The other bad news is that little Skatt’r is in the hospital. He’s had diarrhea and has been on medication but his energy has been totally normal – he is a bouncy happy puppy. When I had taken him out of his crate yesterday one time, he seemed totally fine. But immediately upon setting him down he acted like he had something really yucky in his mouth and he was doing a chewing motion with his mouth full of froth. We didn’t see any bug or anything in his mouth and within 10 – 15 seconds he was fine and was off running and playing with Boogie like nothing had ever happened.
But about four this morning, Skatt’r took a turn for the worse. Billie rushed him to the vet just as soon as they opened at 7:00am. While seeing the vet he had two more episodes of what they called “chewing gum seizures.” That was what I had witnessed yesterday with the frothy mouth. Apparently they chew their own saliva making it then froth up. It doesn’t last long and the dog isn’t disoriented afterwards at all. Unfortunately as the vet was examining him he had a full blown seizure. They couldn’t get it to stop so they had to give him some valium.
Just like Boogie, Skatt’r has a SUPER good support system. The breeders and their vets are in close contact with Billie and the vets here to try and figure out what is going on with our sweet little buddy.
Boogie and I went out and did one last little practice using the techniques and methods that Billie taught me yesterday. What a difference in just one day! Boogie is one psyched up puppy – and what speed he has! Wow – I’m going to do my very best to utilize this new (to me) method.
We did have one slight little problem. As I was playing with Boogie and trying to get him to tug on this toy, he grabbed at it but instead of getting the toy he got my finger. He bit a hole right through my thumbnail. Ouch, that hurt! And what a lot of blood for such a little hole. But I didn’t let on and kept playing with Boogie. Good Debbie!
Even though it was later than we had planned, we left for our drive to Lake Havasu. For those of you trying to follow us on our journey, it’s on the west side of Arizona on the Colorado River….about half way up the state. (Mom, that’s about an inch up from the bottom of the state…inside joke!)
The park we had planned on staying at won't take us as they only allow two dogs. So we headed over to Lake Havasu State Park. You can tell they have no rules about dogs as everyone here seems to have multiple dogs...and a fishing boat. I feel left out. I love fishing but it's not an activity I can do anymore - and it's certainly not an activity that the rest of the family would enjoy. Actually I think Wazzu might enjoy it - well enjoy may be too strong a word. The movement of the boat would be way too scary for Slugger!
Speaking of movement, Wazzu and I took a little walk down to the lake and out onto a boat dock. It was very windy and the waves were big. The long narrow dock was really moving - I had a lot of trouble staying upright. Wazzu wasn't all that thrilled about going on the dock...but if I go...she goes. What a good girl.
From the dock we could see the RV park that we weren't allowed to stay at. What a view those folks have from their spots!
We don't have a view of the water from our spot...but that's okay, we have a view of all four of our dogs!
On our walk we saw two beautiful German Shepherds. They were so cute! Every time a wave came in they would bite at it. My German Shepherd, Buddy, used to do this. It sure brought back memories.
After getting back from our walk we got some really bad news. Boogie's little buddy, Skatt'r, has been moved to a Specialty Care Center. He is a very sick puppy. The worry is that maybe he has distemper.
Our hearts are breaking for this sweet little puppy and for our dear friend Billie. We pray that sweet little Skatt'r doesn't have distemper and that there is something they can do to make him good as new.
Hang in there little guy....
Debbie
3/5/08
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