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Dogs in Between

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Bear Now

In between the rain drops falling, not-ready-for really cold winds and waiting for Spring to really get here so we all can get back to some normal, I’ve noticed changes in each of the dogs that are new to each of them.

Bear– He continues to have a surge of energy from day to day while sleeping less. He had one of his longest walks in months this past weekend. He usually can handle a walk that is the length of our street up and down. Over the weekend, he went all the way around the block-about 4 times the length of his usual walks.  He also met a new puppy, one year old Buddy, the Beagle.  And for the first time ever, Bear tired of Buddy’s youthful energy and just walked away from Buddy.  Bear’s appetite is very good and he has wrestled a little bit with Winnie when she has pleaded with him. Winnie stands tall, head held high and straight and bounces into Bear’s side or chest. If she doesn’t topple Bear over, game on.  I continue to look for any signs from or with Bear, that he is ready to move on “upward”.  He continues to adapt to his poor eyesight and loss of hearing.  As long as he has company, dog or human, he seems content.  His other exercise includes following me to where ever I am in the house.

Nicoya Now

Nicoya– He has noticeably slowed down. He has the same look of when I noticed Bear’s aging slowed him down. Bear started at about 10-11 years and Nicoya is now 12.5 years. His arthritis seems to have increased so he is getting a few more pain pills a day.  The good news is this is the longest string of days that Nicoya has not self- prescribed his “cleanse”.  He hasn’t skipped a meal to eat grass in its place!  He is sleeping a little bit more but his energy level has always been really high.  His walks are at a very good pace yet slower for him.  He has begun to spend more time in rooms or hallways closer to the other dogs and me.  Typically, Nicoya is Mr. Independent and prefers his alone time.

Winnie Now

Winnie – She continues to experience a dry hacking cough yet with no energy change.  She still prefers laying in bed as much as possible and some coaxing for walks still happens at least once a week.  Once she is on her walk with Nicoya in lead, she stays on track.  I am determined to find what is causing this hacking cough.  She has had it since moving into our home, both vets have looked at her without any real diagnosis or at least concern for it.  In other words, they don’t find any medical reason for it.  I think she is allergic to some part of her foods and/or treats.  As of two weeks ago, I stopped the peanut butter, cooked chicken and dried chicken jerky.  I changed her dry bag food so the “boys” had their food changed as well.  They are all on a mix of their old food and a new grain free, all protein (ancestral diet) kibble.  All of them seem to be enjoying this change up greatly.  It could be the reason Nicoya is not “cleansing” as much or hopefully any longer(!).  If her coughing doesn’t stop soon, then I will have to consider her environment.  On a better note, Winnie’s coat (previous post- Winnie’s Unusual Shedding Season) came in beautifully soft and thick enough to leave your handprint on her back.  She is looking really good again.



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