needed to use the hole in the wall so we walked him around a little before putting him back in the crate.
As Rodders has been poorly on both bed pads he was allowed his new bed early. OH took the labels off and put it in the crate. It is a very posh bed pad with a fleece topper that attaches with press studs and OH also bought a spare topper. It is exactly the right size for the crate and Rodders seems to like it.
I gave Rodders his antibiotic and measured out the special food. he is to have 50 grammes, 4 times a day. It looks such a little amount in his bowl. He was obviously hungry as it disappeared in seconds.
Oh went upstairs to do his Christmas wrapping as I finished off dinner. Rodders was running between us and seemed to be helping OH with his wrapping from the comments I could hear! I shouted for him to come down as I put dinner on the table. Rodders pottered about as we ate. Once we were finished OH went back up to finish wrapping and I cleared the table.
When we were all done OH played with Rodders for a while before I gave him his 2nd feed and then we settled down to watch some TV before bed.
Rodders had been in and out the garden all evening and went out again with me before bed. It was hard putting him in his crate without any treats but he didn't complain. He is such a good puppy.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Sunday night/Monday morning
Rodders played throughout most of the evening which is unusual but did settle on his bed pad eventually. At one point he asked to go out in to the garden three times in less than half an hour!
At bed time he didn't want to go out and tried to go straight in to his bed so I carried him out and put him on the grass. After a stretch he did go and have a piddle before almost running back in to go to his bed and wait for his treats while I locked up and switched out lights.
There wasn't a peep out of him until 5am this morning when he could hear the ADT van. It is a really frosty morning and it would seem that the guy had just left it running to defrost and Rodders wasn't happy with that so was barking. He was still a tired puppy and he didn't want to go in the garden so he and I settled on the sofa for another hour.
He heard another vehicle running and started to bark again but I was able to quieten him down by saying shh.
Once I got off the sofa he was happy to potter about playing and he asked to go in to the garden at about 6.15. I made a cuppa and sorted out his breakfast while he was outside.
The plan for this morning is to have my cuppa, throw on my dog walking gear and take him up the rugby field before coming home for a shower. This is going to be my first morning at work, wonder how Rodders will react!
At bed time he didn't want to go out and tried to go straight in to his bed so I carried him out and put him on the grass. After a stretch he did go and have a piddle before almost running back in to go to his bed and wait for his treats while I locked up and switched out lights.
There wasn't a peep out of him until 5am this morning when he could hear the ADT van. It is a really frosty morning and it would seem that the guy had just left it running to defrost and Rodders wasn't happy with that so was barking. He was still a tired puppy and he didn't want to go in the garden so he and I settled on the sofa for another hour.
He heard another vehicle running and started to bark again but I was able to quieten him down by saying shh.
Once I got off the sofa he was happy to potter about playing and he asked to go in to the garden at about 6.15. I made a cuppa and sorted out his breakfast while he was outside.
The plan for this morning is to have my cuppa, throw on my dog walking gear and take him up the rugby field before coming home for a shower. This is going to be my first morning at work, wonder how Rodders will react!
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Another good night! But he has found the Christmas Tree
At 11.30pm it was time for bed. When I told Rodders he got up from the bed pad by the sofa and moved in to his crate. No way was he going to go out in to the garden. I locked up, switched out the lights, gave him his treats and said goodnight.
Not a peep out of him, even when I needed to use the bathroom at 2am but I did try to be very quiet. I woke up at 6.45am and came downstairs. Rodders was very pleased to see me and was happy to come out of his crate for a fuss and soon wanted out in to the garden for a piddle and a poop.
Once back in he wanted to come up on the sofa with me and slept for another two hours. When he woke up he wanted to play with his toys and then I spotted that he has managed to get a decoration off the tree. It got taken away from him with a firm no and out back. He tried to get it again and was told no.
I let him play while I got his breakfast and next few meals ready and he came in to the kitchen with me after a little while to see what I was doing, chopping up chicken. He was squeaking so I threw some kibble down for him, just a small handful. I put his breakfast down and he has eaten a little chicken and rice.
We then got the comb out and groomed him. He hasn't been done for a few days and is a little knotty so we didn't do all of him in one go, we will go back to it later. He got a treat for being a good boy and has now gone back to playing. He was spotted trying to get at the Christmas Tree but came away when asked.
Not a peep out of him, even when I needed to use the bathroom at 2am but I did try to be very quiet. I woke up at 6.45am and came downstairs. Rodders was very pleased to see me and was happy to come out of his crate for a fuss and soon wanted out in to the garden for a piddle and a poop.
Once back in he wanted to come up on the sofa with me and slept for another two hours. When he woke up he wanted to play with his toys and then I spotted that he has managed to get a decoration off the tree. It got taken away from him with a firm no and out back. He tried to get it again and was told no.
I let him play while I got his breakfast and next few meals ready and he came in to the kitchen with me after a little while to see what I was doing, chopping up chicken. He was squeaking so I threw some kibble down for him, just a small handful. I put his breakfast down and he has eaten a little chicken and rice.
We then got the comb out and groomed him. He hasn't been done for a few days and is a little knotty so we didn't do all of him in one go, we will go back to it later. He got a treat for being a good boy and has now gone back to playing. He was spotted trying to get at the Christmas Tree but came away when asked.
A good evening
Rodders was happy to play as I wrapped more christmas presents and he was in and out the garden for a while. He has eaten two full bowls of chicken and rice over the day and has hand a couple of handfuls of kibble but he doesn't seem to be drinking much.
I have taken chicken out the freezer to defrost and more rice has been cooked, brown rice this time so I hope he likes it.
Rodders has shown a bit more interest in the Christmas Tree but is coming away when asked.
Late in the evening, when I was still wrapping he was asleep on the bed pad by the sofa and then moved to his crate. About 10pm he asked to go out in the garden for a piddle.
The good news is that I only have a few more presents to wrap tomorrow and then we are done Do need to write the last of the Christmas cards though. About 10.30 I stopped for the night and he came out of his crate on to the bed pad by the sofa until bedtime.
I have taken chicken out the freezer to defrost and more rice has been cooked, brown rice this time so I hope he likes it.
Rodders has shown a bit more interest in the Christmas Tree but is coming away when asked.
Late in the evening, when I was still wrapping he was asleep on the bed pad by the sofa and then moved to his crate. About 10pm he asked to go out in the garden for a piddle.
The good news is that I only have a few more presents to wrap tomorrow and then we are done Do need to write the last of the Christmas cards though. About 10.30 I stopped for the night and he came out of his crate on to the bed pad by the sofa until bedtime.
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Wow, what a good night and morning.
Rodders was fast asleep in his crate at midnight when I decided it was time to go to bed so I had to wake him up to go out for a piddle. He went all stiff legged on me and so I carried him out in to the garden and put him on the grass. He sat there for a second, had a stretch and then wandered off for a piddle. He then came straight back in and went to his bed and sat there while I locked up, switched out lights and got his treats ready. I shut him in the crate and went upstairs.
I slept through until 8am and there wasn't a sound from Rodders as I got up, used the bathroom and came downstairs. He was a very sleepy boy as I opened the crate and after a fuss went and lay down on the snuggle fleece by the radiator. Gradually he woke up and after I had made a cuppa asked to go in to the garden. He was out there for ages and had a piddle and a poop before going off to play.
By the time he had come in I had almost sorted out his chicken and rice but I had put it in the microwave to warm it a little and it was now too hot. I threw down a small handful of kibble and he wolfed that down. When I put the chicken and rice down he didn't seem interested to start with until I put a bowl of kibble beside it - he picked the chicken and rice!
After eating some of his breakfast he wanted to play with his toys for a while until I went upstairs to get washed and dressed. He came too and was happy to play in the bathroom and then sit on the bed.
Once we were back downstairs I popped his lead on and grabbed my coat so that we could walk up to the post box at the shops with the first batch of Christmas cards. It had started to rain a little but that didn't deter us. He was walking really nicely on the lead until we spotted another dog and he wanted to say hello. It was a two year old poodle/bichon cross who seemed very friendly. They had a good sniff at each other and a little play before we parted company.
He was sitting and waiting as we stopped to cross roads and the only thing that seemed to spook him was a lady at the bus stop with an umbrella.
Back home he needed drying off with his towel as he was soaking and he then wanted to play so we got his ball out and played fetch for a while. He then wanted to attack the Christmas Tree but did stop with a very firm no. He has had this mornings tablet in a little lump of cheese and has eaten more chicken and rice.
I made another cuppa and came to sit down and he wanted up on my lap. Once he settled and fell asleep I moved him and snuggle fleece on to his bed pad at my feet. He seemed a little shivery so I have wrapped snuggle fleece around him.
I slept through until 8am and there wasn't a sound from Rodders as I got up, used the bathroom and came downstairs. He was a very sleepy boy as I opened the crate and after a fuss went and lay down on the snuggle fleece by the radiator. Gradually he woke up and after I had made a cuppa asked to go in to the garden. He was out there for ages and had a piddle and a poop before going off to play.
By the time he had come in I had almost sorted out his chicken and rice but I had put it in the microwave to warm it a little and it was now too hot. I threw down a small handful of kibble and he wolfed that down. When I put the chicken and rice down he didn't seem interested to start with until I put a bowl of kibble beside it - he picked the chicken and rice!
After eating some of his breakfast he wanted to play with his toys for a while until I went upstairs to get washed and dressed. He came too and was happy to play in the bathroom and then sit on the bed.
Once we were back downstairs I popped his lead on and grabbed my coat so that we could walk up to the post box at the shops with the first batch of Christmas cards. It had started to rain a little but that didn't deter us. He was walking really nicely on the lead until we spotted another dog and he wanted to say hello. It was a two year old poodle/bichon cross who seemed very friendly. They had a good sniff at each other and a little play before we parted company.
He was sitting and waiting as we stopped to cross roads and the only thing that seemed to spook him was a lady at the bus stop with an umbrella.
Back home he needed drying off with his towel as he was soaking and he then wanted to play so we got his ball out and played fetch for a while. He then wanted to attack the Christmas Tree but did stop with a very firm no. He has had this mornings tablet in a little lump of cheese and has eaten more chicken and rice.
I made another cuppa and came to sit down and he wanted up on my lap. Once he settled and fell asleep I moved him and snuggle fleece on to his bed pad at my feet. He seemed a little shivery so I have wrapped snuggle fleece around him.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Rodders doesn't like wrapping
I started to wrap the christmas presents after dinner this evening and Rodders wasn't very impressed.
First of all I went upstairs to move the presents I sorted last night so that I could get to the wrapping paper. Rodders decided he wasn't coming upstairs but as I was so long he came up to see what was going on. I brought the paper down and stood at the dining table and started to wrap the first bag of presents. To start with Rodders lay on a snuggle fleece by the lounge radiator, then he moved to the bed pad by the sofa and eventually in to his crate as that was as close to me as he could get.
I have been back upstairs to get another bag of presents to wrap and he stayed where he was, or I thought he did, but I have spotted a piddle on the door mat :-( It is now in the washing machine for the 2nd time this week.
I have now wrapped three people's gifts and think that is enough for tonight. I have just had a drink and we will be heading off to bed shortly.
First of all I went upstairs to move the presents I sorted last night so that I could get to the wrapping paper. Rodders decided he wasn't coming upstairs but as I was so long he came up to see what was going on. I brought the paper down and stood at the dining table and started to wrap the first bag of presents. To start with Rodders lay on a snuggle fleece by the lounge radiator, then he moved to the bed pad by the sofa and eventually in to his crate as that was as close to me as he could get.
I have been back upstairs to get another bag of presents to wrap and he stayed where he was, or I thought he did, but I have spotted a piddle on the door mat :-( It is now in the washing machine for the 2nd time this week.
I have now wrapped three people's gifts and think that is enough for tonight. I have just had a drink and we will be heading off to bed shortly.
A quiet day and a visit to the vet
Rodders was very quiet today and hardly left his bed pad or my side other than to go out in to the garden for a piddle. By lunchtime he had eaten some chicken and rice and had drunk a little but he really wasn't playing like normal. He didn't even want to come upstairs with me.
I needed to go out waxing and shopping so I let him in the garden for a piddle and then popped him in his crate with a treat. I was out for almost three hours and he was happy to see me back.
We went out in to the garden so he could have a piddle and then it was time to go back to the vets for his check up. He wasn't happy to go out on his lead to the car but once we got to the vets he was very happy to trot in there. While we were in the waiting room we saw a cat and then a chocolate labrador. Rodders had been sitting nicely until the lab came in and then he wanted to play with it. He was making so much noise with his come play with me bark that I eventually asked the owners if he could say hello. They agreed and the dogs had a good sniff of each other. Rodders was then happy to come back and sit beside me.
Rachel called us in and we talked through how the last day has been. I said that he was still quite quiet and sleepy but had drunk all the rehydration salts and more than 2 bowls of chicken and rice. She checked him over and he is no longer dehydrated which is good and heart and temperature are still good.
To be on the safe side she wants him to have antibiotics twice daily for five days and to stay on chicken and rice until she sees him again on Wednesday, just because she wants to be a bit cautious and make sure he is better by christmas. Once she gives him the OK we can gradually swap him back to kibble.
We went back to the waiting room to wait for his tablets and another bill and there were two more cats in there, one was making quite a lot of noise so I managed to get Rodders to sit behind them. He only made a bit of a squeak, much better than the barking earlier.
We got called forward to pay the bill and pick up the tablets and we were on our way out the door. Rodders was quite happy to walk back to the car and go in his crate.
I needed to go out waxing and shopping so I let him in the garden for a piddle and then popped him in his crate with a treat. I was out for almost three hours and he was happy to see me back.
We went out in to the garden so he could have a piddle and then it was time to go back to the vets for his check up. He wasn't happy to go out on his lead to the car but once we got to the vets he was very happy to trot in there. While we were in the waiting room we saw a cat and then a chocolate labrador. Rodders had been sitting nicely until the lab came in and then he wanted to play with it. He was making so much noise with his come play with me bark that I eventually asked the owners if he could say hello. They agreed and the dogs had a good sniff of each other. Rodders was then happy to come back and sit beside me.
Rachel called us in and we talked through how the last day has been. I said that he was still quite quiet and sleepy but had drunk all the rehydration salts and more than 2 bowls of chicken and rice. She checked him over and he is no longer dehydrated which is good and heart and temperature are still good.
To be on the safe side she wants him to have antibiotics twice daily for five days and to stay on chicken and rice until she sees him again on Wednesday, just because she wants to be a bit cautious and make sure he is better by christmas. Once she gives him the OK we can gradually swap him back to kibble.
We went back to the waiting room to wait for his tablets and another bill and there were two more cats in there, one was making quite a lot of noise so I managed to get Rodders to sit behind them. He only made a bit of a squeak, much better than the barking earlier.
We got called forward to pay the bill and pick up the tablets and we were on our way out the door. Rodders was quite happy to walk back to the car and go in his crate.
The first taste of snow
At bedtime I sent Rodders out in to the garden for a final piddle and then he climbed in to the crate. There wasn't a peep out of him until he heard OH's alarm go off.
OH came downstairs and tried to get Rodders to go out for a piddle but Rodders stuck his nose out, saw this funny white stuff falling from the sky and decided he wasn't having any of it. At that point OH decided that this was something I shouldn't miss so shouted up to me.
I came down and tried to get Rodders to go out but he wouldn't stick anything more than his nose out! I dashed back upstairs to get some shoes and I walked in to the garden and Rodders followed me. He had a quick piddle and a poo and wandered about sniffing the snow before we headed back indoors.
I had been having problems sending the paperwork back to the agency so OH was trying to do that for me and so I got his breakfast ready, I then realised that I needed to get washed and dressed quickly as I have to go with OH so that he can drop me off to get my car.
OH had a shower and got dressed with Rodders help. He seems to have worked out the difference between play clothes and work clothes and once OH started to put on his suit Rodders sat down and watched instead of playing and trying to tug his clothes.
OH and Rodders came back downstairs and he went out to load the car. I got my coat on and slipped on Rodders lead and carried Rodders out to the car. He wasn't sure about being in the front on my knee and shook all the way down the town, luckily it is only a 5 minute journey. I am really happy that he would rather be in his care crate as he is so much safer in there.
Back home Rodders had a piddle on his way in from the car and was happy to settle indoors on his bed pad. He has been there ever since and so I have been able to catch up with the blog and make some phone calls.
OH came downstairs and tried to get Rodders to go out for a piddle but Rodders stuck his nose out, saw this funny white stuff falling from the sky and decided he wasn't having any of it. At that point OH decided that this was something I shouldn't miss so shouted up to me.
I came down and tried to get Rodders to go out but he wouldn't stick anything more than his nose out! I dashed back upstairs to get some shoes and I walked in to the garden and Rodders followed me. He had a quick piddle and a poo and wandered about sniffing the snow before we headed back indoors.
I had been having problems sending the paperwork back to the agency so OH was trying to do that for me and so I got his breakfast ready, I then realised that I needed to get washed and dressed quickly as I have to go with OH so that he can drop me off to get my car.
OH had a shower and got dressed with Rodders help. He seems to have worked out the difference between play clothes and work clothes and once OH started to put on his suit Rodders sat down and watched instead of playing and trying to tug his clothes.
OH and Rodders came back downstairs and he went out to load the car. I got my coat on and slipped on Rodders lead and carried Rodders out to the car. He wasn't sure about being in the front on my knee and shook all the way down the town, luckily it is only a 5 minute journey. I am really happy that he would rather be in his care crate as he is so much safer in there.
Back home Rodders had a piddle on his way in from the car and was happy to settle indoors on his bed pad. He has been there ever since and so I have been able to catch up with the blog and make some phone calls.
Getting better
Over the course of the day Rodders was improving and I found him sitting in his toy box at one point! The length of time he was playing was getting longer and the sleeping was getting shorter so it is obvious that he is feeling better. A combination of the treatment by the vet, chicken and rice and drinking probably.
My only concerning moment was when he dragged his teddy across the floor and then whimpered as he let him go. He just sat there and looked at me so I called him over and brought him up on to my lap. As soon as he fell asleep I popped him back on his bed pad.
One of my friends called in for a cuppa and to drop some goodies off for me. When the doorbell went Rodders didn't move off the bed pad. She came in and crouched down on the floor and miraculously Rodders got up and crept towards her and let her fuss him. As I made a cuppa for us both he was quite happy wandering between us and when we settled down for a natter he just wanted to chew her shoe laces! I managed to distract him with some toys for a while but then he went back to the laces so we had to try again with another toy, this was a bit more successful.
All too soon it was time for her to go and Rodders came to the door to say goodbye.
My only concerning moment was when he dragged his teddy across the floor and then whimpered as he let him go. He just sat there and looked at me so I called him over and brought him up on to my lap. As soon as he fell asleep I popped him back on his bed pad.
One of my friends called in for a cuppa and to drop some goodies off for me. When the doorbell went Rodders didn't move off the bed pad. She came in and crouched down on the floor and miraculously Rodders got up and crept towards her and let her fuss him. As I made a cuppa for us both he was quite happy wandering between us and when we settled down for a natter he just wanted to chew her shoe laces! I managed to distract him with some toys for a while but then he went back to the laces so we had to try again with another toy, this was a bit more successful.
All too soon it was time for her to go and Rodders came to the door to say goodbye.
After the vet
Rodders spent most of the day asleep on his bed pad or snuggle fleece, getting up to play for a little while and then having another snooze. When I went upstairs for anything he didn't want to come with me so I know that he isn't right. He didn't even react to the doorbell and he hasn't wanted to go out in to the garden for very long, just did what he had to do and then came back in.
Gradually he started to improve and when I made a cuppa I threw some kibble on the floor which he happily chased and ate.
I had chicken out on the side defrosting and I made him some rice. By about 2pm he was asking for something to eat so I had to try and cool the cooked rice down quickly by spreading it out on a big plate. Once cool it was mixed with the chicken and sprinkled some of the rehydrating salts on it and I put it down for him. He wolfed it down.
I mixed the rest of the rehydrating salts with water and swapped it for the plain water in his bowl. He has started to drink this too.
Gradually he started to improve and when I made a cuppa I threw some kibble on the floor which he happily chased and ate.
I had chicken out on the side defrosting and I made him some rice. By about 2pm he was asking for something to eat so I had to try and cool the cooked rice down quickly by spreading it out on a big plate. Once cool it was mixed with the chicken and sprinkled some of the rehydrating salts on it and I put it down for him. He wolfed it down.
I mixed the rest of the rehydrating salts with water and swapped it for the plain water in his bowl. He has started to drink this too.
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