November 5, 2010

White Dog leaped up on my shoulder in alarm at the sound of Quinn's scream. Steve, who was next to him, dropped to the floor and started looking for the source of his anguished cry. No burrs, no cuts, nothing stepped on or sensitive to the touch. Then The Other White Dog was fine. Puzzled we decided to keep watch and when the cries were repeated later in the day we rushed TOWD to the vet. Xrays, Blood work and a thorough examination revealed our boy has chronic pancreatitis. He was given a anti-inflammatory shot, enzymes for his food, and pain killers. That was yesterday afternoon.

Of course the most important question to Dr. Julia was "Can Quinn travel comfortably?" followed by "Will it be OK for him to walk two miles?" Her answer was that she would check back today and if his pain was managed then travel would be no problem. As for walking, she felt that would actually be a good thing for him to do...so tonight we are packing for the trip to Fort Collins, Colorado, where we will participate in the 2MillionDog Puppy Up! Walk for Canine Cancer Awareness.

White Dog already has her pink bag packed with a few toys and chewies, her travel bowls, her blankie, and some treats. She is waiting impatiently as Steve packs our things and paces back and forth looking into her brother's still empty bag. Michael has been packed since Wednesday.

The Other White Dog seems a little perkier with more sparkle in his eyes and is actually holding his tail up...I hope this means he is feeling better. WD will be ready to get in the car and go as soon as the suitcase is zipped and will not understand that we must first sleep and then Steve must teach (although he IS letting class out early) before we can actually get on the road at noon.
TOWD will, in his patient way, rest and carry on until we tell him it is time to go.

The banner is ready, our walking shoes shined, and we have special friends waiting to greet us near the other end. Let the adventure begin, as White Dog says!