September 10, 2012 - check up time

Summer has been too busy for me and so Arri has not had many adventures lately.  We have not been to the beach in weeks.  Partly because of schedule but also there have been many rip current warnings this year.  So Arri has been doing his duty, guarding the bakery while I work.  He has given up on the idea of going up the stairs.  He waits until someone is willing to give him a butt lift.  He has us trained so well.  He is back to many trips to the park and gets around just fine. 

Two months ago, we went to the vet for annual vaccines. He got a good report with the exception of the beginning of cataracts.   Dr. Mike must have high hopes for Arri.  He gave him the 3 yr rabies. Ok, I think I can handle 3 more years with this boy, because he is not allowed to expire before the rabies shot.

On a side note, I was excited to meet Logan in August. We were at the NCR graduation. Logan is a CCI Skilled Companion who lost a front leg to cancer. He has recuperated and continues to work. I think that is so awesome. Mom, Ann, was helpful during the whole process, giving me some heads-up on what I might expect. Having someone who has been through it and not hide the ugly parts helped me.

It has been just under 4 months since the amputation and the tri-pod look already seems like old news.  He did have his first pool accident last week.  His back leg slipped and he wiped out.  He was a bit stunned but recovered quickly.

Glamis and Arri with Oregon hiding from the camera

Today Arri returned to the oncologist for a recheck and precautionary x-rays and ultrasound. This was his first visit since surgery.  He always greeted the girls at check-in with an ‘UP’.  He wanted to do it so bad but he couldn’t.   There does not appear to be any issues, this is just to make sure nothing is going on undetected.  I have been a little concerned about his breathing.  He tends to breathe heavier more often than he used to but then, if I had to hop everywhere I went, I would breathe heavy also.  In fact, I would I would find a comfy spot and plant myself.

The Dr. came back with good news – NO ISSUES.  X-rays are clean, ultrasound is good.  They also did blood work.  His liver enzymes are high but they were high last time.  Essentially, there was no change, which is good.  Oregon went with on this visit.  He was bored silly but really enjoyed all the treats.  It’s sibling guilt.  No one can give Arri a treat without giving Oregon a treat.

We will return for more x-rays and ultrasound in January.  For now we sit back, enjoy life.