January 2022
On the verge of their fourth anniversary with us, Tessa and Sophie have regressed. Over the years they have occasionally had spells when they were more afraid, or spooked by something, but for two months we haven’t been able to get them inside except first thing in the morning (for breakfast) and bedtime (for a small meal). They don’t even come inside for their regular dinner in the late afternoon. It means Kathy has to walk them multiple times each day, although they won’t take advantage of it, and they go out in the yard off-leash only after we have dinner. At least that gives them time to run, do their business, and get time to themselves. We are looking into a trainer, since what we’re doing doesn’t work well.
Shadah is with Melissa and Terry, and just had a good check-up with her vet. She has some sort of skin problem, which we were concerned might be sebaceous adenitis. Although it can’t be ruled out completely, the vet is fairly confident it is because of food allergies. Melissa is trying some alternatives to the usual meat products, like duck and moose, and we’ll have to see what happens. Shadah is a good girl, really smart, and not a problem to foster.
Kona is also still with Melissa and Terry. She doesn’t like commotion, and doesn’t do well when unexpected things happen. This is common among puppy mill dogs, which she was, and we’re going to need a quiet home where she can be comfortable.
After Bella was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, we began giving her a large dose of thyroid meds on the advice of her oncologist. She recently went back for a check and it looks like the tumor has shrunk slightly. We don’t know if that means the cancer treatment is working or if it’s really something as simple as a goiter. In either event, we have transferred her care back to our regular vet after getting some less-than-great treatment at the oncologist’s office.
Laddie is still on a “trial adoption” in northern Idaho. They are dealing with his prey drive because they have a cat, and we still don’t know if this will be a permanent new home. They really want him, and are now trying a trainer.
Our progress toward turning rescue over to others is not very fast, but we’re still trying.