OH rang to see how we were doing today and I was part way through updating him when he said "you had better out the kettle on". I asked where he was as I walked in to the kitchen and spotted him pulling up outside the back gate. I have told him during the week that Rodders was missing him and would go nuts when he saw him next and I wasn't wrong.
Rodders had followed me through to the kitchen and was sniffing about my feet when the back door went. He barked twice as he dashed towards the door and then his tone changed to squeaks of delight and he wanted up for a snuggle where he stayed for ages. Rodders looked so happy to see OH, it showed in every little bit of him.
Eventually OH managed to put him down and I got a hug hello, Rodders wasn't sure about that at all and gave the odd strangled bark. OH told him not to be so stupid.
From then on Rodders followed OH everywhere he went as he pottered about doing things and didn't want to leave his side. I had a really heavy box in the car and OH went to get it for me and I thought Rodders was going to actually cry. You would have thought that OH had been away for hours rather than a few minutes by the greeting he got when he came back in the door.
I took the opportunity to go upstairs and have a bath and get dressed in peace. When I came back downstairs they were both cuddled up on the sofa. I left them to it and went outside to poop scoop so that I could check they looked OK before calling the vets with an update. Rodders didn't like me being outside without him and wanted down. He greeted me at the door squeaking.
I rang the vet and explained what I have been doing and how Rodders is. They will pass the message on to Roger and give me a call back if they need to. Him eating from two bowls is fine, as long as it works.
OH needed some help with his year end accounts which we sorted out and then I made us some lunch and then gave Rodders his in two bowls. So far, everything he has had today has stayed put which is great. We then all sat, cuddled up on the sofa, watching television for a while until it was time for OH to go. Rodders went to the gate with him and then came back when called.
Both of us are so much happier for our surprise visit!
Showing posts with label vet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vet. Show all posts
Thursday, 29 December 2011
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!
Back to the vets
OH was up with Rodders at 6am and I came down at 6.30am. Rodders hadn't had his breakfast yet so I sorted that out and then made OH some toast.
Rodders went upstairs with OH when he went for a shower and then came down with the bath mat to go in the washing machine, well he got it to the bottom of the stairs but needed help to get it any further. This is the third load of washing in 12 hours as we have done his towels and fleeces so they are clean for going away.
Once OH was ready for work we had a cuddle and said goodbye, for once Rodders seemed to be jealous and was barking at us. OH gave him a fuss too. Rodders went out to the gate with OH and came back to the patio when I called him. The little monkey then thought better of it and was heading back to the gate, luckily OH spotted him and shut the gate very quickly.
Rodders and I had a snuggle before we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed as we needed to head off to the vet for Rodders check up.
I am so lucky that Rodders likes going to the vets and he trots in there quite happily, barking as he goes so that everyone knows that he is there. He was very happy to see that Nicci was there but not so happy that she didn't give him any liver treats. We sat in the waiting room for a little while and then Roger called us in.
We talked through how Rodders has been over the last few days and the fact that he seems to be starving. Roger admitted that we have given him the absolute minimum to eat so he wasn't surprised by this. We weighed Rodders and he is back to 4.6k so he has lost weight over the last few days and is back where he was when we weighed him last week. Roger checked him over and seems happy with him but, because it is Christmas and we are going away, he wants to keep him on the i.d. diet until next Wednesday before re-introducing kibble slowly (75/25% on Wednesday, 50/50 Thursday and 25/75 on Friday) but if there are any signs that it is upsetting him we need to go straight back to the i.d. diet. We can also increase him to 75g per meal. And no treats at all for at least 2 weeks but, once he is back on kibble, I can use some of this to use as treats. I also need to call on Thursday to let them know how he is doing.
I mentioned his choke chain and Roger says that he would have been able to cut it off if necessary but he is obviously a growing boy and we need to get a bigger one. It iOS difficult to say how much bigger his head will get.
We left the consulting room and Rodders got lots of fuss from the girls while I was paying the bill and collecting his food. I also picked up a different slicker brush that looks like it will be gentler on him. Once we were back in the car we called OH to let him know how we got on.
Rodders went upstairs with OH when he went for a shower and then came down with the bath mat to go in the washing machine, well he got it to the bottom of the stairs but needed help to get it any further. This is the third load of washing in 12 hours as we have done his towels and fleeces so they are clean for going away.
Once OH was ready for work we had a cuddle and said goodbye, for once Rodders seemed to be jealous and was barking at us. OH gave him a fuss too. Rodders went out to the gate with OH and came back to the patio when I called him. The little monkey then thought better of it and was heading back to the gate, luckily OH spotted him and shut the gate very quickly.
Rodders and I had a snuggle before we went upstairs so that I could get washed and dressed as we needed to head off to the vet for Rodders check up.
I am so lucky that Rodders likes going to the vets and he trots in there quite happily, barking as he goes so that everyone knows that he is there. He was very happy to see that Nicci was there but not so happy that she didn't give him any liver treats. We sat in the waiting room for a little while and then Roger called us in.
We talked through how Rodders has been over the last few days and the fact that he seems to be starving. Roger admitted that we have given him the absolute minimum to eat so he wasn't surprised by this. We weighed Rodders and he is back to 4.6k so he has lost weight over the last few days and is back where he was when we weighed him last week. Roger checked him over and seems happy with him but, because it is Christmas and we are going away, he wants to keep him on the i.d. diet until next Wednesday before re-introducing kibble slowly (75/25% on Wednesday, 50/50 Thursday and 25/75 on Friday) but if there are any signs that it is upsetting him we need to go straight back to the i.d. diet. We can also increase him to 75g per meal. And no treats at all for at least 2 weeks but, once he is back on kibble, I can use some of this to use as treats. I also need to call on Thursday to let them know how he is doing.
I mentioned his choke chain and Roger says that he would have been able to cut it off if necessary but he is obviously a growing boy and we need to get a bigger one. It iOS difficult to say how much bigger his head will get.
We left the consulting room and Rodders got lots of fuss from the girls while I was paying the bill and collecting his food. I also picked up a different slicker brush that looks like it will be gentler on him. Once we were back in the car we called OH to let him know how we got on.
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.
Friday, 16 December 2011
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.
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.
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
Puppy Party 4
OH managed to leave work early today so that he could be home in time for the final puppy party. Rodders was asleep when he came in the back door but got straight up and was barking until he saw who it was. The barks then turned to squeaks of delight and he rushed to the door to greet him and have a fuss and a snuggle.
OH then went straight out the front to sort out the Christmas Lights that have fallen and then in to the loft to get the spare stair gate before we both got changed ready for puppy party. I also managed to eat a slice of toast as I hadn't had anything all day.
We slipped on Rodders lead and went out to the car & OH popped him in the crate. He whinged for a minute or two but settled down quite quickly. A few minutes later and we were at the vets. Rodders seemed happy to walk in there and was greeted by Marley as soon as we were in the door. He didn't even seem to mind when Marley had his nose underneath him sniffing his bits!
Once we managed to get beyond the door he found Appa and said hello but he was quite happy once we sat down to be with OH. Molly joined us soon after and gave everyone her usual exuberant greeting, she is one powerful puppy.
Nicci started to hand out liver treats and threw out the toys. Appa managed to get to the dental kong first and was doing really well at getting the liver treat out of it before Marley was let loose and took it off him.
The noise level once the puppy's were let off tonight was quite high, mainly Rodders barking! He was desperate to play but he knew that Molly and Marley were a bit rough and Appa just tends to trundle around doing his own thing. A few times Rodders did get himself in there and found his way out and back to OH when things got a bit rough for him. He would sit there for a little while and then go back in to the fray. OH seemed to be a hit with Molly who came to have a fuss and chew at his beard and ears a couple of times.
We had to gather up the puppies a couple of times to stop them going in to pools of piddle (Thanks Molly and Marley!) and again once Marley pooped everywhere - he was still playing when he did it and so it ended up all over him as well. It was quite a clean up operation for the vet nurses and his owner.
We all got shown around the surgery and got to see all the different rooms and equipment they have. Poor Appa was sick so yet another clean up operation.
We also had to fill out a questionnaire to say what we thought of the puppy parties, mine was all positive as I think it has been a great experience for Rodders and I. Then it was time for final goodbyes, but it may not be the last time we meet as Nicci may organise a puppy walk in the new year for all of this years puppy graduates, that would be fun to see how they have all grown and progressed.
On the way home OH and I chatted about the other puppies and the vet practice, he seems quite impressed with them which is good. We also stopped to pick up a takeaway, I don't think Rodders was too impressed at being left in the car though!
OH then went straight out the front to sort out the Christmas Lights that have fallen and then in to the loft to get the spare stair gate before we both got changed ready for puppy party. I also managed to eat a slice of toast as I hadn't had anything all day.
We slipped on Rodders lead and went out to the car & OH popped him in the crate. He whinged for a minute or two but settled down quite quickly. A few minutes later and we were at the vets. Rodders seemed happy to walk in there and was greeted by Marley as soon as we were in the door. He didn't even seem to mind when Marley had his nose underneath him sniffing his bits!
Once we managed to get beyond the door he found Appa and said hello but he was quite happy once we sat down to be with OH. Molly joined us soon after and gave everyone her usual exuberant greeting, she is one powerful puppy.
Nicci started to hand out liver treats and threw out the toys. Appa managed to get to the dental kong first and was doing really well at getting the liver treat out of it before Marley was let loose and took it off him.
The noise level once the puppy's were let off tonight was quite high, mainly Rodders barking! He was desperate to play but he knew that Molly and Marley were a bit rough and Appa just tends to trundle around doing his own thing. A few times Rodders did get himself in there and found his way out and back to OH when things got a bit rough for him. He would sit there for a little while and then go back in to the fray. OH seemed to be a hit with Molly who came to have a fuss and chew at his beard and ears a couple of times.
We had to gather up the puppies a couple of times to stop them going in to pools of piddle (Thanks Molly and Marley!) and again once Marley pooped everywhere - he was still playing when he did it and so it ended up all over him as well. It was quite a clean up operation for the vet nurses and his owner.
We all got shown around the surgery and got to see all the different rooms and equipment they have. Poor Appa was sick so yet another clean up operation.
We also had to fill out a questionnaire to say what we thought of the puppy parties, mine was all positive as I think it has been a great experience for Rodders and I. Then it was time for final goodbyes, but it may not be the last time we meet as Nicci may organise a puppy walk in the new year for all of this years puppy graduates, that would be fun to see how they have all grown and progressed.
On the way home OH and I chatted about the other puppies and the vet practice, he seems quite impressed with them which is good. We also stopped to pick up a takeaway, I don't think Rodders was too impressed at being left in the car though!
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Puppy Party 3
Rodders found some energy to start chasing the mop and swiffer and have a bit of supper before we went to puppy party. I managed to grab something eat too, bad Maty this was the first thing I had eaten all day.
I also managed to pop out and empty the car and Rodders didn't make a peep.
He started to get excited when he saw me put on my coat and didn't whinge about going back in the car. He is getting very cheeky now, as soon as I open the car crate he steps out and puts his front paws on the boot ledge waiting for me to put his lead on. As I was doing that he spotted Appa and started barking, poor Appa seemed frightened to death and didn't want to come out from behind the wheel of their car.
Rodders almost ran in to the vets and was keen to say hello to Marley who was already inside and Appa once he got in the door. Molly the Staffie couldn't come tonight so it was just the three of us. To start with we kept the puppies on their leads and they were all straining to get to each other as Nicci answered any questions and handed out liver treats.
We covered inoculations, teeth cleaning and pet passports today. Nicci showed us how easy it is to clean their teeth with yummy chicken flavoured toothpaste!
Without Molly there the playing, once the puppies were let off their leads, didn't seem to be quite so rough and Rodders was happy to play with Marley. Even when he was pinned on his back he got back up on his feet with his tail up and went back for more. He now seems to understand what noises he needs to make to say enough.
Appa didn't seem to do quite so well tonight and spent most of the time on the edges but did eventually come out of himself and make it clear when he did and didn't want to play.
All the puppies got weighed tonight and Rodders is now 4.8 kilos. Nicci says that he is possibly getting a little on the heavier side so maybe we need to stop trying to get him to eat more and just let him eat his fill and not to be worried if he eats less one day and more the next.
Once the toys were out Rodders was happy to play with the tuggy and the tooth cleaning kong but gave in very easily if Marley wanted something he was playing with!
We headed home just before 9pm.
I also managed to pop out and empty the car and Rodders didn't make a peep.
He started to get excited when he saw me put on my coat and didn't whinge about going back in the car. He is getting very cheeky now, as soon as I open the car crate he steps out and puts his front paws on the boot ledge waiting for me to put his lead on. As I was doing that he spotted Appa and started barking, poor Appa seemed frightened to death and didn't want to come out from behind the wheel of their car.
Rodders almost ran in to the vets and was keen to say hello to Marley who was already inside and Appa once he got in the door. Molly the Staffie couldn't come tonight so it was just the three of us. To start with we kept the puppies on their leads and they were all straining to get to each other as Nicci answered any questions and handed out liver treats.
We covered inoculations, teeth cleaning and pet passports today. Nicci showed us how easy it is to clean their teeth with yummy chicken flavoured toothpaste!
Without Molly there the playing, once the puppies were let off their leads, didn't seem to be quite so rough and Rodders was happy to play with Marley. Even when he was pinned on his back he got back up on his feet with his tail up and went back for more. He now seems to understand what noises he needs to make to say enough.
Appa didn't seem to do quite so well tonight and spent most of the time on the edges but did eventually come out of himself and make it clear when he did and didn't want to play.
All the puppies got weighed tonight and Rodders is now 4.8 kilos. Nicci says that he is possibly getting a little on the heavier side so maybe we need to stop trying to get him to eat more and just let him eat his fill and not to be worried if he eats less one day and more the next.
Once the toys were out Rodders was happy to play with the tuggy and the tooth cleaning kong but gave in very easily if Marley wanted something he was playing with!
We headed home just before 9pm.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
The lady that does
When Skevi arrived this evening I was just combing Rodders through and he wasn't happy about it. As she and I chatted he settled down and let me finish him off so no more tangles and no more gunky eyes :-)
Once Skevi started work Rodders was happy to follow her about barking at the mop and swiffer, he is getting so much more confident with her. She talks to him like she talks to her little one but I think she is a little un-nerved by the barking.
As she tidied up his toys to clean the conservatory Rodders was darting around but didn't take them like he does when I tidy them up. He wasn't sure what to make of her moving the furniture either!
While she was upstairs I started to cook dinner and Rodders brought his ball to me so, in amongst chopping and stirring, I was stopping to throw his ball for him.
As OH called I kicked Rodders' ball and in bounced off the wall and straight in to his bowl on top of his kibble, bet I couldn't so that again if I tried! He was very confused by it and didn't even try to lift it out.
I am still working on the freezer but it is taking a while to defrost. I had hoped to get everything back in it before bed, this may be optimistic!
I had a bit of a battle trying to get the worm & flea treatment on Rodders this evening but it is done for another month. I will need to get him weighed at the vets as I think he will need the bigger dosage next month. They are happy to swap it out for free so that is OK.
Once Skevi started work Rodders was happy to follow her about barking at the mop and swiffer, he is getting so much more confident with her. She talks to him like she talks to her little one but I think she is a little un-nerved by the barking.
As she tidied up his toys to clean the conservatory Rodders was darting around but didn't take them like he does when I tidy them up. He wasn't sure what to make of her moving the furniture either!
While she was upstairs I started to cook dinner and Rodders brought his ball to me so, in amongst chopping and stirring, I was stopping to throw his ball for him.
As OH called I kicked Rodders' ball and in bounced off the wall and straight in to his bowl on top of his kibble, bet I couldn't so that again if I tried! He was very confused by it and didn't even try to lift it out.
I am still working on the freezer but it is taking a while to defrost. I had hoped to get everything back in it before bed, this may be optimistic!
I had a bit of a battle trying to get the worm & flea treatment on Rodders this evening but it is done for another month. I will need to get him weighed at the vets as I think he will need the bigger dosage next month. They are happy to swap it out for free so that is OK.
Coming home
As we left the vets Rodders wasn't happy to walk very far as he was in front and he wanted to walk with his pals. We all said goodnight and got in our cars. Rodders had eaten so many Liver Treats that he actually refused a puppy treat as I put him in his crate, thats a first!
We got home and parked up and I got Rodders and his bed out of the car. He seemed happy to be heading home.
Once inside he walked through to the lounge and gave a bark as he spotted OH in there. It soon changed to squeaks of delight and he went up for a fuss.
A nice surprise for me, OH had cleaned and tidied the kitchen :-)
As I got dinner on the table OH played with Rodders and we put some food down for him, he wasn't interested at all and was happy to settle at our feet on snuggle fleece.
We got home and parked up and I got Rodders and his bed out of the car. He seemed happy to be heading home.
Once inside he walked through to the lounge and gave a bark as he spotted OH in there. It soon changed to squeaks of delight and he went up for a fuss.
A nice surprise for me, OH had cleaned and tidied the kitchen :-)
As I got dinner on the table OH played with Rodders and we put some food down for him, he wasn't interested at all and was happy to settle at our feet on snuggle fleece.
Puppy Party number two
As we arrived at the vets for Puppy Party I could see that others were just getting out of their cars. As I opened the back of my car to let Rodders out he started barking and as soon as he was down on the ground he was pulling to get towards Marley and Appa.
We all let the dogs stop and have a sniff hello before walking in the door and we were chatting about how our week had gone.
Once inside we were asked to move straight in to the waiting room so that they could bring an emergency through, this was the first of the night and another followed about an hour later.
Molly arrived a few minutes later and Nicci checked how our weeks had gone and then started to talk about tonights topics. Over the course of the evening we covered neutering, microchipping, feeding, pet insurance and then Nicci went on to answer any questions we had.
While we were all talking we let Appa and Rodders off their leads, Rodders was quite funny as he wasn't sure what to do for a minute. Nicci was sitting there with liver treats and as he started to walk towards her he got to what is normally the end of his lead and stopped and looked at me before realising that he was free to wander. They were quite happy trotting around sniffing, and going back for Liver Treats, but didn't seem to play much together. After a little while we let Molly and Marley down too. They play much rougher and Rodders wanted to join in and held his own much better this week. When things got too rough he would just go and sit by someones leg for some respite and then go and try again. Towards the end of the evening he just stayed on the outskirts at someones leg.
Appa was the star of the evening though. Nicci did have to rescue him from Marley and Molly at one point but he was soon happy to toddle off and went back behind the chairs. Once he took up a station under one of the chairs he wouldn't let any of the puppies under there with him and barked a warning to them. It was really funny to watch Molly and Marley trying to get to him and make him play, Appa wasn't having any of it and made it very clear. Rodders still needs to learn how to do this but he was paying attention and watching and listening to Appa.
While they were playing Judith, the other nurse, was taking photo's of them to attach to their file.
For the last 15 minutes Nicci threw out toys for the puppies to play with, Molly and Marley had a game of tug and Rodders didn't seem to impressed that the Kong didn't have any kibble in it so went off to find something else to play with.
We all let the dogs stop and have a sniff hello before walking in the door and we were chatting about how our week had gone.
Once inside we were asked to move straight in to the waiting room so that they could bring an emergency through, this was the first of the night and another followed about an hour later.
Molly arrived a few minutes later and Nicci checked how our weeks had gone and then started to talk about tonights topics. Over the course of the evening we covered neutering, microchipping, feeding, pet insurance and then Nicci went on to answer any questions we had.
While we were all talking we let Appa and Rodders off their leads, Rodders was quite funny as he wasn't sure what to do for a minute. Nicci was sitting there with liver treats and as he started to walk towards her he got to what is normally the end of his lead and stopped and looked at me before realising that he was free to wander. They were quite happy trotting around sniffing, and going back for Liver Treats, but didn't seem to play much together. After a little while we let Molly and Marley down too. They play much rougher and Rodders wanted to join in and held his own much better this week. When things got too rough he would just go and sit by someones leg for some respite and then go and try again. Towards the end of the evening he just stayed on the outskirts at someones leg.
Appa was the star of the evening though. Nicci did have to rescue him from Marley and Molly at one point but he was soon happy to toddle off and went back behind the chairs. Once he took up a station under one of the chairs he wouldn't let any of the puppies under there with him and barked a warning to them. It was really funny to watch Molly and Marley trying to get to him and make him play, Appa wasn't having any of it and made it very clear. Rodders still needs to learn how to do this but he was paying attention and watching and listening to Appa.
While they were playing Judith, the other nurse, was taking photo's of them to attach to their file.
For the last 15 minutes Nicci threw out toys for the puppies to play with, Molly and Marley had a game of tug and Rodders didn't seem to impressed that the Kong didn't have any kibble in it so went off to find something else to play with.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Quite a walk
Rodders did his usual somersaults when I put my coat on and it was tricky getting my wellies on when he was jumping up and knocking them over but we were ready for our walk after about 5 minutes.
It took 3 attempts to get him to sit and wait at the door but we got there and could get on our way. We headed to the Nicky Line and then headed right to run parallel with the Rugby field. We walked right to the top and then on to the field itself. Rodders was very happy and so we walked two sides of it before coming back via the road. He sat down twice and lay down once on the Nicky Line but walked all the time in the field.
I have been trying to get him to walk to heel on the roads but giving him a little more freedom on paths and fields. Coming back today he was getting spooked by the traffic and I had to keep stopping him and making him sit as he was almost strangling himself trying to run ahead. He did eventually get the hang of it and I only needed to do gentle checks. He did sit and wait as we crossed the roads so we are getting somewhere.
Once home we had the same problem getting him to sit and wait at the door, 3 attempts. He then came in and ran around like a nutter for 5 minutes, behind chairs over carpets and back. He then collapsed at my feet on snuggle blanket and has been there for almost two hours.
I am not too bothered as I think Skevi will be in soon and I need him rested for Puppy Party tonight at the vets.
It took 3 attempts to get him to sit and wait at the door but we got there and could get on our way. We headed to the Nicky Line and then headed right to run parallel with the Rugby field. We walked right to the top and then on to the field itself. Rodders was very happy and so we walked two sides of it before coming back via the road. He sat down twice and lay down once on the Nicky Line but walked all the time in the field.
I have been trying to get him to walk to heel on the roads but giving him a little more freedom on paths and fields. Coming back today he was getting spooked by the traffic and I had to keep stopping him and making him sit as he was almost strangling himself trying to run ahead. He did eventually get the hang of it and I only needed to do gentle checks. He did sit and wait as we crossed the roads so we are getting somewhere.
Once home we had the same problem getting him to sit and wait at the door, 3 attempts. He then came in and ran around like a nutter for 5 minutes, behind chairs over carpets and back. He then collapsed at my feet on snuggle blanket and has been there for almost two hours.
I am not too bothered as I think Skevi will be in soon and I need him rested for Puppy Party tonight at the vets.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Flat out
Once Kev and Jane left I rang for a takeaway and pottered about. Rodders had had enough really and flaked out with OH.
Once dinner arrived Rodders didn't want to be on snuggle fleece and found his way between the crate and my feet and flaked out again. He stayed there all the time we were eating and while I cleared up the table. Once I moved in to the kitchen he came through to the lounge to be with OH.
Being the Mummy's boy he is, he soon moved to be with me when I came through and after being settled on my knee he is down on the floor at my feet, flat out again.
Tomorrow will be a better day - it had better be or we will be calling the vet!
Once dinner arrived Rodders didn't want to be on snuggle fleece and found his way between the crate and my feet and flaked out again. He stayed there all the time we were eating and while I cleared up the table. Once I moved in to the kitchen he came through to the lounge to be with OH.
Being the Mummy's boy he is, he soon moved to be with me when I came through and after being settled on my knee he is down on the floor at my feet, flat out again.
Tomorrow will be a better day - it had better be or we will be calling the vet!
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Final jabs
Rodders and I went off to the vet, he had been a bundle of energy and was still squirming as I carried him out to the car. Once in the car crate I gave him a puppy treat and he seemed OK. He gave the odd whinge but settled very quickly.
By the time I had got to Great Road he was quiet. Then a minor disaster, the police had closed the road ahead and we had to turn around and go back to Queensway, down to Lower Adeyfield Road and on to Midland Road that way. Luckily we were not late.
We walked in and there was a lady with a King Charles, Rodders wasn't interested at all. After we booked in he sat on my knee very happily ignoring it! Well it had snubbed it's nose at him. Waddya mean it will always look like that? Poor thing!
We got called in and it was a different vet to last time. Rodders went down on to the examination table and just sat there as we were talking. She seemed a bit concerned about how nervous he was and was asking questions about the litter. As we were talking and I was fussing him she could see that he was beginning to relax so she got him a treat. He sniffed it for a minute and played with it a bit. She then moved him to the scales and he has put on almost half a kilo. Anyone know what that is in real money? Once he was back with me he hastily ate the treat and then spotted another one and made a dive for that, looking very pleased with himself. He is still too little for his chip though so we will need to come back for that.
I fussed his head and ears as she gave him his injection, he didn't even flinch. What a little star he is :-) Smug? Me? You bet!
We talked about how often he eats and she was fine with him having 3 larger meals to compensate for him not being interested in food after he collapses at night and we talked about how brilliant he is at night but how bad he is during the day if he is left. She did ask if he has to be shut in his crate when I leave during the day, maybe need to think about that. Puppy play pen? Possibly! We also talked about how much he drinks now and that I didn't have to use the powders they gave me. Wetter food worked and now he is drinking I am making it a bit dryer.
She then examined him and we still seem to have a missing testicle, so getting him done seems more likely :-( We then went on to discuss flea and worm treatment. She has given me 4 doses for the size he is now but we may need to pop back in for a nurse appointment before the last dose as it will probably not be enough for him. We can also check then if he is big enough for his chip.
When we came out there was an 8 week old Golden Lab puppy in the waiting room, it was bigger than Rodders! And very cute :-) Then from the other examination room came a big Lab Cross with an older lady and gentlemen. Both the lady and the Lab X had been in the wars :-( She got pulled over and cracked a few ribs when he got attacked by a Pit Bull Type dog that was bigger than him a week ago and has some very nasty wounds on his neck. They obviously had to operate as he has shaved patches on his two front legs. I didn't ask if the other dog was put down but it was beaten off by a policeman with a truncheon. This all happened up near the little Tesco's so we won't be walking up there!
And then a man on crutches came in with a child to pick up some dog food, and a lady with 3 cat's in baskets (you get 10% discount for 3 apparently!), and another lady with a single cat. I was trying to juggle Rodders and sort out payment for the Flea & Worm treatment so one of the staff took Rodders before I dropped him!
We beat a hasty retreat and left them to the chaos! I put Rodders back in his car crate with another treat. He didn't make a sound on the way home :-)
By the time I had got to Great Road he was quiet. Then a minor disaster, the police had closed the road ahead and we had to turn around and go back to Queensway, down to Lower Adeyfield Road and on to Midland Road that way. Luckily we were not late.
We walked in and there was a lady with a King Charles, Rodders wasn't interested at all. After we booked in he sat on my knee very happily ignoring it! Well it had snubbed it's nose at him. Waddya mean it will always look like that? Poor thing!
We got called in and it was a different vet to last time. Rodders went down on to the examination table and just sat there as we were talking. She seemed a bit concerned about how nervous he was and was asking questions about the litter. As we were talking and I was fussing him she could see that he was beginning to relax so she got him a treat. He sniffed it for a minute and played with it a bit. She then moved him to the scales and he has put on almost half a kilo. Anyone know what that is in real money? Once he was back with me he hastily ate the treat and then spotted another one and made a dive for that, looking very pleased with himself. He is still too little for his chip though so we will need to come back for that.
I fussed his head and ears as she gave him his injection, he didn't even flinch. What a little star he is :-) Smug? Me? You bet!
We talked about how often he eats and she was fine with him having 3 larger meals to compensate for him not being interested in food after he collapses at night and we talked about how brilliant he is at night but how bad he is during the day if he is left. She did ask if he has to be shut in his crate when I leave during the day, maybe need to think about that. Puppy play pen? Possibly! We also talked about how much he drinks now and that I didn't have to use the powders they gave me. Wetter food worked and now he is drinking I am making it a bit dryer.
She then examined him and we still seem to have a missing testicle, so getting him done seems more likely :-( We then went on to discuss flea and worm treatment. She has given me 4 doses for the size he is now but we may need to pop back in for a nurse appointment before the last dose as it will probably not be enough for him. We can also check then if he is big enough for his chip.
When we came out there was an 8 week old Golden Lab puppy in the waiting room, it was bigger than Rodders! And very cute :-) Then from the other examination room came a big Lab Cross with an older lady and gentlemen. Both the lady and the Lab X had been in the wars :-( She got pulled over and cracked a few ribs when he got attacked by a Pit Bull Type dog that was bigger than him a week ago and has some very nasty wounds on his neck. They obviously had to operate as he has shaved patches on his two front legs. I didn't ask if the other dog was put down but it was beaten off by a policeman with a truncheon. This all happened up near the little Tesco's so we won't be walking up there!
And then a man on crutches came in with a child to pick up some dog food, and a lady with 3 cat's in baskets (you get 10% discount for 3 apparently!), and another lady with a single cat. I was trying to juggle Rodders and sort out payment for the Flea & Worm treatment so one of the staff took Rodders before I dropped him!
We beat a hasty retreat and left them to the chaos! I put Rodders back in his car crate with another treat. He didn't make a sound on the way home :-)
Rodders has a new playmate
I left Rodders in his crate while I went to Tesco's I could hear him crying as I walked to the car :-( I was away 40 minutes and he was not crying when I got back but he was sitting in the corner of his crate shaking, he had managed to pull up part of the puppy pad and had moved his water bowl but not upended it. How on earth do we stop this?
As I let him out in the garden for a piddle the front door bell rang and Sophie from No1 had brought him a toy and some treats. I invited her in and Rodders was his usual shy self. I let her give him a treat which seemed to help and he was soon happy to have a sniff and check she was OK. She was very sensible and waited for him to go to her. He then started to play a bit with his new cow toy, it is a real hit. He then wanted to go in the garden so we went out there, he had a piddle and a bit of a run around chasing me. I brought out his monkey and Sophie soon got him playing tug with that so I beat a hasty retreat to put the shopping away. It is so nice to see him playing with someone else!
He was quite comfortable with Sophie so I kept popping in and out to check they were OK and managed to get his crate put back together and locate the paperwork for the vets before Sophie left. I did smile as she was giving me tips on how to look after a dog (don't give it yoghurt from the pot or it will jump up when it sees you eating it, for one), she is desperate to have a dog of her own and is making do with a tortoise and stick insects. She is very willing to walk Rodders whenever she can, I am sure that she will be very responsible with him and I know I would have been as eager at her age. I did make it clear that she is welcome to visit whenever she likes and she doesn't need to bring a new toy or treats with her!
Since she has gone he has been running around like a lunatic, from the front window to the conservatory and back again, sometimes with a toy, sometimes without. He then stopped for a big long drink, closely followed by moving the water bowl about and splashing water everywhere! He got trapped behind the baby gate while I cleared up and wasn't happy at all that he couldn't help with the kitchen roll activity!
I have now let him out and he has not quietened down at all. I suspect a trip to the vets will sort that out!
Friday, 14 October 2011
Other things from the week
Rodders has now met the neighbours and seems to be well accepted.
He doesn't seem to be at all bothered by things like the post or paper's coming through the door or by the doorbell ringing.
Bringing up a puppy seems to be more tiring than a full time, stressful, job but I wouldn't swap Rodders for any amount of money.
I need eye's in the back of my head as he can go from chewing a toy to chewing my furniture in a split second.
He is definitely a Mummy's boy and will come straight back to me if he isn't sure of anyone new.
I have started investigating puppy training, dog walking services, holiday cover etc as I am going to need all of these.
He isn't keen on his collar yet but he did wear it for longer today and I was able to distract him by playing so that he didn't scratch constantly.
I have booked in to a grooming workshop for mid November. I am sure that it will be good socialisation for Rodders with other dogs there and I hope that it will save me money longer term if I can groom him myself - we have a puppy brush and are doing the basics for now!
The vet mentioned that Rodders has one testicle that hasn't yet descended properly & they will keep any eye on it. If it doesn't come down it will be even more important to get him castrated (eeeek) as they can turn cancerous (double eeeeek).
We also talked about micro chipping him, I know I want this done as it will keep him safe should he ever get out. He is a bit small for now though :-(
He doesn't seem to be at all bothered by things like the post or paper's coming through the door or by the doorbell ringing.
Bringing up a puppy seems to be more tiring than a full time, stressful, job but I wouldn't swap Rodders for any amount of money.
I need eye's in the back of my head as he can go from chewing a toy to chewing my furniture in a split second.
He is definitely a Mummy's boy and will come straight back to me if he isn't sure of anyone new.
I have started investigating puppy training, dog walking services, holiday cover etc as I am going to need all of these.
He isn't keen on his collar yet but he did wear it for longer today and I was able to distract him by playing so that he didn't scratch constantly.
I have booked in to a grooming workshop for mid November. I am sure that it will be good socialisation for Rodders with other dogs there and I hope that it will save me money longer term if I can groom him myself - we have a puppy brush and are doing the basics for now!
The vet mentioned that Rodders has one testicle that hasn't yet descended properly & they will keep any eye on it. If it doesn't come down it will be even more important to get him castrated (eeeek) as they can turn cancerous (double eeeeek).
We also talked about micro chipping him, I know I want this done as it will keep him safe should he ever get out. He is a bit small for now though :-(
First visit to the vets :-(
Our second morning was another early start to see OH off to work. After breakfast, a bit of a play, more peeing and pooping (still on the paper with the odd accident if he is too excited playing) I carried Rodders upstairs so I could get washed and dressed. He was happy to investigate the bathroom but didn't like it when I left to go & grab something from the bedroom.
Our first appointment at the vets was at 10.15 so I carried him out to the car and put him in his crate. Again he was quiet but did give a little whimper. I carried on talking to him as I drove and that was the only sound out of him but he was happy to come out of his crate when we got there.
I walked in the door to be greated by one of the veterinary nurses. She took him straight off me for a cuddle and walked about introducing him to everyone while I filled in the forms. He wasn't too sure at first so kept his eyes on me. I just carried on talking gently to him so that he knew I was there and tried to make him understand that it was going to be OK.
Once the forms were filled in he was handed back to me until the vet was ready for us. She was lovely and very gentle with him. I explained my concerns about him not drinking much so he was given a thorough going over. Nothing obvious was found, temperature and heart all OK, doesn't seem to be dehydrated (my major concern) and so we could go ahead and give him his first jab. Again, my amazing puppy was brilliant! He didn't even whimper!
We were given a puppy pack which contained all sorts of information including dog training, kennels, groomers, emergency vet, the vet surgery newsletter and a free pack of a different food for him to try - with instructions that we should introduce it gradually if we wanted to try it.
Back in to the crate and home.
Our first appointment at the vets was at 10.15 so I carried him out to the car and put him in his crate. Again he was quiet but did give a little whimper. I carried on talking to him as I drove and that was the only sound out of him but he was happy to come out of his crate when we got there.
I walked in the door to be greated by one of the veterinary nurses. She took him straight off me for a cuddle and walked about introducing him to everyone while I filled in the forms. He wasn't too sure at first so kept his eyes on me. I just carried on talking gently to him so that he knew I was there and tried to make him understand that it was going to be OK.
Once the forms were filled in he was handed back to me until the vet was ready for us. She was lovely and very gentle with him. I explained my concerns about him not drinking much so he was given a thorough going over. Nothing obvious was found, temperature and heart all OK, doesn't seem to be dehydrated (my major concern) and so we could go ahead and give him his first jab. Again, my amazing puppy was brilliant! He didn't even whimper!
We were given a puppy pack which contained all sorts of information including dog training, kennels, groomers, emergency vet, the vet surgery newsletter and a free pack of a different food for him to try - with instructions that we should introduce it gradually if we wanted to try it.
Back in to the crate and home.
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