WE HAVE A WINNER

After using the random number generator to pick the winner, Rudy is pleased to announce that we have a winner to the little contest we had a few weeks back! Drum roll please:

Sunny, Scooter and Jamie!


We will be sending you an email to get your mailing information.

Congratulations!

Review: Cesar Milan - Mastering Leadership (and a contest!)

About a month or so ago, I was asked to do a review of Cesar Milan's latest DVD series: Mastering Leadership. First I must say that I might be the human person in the U.S. who has never seen his show. I knew some basics about him and knew several dog owners who were huge fans of his but me? I entered into this review completely blind.

As you might know, The Prof and I adopted Rudy, an Irish Wolfhound mix, in October. We spent the last eight years with an amazing, well-behaved, beautiful Irish Wolfhound. He exemplified good manners nearly all of the time. We brought him to "puppy preschool" and obedience early on. Having worked in a veterinary hospital for nearly three years, I realized from the start that I wanted a well-behaved dog, especially a dog that would grow to nearly 40 inches at the shoulder and 175 pounds. Finnegan spoiled us because he was a calm submissive dog. He would have rather lounged in the living room than played in the backyard.

Rudy is an entirely different story. I visited him several times at the shelter. He showed excitement when he saw me but did not appear to be out of control or aggressive. After The Prof met him, we decided to take him home. Had I watched the DVD before bringing Rudy home, I would have followed Cesar's directions on how to bring home a new dog. And hopefully, Cesar, I hope you don't mind I call you by your first name.

Mastering Leadership is divided into three volumes: People Training for Dogs, Becoming a Pack Leader, and Your New Dog: The First Day and Beyond. Each volume taught a different skill and used various examples to demonstrate a point; however, Cesar kept a common thread or theme throughout each of the DVDs: calm assertiveness.

In People Training for Dogs, Cesar led a seminar in front of a small audience. Initially, it had a Dr. Phil feel to me. And sadly, that is not a compliment. However, the format fit the purpose of this class: reeducating dog owners about what dogs are, how they act, and what we as humans can do to establish a pack. He broke down dogs into four groups: species, dogs, breeds, and names. He explained the importance the each group while emphasizing that dogs are basically dogs. They have a pack mentality, they follow a leader, and most importantly, the humans better be the leader of their dog. Cesar described the "psychology" of a dog and how a dog owner should behave in order to get the result that they want. The point to take home was this: the human must exert calm assertiveness. And boy, can Cesar exert calm assertiveness.

Initially, I thought that this was a bunch of phooey and in no way could my "calm assertiveness" get the Rudemeister under control. Did I mention that Rudy is likely part Tasmanian Devil? No? From the get go, he felt so excited every time he saw us, even if only five minutes went by, that he wanted to jump on us. And being nearly seven months pregnant, I cannot have a 65 pound dog jump on me. So I decided to use Cesar's advice. After all, he had clips showing him with a pack of rather large and somewhat rough looking dogs without him or anyone else being mauled.

Calmly and of course, assertively, I went over to Rudy's kennel to let him out. I kept quiet and managed to stand tall while bending over to grasp Rudy's collar. I made sure that I walked slightly in front and at the door, easily got him to sit before letting him out. Guess what? This worked! At least that time it worked. The next goal for me was to go out on the deck and throw his Frisbee without the whole jumping routine because in Rudy's mind: HI! HI! HI! I MUST JUMP! I MUST JUMP! I stood in front of the sliding glass door and singled Rudy to sit. After he stayed seated, I joined him on the deck where I continued to hold my hand in way to indicate: Rudy if you continue to sit I'll be your BFF (okay not really). He sat but almost shook uncontrollably. Finally, on my terms, I let him get up and began the Frisbee throwing process. Again, this calm assertiveness, or as I liked to call it, The Jedi Mind Trick, worked. I felt pretty proud until I let my guard down and WHAM! Rudy tried to jump on me. Did I forget to mention Cesar emphasized consistency?

Cesar and I started out well. He taught me the basic skills I needed to work with a dog I felt I lacked control over. Each time I interacted with Rudy I had to remind myself to be calm and assertive and ALWAYS do it. It is easier said than done but at least I knew it had the potential to work. I moved on to the next volume, Becoming a Pack Leader. This time The Prof watched the whole DVD with me. Rather than speak to a seated group, Cesar met with three individuals and his or her dog. Each interaction demonstrated a behavioral problem and how becoming a pack leader and maintaining calm assertiveness could benefit both human and dog.

In his first interaction, Cesar met a family with a German Shepherd. When I saw this dog, I thought, okay good, Rudy is not anywhere nearly that crazy! This dog was a little on the psycho side for my taste and the owners clearly had no control over him. Over the course of his lessons, he taught a dog to go from completely wacky to well-mannered. Initially, the dog seemed to not listen to anyone and felt ripping a house guest apart would be an awesome idea. The skills that Cesar taught were simple: calm assertiveness, exercise as a release for the dog and a way to gain control, and consistency. Of course, the owners did not pick up on everything right away but shortly, they began to grasp the basic concepts and not only could you see a change in the family but definitely in the dog.

Next, a Wheaton Terrier or something like that, felt the need for speed. Or at least she felt the need to promptly exit the premises whenever the front door opened and gallivant throughout the neighborhood. I know I should laugh at other's misfortunate but this dog cracked me up. It was if she had to sow her wild oats. Free at last! Wheeeee!!! Okay, so that was not the point of this segment. Again, Cesar demonstrated how calm assertiveness, boundaries, and consistency could tame this wild dame.

Finally, Cesar found a Jack Russell Terrier who was a nightmare on a leash. It seemed his goal in life was to destroy the enemy. And the enemy was everywhere, man. The owner, a pretty laid back young woman who obviously loved her dog, would react how probably many of us would react when our small dog went ballistic, she picked him up to reassure him. Any guesses if this is the correct method for control? If you said yes, you are so very very wrong. Again, the key is calm assertiveness, confidence, and consistency. And not picking up your cute little dog every time he wants to rip apart that yippy little Pomeranian behind the fence.

During each segment, Cesar met with the family and the dog. He assessed the situation and began by explaining what was happening. He demonstrated his methods and of course, made it all look really easy. Then, he worked with the family to implement those tools. What I liked is that it was not as if the family got it right away and everyone lived happily ever after. Instead, each person had his or her hang ups and weaknesses which needed to be overcome. However, Cesar patiently worked with the person and finally, the concepts were implemented fairly successfully. Even though the situation might not match yours or mine, the skills can be applied to different scenarios.

Again, I decided to try his techniques but this time with The Prof's help. Although Rudy does not try to kill people, run off, or act like a spaz around other dogs, he is pretty difficult on a leash. He wants to PULL so much that even The Prof feels like his shoulder could be dislocated. As per Cesar's instructions, we placed the collar higher on his neck for better control. Still, Rudy wanted to PULL and ended up gagging and choking. Next, we tried the old method of putting the leash around our back for leverage. That sort of worked but he still pulled. In order to show how calmly assertive we were, we had Rudy sit at each corner before we crossed the street. He sat but he still tried to take off when we walked forward. Cesar, care to visit us in Northwestern Pennsylvania? Oh yeah, he chases our cats too. It could be a two for one! The key is that we need to continue to work, work, and work some more with him and be consistent. At the very least, Cesar, my new buddy, gave us some important tools.

Finally the last volume, Your New Dog: The First Day and Beyond, taught potential dog owners who to adopt a dog from a shelter, a rescue group and a reputable breeder. I appreciated his emphasis on trying to adopt from a shelter when possible and to us the Humane Society of the United States as a resource for finding a reputable breeder. I respected him even more for saying that.

Cesar met with three different individuals and interviewed them about the type of dog they wanted. The first woman lived by herself in a condominium and had an active lifestyle. Due to her living situation, she required a very small dog. Cesar and the woman headed to the local shelter and looked at various dogs in her size range. He taught her how to approach a dog and what to look for. In every circumstance with each potential owner, he emphasized finding a submissive dog and one which would not require rehabilitation. After observing the dogs, he pulled out three and had them interact with each other so they could figure out how the dogs acted in a pack. Once he determined what role each played, he was able to help the woman select a dog which would be right for this woman. Sadly, the adopted dog was not the same that the woman and I thought she would pick out. But it turned out that the dog we liked was a little land shark. Go figure.

Once they determined this little dog was the one, Cesar suggested taking the dog for a walk at the shelter before bringing him home. He explained the steps for properly bringing a dog into a new home. Besides picking out the dog, he talked about what to expect next when the dog is in the house including where the dog stays in the house and generally proper behavior.

Next, Cesar met with a groovy couple who already had two large dogs and a cat. The woman decided she wanted a Bassett Hound but the hound would need to get along with her giant dogs and her fairly chill cat. Cesar suggested bringing the two dogs to a rescue shelter for Bassett Hounds so that all the dogs could meet and live happily ever after. Amen. Little did I know that there are about a bazillion unwanted Bassett Hounds. I have never seen so many Bassett Hounds in one location. Honestly, I found it a bit disturbing but hysterical at the same time because generally, Bassett Hounds appear fairly mellow and of course, they are very low to the ground. It amused me to see a "mob" of Bassett Hounds in a desert location. Again, Cesar went through the process of selecting a dog and introducing it to the dogs and the cat who resided at the rescue shelter. Thankfully, everyone got along although the three dogs did not seem terribly interested in each other as it was hot and they probably lacked much energy.

Once they determined this Bassett was the one, Cesar joined them at home to show them how to walk their little pack. Frankly, the idea of walking a Husky, some Mastiff type mix, and a Bassett did not seem appealing to me. All I could think of was being pulled in three different directions like a medieval torture device as my limbs were pulled from my body. Apparently, the owners did not have the same fear because they walked these dogs like experts and showed me who is wrong. Cesar guided them throughout the way and for a brief moment, I felt jealous but happy for this new little pack.

Finally, the last family with whom Cesar worked wanted a pure bred snazzy German Shepherd. This family had two young children and I kept thinking: Cesar! Talk them out of it! Too much work! Too strong willed for little children! Noooooo!!!! Apparently, Cesar did not hear me when he recorded this DVD months ago but he did emphasize to the family that Shepherds are strong willed dogs who need strong owners who are Cesar Milan. No, he didn't say the last part. That was my input. Cesar found a reputable breeder (who had their own van with their name on it!) and brought over Shepherds of varying ages. He showed examples of high energy assertive, high energy submissive, and calm submissive/comatose. Okay, again, I'm interjecting. Obviously, he encouraged the family to pick the calm submissive and SHAZAM! a puppy was adopted.

Once they selected a dog, he began the process of working with the family. Because the daughter appeared to be a "high energy assertive" child, he had her not be part of the initial training. Cesar went through all the keys of having a new puppy: establishing boundaries, finding an appropriate spot for the kennel, and teaching the puppy how to walk on a leash.

In each situation, Cesar matched the dogs well and taught valuable lessons including finding a dog with matching energy. Does Rudy match our energy? It depends. When we exercise him a lot like Cesar would tell us to do, he matches it. However, there are days when we cannot give him a 45 minute walk or 45 minutes of exercise. And yes, I feel bad but sometimes we do not have all the time in the world. Is Rudy submissive or assertive? When we are assertive, he is submissive but boy does he try to be assertive when we have our guard down. I must say, Cesar does make it easy to learn and really does show how his techniques, which are really mirroring the ways dogs act in nature, can create a symbiotic relationship between human and dog. Honestly, you must see it for yourself because it has changed The Prof and my relationship with Rudy and made it so much more rewarding.

The kind people who asked me to do this review also provided me with an extra DVD for a lucky reader to win! If you would like to get this DVD, leave a comment about a dog from sometime in your life and link your email (you don't have to put it in the post itself). You have until November 30 at 9:00 p.m. to enter. I will pick a winner on December 1 and let you know via email.

What Breed of Dog Should Obama Get?

First, I am thrilled to be part of history in the making. I worked the polls as an attorney and voted for Barack Obama, the next president of the United States. Last night was emotional and I feel like the country is on a new path. Now the big question: What type of dog should the Obama family get? One of my favorite things to do is to help friends and families pick out a breed of dog. I enjoy reading about the breeds, figuring out the traits that would fit the person, family, and household and coming up with a list of dogs suitable for person. As you probably know, I am a fan of sighthounds, specifically Irish Wolfhounds. However, I do not think the next First Family should adopt one for numerous reasons including that I don't want the breed to become too popular, become overbred, and lead to numerous giant breeds filling up the shelters. But I have to say the same for any other breed. I imagine when the President, particularly a popular president, adopts a dog, many follow suit and want the exact same dog. And what happens? Dogs are adopted and then the well-intentioned adopters realize a lab does not work in a city apartment and the lab must go.

My solution is for the Obama Family to adopt a mixed-breed puppy from a shelter. This is beneficial for numerous reasons. First, it tells the public that adopting from a shelter is the right thing to do. The adoption can tie in with the message that there are too many unwanted animals and the best thing to help the situation is to adopt from a shelter. And think about the photo opportunities: President Obama (how I love saying that), the First Lady, and their two adorable daughters in a shelter looking at puppies and young dogs. It would send an amazing message. Second, adopting a mixed breed dog from a shelter would possibly prevent one particular breed from becoming overly popular.

So what type of mix should they bring to the White House? I think they should look for a medium to large sized dog. They should work with the shelter workers and volunteers to find a active but submissive dog. Honestly, I do not think the mix matters too much although if they found an Irish Wolfhound mix, that would be pretty awesome. Hey, I'm biased.

Hopefully, the family will find a suitable match and will take my advice because what better person is there to send the message about homeless animals than a popular newly elected President.

Coming Soon!

I have been asked to review the newest DVD by Cesar Milan! This comes just in time for our new friend, Rudy. Oh, Rudy. He's a charming devil. I will be giving away one free copy of the DVD. My plan is to watch the series this weekend and to write up a review as soon as possible so the kind folks who asked me to do this review do not become frustrated with me. I apologize! For those of you who read periodically, if you would not mind passing on the word about this contest, I would greatly appreciate it! And also, I am probably going to do some more writing on this blog because I'm finding I might want to work on my critter writing. Perhaps a book can come out of all the critter stories from my life? Oh my, I must be dreaming, a very very pleasant dream.

Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!

Can I be complete honest with you? This weekend I questioned whether adopting Rudy was the right thing. And now you're asking: who the hell is Rudy? The Prof decided he liked Rudy better than Rooney, it's actually easier to say, and so alas, it's Rudy. He responds to it so all is right in the world.

I am rarely one to sugarcoat matters. Rudy acted like a complete and utter nutcase when we brought him home. Yes, I understand he had been in the shelter for nearly one and a half months. Yes, he is young, under two years old, and he has a ton of energy. But I did not expect quite that much energy. Oh, all that energy. I set up his crate downstairs and had two leashes ready, one for inside and one for outside. After walking him and throwing a toy nearly 5,000 times, I decided he expended enough energy to be introduced to the house. House, this is Rudy, Rudy, this is House. Unfortunately, it is not this House.

All he wanted to do was run around and around and around the house checking everything out. And then the cats. Oh the cats and oh hell how did I make my first big mistake. I introduced the cats to Rudy directly and not through a closed door. Big mistake. His response? OHMYGODOHYMYGODHIHIHILETMESNIFFYOUPERHAPSCHASEYES?YES?

In human translation: holy hell I've never been so excited to meet you but if you run, that means I will chase you. GAH! So Rudy went back downstairs, the cats gave me dirty looks, and I nearly cried.

The next day, he couldn't believe he still lived with us. His outpouring of love made my heart ache. He truly wanted to be a good boy but the excitement overwhelmed him. We spent a good part of the day throwing Frisbees, which he can catch if we don't suck at throwing them, throwing balls, and going for a walk. He calmed a bit but still, it was all so very very new and he literally did not know what to do.

Sunday included more playing, throwing, attention, and love. We named his numerous squeaky toys, praised him for good behavior, and worked on "No jumping" and "Sit" and "Stay" before he entered the house. Still, the cats were on strike and wanted nothing to do with this atrocious creature. Ew! A dog! When I talked to my sister on the phone, I wondered how long we could take his behavior with the cats.

But then I began to do some reading and calmed down. We decided that he will need to be downstairs dog until he becomes used to the house and the cats become accustomed to him, he must stay in his crate while unsupervised, and most importantly, we need to be consistent with his training. After all, he is a good, sweet, smart, and loving dog. All he needs is our time and patience and I think he will be sure to give it back.

Introducing...

Rooney!

Although it seemed entirely too soon to invite a dog into our home, Rooney fell into our laps. After returning from a holiday to Scandinavia, Iceland, and Finland, we brought our Siamese to the vet for some constipation issues. While checking out, the technician mentioned that there was a stray in the back that they thought I would like. I told them we had enough cats but she then corrected me and said it was a dog! In fact, it is an Irish Wolfhound mix! I paused for a moment and then succumbed to my curiosity and asked to meet him. She couldn't run back fast enough to bring him back. And yes, he was absolutely part Irish Wolfhound.

At first, I said no way, we just lost Finny and are expecting our first baby. Oh, for those who still read this somewhat defunct blog, I'm pregnant! And we are having a boy on February 11, 2009! Woot! But wait, there's more because of course there is always more. I called a few weeks later to make an appointment for Mr. Stinny's checkup and innocently asked about Rooney. Let me back up. My veterinarian houses the county shelter and all strays in the county are brought there. Unfortunately with the housing crisis, many animals are dumped as "strays" at shelters. It sucks and as a consumer law attorney, I hear clients stressing out about not over losing their homes but finding a homes where they can keep their animal companions. The receptionist told me that Rooney wouldn't be there much longer. When I asked whether he had been adopted, she told me instead that the shelter is overcrowded and he might have to be euthanized. Of course, I would not accept that information and practically shouted "NO!" into the telephone.

After some quick thinking and complete lack of judgment, I told her that if they couldn't adopt him out, I would foster him. And in Andrea English, foster means bring him home under the guise of "it's only temperary" and in actuality, he becomes a permanent family member. (See also: Mr. Stinny, Shrimpycat, and Zena (another story for a later time)). I apologize for the excessive use of parentheticals. Initially, my husband did not agree with my decision and insisted that we wait to see if another family adopted him. Also, he asked other friends and coworkers whether they would be interested in adopting him. Of course, the answer was always: no thanks. However, The Prof is also a softy so he did not want this dog to be euthanized either. Finally, he met him and was won over by Rooney's smarts and sweetness so alas, let me introduce the newest member to our crazy home who will be welcomed by the kitties this Friday:

An Inspirational Dog Has Passed

On October 3, 2008, Jerry, another inspirational dog, passed away after a courageous battle with bone cancer. Jerry enjoyed a wonderful, loving, and exciting life with his human parents. During the last year or so of his life, he traveled the country with them seeing new places and faces. Finny and I had the good fortune to meet with them a year ago September. The two of them sniffed, and wagged, and sometimes just ignored each other. I found Jerry to be a sweet and smart boy with parents who loved them with all their heart.

What sometimes brings me peace and comfort is to think about Finny with four legs again, frolicking with his canine friends who passed before him. I imagine Finny waiting for Jerry on the other side with his big Irish Wolfhound grin and tail wagging, waiting to greet Jerry with all of the love that sweet boy deserves.

Finnegan

We miss you a tremendous amount already.
Love you.

Farewell to a Friend

On Friday, my husband and I will say good bye to a dear friend. He has been a large part of our life for eight years and endured many ups and downs with me. Normally, I would write this after we say our final good byes but I feel like I need to do this know while he is still with us. I am not ready to use the past tense when speaking about our Finnegan. Our big loving boy Finnegan, the Irish Wolfhound, who will always be part of my heart.

Dear Finnegan,

You came to us during a time in my life where I didn't think I could leave the house again. I felt enormous anxiety that spiraled into depression, fear, and shear panic. I worried that I would be unable to work, shop, or even marry the love of my life. And then youy came home to us. Despite my intense fear of being outside my house, I began to take short walks around the block with you, our goofy, gangly, awkward Finny. Although my shoulders felt tense when I'd first walk out the door into the hot Utah air, slowly, a smile would form on my face as I'd watch this ridiculous boy trot along the sidewalk. Next came human interaction with puppy class and then the pet store to buy food and finally, you brought me out of my shell and returned me to state of wellbeing.

You continued to help me stay stable through after work visits to the dog park and longer hikes in the foothills. When we made our trip across country, you seemed to be the only stable critter in my car. Did I mention I drove the car with all four animals from Utah to Pennsylvania? Thank you, Finny, for being the normal one who would listen to me bitch about traffic, the lack of radio stations, and yes, be subjected to Donald the cat lunging from his carrier at you. But we made it.

Sadly, I could not bring you with me to law school during my first year. However, we changed that situation by finding a pet friendly apartment. Our walks together in the neighborhood (well more so third year) allowed me to release my stress and be in the moment. You are always in the moment with your enduring love.

We returned home to The Prof and enjoyed being a family again. However, in less than a year after we returned home, the limp came. I knew deep down this was not a good thing but hoped maybe you tripped in the yard. That does happen to us from time to time. We are klutzes after all. But of course, it was the bad, the evil, the bone cancer. Due to your spirit and the fact we caught this nasty cancer so early, we decided to treat you. The beginning was sad and full of regrets but because you are such a strong stoic dog, you proved us wrong. You hopped, then walked, and then trotted around the backyard with the energy of a puppy. The pain in the wrist was gone and you wanted to show us every was fine now.

Despite the facts and figures and median survival rates, you surpassed all of our expectations with the grace only a sight hound knows. You enjoyed two full years with us without a complaint and without any signs of suffering. And to be sure, we wanted you never to be in pain or suffer or not live the life you deserved. And you did for much longer than we could ask.

But sadly, your time with us is coming to a close. That strength you hold is slipping fast. Although you try so very hard to be strong for us, it is time to give the gift of letting you go. To let your beautiful soul move out of that weak and sick body to watch over us forever. The next twenty-four hours will be a sacred time for us. We promise to give you all the love in our hearts and when the time comes, we promise to be strong for you as you have been for us.

We love you so very much and will miss you. There will never be another dog as magnificent as you. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life.

With all the love.

(Cross posted on my other blog Fretting the Small Stuff)

Finnegan's Friend

We are sad to learn that dear Meggie passed on. I had a special soft spot for that girl. Something about her wiry hair and somewhat disheveled look endeared her to me. Although I never met her in person, I can certainly say that I loved her. Finnegan and I send our love over to Brian and Kerri and all of the crew.

Feeling Good

Finny has had three good days in a row and this morning was great too! He is slow to get up in the morning (he takes after his mama) but once he's up, he has energy, is interested in eating food, and is in good spirits. I think part of it is that we have figured out a good combination for his medication where he is comfortable but not feeling like he needs to expel gross fluids from his rear end. Lovely thought, no? Last night we played in the back yard and he helped me search for a kitten that is apparently wandering around our neighborhood. It's not ours but I hate the idea of a lost kitten in the big bad outdoors! Poor baby. He also helped himself to the cat food I left outside for the kitten. He must really be feeling better!

The Prof and I are heading out of town so our caring pet sitters will be watching him and the cats. I hope that won't throw him off too much but they come three times a day and spend a lot of time with him. He is such a good boy.

So here's hoping to more good days!

Happy Birthday, Finny!

Today Finny turns eight years old. This is an amazing feat for an Irish Wolfhound who was diagnosed and treated for bone cancer two years ago. Sadly, as you all know by now, the cancer came back. Luckily, it does not seem to be bothering his breathing and he is chilling, eating, and getting love. This weekend I plan on making him some Finnegan Muffins (essentially a bunch of peanut butter and flour) so he can enjoy his birthday with some delectable treats.

So Happy Birthday, Buddy! We love you!

The Big C (or M in this Case)

As we expected, Finny's cancer returned in his lungs. He has a ten by eight centimeter solid mass in his dorsal lung. Well, maybe not dorsal, it's up high just below his spine. The good thing is that it's not pressing on his heart or esophagus. He came home with us last night with two different types of medication, prednisone, and an injectable medication that apparently makes him really happy and healthy. Our plan is to keep him comfortable. The veterinarian is calling an oncologist to determine if there is an type of palliative care we can do to keep him comfortable. She is optimistic that we can keep him comfortable for perhaps six months, maybe more. I would love to get six more months but only if he feels good, is happy, and his quality of life is great. Putting him through treatments or agressive therapy is not in the cards. The only option at this point is to do what is best for Finny.

Oddly, I'm not hysterical or depressed. Obviously, it is sad; however, he will be eight years old next week and lasted two years from his diagnosis. That is more than we could have asked. We love him very much and for the next months, he will be fed gourmet homemade treats, and given more love than he can handle

Healing

I'm pretty sure that the regular readers probably do not come around here much anymore. Certainly I have not written here in many months for good reasons. Finny has been doing really well. Unfortunately, that is not the case anymore. Recently, he became ill with a fever and swelling in all of his ankle/wrist joints. He has a discharge coming from his eyes and is in some amount of pain. Due to having osteosarcoma, his immune system is out of whack and it could be causing him to not be able to fight infections. The blood work came back normal and he did respond to an injection of an anti-inflammatory. His fever dropped from 104 to 102. When he's feeling a bit better, he will go home with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and happy pills, aka pain medication. I want to keep him as comfortable as possible. The antibiotics will be started first to see if there is a response. If there is none, it might be that the cancer is back someplace. My veterinarian is also calling an oncologist to see if there are any other options for him.

Our goal is to keep him comfortable and as pain-free as possible. If this event is treatable, that would be icing on the cake but for once, I'm being realistic. He turns eight in less than two weeks and it has been nearly two years since he was diagnosed with cancer. This new illness came on fast and hard. Perhaps it is something wonky. He has had a history of having strange illnesses. But like I said, I'm being realistic. I need to prepare myself as I did for his kitty brother who passed away three weeks ago. At the same time, I might just be numb.

Keep Finnegan in your thoughts. I am not a religious person but think healing thoughts for him. He really needs it right now.

Finnegan: The Book

Yes! I am still here. My mommy wrote a story about yours truly and the book is now being sold over at Tripawds. If you want to read about and see gorgeous photos of me, you can go to the Tripawds, check it out, and see if you want to get one for your very own!