Missing Rocky

While sorting through some old cell phone photos, I ran across a couple of Rocky and was reminded how I miss him. Rocky was one of the occasional strays that seem to make their way to our farm. For a dog, or any other sizable animal, it's not as easy as you might think to simply wonder onto our property. Other than our lengthy and narrow driveway, the rest of the farm is surrounded by wire fencing and gates. Anyway, Rocky appeared from nowhere one evening in the summer of 2008. He was a pitiful sight. He had obviously not had a real meal in a long time and was suffering a number of injuries such as scrapes and lacerations. His left ear was split in two and infected. With his condition and him being a pit bull, we were initially worried that he may be violent or even rabid. As it turned out, he was one of the most gentle, large dogs we had seen. As with our previous strays, Rocky was well fed and his injuries and intense flea infestation were treated. It didn't take us long to settle on the name Rocky, as it seemed the best fit for his rough appearance. As best we could figure, it looked as if Rocky had been used (abused) is some sort of dog fighting. Anyway, Rocky stayed with us for several months. In the end, we had to find a good home for him as he was somewhat destructive with whatever he perceived to be play toys. He also liked to dig large holes to lay in, usually in the worst possible locations. C was able to place Rocky with the family of a co-worker. Although the end result was best for Rocky and us, I do find myself missing him from time to time.

Still Here

Seven months since my last entry and only one in thirteen months. Lots of excuses. None of which hold much water. Lots of changes. Obviously, there's no way to catch up thirteen months in a single blog. Well, unless you have a lot less going on than do we. As I get back into the blogging mode, I'll catch things up a bit at the time. My first update will be on Brady. The hope we had for Brady's recovery when last I posted was not to be. Within a week of his return home from N. C. State, his condition worsened and one of the toughest decisions of our life had to be made. Brady was special. Brady was loved. Brady is missed and he will never be forgotten.

Gone to See About a Dog

After the passing of Brady, I think it was a given that we would shortly be looking for a new pup. Brady being gone left a big hole in our little world. After a bit of time we, mostly C, began looking around in papers, internet, etc. Without even being aware of it, I believe my heart was already set on anther brindle boxer, much the same as Brady was. C found one on the internet and at the first look we were very taken by him. The biggest hitch with this deal would be that he was in Mountain City, TN. Now, as anyone that know us is aware of, we are pretty much up for trip to Tennessee at just about any time. But making the trek simply to pick up a dog seemed, even to us, a bit much. Anyway, after some soak time, we decided to make the trip. We even decided to take Lexi with us. This was her first road trip of any real distance and certainly her first over-niter. We searched the web and made reservations at a pet friendly motel in Mountain City and headed up on Saturday. We were late arriving and picked our new pup up on a cold night, well after dark. He was being kept in a dark and isolated stall and being the last of the litter, looked very alone and sad. Immediately there was no doubt, it was a done deal. With our new brindle boxer we were off for a late checking at the motel and a quick pizza. Lexi and our yet un-named pup did great overnight and both traveled well on the way home on Sunday. During the trip we decided his name should reflect his coming from Tennessee so we finally settled on Bristol. Upon our arrival home, it became quickly obvious that Bristol had a lot of learning to do. He could not negotiate steps and did not even know what a hole in the ground was as he almost immediately walked off into one when we turned him loose in the back yard. So, to sum it up, Bristol is special in more than one way, much the same as Brady was and always will be. But in the end, Bristol will be unique in his own way and he is now in a place where he will loved cared for. Too bad, so many pets never make it to a place like that.

DCM and Brady

Dilated Cardiomyopathy, aka heart disease. DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that results in weakened contractions and poor pumping ability. As the disease progresses the heart chambers become enlarged, one or more valves may leak, and signs of congestive heart failure develop. The cause of DCM is unclear in most cases, but certain breeds appear to have an inherited predisposition. Primarily, the Boxer, or in this case, Brady. DCM is inherited and thus is present at birth. It is a progressive disease and normally takes years for the symptoms to become a problem. In Brady's case, DCM did not play by the rules. Brady is not yet two years old. But he has spent the last five days going from emergency vet hospitals, to the vet, to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Hopital and finally back home today. After a number of collapses for Brady and a rollercoaster of ups and downs for us, he is home. The short term for Brady is somewhat promising. With test results still pending and a plethora of meds to tweek for optimal heart rate, the long term is yet uncertain. The biggest challenge of immediate concern is how to limit the activity of a 68 pound boxer who loves to run and wrestle with Lexi, his 60 pound boxer buddy, while maintaining his quality of life. But for now, of most importance, Brady is home.