STRAYCAT’S DOGGONE BLOG

Pooch Problems

I had to take both of the guys to the Vet yesterday. Wolfie is having problems with his ears again. He has scratched both ears (the floppy part on the inside) raw.

Walter somehow managed to tear off his right hind paw toenail. I don’t know when he did it. He wasn’t limping nor did his behavior change in any way except that I noticed he was licking that paw excessively a couple of days ago (he’s a tough little guy).

Both will be alright. Wolfie, of course, had to be sedated before the Vet could do an accurate diagnosis. He’s just too hyper. The diagnosis was that his ear was infected again. We can’t figure out why. He and Walter are exposed to the same environment and Walter doesn’t have a problem with his ears. Anyway, Wolfie was prescribed a topical ointment, and some antibiotic pills.
Walter was more cooperative according to the Vet. His paw was shaved, his wound treated, and bandaged, with no problem. His bandage looked like a little “doggie tennis shoe” (for a while). By the end of the day, he had loosened it up to the point that it more resembled a “clown shoe”, flopping with every step as he walked. By his second walk today, it was completely gone. He was scheduled to have the bandage removed tomorrow anyway, so I just keep the wound clean, and lubricated with some of Wolfie’s ointment. It will be alright. He was prescribed some different antibiotic pills and some pills for pain.

The total bill was around $420.00. (OUCH!!) Counting their shots, and Wolfie’s inflamed joint, last month, I’ve spent about $800.00 on them in a month. Good thing I love them.   :+}  Both are scheduled for a follow-up visit at ther end of next week.  

Life Day 2191: Birthday Bash

Yesterday, the 29th, I had a little “birthday party” for the MMM. I was at a truck stop in Waddy, Kentucky. There was a nice field in which the MMM could romp.

Since I was at a Flying J truckstop, they had to forego their customary “Happy Meal” and have a corn dog instead. I heard no complaints from them.

Of course, they had ice cream and cake. The only thing available in this catagory was Twinkies and packaged ice cream cones. Poor ‘daddy’ had to eat all the chocolate off of the cones before the MMM could have them. (The suffering I endure for them).

After they finished their ‘treats’, they played in the field again for a while. They expressed their glee in the following manner.

When the ‘party’ was over, they asked: “Dad, this was fun, can we have another Birthday tomorrow”?

A good time was had by all. We’ll do it again next year.

Life Day 2181: Dog Day Afternoon

This month the MMM had shots due. Despite the heat (about 100 degrees), I took them to PetSmart on Thursday the 18th to take advantage of their Shot Clinic (hey folks, it only going to get hotter here, so there’s no sense putting it off). There is no charge for the office visit. I like that part, it saves me over $50.00. They offer one every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Each MMM had 3 shots due this time, plus a replenishment of their Heartworm medicine. I’m glad I finally got their shot schedues in sync. It’s much more convenient. Wolfie needed a follow-up visit for his ear infection as well. They were well behaved for the most part, but Wolfie was his usual “vocal” self. We were in and out of there in a little over an hour, including the “shopping trip” in the store. It took almost as long to drive there and back in all the traffic as it did to get their shots. Wolfie’s ear is just fine now. All in all, it was a pleasant outing. Walter enjoys riding in the car for some reason. Their next group of shots is due in August. Happy, happy, joy, joy. It’ll be even hotter then.
Despite the above mentioned $50.00 savings, this visit cost me about $220.00 including a 20# bag of dog food and “treats”, the selection of which were personally supervised by the MMM. The 6 month supply of heartworm medicine is largly responsible for the rather high total.

In Memory Of Milo

Rest In Peace Mr. M

I just recieved the sad news that my brother Don’s long time Feline Companion, Milo, had to be put to sleep earlier this week. On Tuesday, he developed a paralysis in his hind legs, and it eventually worsened and spread. The decision to relieve his suffering was made on Thursday morning. He was then transported by Lou and Dawn back to his home in Palo Alto, CA. He was laid to rest in his favorite spot, their backyard, with a few of his favorite toys on Saturday morning.

He was as beloved by Don, Lou, and Dawn as are the MMM by me. The MMM had a “cat vs dog” relationship with him, but I was quite fond of him. I’ve always had an affinity toward cats and he reminded me of my beloved Murphy who I had to give up after my divorce. They shared many of the same personality traits and looked very much alike. http://donwood.org/2006/01/pet-emergency.htm

http://donwood.org/2006/01/goodbye-mr-milo.htm

He was 1 “cool cat”