Sick Ollie–Better Now

Our poor little Ollie has been sick.  We at first thought his lethargy was brought on by a busy Thursday – trip to the vet, walks at the lake and the prairie, and a couple of rounds of ball in the backyard.  Then Friday, his first Mom and kids came to visit and we thought he might be a little upset with that.  Both dogs had a good visit and enjoyed seeing their other family. 

But Ollie continued to be lethargic.  Then he stopped eating, just laid around all day Saturday.  When he was no better on Sunday, we decided a trip to the emergency vet was in order.  He was running a fever and was somewhat dehydrated.  They did a lot of blood work and a urinalysis and administered sub-cutaneous fluids to rehydrate him.

The labs did not show any disease process and we took him home.  Later that evening he was still not eating or drinking and was hardly moving.  Back to emergency for more fluids.  His temp was down but he was still obviously not feeling good.  It’s such a helpless feeling as the poor guy can’t tell you what is wrong.  He just wanted me to hold him and he would just lay his little head over on me and say, “Mom, I don’t feel well.” 

This morning he seemed more alert but still draggy so we took him in to his regular vet.  Our trainer had said to give him a raw beef knuckle bone to chew on and I was concerned that he had a blockage of some sort.  So we had x-rays taken.  The vet said there was nothing to be concerned about as the x-rays looked fine!  He did say that beef bones, even knuckle bones, keep vets in business.  He also said the same thing about antlers and said antlers are so hard he sees dogs with broken or chipped teeth from chewing on them.  I know the feeding of raw bones has proponents on both sides, but our dogs will be sticking with the Nyla-bones from now on. 

The final diagnosis on Ollie was gastroenteritis, in other words, a belly ache.  Not sure if the beef bones were to blame or if it was just one of those things.  He is on a bland diet for now and is doing much better.  He did come to us with Nyla-bones but Jewel doesn’t care for them.  We thought she needed something to chew to keep her teeth clean and healthy but she won’t touch the beef bones anyway.  I know many dog owners give their dogs bones with no problems.  We gave raw knuckle bones to Rusty and Poppy and never had a problem.  Sarah, if you’re reading this, Ollie is fine and no more bones!

Be sure and get my good side, Mom!

So, Ollie is now a Thousand Dollar Dog (or nearly!)  – but in reality he was a Million Dollar Dog before so it’s all good!  I tell ya, those beef bones are EXPENSIVE!!   On the positive side, Ollie was so good for everyone who handled him over the last several days.  No barking, growling, snapping; just quiet compliance.  He is a wonderful dog, and he will only get better. 

I cancelled the class with the trainer who evaluated him and recommended the knuckle bones.  The more I think about her approach, the more I just can’t agree.  She is all about changing behavior with treats and more treats.  She gives treats when the behavior is NOT desirable to try and distract them, like when they are barking at a passerby.  She gives treats when they are good to reward them.  Seems a little confusing for the dogs!  We will take them back to the obedience school they went to with Sarah and get some additional training.  Jewel especially needs to be challenged.  That little girl is full of energy and just as smart as a whip.

I almost caught that pesky squirrel this time.

I think the Native American tradition of giving names related to personality or great deeds is a meaningful one.  Remember I said that Russ has started calling me Donna Two-Dogs?  Here’s why:  (you might need to click on the picture to see details)



I have been trying to think of an appropriate nick-name for Russ and I think I found it.  In honor of his chosen duty every morning he shall be called Chief Pick ‘Em Up.  Here’s why:


I think our chief picker-upper might need an attitude adjustment!  Actually he does this with a smile.  Says he is glad to be the pick‘em up guy as it reminds him he is no longer dogless!

We are blessed!