There are a few things worrying me recently. One of our golden oldie Seagull is slowing down a lot just recently. He isn't the best dog to take out walking with, he is always very slow, has his own mind, own pace, don't like snow/rain, don't like hot weather ... but just lately, he isn't keen to go out (having to drag him out is not very nice!) and most of the time he looks "blank". Even my dopey Colin noticed that! He must be so obvious that Colin has mentioned that to me on the weekend! Seagull is not the oldest, he only just turned 9 on December 30th. But he is eating well and drinking well.
this photo was taken on his 9th birthday
Well, Sing is my other worried. I took him to my Chiro last Monday, so Susan can put her hand on him. Sing has not has any treatment for nearly 2 years. I thought since I am going to Susan, I must well bring him along. This is the first time Susan saw him. She have him walking up and down to look at his movement and to my shock, she told me his good front paw is also looking a bit limpy! Oh dear! He's been on previcox for a while now and I thought he is doing really well. The last time we have him check-up at the vet just before Christmas and the vet was really impressed with his improvement and I was really happy. I have also cut down his play which made him very unhappy but I have discussed with the vet and my Chiro, what should I do for the best. They both agreed that I know my dogs the best, so I am allow to play ball sensible. It is no point to stop all together and the dog is not happy. I know I am a bad mummy, I like to throw ball in the air for him to catch but I tried to stop my bad habit but every now and then I forgot (especially when I get excited!). I have friend who really care about me and my dogs (you know who are you), she always remind me not to do that. It is impossible to stop Sing playing ball, he just loved it, I remembered everytime he came off anaesthetic, the first thing he did was to bring me a ball. It really breaks my heart to see he is not as fit as he was before.
how can you not play ball with those begging eyes?
Lastly, I think Sonic and I better stick to Agility training :) I was brave to try to show him at our local Branch meeting yesterday. I thought he looks nice and would be a good experienced to let people touch him. He was very well behaved. He settled-in while all things going on. I didn't bring a crate so he was on the stupid show lead all the time, I was really amazed how well he coped with everything going on around him. I handled him in 2 classes, the puppy 9-12 months and Special Beginners. I am absolute idiot handler, I tried to do 100 things at a time and I didn't get 1 thing right! I was all stressed out and didn't enjoy it at all. I worried too much as I have not done any ring craft with him and expect him to do everything. The worst thing is to get him on the table to let the judge examine him. I know this will be nightmare as he already not liking people touching him. The stepped in judge was Dave Lambert, Sizzle's breeder :) Dave is so gentle and soft spoken but Sonic just don't like to be poke around! Dave was so worried that he will back off the table so I have to try to catch him. Then, when we all have to stand nicely to let the judge to have a good look around, all Sonic wanted to do is sit down. He thinks when mummy has food in her hand means SIT. Bless poor little boy! When I put the food closer to his face, he leans against me to give me his "kick" trick! Oh! He made me laugh so much! Although he is so handsome (I am biased of course), he will stick to Agility! We will be both happier running in the field. One good thing, he has not tug on the lead but he tried to chew it off. LOL
Oh! One thing I forgot to mention ... when I try to brush him up to make him look fluffy, I have some very kind and nice person came up to me to say if I am thinking to show a dog properly, this is the brush I need ... Mason Pearson. I looked so embarrassed with my lousy brush in front of all these show people! Do I make another come back? Sonic has qualified for the "Sheltie of the Year" Finals because he got 2 x 2nds. Mmmm ... maybe when winter is so cold and no agility, I will? We will see.
I know he has brain and beauty :)
3 comments:
It is hard to not let your dog have fun. Thats why I hate rest. I feel like Ive been resting forever with Miley. Poor dogs.
Seagull is laid back and reserved and is a Prince. Sing just likes to go go go. we know our dogs best and we know what they can do.
Oh well not too worry with the showing, it's too boring back to agility :)
Quick advice about said brushes. If you are planning to buy one (and they are brilliant) don't say it's for a dog. The company is not allowed to sell them for that purpose as the brushes are not tested on animals.
Heidi
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