Today’s the day…

We’ve been waiting for this day for quite sometime now and, at last, it has arrived. Of course, whether it is the right day or not is a matter of judgement, but we think this is the day.

We’ve been waiting for so long, and been so patient, but today is the day!

Yesterday, Ray had his last 20mg Fluoxetine capsule. Today he starts the 10mg capsules. He has come a long way from his 40mg/day original prescription. Getting from 40mg to 20mg was little more than following his vet’s advice, and consciously monitoring Ray’s reactions in potentially stressful situations. Once he was on 20mg however, we had concerns in certain situations and subsequently stayed at 20mg for longer than recommended in this meds reduction exercise.

Yesterday we were out walking with Ray and an elderly lady came towards us. She was in a wheel chair, and being pushed by a younger woman. She gave Ray a big smile as she passed us and Carol, who had the leash, suddenly said “Say hello Ray.” He promptly turned and went up to the elderly lady and allowed both of them to touch him. He could well have been the highlight of the elderly lady’s day, and the other lady expressed her appreciation for Ray’s gesture.

A little earlier, a young girl surprised us by running across the sidewalk to touch Ray … but he was nonchalant about it!

Yes … Ray is ready to go down to 10mg/day. It is the final step before stopping the meds completely, but we’re in no hurry to get there. We’ll keep monitoring him and make that call at the appropriate time! 🙂

“Fist bump to celebrate my progress …. and a treat?”

37 thoughts on “Today’s the day…”

  5. Good Grief! Benjamin and I visited this morning and somehow I must not have hit the post comment button. That must mean that Benjamin’s fist bump and kiss on Ray’s nose must still be floating somewhere out there in space. Just wanted to congratulate Ray and his humans on achieving another goal and send positive thoughts for the remainder of this journey to becoming med-free. Benjamin and I love this adorable photo. Thank-you, again!

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    • They really do not know what they are missing by not working with their dog(s). Ray was potentially a “difficult to adopt” dog but now, he is a real sweetheart! Almost 80lbs of warm cuddle!:)

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  10. Wonderful news! Patience pays off, doesn’t it. 🙂
    Great job to all of you and yes treats have definitely been earned!
    I am sure that Ray did brighten that elderly lady’s day. If i saw him coming down the sidewalk towards me he would definitely brighten my day. 🙂
    I hope he continues to do just as well on the smaller dose. Who knows what other positive changes could be ahead. Its just so great to have him feeling happy!

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    • Hey Cupcake! How’s it going? I really don’t understand what all the fuss is about. I have been feeling so much more aware of things these past few months, and I love it. I am also meeting more people … and getting more treats, so life is good! Woof! Ray.

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  17. Congratulations Ray!! Knew you could do it. And kudos to you Colin and Carol for having the willingness and patience to walk down this path with Ray. Still a ways to go, but what he’s accomplished thus far is nothing short of amazing!

    Love this photo of Ray! Yes, he deserves extra treats and hugs. You know, he may turn into the dog you bring into a senior citizens home to cheer up the residents there! Ray may have found his calling!!
    🔹 Ginger 🔹

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    • Hi Ginger – When Ray went up to the elderly lady in the wheelchair, I thought “He could be a therapy dog.” Of course the reality may be quite different when it came to testing him under various circumstances but, even this little situation produced smiles all around … so although his therapeutic skills may never be certified, he will always bring smiles to faces as he wanders around! 🙂

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