Rodders snoozed for two hours and woke up full of mischief. He was happy playing with his toys until it was time for his tea. I got him to sit and wait until the bowl were a millimetre from the floor so some progress.
For the first time since the Christmas Tree went up he seems to be fascinated by it and now disappears off behind it with any treasure and has tried to eat some of the lower decorations. He does stop chewing the minute he is told no though.
He is still barking an awful lot and usually runs straight to the back door. It is difficult to know if he needs to go out in to the garden or not, half the time when I open the door he just sits there and looks out. If he does go out he spends most of his time standing on the patio barking. A couple of times I have made him come back in and another couple I have just gone out there and lifted him up to bring him in, this has backfired as he now runs off when he see's me coming so it is back to calling him in. Sometimes he comes and sometimes he doesn't so I shut the door which usually has him running.
I also found him eating a christmas card which I presume had fallen from the windowsill.
This all sounds like he has been a monkey all evening but he hasn't really. He seemed to play or get up to mischief for a couple of hours and then sleep for a couple of hours. He is so much fun to have around and I love the fact that he can play happily on his own with his toys or in the garden or with you throwing a ball or toy for him. He also talks by barking or squeaking to let you know what he wants (usually up on the sofa) and it can be fun to try and interpret what he wants.
Tonight I was a bad Mummy and it took me a while to work out what he was saying and I was mortified when I realised that he was trying to tell me his water bowl was completely empty. I quickly filled it and he had a small drink, thank goodness he wasn't really thirsty.
He is still putting some of his toys away by himself but can get over excited and take them all out and throw them about the place. When he does that I start to pick them up and drop them in ether for him, he talks to me as I do it and all of a sudden one toy will hardly hit the toy box before he leaps in and grabs it back.
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Monday, 2 January 2012
Sunday, 1 January 2012
A quiet morning and a long walk
I woke up about 8.30am and there wasn't a peep out of Rodders until I started walking towards the bathroom. By the time I got down the stairs he was squeaking quite loudly.
He wanted a fuss and a snuggle before asking to go in the garden. While he was out there I made a cuppa and got his breakfast ready. As soon as he heard his bowls moving he dashed back in and started barking. I am trying to make him sit and wait so that I can put his bowls down without his nose in the way, we are almost there but he can't resist once they are an inch from the floor so it took about 5 minutes just to give him his breakfast this morning.
Once he had eaten his breakfast he was quite lively and chasing his toys around. He was also up to mischief and we have had a bit of a battle over the door stop and the door mat. OH wants to put the rugs back down after we take down the Christmas Tree but I think this might be a mistake. They are long pile, shaggy things and I think the temptation would be too much.
After a lot of playing inside and out and a fair amount of mischief Rodders eventually wanted a rest and came up on the sofa with me.
He seems to be able to find tissues from a mile away, even if they are hidden in pockets or behind cushions, and I have lost count of how many I have taken off him today.
I had brunch before emptying the washing machine and then getting washed and dressed so we could head out for a walk. I thought we would go towards the Nicky Line and see how muddy it is. Once we got there it looked quite good so we headed under the bridge and towards Queensway, stopping to swap to the extendable lead. Rodders loved running around sniffing as I wandered down the path and would be behind me one minute and flying past me to get in front the next. He stopped a couple of times and sat down so I called him to me and he came running. I wonder if the fact that there is an obvious path to follow makes him happier?
We walked over the bridge at Queensway, down the steps and in to the park. Rodders hadn't done this park before but he seemed to like it, we probably walked two thirds of it. He got to play with one dog for about 5 minutes. The two of them were chasing around his owner and I as we stood chatting, it was lovely to see.
As we were walking back towards the bridge I could hear my name being called. I looked up and saw Bob and Pat from next door standing on the bridge waving. Rodders and I made our way towards the steps and met them coming down with Gus, their Grand Dog. This was the first time Gus and Rodders had met. Gus is better with humans, Rodders is better with dogs so once they worked that out they were happy to ignore each other while we chatted. After a while we parted company so that we could head home and they could let Gus off for a run around and to chase his stick.
Rodders stayed a little closer on the way back so I thought we may have tired him out. No chance! Once we were back inside I made a cuppa and gave him his lunch and then he was running up and down after his ball, playing with his yoghurt pot and frizbee and then wanted out in to the garden. It had started to rain, I hope Bob and Pat aren't too long or they will be soaked,
Rodders was out there a while and has come in soaking. After being towelled off he was happy to lie on his bed pad for a snooze.
He wanted a fuss and a snuggle before asking to go in the garden. While he was out there I made a cuppa and got his breakfast ready. As soon as he heard his bowls moving he dashed back in and started barking. I am trying to make him sit and wait so that I can put his bowls down without his nose in the way, we are almost there but he can't resist once they are an inch from the floor so it took about 5 minutes just to give him his breakfast this morning.
Once he had eaten his breakfast he was quite lively and chasing his toys around. He was also up to mischief and we have had a bit of a battle over the door stop and the door mat. OH wants to put the rugs back down after we take down the Christmas Tree but I think this might be a mistake. They are long pile, shaggy things and I think the temptation would be too much.
After a lot of playing inside and out and a fair amount of mischief Rodders eventually wanted a rest and came up on the sofa with me.
He seems to be able to find tissues from a mile away, even if they are hidden in pockets or behind cushions, and I have lost count of how many I have taken off him today.
I had brunch before emptying the washing machine and then getting washed and dressed so we could head out for a walk. I thought we would go towards the Nicky Line and see how muddy it is. Once we got there it looked quite good so we headed under the bridge and towards Queensway, stopping to swap to the extendable lead. Rodders loved running around sniffing as I wandered down the path and would be behind me one minute and flying past me to get in front the next. He stopped a couple of times and sat down so I called him to me and he came running. I wonder if the fact that there is an obvious path to follow makes him happier?
We walked over the bridge at Queensway, down the steps and in to the park. Rodders hadn't done this park before but he seemed to like it, we probably walked two thirds of it. He got to play with one dog for about 5 minutes. The two of them were chasing around his owner and I as we stood chatting, it was lovely to see.
As we were walking back towards the bridge I could hear my name being called. I looked up and saw Bob and Pat from next door standing on the bridge waving. Rodders and I made our way towards the steps and met them coming down with Gus, their Grand Dog. This was the first time Gus and Rodders had met. Gus is better with humans, Rodders is better with dogs so once they worked that out they were happy to ignore each other while we chatted. After a while we parted company so that we could head home and they could let Gus off for a run around and to chase his stick.
Rodders stayed a little closer on the way back so I thought we may have tired him out. No chance! Once we were back inside I made a cuppa and gave him his lunch and then he was running up and down after his ball, playing with his yoghurt pot and frizbee and then wanted out in to the garden. It had started to rain, I hope Bob and Pat aren't too long or they will be soaked,
Rodders was out there a while and has come in soaking. After being towelled off he was happy to lie on his bed pad for a snooze.
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Christmas Day
Rodders woke up at 6.15am and we went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle and then he had breakfast. We played with his ball for a while and then he settled on snuggle fleece and had a doze until everyone else got up.
We sneaked in to the lounge to check if Santa had been and there were lots of presents under the tree, I hope some of them are for us!
Once Ailie was up and dressed I left Rodders with her while I went to get myself washed and dressed in my new dress, special for Christmas Day.
As everyone started breakfast Rodders and I went in to the garden for a run around. As they were almost finished Rodders and I joined them as the bubbly was being served. It was then the to get everyone in to the lounge and hand out the Christmas presents. As family tradition dictates, we then each open a present in turn until they are all open. This takes hours as we have to stop for comfort breaks, drinks refresh and to let Rodders out for a piddle. Eventually all presents were open and we had all been very spoilt.
Rodders opened a couple of his own presents, paying more attention to the wrapping paper than the actual present, but had to have them taken off him as they are treats and he isn't allowed them at the moment, but he did get a couple of things that he is allowed - a duck from OH that he isn't sure of and he got a ball and thrower to play in the garden or park with.
Rodders and I had a nap, curled up on the sofa together, until it was time for his lunch and then we went out for a walk so that he could have a run around and use up some of his excess energy. This was a big fail, once we came back he just wanted to run around and play so we have been in and out of the garden for long periods of time so that he can play with sticks and chase about.
He still wouldn't settle and wanted to be in the kitchen to see wheat was going on in the hope that something scrummy would be dropped. When I tried to keep him in the lounge he barked and barked at the door to be let out.
Eventually, just after 5pm I have in and gave him his tea. It would appear that he is starving as, once that was eaten, he was happy to settle on snuggle fleece and go to sleep.
I am a little sad that he won't get to eat any christmas dinner but it is better that his tummy is OK. He has now finished the anti sickness and antibiotic tablets so fingers are firmly crossed that he is OK over the next day or so.
We sneaked in to the lounge to check if Santa had been and there were lots of presents under the tree, I hope some of them are for us!
Once Ailie was up and dressed I left Rodders with her while I went to get myself washed and dressed in my new dress, special for Christmas Day.
As everyone started breakfast Rodders and I went in to the garden for a run around. As they were almost finished Rodders and I joined them as the bubbly was being served. It was then the to get everyone in to the lounge and hand out the Christmas presents. As family tradition dictates, we then each open a present in turn until they are all open. This takes hours as we have to stop for comfort breaks, drinks refresh and to let Rodders out for a piddle. Eventually all presents were open and we had all been very spoilt.
Rodders opened a couple of his own presents, paying more attention to the wrapping paper than the actual present, but had to have them taken off him as they are treats and he isn't allowed them at the moment, but he did get a couple of things that he is allowed - a duck from OH that he isn't sure of and he got a ball and thrower to play in the garden or park with.
Rodders and I had a nap, curled up on the sofa together, until it was time for his lunch and then we went out for a walk so that he could have a run around and use up some of his excess energy. This was a big fail, once we came back he just wanted to run around and play so we have been in and out of the garden for long periods of time so that he can play with sticks and chase about.
He still wouldn't settle and wanted to be in the kitchen to see wheat was going on in the hope that something scrummy would be dropped. When I tried to keep him in the lounge he barked and barked at the door to be let out.
Eventually, just after 5pm I have in and gave him his tea. It would appear that he is starving as, once that was eaten, he was happy to settle on snuggle fleece and go to sleep.
I am a little sad that he won't get to eat any christmas dinner but it is better that his tummy is OK. He has now finished the anti sickness and antibiotic tablets so fingers are firmly crossed that he is OK over the next day or so.
Friday, 23 December 2011
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
Afternoon shift
I managed to concentrate on work for the afternoon and IT came up to sort out my computer. I managed to start finding my way around it on my own so it can't be too hard!
Looking at some of the spreadsheets they use I think there will need to be some basic macro's and look up tables done to make life easier.
It was soon 5pm and time to go home. As soon as I walked in the door Rodders started barking and I let him out the crate for a quick fuss and then we both went out in to the garden. To say he was desperate for a piddle is an understatement! I didn't think he was ever going to stop.
Once back inside he just wanted up for a snuggle and wouldn't stop licking me and nestling in to me. He didn't want to play or anything. Eventually he was happy to go down and started to sniff his bowl so I made his supper. After he had eaten a little he asked to go in the garden and then wanted to play.
Pat next door rang the bell to drop off a delivery and said that they didn't hear him at all today but he did howl when we went out last Thursday.
OH called to say he is on his way home but it could be a while as the traffic is awful and he needs to pick up an ebay purchase on route. I just need to know when he is 30 minutes from home so that I can prepare dinner!
Rodders has been running about playing and getting up to mischief, stopping briefly for a drink and a bit more supper. He did also try to get at one of the Christmas Tree ornaments but did stop when asked. He has also been upstairs with me when I went to get changed and was trying to bite the trousers I took off and the trackie bottoms I out on before running off with a slipper!
He is now in his toy box playing!
Looking at some of the spreadsheets they use I think there will need to be some basic macro's and look up tables done to make life easier.
It was soon 5pm and time to go home. As soon as I walked in the door Rodders started barking and I let him out the crate for a quick fuss and then we both went out in to the garden. To say he was desperate for a piddle is an understatement! I didn't think he was ever going to stop.
Once back inside he just wanted up for a snuggle and wouldn't stop licking me and nestling in to me. He didn't want to play or anything. Eventually he was happy to go down and started to sniff his bowl so I made his supper. After he had eaten a little he asked to go in the garden and then wanted to play.
Pat next door rang the bell to drop off a delivery and said that they didn't hear him at all today but he did howl when we went out last Thursday.
OH called to say he is on his way home but it could be a while as the traffic is awful and he needs to pick up an ebay purchase on route. I just need to know when he is 30 minutes from home so that I can prepare dinner!
Rodders has been running about playing and getting up to mischief, stopping briefly for a drink and a bit more supper. He did also try to get at one of the Christmas Tree ornaments but did stop when asked. He has also been upstairs with me when I went to get changed and was trying to bite the trousers I took off and the trackie bottoms I out on before running off with a slipper!
He is now in his toy box playing!
Sunday, 18 December 2011
We now have a little horror!
Rodders was having a quiet snooze on the sofa with me and then we got two interruptions. The first one was a christmas card being delivered and Sophie knocked incase Roders ate post, the second was Kevin and Polo coming to visit us.
Polo and Rodders have met before and they seemed to get on OK again today. Except someone piddled on the floor, not sure who :-( It was quite a big puddle and I am not convinced it was Rodders. I made Kev and I a cuppa and we sat nattering while Rodders chased Polo about and asking him to play. When Polo got fed up with being batted with a paw and teased by him I put his Rodders lead on and tried to make him sit. He threw a complete tantrum and was trying to bite me so he got severely checked. I then managed to get him to lie down and stood on the lead so he couldn't get up. He lay at my feet making play with me noises but at least he stayed down.
Once they left Rodders had the devil in him. He was running around getting in to mischief as I was trying to tidy up all the wrapping paper stuff and then I found him sitting in his toy box. At least that was keeping him quiet! He then decided to throw all his toys out of the toy box and the conservatory floor was covered, this is one spoilt puppy! I hope he doesn't get too many more for Christmas or we will be looking for a new, bigger, toy box.
As I cooked dinner he was under my feet in the kitchen waiting to see if anything dropped. He then asked for his dinner, the first time in ages, so he must be feeling better. He has eaten most of it too.
There are now fireworks going off and so he is barking at them. I think I have just managed to distract him as he has gone back to his toys.
Polo and Rodders have met before and they seemed to get on OK again today. Except someone piddled on the floor, not sure who :-( It was quite a big puddle and I am not convinced it was Rodders. I made Kev and I a cuppa and we sat nattering while Rodders chased Polo about and asking him to play. When Polo got fed up with being batted with a paw and teased by him I put his Rodders lead on and tried to make him sit. He threw a complete tantrum and was trying to bite me so he got severely checked. I then managed to get him to lie down and stood on the lead so he couldn't get up. He lay at my feet making play with me noises but at least he stayed down.
Once they left Rodders had the devil in him. He was running around getting in to mischief as I was trying to tidy up all the wrapping paper stuff and then I found him sitting in his toy box. At least that was keeping him quiet! He then decided to throw all his toys out of the toy box and the conservatory floor was covered, this is one spoilt puppy! I hope he doesn't get too many more for Christmas or we will be looking for a new, bigger, toy box.
As I cooked dinner he was under my feet in the kitchen waiting to see if anything dropped. He then asked for his dinner, the first time in ages, so he must be feeling better. He has eaten most of it too.
There are now fireworks going off and so he is barking at them. I think I have just managed to distract him as he has gone back to his toys.
Poor puppy, not getting too much attention
Rodders was in the garden barking so I went out to see why and he was talking to Bob and Pat next door over the fence. They had been away for the night and were just getting back and tell me the roads are very slippy.
Once Rodders came in we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed and then we went straight out for a walk. This is the first time that Rodders has been on the rugby field in days and he loved it! As usual I swapped to the extendable lead while we were on the field as it gives him some freedom to run and play. He loves to lag behind and them come running past me but I also made sure that he would actually come back to me, rather than keep on running and I got him to wait for me to catch up with him a couple of times. He kindly pooped near the bin which was handy! We also had two short flurries of snow so it really is flipping cold!
After we left the rugby field OH rang to check how we were and I was still chatting to him when I spotted Nicky & John from across the road. They wanted to say hello to Rodders so I hung up on OH so that I could stop and chat. They have spotted Roders and I leaving home a few times and think that he is walking beautifully on the lead and they also think that he has grown a lot in the last few weeks. We parted company and Rodders and I carried on home to get in the warm.
Back inside Rodders ate some more of his chicken and rice while I made a cuppa. I then got ready for the last of the Christmas wrapping marathon. Rodders wasn't too impressed when he saw what I was doing and he has mooched about playing with his toys or in the garden on his own most of the time. He did take offence to one of the gift bags and was trying to bite it and he has tried getting rubbish out the bin. When he has done this I have stopped to play fetch for a little while to try and alleviate his boredom. The next thing he tried to chew was on of OH's presents, luckily I caught him before he did any damage.
Just as I was on the final few bits one of my friends rang to check that I was going to do my traditional visit on Christmas Eve which I am. They have invited me for lunch and know that Rodders will be coming too. It will be good to catch up and see their children, especially the youngest as she is my goddaughter!
As soon as I finished wrapping I came and sat on the sofa so that I could watch the Show Jumping from Olympia. My bestest friend and I used to go every year until she moved to America. We started off in the cheap seats for one performance and ended up taking the week off work and going to every performance with members tickets!
Rodders is very happy that I have sat down at last and he is snuggled up beside me. Must think about something to eat soon, haven't had anything yet although I did spot that Rodders has cleared his bowl.
Once Rodders came in we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed and then we went straight out for a walk. This is the first time that Rodders has been on the rugby field in days and he loved it! As usual I swapped to the extendable lead while we were on the field as it gives him some freedom to run and play. He loves to lag behind and them come running past me but I also made sure that he would actually come back to me, rather than keep on running and I got him to wait for me to catch up with him a couple of times. He kindly pooped near the bin which was handy! We also had two short flurries of snow so it really is flipping cold!
After we left the rugby field OH rang to check how we were and I was still chatting to him when I spotted Nicky & John from across the road. They wanted to say hello to Rodders so I hung up on OH so that I could stop and chat. They have spotted Roders and I leaving home a few times and think that he is walking beautifully on the lead and they also think that he has grown a lot in the last few weeks. We parted company and Rodders and I carried on home to get in the warm.
Back inside Rodders ate some more of his chicken and rice while I made a cuppa. I then got ready for the last of the Christmas wrapping marathon. Rodders wasn't too impressed when he saw what I was doing and he has mooched about playing with his toys or in the garden on his own most of the time. He did take offence to one of the gift bags and was trying to bite it and he has tried getting rubbish out the bin. When he has done this I have stopped to play fetch for a little while to try and alleviate his boredom. The next thing he tried to chew was on of OH's presents, luckily I caught him before he did any damage.
Just as I was on the final few bits one of my friends rang to check that I was going to do my traditional visit on Christmas Eve which I am. They have invited me for lunch and know that Rodders will be coming too. It will be good to catch up and see their children, especially the youngest as she is my goddaughter!
As soon as I finished wrapping I came and sat on the sofa so that I could watch the Show Jumping from Olympia. My bestest friend and I used to go every year until she moved to America. We started off in the cheap seats for one performance and ended up taking the week off work and going to every performance with members tickets!
Rodders is very happy that I have sat down at last and he is snuggled up beside me. Must think about something to eat soon, haven't had anything yet although I did spot that Rodders has cleared his bowl.
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
Shopping, wrapping, playing
While Rodders was being dopey I took the opportunity to go and finish my Christmas shopping and to post a parcel. He was happy to go in his crate once he knew that treats were on offer and he was quiet when I left.
He was on his own for over two hours and was still quiet when I got back, he didn't make a noise until he could actually see me as I came in and put the shopping down first. He then started squeaking and I let him out of his crate for a fuss and we went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle.
We both had some lunch and then he started to play as I was wrapping presents. Every now and again I would stop and give him a fuss or throw one of his toys for him to fetch and he seemed quite happy with that. When I had a break earlier he was sat on my lap and the show jumping from Olympia was on the TV. Rodders was so funny, he was making a funny barking noise as he watched them like he wanted to play! He then turned around to face me and was climbing up me, I have no idea where he was trying to go or what he wanted to do but it was very sweet. When I went back to wrapping he was happy playing in the conservatory or out in the garden.
After wrapping another three people's presents I stopped for a while to watch a bit of TV and Rodders fell asleep on my lap before being transferred to his bed pad at my feet.
He was on his own for over two hours and was still quiet when I got back, he didn't make a noise until he could actually see me as I came in and put the shopping down first. He then started squeaking and I let him out of his crate for a fuss and we went straight in to the garden so he could have a piddle.
We both had some lunch and then he started to play as I was wrapping presents. Every now and again I would stop and give him a fuss or throw one of his toys for him to fetch and he seemed quite happy with that. When I had a break earlier he was sat on my lap and the show jumping from Olympia was on the TV. Rodders was so funny, he was making a funny barking noise as he watched them like he wanted to play! He then turned around to face me and was climbing up me, I have no idea where he was trying to go or what he wanted to do but it was very sweet. When I went back to wrapping he was happy playing in the conservatory or out in the garden.
After wrapping another three people's presents I stopped for a while to watch a bit of TV and Rodders fell asleep on my lap before being transferred to his bed pad at my feet.
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.
Did I bring a different puppy home?
Since we got back from the vets Rodders has been playing much more than he has done since Wednesday. He has been chasing his toys and playing fetch, trying to eat the Christmas Tree, jumping on me, chewing the door mat, he has been in and out of the garden and came back soaked one time and covered in mud another and generally up to mischief! It is like I brought a different puppy home and so much nicer than the sad one of the last few days.
OH has called to check how he is doing and then again to say he is on his way home from work. We won't see him until Monday now :-(
I have checked the freezer and we have two more bags of cooked chicken so I have taken another one out to defrost ready for tomorrow, which means that I only need to cook up some more rice for him.
As I am typing Rodders has settled down on a snuggle fleece for a rest.
OH has called to check how he is doing and then again to say he is on his way home from work. We won't see him until Monday now :-(
I have checked the freezer and we have two more bags of cooked chicken so I have taken another one out to defrost ready for tomorrow, which means that I only need to cook up some more rice for him.
As I am typing Rodders has settled down on a snuggle fleece for a rest.
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.
A celebration!
To say congratulations on getting the new job and Happy Christmas OH wanted to take me out for dinner to our favourite restaurant to celebrate. Having heard how awful I sounded on the phone he wasn't sure if this was going to happen.
Once he came in and saw that I was feeling better he nipped out to the car for a change of clothes. Rodders was distraught at being left inside as OH hadn't said goodbye to him and he sat at the door barking and whinging. As soon as I spotted that OH was back in the garden and the gate was shut I let him Rodders out and he was so happy to be chasing OH up the path.
The ironing people called in to collect my ironing and wanted to see Rodders so I brought him to the door for a fuss, he also had a sneaky bark at someone passing by.
We both went upstairs to get changed and Rodders realised that we were probably going out and leaving him behind. Once back downstairs he did come out in to the garden for a piddle and then came back in and was encouraged in to his crate with some treats.
I drove us down to the restaurant and we had a lovely meal with a bottle of wine before getting a cab back. It was so nice to see Alberto again, he always looks after us.
As the cab dropped us back home and we were walking up the path we could hear Rodeders barking. We got inside and let him out of the crate and he was desperate to get out in to the garden for a piddle.
I made a cuppa and then left Rodders and OH downstairs playing while I went to sort out the Christmas presents. Rodders ate more of his chicken and rice and had another drink. OH also gave his beard a wash, all this chicken and rice had made it a bit sticky. OH and I then had to make the bed and Rodders came up to help.
Once he came in and saw that I was feeling better he nipped out to the car for a change of clothes. Rodders was distraught at being left inside as OH hadn't said goodbye to him and he sat at the door barking and whinging. As soon as I spotted that OH was back in the garden and the gate was shut I let him Rodders out and he was so happy to be chasing OH up the path.
The ironing people called in to collect my ironing and wanted to see Rodders so I brought him to the door for a fuss, he also had a sneaky bark at someone passing by.
We both went upstairs to get changed and Rodders realised that we were probably going out and leaving him behind. Once back downstairs he did come out in to the garden for a piddle and then came back in and was encouraged in to his crate with some treats.
I drove us down to the restaurant and we had a lovely meal with a bottle of wine before getting a cab back. It was so nice to see Alberto again, he always looks after us.
As the cab dropped us back home and we were walking up the path we could hear Rodeders barking. We got inside and let him out of the crate and he was desperate to get out in to the garden for a piddle.
I made a cuppa and then left Rodders and OH downstairs playing while I went to sort out the Christmas presents. Rodders ate more of his chicken and rice and had another drink. OH also gave his beard a wash, all this chicken and rice had made it a bit sticky. OH and I then had to make the bed and Rodders came up to help.
Poorly boy
Rodders just wanted to be beside me or on me all morning and just wasn't himself. I had checked his mouth and it looked a little pale to me. I also poop scoopped the garden while he was out for a piddle to check what his poo is like. We have two huge piles that are a little looser than normal but not too bad.
At 11.20am I rang the vets for some advice and because he isn't drinking or eating and is so young they advised me to bring him down for them to check him over.
I gave OH a quick ring to let him know and we went straight down. Rodders was happy to be out on his lead and didn't whinge in the car. As soon as we got to the vets he started to bark to make sure that they knew he was there and had the liver treats ready!
We had only sat down for a few minutes when Rachel the vet called us in. She hadn't seen Rodders since his first jab and thought that he had grown in to a very handsome boy and is in good condition :-) We talked through when he had last eaten and drank, his demeanour and when he was sick and what it was like.
Rachel checked his mouth and agreed that he was a little dehydrated and showed me how to check - if his gums are sticky to the touch. Luckily it isn't so bad that they need to put him on a drip. She then checked his eyes and moved on to his tummy, he was fine to start with but as she got towards the back he really wasn't very happy and turned to look at her quite sharply with a little whimper though - no aggression at all. Rachel then popped him on the floor to weigh him and it was a bit tricky to make him stay still on the scales until I told him to sit. He weighs 4.65 kilograms so he has lost a little since Nicci weighed him at puppy party an couple of weeks ago. She also checked his heart and temperature - both normal.
Rachel decided that he is definitely a little under the weather and has a sore tummy so she decided to give him two injections, an anti sickness one that lasts for 24 hours which will stop him being and feeling sick and an antibiotic. As she left the consulting room to get them he started to bark and when she came back I explained that he is looking for Nicci and his liver treats!
Apparently they aren't very nice as one is quite thick and the other a bit stingy. I held him facing me and fussed him as she did them and he was so good, he didn't really like the thick one but didn't even flinch for the stingy one.
As he was so good Rachel rewarded him with some liver treats and there was no problem eating them! Rachel wants to see him again tomorrow and agrees that Chicken and Rice is exactly the right thing to be feeding him, she also wants him to have water with rehydrating salts in - I already have some of these as he didn't need them the last time she prescribed them.
We went back to reception and Sam from puppy school was there. She was surprised to see Rodders and gave him a fuss as we chatted about what was wrong and I explained that we would probably have to miss puppy school this week which she understood. We booked an appointment for 4.15pm tomorrow and paid our bill for today - £60. And don't tell Rodders, but we got him some liver treats to put away for Christmas!
Once back home Rodders went in to the garden for a piddle and then settled down on his bed pad for a snooze.
At 11.20am I rang the vets for some advice and because he isn't drinking or eating and is so young they advised me to bring him down for them to check him over.
I gave OH a quick ring to let him know and we went straight down. Rodders was happy to be out on his lead and didn't whinge in the car. As soon as we got to the vets he started to bark to make sure that they knew he was there and had the liver treats ready!
We had only sat down for a few minutes when Rachel the vet called us in. She hadn't seen Rodders since his first jab and thought that he had grown in to a very handsome boy and is in good condition :-) We talked through when he had last eaten and drank, his demeanour and when he was sick and what it was like.
Rachel checked his mouth and agreed that he was a little dehydrated and showed me how to check - if his gums are sticky to the touch. Luckily it isn't so bad that they need to put him on a drip. She then checked his eyes and moved on to his tummy, he was fine to start with but as she got towards the back he really wasn't very happy and turned to look at her quite sharply with a little whimper though - no aggression at all. Rachel then popped him on the floor to weigh him and it was a bit tricky to make him stay still on the scales until I told him to sit. He weighs 4.65 kilograms so he has lost a little since Nicci weighed him at puppy party an couple of weeks ago. She also checked his heart and temperature - both normal.
Rachel decided that he is definitely a little under the weather and has a sore tummy so she decided to give him two injections, an anti sickness one that lasts for 24 hours which will stop him being and feeling sick and an antibiotic. As she left the consulting room to get them he started to bark and when she came back I explained that he is looking for Nicci and his liver treats!
Apparently they aren't very nice as one is quite thick and the other a bit stingy. I held him facing me and fussed him as she did them and he was so good, he didn't really like the thick one but didn't even flinch for the stingy one.
As he was so good Rachel rewarded him with some liver treats and there was no problem eating them! Rachel wants to see him again tomorrow and agrees that Chicken and Rice is exactly the right thing to be feeding him, she also wants him to have water with rehydrating salts in - I already have some of these as he didn't need them the last time she prescribed them.
We went back to reception and Sam from puppy school was there. She was surprised to see Rodders and gave him a fuss as we chatted about what was wrong and I explained that we would probably have to miss puppy school this week which she understood. We booked an appointment for 4.15pm tomorrow and paid our bill for today - £60. And don't tell Rodders, but we got him some liver treats to put away for Christmas!
Once back home Rodders went in to the garden for a piddle and then settled down on his bed pad for a snooze.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
More park and ride
When Rodders and I went to Winchester Christmas Market last week we spotted that some stalls were going to change over as of last Thursday so we decided to go and have another look.
We used the park and ride again, this time he sat or lay on the floor near my feet on the way in to town and barked a few times. I also spotted a man taking his photo, he is very popular today!
He walked quite nicely up to the market although we had to stop while he had a poo and clear that up. He is good though he did it right by a bin! As we walked around the market lots of people stopped to talk to him and one toddler, who has a labrador at home, got right up to him to give him a pat. Rodders did sit down behind me while this was happening but he didn't try to escape which was brilliant as he doesn't get to see many children, especially little ones.
I bought quite a lot and ended up with several bags and it would appear that Rodders isn't very keen on me carrying shopping. He didn't walk so well on the lead on the way back but I had my hands full and there was little I could do to correct him, it was more a case of avoiding other people and making sure he didn't trip anyone up.
While we were stood waiting for the bus back he was attracting a lot of attention and several people stopped to talk to him. He was very good but did get spooked by one little boy that ran at him. The bus shelter stopped him from being able to get too far away and the little boy was gentle. On the bus on the way back he wanted up on my knee and went straight to sleep.
Ince back at the car he went in to his crate without a sound for the journey home. He wasn't even bothered when the phone rang and I had a chat with OH.
We used the park and ride again, this time he sat or lay on the floor near my feet on the way in to town and barked a few times. I also spotted a man taking his photo, he is very popular today!
He walked quite nicely up to the market although we had to stop while he had a poo and clear that up. He is good though he did it right by a bin! As we walked around the market lots of people stopped to talk to him and one toddler, who has a labrador at home, got right up to him to give him a pat. Rodders did sit down behind me while this was happening but he didn't try to escape which was brilliant as he doesn't get to see many children, especially little ones.
I bought quite a lot and ended up with several bags and it would appear that Rodders isn't very keen on me carrying shopping. He didn't walk so well on the lead on the way back but I had my hands full and there was little I could do to correct him, it was more a case of avoiding other people and making sure he didn't trip anyone up.
While we were stood waiting for the bus back he was attracting a lot of attention and several people stopped to talk to him. He was very good but did get spooked by one little boy that ran at him. The bus shelter stopped him from being able to get too far away and the little boy was gentle. On the bus on the way back he wanted up on my knee and went straight to sleep.
Ince back at the car he went in to his crate without a sound for the journey home. He wasn't even bothered when the phone rang and I had a chat with OH.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Monday night/Tuesday morning
Rodders was so dopey late evening that I managed to comb him and sort out his gunky eyes with very little trouble. He looked so smart by the time I had finished.
We had a bit of a problem with the timers on the Christmas lights as they hadn't gone off by the time we thought they should have but OH sorted them for me. I do love having a man about the house, especially this one!
By the time we got to bed time last night the wind had got up and it was throwing it down with rain so I needed shoes and a coat to take Rodders out. He was very good and walked out by himself, piddled quickly and we came back in.
I locked up, switched out lights and got his treats ready. OH and I said goodnight to him as he climbed in to the crate. He did have a bit of a whinge as we were moving about upstairs but settled fairly quickly.
OH and I were talking in bed. He thinks that I sometimes expect too much of Rodders and need to remember that he is a 4 month old puppy. That's me told then!
He heard OH's alarm go off this morning and was making a bit of noise as if to say "come on, don't forget I am here".
We had a bit of a problem with the timers on the Christmas lights as they hadn't gone off by the time we thought they should have but OH sorted them for me. I do love having a man about the house, especially this one!
By the time we got to bed time last night the wind had got up and it was throwing it down with rain so I needed shoes and a coat to take Rodders out. He was very good and walked out by himself, piddled quickly and we came back in.
I locked up, switched out lights and got his treats ready. OH and I said goodnight to him as he climbed in to the crate. He did have a bit of a whinge as we were moving about upstairs but settled fairly quickly.
OH and I were talking in bed. He thinks that I sometimes expect too much of Rodders and need to remember that he is a 4 month old puppy. That's me told then!
He heard OH's alarm go off this morning and was making a bit of noise as if to say "come on, don't forget I am here".
Such a good puppy
We had dinner and gave Rodders a treat for his supper. Mixed in with his kibble was some mashed vegetables. He absolutely loved it and licked the bowl so clean that I gave him a little more, that got wolfed down as well! He liked it so much I have kept some more for tomorrow and have out another portion in the freezer for another day.
A little later he was belching so much that I thought he was going to be sick, luckily it was only wind!
He has been over to the tree and has had a sniff at some lower decorations (these are all made of material and were kept especially for the lower branches just in case) but he came away when he was told to.
He really hasn't had a lot of rest today as he does like to be as close to you as possible and I am sure that he will be no bother tonight.
A little later he was belching so much that I thought he was going to be sick, luckily it was only wind!
He has been over to the tree and has had a sniff at some lower decorations (these are all made of material and were kept especially for the lower branches just in case) but he came away when he was told to.
He really hasn't had a lot of rest today as he does like to be as close to you as possible and I am sure that he will be no bother tonight.
Putting up the Christmas Tree
As I sorted out lunch OH got the tree in and in to its stand. Rodders was helping as much as he could which involved licking OH's face and ears and jumping all over him when he lay down on the floor to tighten up the stand. So far Rodders doesn't seem too interested in the tree itself.
Once lunch was over OH started to put the lights on the tree. He is trying to make sure we are as puppy proof as possible and so the plugs will all be on top of my bookcases which means that we are starting the lights from the top of the tree rather than the bottom, a little unconventional but hey ho!
By late afternoon OH decided that we needed more lights (600 aren't enough apparently) so I got despatched to B&Q for more. He had also condemned two sets of lights that I have had since I first left home, I was very sad to see these go as my Mum bought them for me. When I got to B&Q it was 3 for 2 on all christmas decorations so I bought another 480 lights, a few more decorations and some gaffer tape.
By the time I got back home Rodders and OH had been out the front to put the twinkly lights on my bush (this phrase always raises a giggle from one of my friends, no idea why ;-)) and the outside lights were laid out ready to go up. He had also set up the lighted Christmas trees on my window sill. We are looking as though Christmas is going to happen in this house now!
As the light was fading we all went out the front to put up the outside lights. Rodders seemed a bit confused by this as he had his lead on but wasn't getting to go anywhere so he just sat and barked at people going past and found some paper to chew.
OH put the rest of the lights on the tree while I peeled potatoes for dinner. At last, it was time to bring down the boxes and start to decorate the tree, my favourite bit :-) As I started to do this I was sure that we were some decorations missing, OH was sure that he had brought down all the boxes and I am sure he hadn't! I carried on decorating the tree as OH sorted out all the wires for the front lights and the tree lights. He has done a brilliant job and if Rodders manages to get anywhere near any of them it will be a miracle.
I managed to convince OH that we were definitely missing decorations and so the ladder went back upstairs so I could check. Sure enough I found them and pointed out where they were so that he could get them down. He then helped me to decorate the rest of the tree and get cleared up before dinner.
Through out all of this Rodders didn't seem too bothered, he stayed close to us but didn't interfere and went off to his bed pad for a snooze at one point. We also lost him for a minute and found him asleep in his crate!
I also had a bit of a silly five minutes and started crying. Not too sure what that was all about, possibly having to get rid of the lights OH had condemned as I am a bit of a soppy bugger. OH and Rodders were both there with cuddles and I managed to pull myself back together.
I also had a bit of a silly five minutes and started crying. Not too sure what that was all about, possibly having to get rid of the lights OH had condemned as I am a bit of a soppy bugger. OH and Rodders were both there with cuddles and I managed to pull myself back together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)