When I came home at lunch time Rodders was asleep and didn't make a sound until I was almost at his crate. He started squeaking as soon as he knew I was there and I let him out for a quick fuss before letting him out in to the garden. He stood on the patio looking back at me as if to say I'm not sure if you are going to abandon me so I went out with him. He had a quick piddle and was then happy to follow me back in.
I asked if he was a hungry boy and he barked before running towards the kitchen. He sat watching me as I weighed out his lunch and put it in the bowls and he sat until I had put it down for him. While he was eating I made a cuppa and filled his water bowls. He didn't eat all his kibble this time.
Once he had eaten he was happy to play so I got his ball thrower and we went back in to the garden. He loves chasing the ball but doesn't really get the hang of bringing it back. Although the weather was now dry and bright it was freezing so I left him out there happily playing with the ball for a little while.
Once he had got bored with playing with the ball I nipped out and got it and he came back in with me. All too soon is was time for me to go back to work. As his tummy seems to be OK I gave him some of his left over kibble as a treat as I popped him back in his crate.
As part of my job I have to go to the local bank which is about a 5 minute walk away. I looked at my watch at 3pm and thought shall I go now? I should have done as less than 20 minutes later it had gone pitch black outside and it was throwing out down with rain. Luckily it was only a short, sharp shower and by 4pm it had brightened up again so I dashed out then. The temperature had dropped and it was a bit breezy but I got some fresh air and it helps to break up the afternoon.
I left work at 5pm and was home by five past. Rodders seemed to be asleep again! I do hope he has been OK and hasn't barked the house down. He was happy to come out the crate and have a fuss and also went in to the garden on his own for a piddle.
He has been so funny this evening. He has been in and out of the garden playing with the stones and running between the grass, leaping over the edge of the patio, dashing under the table, around a leg and back again. He has also managed to get the duck to quack and had a great time growling at it and he has been playing with his ball and frizzbee.
I also found time to pop him on the grooming table and come him through. He escaped from the noose that is supposed to help keep him still but it wasn't a problem as he still stood there (most of the time) and let me carry on. He even let me sort out his gunky eyes without complaint. When he did try to sit down I put my arm under his back legs and held him up. The only bit he doesn't seem keen on is when I try to get him to stand on his back legs so that I can do his tummy.
OH is on his way and dinner is already underway, good job as I am starving!
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Friday, 23 December 2011
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.
Another day at work
Rodders and I were up at 6.30am and, he was soon barking for his breakfast, after he had been out for a piddle.
He was quite cuddly so I was late going for a shower which meant that he only got a quick walk around the block. When it was time for me to go to work he went in to his crate without too much trouble, this really is amazing when he isn't getting any treats.
I spent the morning going through the last bits of my handover with Debbie and then came home for lunch. Rodders was very pleased to see me and was barking by the time I came through the lounge door. He wasn't in any rush to go out in to the garden but did have a piddle eventually. I gave him his lunch and opened the post while I ate it. We then had a play of fetch and a snuggle before it was time for me to go back to work. He wasn't happy about going back in the crate and needed encouraging in. He sat with his back to me as I locked it and gave two barks and a whine as I walked away from the house, I couldn't hear him by the time I got to the car.
We had a slow afternoon and when it was time for me to come home Debbie, the lady I am taking over from, told me that she would be happy to puppy sit whenever I need her to. She lost her Cocker Spaniel, Eric, earlier this year and already looks after a couple of dogs for her friends. Is this the home from home I have been looking for?
He was quite cuddly so I was late going for a shower which meant that he only got a quick walk around the block. When it was time for me to go to work he went in to his crate without too much trouble, this really is amazing when he isn't getting any treats.
I spent the morning going through the last bits of my handover with Debbie and then came home for lunch. Rodders was very pleased to see me and was barking by the time I came through the lounge door. He wasn't in any rush to go out in to the garden but did have a piddle eventually. I gave him his lunch and opened the post while I ate it. We then had a play of fetch and a snuggle before it was time for me to go back to work. He wasn't happy about going back in the crate and needed encouraging in. He sat with his back to me as I locked it and gave two barks and a whine as I walked away from the house, I couldn't hear him by the time I got to the car.
We had a slow afternoon and when it was time for me to come home Debbie, the lady I am taking over from, told me that she would be happy to puppy sit whenever I need her to. She lost her Cocker Spaniel, Eric, earlier this year and already looks after a couple of dogs for her friends. Is this the home from home I have been looking for?
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
A better day
OH got up with Rodders this morning so I got a bit of a lie in. He sent Rodders up to wake me just before 6.30am and I came down for my cuppa and to give Rodders his breakfast. I then threw on my dog walking clothes just before OH left for work. Rodders didn't go out to the gate to say goodbye to OH this morning, he stood and watched from the patio until he heard the car go.
It is wet and miserable this morning so our walk was mainly on the roads on the estate with a short time on the very muddy and soggy rugby field.
I then had to wash and change for work. Rodders is such a good puppy but he doesn't understand why I am not giving him any treats and so he wouldn't walk in to his crate as normal and I had to lift him in. He still didn't make a sound.
At lunchtime I managed to get home, give Rodders a fuss, get him outside in the garden for a piddle, give him his lunch, make a cuppa and some toast for me, poop scoop the garden, give OH an update, play fetch with Rodders and put him back in his crate to be back at work in 45 minutes!
Tonight when I got home Rodders was more like his usual self and started to bark when he saw me. After a very quick fuss he wanted in to the garden for a long piddle and then went in to the kitchen to bark for his tea! After he had eaten and we had played for a little I went up to change and Rodders was running off with slippers and stealing socks from the laundry. OH called on his way to his hotel for the night and was pleased to hear that Rodders is feeling better and getting in to mischief.
I ate my tea while Rodders played on his own with his toys and then tried to keep him occupied as he kept going in to the kitchen and barking for food. When toys didn't seem to be working and he didn't want to be up on my knee or in the garden I put on my coat and his lead and we went out for a tramp around the streets for a little while.
I gave Rodders his supper at 8.30pm and after a trip to the garden he was happy to settle down next to me on the sofa. He wasn't too fussed when OH face timed us to say goodnight, after a quick listen and a glance he settled back down to sleep! It won't be too long before we go to bed.
It is wet and miserable this morning so our walk was mainly on the roads on the estate with a short time on the very muddy and soggy rugby field.
I then had to wash and change for work. Rodders is such a good puppy but he doesn't understand why I am not giving him any treats and so he wouldn't walk in to his crate as normal and I had to lift him in. He still didn't make a sound.
At lunchtime I managed to get home, give Rodders a fuss, get him outside in the garden for a piddle, give him his lunch, make a cuppa and some toast for me, poop scoop the garden, give OH an update, play fetch with Rodders and put him back in his crate to be back at work in 45 minutes!
Tonight when I got home Rodders was more like his usual self and started to bark when he saw me. After a very quick fuss he wanted in to the garden for a long piddle and then went in to the kitchen to bark for his tea! After he had eaten and we had played for a little I went up to change and Rodders was running off with slippers and stealing socks from the laundry. OH called on his way to his hotel for the night and was pleased to hear that Rodders is feeling better and getting in to mischief.
I ate my tea while Rodders played on his own with his toys and then tried to keep him occupied as he kept going in to the kitchen and barking for food. When toys didn't seem to be working and he didn't want to be up on my knee or in the garden I put on my coat and his lead and we went out for a tramp around the streets for a little while.
I gave Rodders his supper at 8.30pm and after a trip to the garden he was happy to settle down next to me on the sofa. He wasn't too fussed when OH face timed us to say goodnight, after a quick listen and a glance he settled back down to sleep! It won't be too long before we go to bed.
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
Rodders loves OH
When OH got home tonight Rodders had just settled down after running around like a lunatic since I got home from work.
As soon as he heard the back door go he went flying towards it barking, this soon changed to squeaks of delight and he was desperate to get up for a snuggle. OH had been in the car a while and needed the bathroom but Rodders wasn't having any of it, he was getting his snuggle first whatever!
Snuggle and bathroom visit over OH needed to go back out to empty the car but Rodders wanted up again and was snuggled in to OH's chest. After a few minutes I took Rodders from him so that he could get back outside. Rodders stayed in my arms for a whole two minutes and then started to wriggle and made it clear he wanted down. He then ran straight to the back door and wanted to go out and find OH but I couldn't let him until the gate shut. Rodders kept making a strange strangulated bark and was getting more agitated as I said wait. As soon as the gate was shut I let him out and he ran to OH and then danced his way around OH's feet back to the door.
He and OH then went upstairs so that OH could get changed and, if you saw the earlier post, you will see that Rodders brought both of his slippers down at the same time.
While all this was going on I was trying to make dinner, shame I forgot the garlic bread was in the oven as the rest of dinner was fine! Rodders also got a little more chicken and rice as he had wolfed down the last lot.
After dinner OH made a cuppa as I cleared up and then it was time for some boy time. They played fetch for a while and then OH lay down on the floor so Rodders could jump all over him - they seem to love doing this. Eventually Rodders climbed on top of him for a rest.
I think that the feeling is mutual!
As soon as he heard the back door go he went flying towards it barking, this soon changed to squeaks of delight and he was desperate to get up for a snuggle. OH had been in the car a while and needed the bathroom but Rodders wasn't having any of it, he was getting his snuggle first whatever!
Snuggle and bathroom visit over OH needed to go back out to empty the car but Rodders wanted up again and was snuggled in to OH's chest. After a few minutes I took Rodders from him so that he could get back outside. Rodders stayed in my arms for a whole two minutes and then started to wriggle and made it clear he wanted down. He then ran straight to the back door and wanted to go out and find OH but I couldn't let him until the gate shut. Rodders kept making a strange strangulated bark and was getting more agitated as I said wait. As soon as the gate was shut I let him out and he ran to OH and then danced his way around OH's feet back to the door.
He and OH then went upstairs so that OH could get changed and, if you saw the earlier post, you will see that Rodders brought both of his slippers down at the same time.
While all this was going on I was trying to make dinner, shame I forgot the garlic bread was in the oven as the rest of dinner was fine! Rodders also got a little more chicken and rice as he had wolfed down the last lot.
After dinner OH made a cuppa as I cleared up and then it was time for some boy time. They played fetch for a while and then OH lay down on the floor so Rodders could jump all over him - they seem to love doing this. Eventually Rodders climbed on top of him for a rest.
I think that the feeling is mutual!
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!
What am I like!
So everything went to plan, puppy walked, me showered, hair dry and dressed for work. It was very frosty and we were lucky not to slip over on the paths and patio this morning. Rodders also ate most of his chicken and rice.
When it came to telling Rodders that I needed to go to work and he had to stay here I was in tears :-( Soppy cow that I am! He didn't seem bothered and went straight in his crate for treats - he had been out to the garden for a piddle 5 minutes before.
So off I went for my first day and met with HR for a brief induction before being handed over to my Manager and then the girl I am replacing. By the end of the morning I had two pages of notes and things were starting to make sense. It does seem a bit of a disjointed system with some things being done manually but I am sure I will get to grips with it.
By lunchtime I was getting twitchy about Rodders and couldn't wait to get him, thank goodness it is less than 5 minutes away! I shouldn't have been worried, he was quiet when I came in the door and didn't make a sound until I spoke. He then started squeaking and was desperate to get out of the crate for a fuss. As soon as he had been given a fuss I took him in to the garden for a piddle before making a cuppa and heating and eating my lunch. While waiting for things to cool down we were playing fetch with the ball. Lunch eaten (Rodders finished this mornings Chicken and Rice), I popped Rodders lead on and we went out in to the rain to deliver the Christmas Cards around Pentland. Rodders then had another run around in the garden before it was time to pop him back in his crate for the afternoon. This time I gave him a big chew along with his normal treats.
When it came to telling Rodders that I needed to go to work and he had to stay here I was in tears :-( Soppy cow that I am! He didn't seem bothered and went straight in his crate for treats - he had been out to the garden for a piddle 5 minutes before.
So off I went for my first day and met with HR for a brief induction before being handed over to my Manager and then the girl I am replacing. By the end of the morning I had two pages of notes and things were starting to make sense. It does seem a bit of a disjointed system with some things being done manually but I am sure I will get to grips with it.
By lunchtime I was getting twitchy about Rodders and couldn't wait to get him, thank goodness it is less than 5 minutes away! I shouldn't have been worried, he was quiet when I came in the door and didn't make a sound until I spoke. He then started squeaking and was desperate to get out of the crate for a fuss. As soon as he had been given a fuss I took him in to the garden for a piddle before making a cuppa and heating and eating my lunch. While waiting for things to cool down we were playing fetch with the ball. Lunch eaten (Rodders finished this mornings Chicken and Rice), I popped Rodders lead on and we went out in to the rain to deliver the Christmas Cards around Pentland. Rodders then had another run around in the garden before it was time to pop him back in his crate for the afternoon. This time I gave him a big chew along with his normal treats.
Friday, 16 December 2011
The first taste of snow
At bedtime I sent Rodders out in to the garden for a final piddle and then he climbed in to the crate. There wasn't a peep out of him until he heard OH's alarm go off.
OH came downstairs and tried to get Rodders to go out for a piddle but Rodders stuck his nose out, saw this funny white stuff falling from the sky and decided he wasn't having any of it. At that point OH decided that this was something I shouldn't miss so shouted up to me.
I came down and tried to get Rodders to go out but he wouldn't stick anything more than his nose out! I dashed back upstairs to get some shoes and I walked in to the garden and Rodders followed me. He had a quick piddle and a poo and wandered about sniffing the snow before we headed back indoors.
I had been having problems sending the paperwork back to the agency so OH was trying to do that for me and so I got his breakfast ready, I then realised that I needed to get washed and dressed quickly as I have to go with OH so that he can drop me off to get my car.
OH had a shower and got dressed with Rodders help. He seems to have worked out the difference between play clothes and work clothes and once OH started to put on his suit Rodders sat down and watched instead of playing and trying to tug his clothes.
OH and Rodders came back downstairs and he went out to load the car. I got my coat on and slipped on Rodders lead and carried Rodders out to the car. He wasn't sure about being in the front on my knee and shook all the way down the town, luckily it is only a 5 minute journey. I am really happy that he would rather be in his care crate as he is so much safer in there.
Back home Rodders had a piddle on his way in from the car and was happy to settle indoors on his bed pad. He has been there ever since and so I have been able to catch up with the blog and make some phone calls.
OH came downstairs and tried to get Rodders to go out for a piddle but Rodders stuck his nose out, saw this funny white stuff falling from the sky and decided he wasn't having any of it. At that point OH decided that this was something I shouldn't miss so shouted up to me.
I came down and tried to get Rodders to go out but he wouldn't stick anything more than his nose out! I dashed back upstairs to get some shoes and I walked in to the garden and Rodders followed me. He had a quick piddle and a poo and wandered about sniffing the snow before we headed back indoors.
I had been having problems sending the paperwork back to the agency so OH was trying to do that for me and so I got his breakfast ready, I then realised that I needed to get washed and dressed quickly as I have to go with OH so that he can drop me off to get my car.
OH had a shower and got dressed with Rodders help. He seems to have worked out the difference between play clothes and work clothes and once OH started to put on his suit Rodders sat down and watched instead of playing and trying to tug his clothes.
OH and Rodders came back downstairs and he went out to load the car. I got my coat on and slipped on Rodders lead and carried Rodders out to the car. He wasn't sure about being in the front on my knee and shook all the way down the town, luckily it is only a 5 minute journey. I am really happy that he would rather be in his care crate as he is so much safer in there.
Back home Rodders had a piddle on his way in from the car and was happy to settle indoors on his bed pad. He has been there ever since and so I have been able to catch up with the blog and make some phone calls.
I have another job!
In the middle of worrying about Rodders I also had to focus on me.
I already have one temp job that I am supposed to be starting on Monday and I was interviewed yesterday for another one that also starts on Monday so I need to know quickly if I am to let anyone down. I had hoped to hear very early this morning and when I hadn't heard anything by 9.15am I called the agency. They had already dropped them an email and were going to call them by 10am if there hadn't been an answer.
At 10.20am the first agency called to ask why I hadn't returned the paperwork so I had to explain my position. They understood that I would have to go with the better paid and longer term contract if I got it and asked me to let them know as quickly as I could.
As I put the phone down on them it went again and it was the second agency. The job is mine if I want it but they can't get me the hourly rate I wanted. I had to agree to drop by £1 an hour so not the end of the world.
I rang OH to let him know and sent a text to my sisters & nieces. Everyone seems very happy for me :-)
I also had to ring agency one to let them know that to was good news for me and bad news for them. I also asked them to pass on my apologies to the 1st company, I really hate letting people down especially this late on.
I already have one temp job that I am supposed to be starting on Monday and I was interviewed yesterday for another one that also starts on Monday so I need to know quickly if I am to let anyone down. I had hoped to hear very early this morning and when I hadn't heard anything by 9.15am I called the agency. They had already dropped them an email and were going to call them by 10am if there hadn't been an answer.
At 10.20am the first agency called to ask why I hadn't returned the paperwork so I had to explain my position. They understood that I would have to go with the better paid and longer term contract if I got it and asked me to let them know as quickly as I could.
As I put the phone down on them it went again and it was the second agency. The job is mine if I want it but they can't get me the hourly rate I wanted. I had to agree to drop by £1 an hour so not the end of the world.
I rang OH to let him know and sent a text to my sisters & nieces. Everyone seems very happy for me :-)
I also had to ring agency one to let them know that to was good news for me and bad news for them. I also asked them to pass on my apologies to the 1st company, I really hate letting people down especially this late on.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Just to add to the mayhem
While OH and I were in Homebase I took a phone call from the agency to see how the interview went. I tried to sound positive and then got told I have the job and start on Monday. It is only temporary and should last a month or two.
While OH was putting up the tree I got a call from another agency with a long term temp role, also in Hemel and paying more. I have decided to try and go for this one too. He rang me back later in the day with more details and understands that I need to move quickly if I am going to let down the first job. We will wait and see what tomorrow brings but I could be about to have my second interview in a week!
While OH was putting up the tree I got a call from another agency with a long term temp role, also in Hemel and paying more. I have decided to try and go for this one too. He rang me back later in the day with more details and understands that I need to move quickly if I am going to let down the first job. We will wait and see what tomorrow brings but I could be about to have my second interview in a week!
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Visiting
Rodders settled down in the car very quickly, so tired he didn't even want a treat!
I called a friend from where I used to work to check if she was in the office and we stopped in on the way past to say hello. As soon as she saw Rodders she picked him up for a snuggle, he wasn't sure of that as he isn't used to people being so forward with him! Each time I have been in my old boss has been out and I was pleased to hear that he was in today. I snuck up behind him and gave him a hug, he shot of his chair and gave me the biggest hug. Isn't it lovely when people you used to work with become friends? We had a chat about how things are going and he gave Rodders a big fuss.
I had a chat with another couple of friends before we left to carry on our journey home. Rodders still wasn't interested in any treats!
I called a friend from where I used to work to check if she was in the office and we stopped in on the way past to say hello. As soon as she saw Rodders she picked him up for a snuggle, he wasn't sure of that as he isn't used to people being so forward with him! Each time I have been in my old boss has been out and I was pleased to hear that he was in today. I snuck up behind him and gave him a hug, he shot of his chair and gave me the biggest hug. Isn't it lovely when people you used to work with become friends? We had a chat about how things are going and he gave Rodders a big fuss.
I had a chat with another couple of friends before we left to carry on our journey home. Rodders still wasn't interested in any treats!
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Last day at work
As excited as I am to be getting Rodders I knew that my last day at work, after more than 20 years, was going to be emotional and I wasn't wrong!
I was very sad to say goodbye to my friends and colleagues but they gave me an amazing send off and I came home laden down with flowers, gifts and cards.
It is scary to be unemployed for the first time in 36 years but I know that I am doing the right thing and Rodders will be here in 9 days. Time to puppy proof the house!
I was very sad to say goodbye to my friends and colleagues but they gave me an amazing send off and I came home laden down with flowers, gifts and cards.
It is scary to be unemployed for the first time in 36 years but I know that I am doing the right thing and Rodders will be here in 9 days. Time to puppy proof the house!
How we got to here
I worked happily in a stressful job with a long commute for many years until they announced redundancies. Having been there so long I was due a reasonable sum of money and so it gave me the chance to really think about what I want to do.
I have wanted a puppy for years, not just any puppy a Salt and Pepper Miniature Schnauzer, and this was my chance. When my Mum died 5 years ago I really struggled to get back in to the swing of things at work and my lovely boss Michael tried so hard to make me happy again, we had many chats about what I wanted and all I could come up with was that I wanted to work closer to home and get a puppy! He wasn't prepared to let me go and so I kept on the Hamster wheel but now, with redundancy looming, I was going to be paid to do what I wanted. Not actually sure I would have done it otherwise but this is a golden opportunity. Decision made, I would get my puppy and, once he was settled in, try to get a job close to home so that I can get home at lunch time for him. That makes it sound like it was an instant decision, it wasn't, it took me months with much soul searching. I know a dog is for life and not just for Christmas and I want to do it properly - Find a good breeder, a vet I am happy with, an excellent training school. I want a well balanced dog who is a joy to have around. Spending time with him and training should help me to achieve that - fingers very firmly crossed!
I then started researching breeders with the help of the Schnauzer Club, Kennel Club and the Schnauzer Forum. I knew that I wanted to avoid Puppy Farmers at all costs and it seemed like a minefield so I wasn't keen on trying other websites such as pet's for homes where there doesn't seem to be any control over who is posting.
With my redundancy imminent I rang a few breeders and my first problem was finding a dog (I wanted a boy rather than a girl) and the second problem was finding one in the right colour. Back I went to the Schnauzer Forum for help. I got a few messages with offers of help including one breeder who had a litter and suggested I give them a call.
I spent a long time on the phone talking about the litter (5 boys, all Salt & Pepper) and found out that they breed one litter per year and they also show their dogs. We both seemed happy with each other so it was agreed that I could go and visit the litter the following saturday when they would be just over six weeks old. She made it clear that until she had met me and seen how I was with the puppies and how well prepared I was she wouldn't decide if I was to be allowed to buy one of her litter - no pressure then!
I have wanted a puppy for years, not just any puppy a Salt and Pepper Miniature Schnauzer, and this was my chance. When my Mum died 5 years ago I really struggled to get back in to the swing of things at work and my lovely boss Michael tried so hard to make me happy again, we had many chats about what I wanted and all I could come up with was that I wanted to work closer to home and get a puppy! He wasn't prepared to let me go and so I kept on the Hamster wheel but now, with redundancy looming, I was going to be paid to do what I wanted. Not actually sure I would have done it otherwise but this is a golden opportunity. Decision made, I would get my puppy and, once he was settled in, try to get a job close to home so that I can get home at lunch time for him. That makes it sound like it was an instant decision, it wasn't, it took me months with much soul searching. I know a dog is for life and not just for Christmas and I want to do it properly - Find a good breeder, a vet I am happy with, an excellent training school. I want a well balanced dog who is a joy to have around. Spending time with him and training should help me to achieve that - fingers very firmly crossed!
I then started researching breeders with the help of the Schnauzer Club, Kennel Club and the Schnauzer Forum. I knew that I wanted to avoid Puppy Farmers at all costs and it seemed like a minefield so I wasn't keen on trying other websites such as pet's for homes where there doesn't seem to be any control over who is posting.
With my redundancy imminent I rang a few breeders and my first problem was finding a dog (I wanted a boy rather than a girl) and the second problem was finding one in the right colour. Back I went to the Schnauzer Forum for help. I got a few messages with offers of help including one breeder who had a litter and suggested I give them a call.
I spent a long time on the phone talking about the litter (5 boys, all Salt & Pepper) and found out that they breed one litter per year and they also show their dogs. We both seemed happy with each other so it was agreed that I could go and visit the litter the following saturday when they would be just over six weeks old. She made it clear that until she had met me and seen how I was with the puppies and how well prepared I was she wouldn't decide if I was to be allowed to buy one of her litter - no pressure then!
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