We had already called Dr. Julia, whose office was flooded with clients and calls and emergencies. We left a message for her to call when there was a moment to give our weekend Nuka update and to decide on our continuing strategy, including the next visit.
Nuka had eaten TWO syringes full of baby food and had been outside on her own. It was time for her usual post breakfast nap.
Steve brought out the pile of towels and set them next to me. YoYoMa heard him turn on the shower in the bathroom and our blind boy made a beeline for the farthest corner of the yard. "You can run but you cannot hide," Steve called after him before he turned to White Dog and said, "I guess you are first, baby girl!"
Like the born leader she is, WD let her collar be removed then marched into the bathroom to face the indignity of at-home grooming. "We're ready," Steve called as he brought out the wet and pathetic looking White Dog of My Heart. I am always surprised when I see her wet because she looks so skinny and naked. She dove into my armload of towels for some major blotting then squirmed off of me. She hopped on the couch and rolled, pushing her head under the pillows to dry herself. She shook facing all four directions of the living room and then headed for our bed. We knew beforehand that this would happen and the plan was to wash the top blanket after we finished the bathing ritual...she outsmarted us by diving under the sheets and scooting up and down the length of the bed.
Yo had returned to check out the action and Steve grabbed his collar. "Next!" he announced and our big tough boy squealed like a baby piggy down the hall and into the bath. It was a lot noisier that it had been with the resigned WD and I heard Steve say several times, "No, not yet!" YoYoMa came charging out to me before Steve announced him and had time to spray the entire room before Steve caught up and placed him in my arms. YAWD easily fills my arms and wiggling as he was, required a vise grip. Steve grabbed another towel to dry. By the time we had him dried enough to not drip, we were both soaked. Yo slid out of my arms and rolled on the floor then shook, then rolled again,then shook...a cycle he continued long enough to drive the rest of the WDA from the room because he was making them wet and crashing into everyone. He finally collapsed like a rag doll on top of the hearth blankets and lay there grunting unhappily until he dozed off.
At jerky snack time, the White Ones lines up for their daily duck treat...including Nuka. Everyone received their portion except Another White Dog who stood looking forlorn. "Really?" I asked. She stood waiting. I broke off a tiny sized piece and she immediately took it. She enjoyed it with gusto but when she asked for more, I picked her up. "here's the deal, you start eating real food on your own and you can have more jerky but right now I am not sure you are ready for more." I kissed her and set her down.
Steve decided to press her a bit by offering a teaspoon filled with intensive care canned solid dog food instead of a syringe at her next feeding. She sniffed and thought about it for a second but ended up eating two teaspoons full. All of the WDA expected a taste as well and were disappointed that such incredibly smelling yummies were only reserved for Nuka.
We finally caught up with Dr. Julia late in the afternoon. She was surprised and very pleased at Nuka's progress. So we are going to continue on our current course, without liquid food (unless she once again stops eating), slowly adding a very few nuggets of kibble at a time to the specialty solid food. Dr. Julia wants to see her Friday for a check and blood test; and our goal is to get her back to her regular food and walks by next week. Paws crossed.
As we ended the conversation Dr. Julia said, "tell White Dog there is something pretty amazing in that Power of the Paw. Nuka is far surpassing my expectations...lets hope it continues."
Thank you. Thank you all.
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| In the yard before bed with Oso and Quinn, our Nuka is smiling once again! |