I know it has been months since I have been on here. I changed computers and lost my info to sign on. We are back now. I am glad to report Thor is still going strong! Since I have last posted he has had his 12th birthday and has been on a road trip to FL! He has his good days and his bad but there are still way more good ones. He has a healthy appetite and will chase a chipmunk.

The only real set back has been his heart. Last year with medication he had only 13 irregular heart beats in 24 hours, this year was astoundingly worse. There were nearly 1600. We up the med he was on. (sotalol) We have also added a new one, mexitletine. So far he has tolerated the changes well. He will be checked again in a few weeks to see how they are working. We will also be taking another road trip to FL.

We did have one scare. When he was being checked over at the cardiologist they found a lump on his neck and the vet mention it could be lymphoma and to keep an eye on it. I didn't see any thing growing or him having any changes in in appetite so I figure I would keep watching  and waiting. Then last week his left rear was swollen. I called the vet and they got me I few hours later. By the time we got there the swelling was almost completely gone. After a thorough check the lump on his neck was gone as well. The consensus was because of his heart issues the swelling may have been caused by laying in the same position for too long and not enough blood flow to pull fluids away. I now make sure he gets up and outside every 4 hours or so and we haven't seen a return of it.

Here are a few photos from our trip.

I am Now Offically One of the Nutso Over Reactive Dog Moms

We got into the vet yesterday and Thor was searched top to bottom, and nose to tail... OK nub. After a "Yes there is a slight bump behind his left shoulder", then came an "actually behind both shoulders". He also tipped the scales 5 lbs heavier. Guess where some of that weight is? You got it. My boy has a couple of fat rolls! Well Back to the bad food. I had tried to get him off Hills Prescription r/d and was trying Blue Buffalo. He was getting gassy but Prozyme fixed that. He Is also ALWAYS hungry on the BB. So now we are doing the switch back. (sigh.) I think this was my last hurrah on trying a new food for him, as it is the 4th one and everything else is higher in fat. So I am going to give up that stress for both our sakes.

I had also switched Arabella hoping to only buy one kind of food for both dogs. She is going to go back to the Wellness now as well. I have noticed her scratching more. Plus she too got gassy and is using Prozyme. I think she needs to go back to a grain free diet. Or maybe I will try the Blue Buffalo new grain free line. It is too high in fat for Thor but I think Arabella could do well on it.

I may have mentioned Thor was just not wanting to play. When we were leaving the vets yesterday there was a beautiful 12 week fawn boxer boy going in. His name was Max and Thor was smitten! He had to go over and play a bit. I think Thor's size intimidated Max's dad, but it didn't phase Max in the least! They were very cute playing together! It was good to see Thor bounce around and doing the play bow. Made my day!

We are all doing well. Actually I don't know about that. Thor sometimes jumps like someone is poking him and he feels a bit swollen just past his left shoulder. Even though our vet's office is open today and tomorrow, my vet doesn't work these days. I really prefer my vet. He understands I educate as much as possible, and he is comfortable with me asking questions and doesn't hesitate referring me to a specialist when needed. I am going to see about getting him in on Monday if things don't get better over the weekend.

Thor has been sleeping quite a bit lately and is less active. Another worrisome thing. I recently had my wisdom teeth out and then had company for a week. So I am just now really paying attention to him after a busy few weeks. I also noticed when Arabella would play he would run from her. At first I blamed it on the extremely hot weather we had but it has cooled down and he still doesn't want to play. I think I have a few long days in front of me.

Boy is it Hot!

We are in the middle of a heat wave and the temps are HOT! We have been over 100 degrees for a few days and have a couple of more to go. Sometimes Thor will go lay in the sun for a few minutes and other times I can't get him out the door to potty.

Yesterday I had an appointment and wanted the dogs out quickly so I could get going. Sometimes to accomplish this I will tell the dogs there is a squirrel or rabbit outside.

I tell the dogs to "go get the bunny!" and they both take off like a shot Arabella does her predictable dash for the bush. Thor on the other hand, got just past the edge of the patio and made a quick u-turn and ran back to the house with a look of "Oh Heck NO!" look. It was the funniest thing I have seen in a while!

I am so glad he still surprise me and I am glad that at 11 he is still willing to go chase a critter!

Vacation Time

I know it has been a while since I have been on. We have been really busy! We took a bit of a road trip vacation. If you told me in February I would be taking Thor along I would have thought you meant his ashes. That was my original plan. I was going to spread them where we spread his sister Star's, at our favorite inlet. Instead Thor went for a dip in the inlet!

Thor generally hates the water. He isn't thrilled with dew on the grass and baths are always a matter of finding the right treat to bribe with. The plan was my husband was going to stand on the shore with Thor while I took his sister Arabella for a swim. My husband called out and when I looked back Thor was right behind us. I was completely amazed! He watched Arabella swimming and tried to copy her. He never really got the hang of it and just did a funny kind of high stepping thing.

We started off in a tidal pool and the later went to the inlet/river where there were waves. Again Thor surprised me by going in! I was so proud and amazed by him. I guess he was a bit jealous of his "fishlike" sister having all the fun!

gatorblu's photostream



gatorblu's photostream on Flickr.

Happy Dancing Going On!

I just got off the phone with the cardiologist with Thor's Holter results. The news is great. He only had 13 VPC's (Ventricular premature complexes or arrhythmia's) in 24 hrs! That is great news and it is about 1/3 of what he had a year ago. His medication was adjusted at that point and it seems it is right in target. I am so happy right now! Extra hugs and a cookie to both dogs in celebration! We go on vacation in three weeks and a huge weight has been lifted. I think I won't be so anxious driving with him half way across the country.