Shelter Dog

The Heartworm Dilemma.

As many of you already know, Ray’s first medical checkup after moving in with us tested positive for heartworm. Further testing produced an assessment of Stage 2 (Stage 4 is considered terminal) which could possibly be treated. The cost was high and the process could kill him; the treatment period was long at 6 months, and he would have to be kept as calm as possible throughout the treatment period to give him the best chance of surviving it. Euthanization was also an option.

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Ray – Decision Maker?

Our home is in need of some roof work and so, as is my practise, I invited quotes/estimates from three companies who had high BBB ratings.

Whenever a stranger comes to our home, we have to advise them in advance of possible reactions from Ray because, while he is Mr. Congeniality when out on walks, he is very protective when on “his territory”.  Continue reading →

Heartworm!

Ray recently had his annual medical, and all the testing proved very good as he was declared to be in “excellent health”!  It will be very difficult (probably impossible) to erase the experience of working with Ray during his heartworm treatment program (full story is in his book “Who Said I was up for Adoption?” – click book cover over in right side column for more information). Continue reading →

A trauma of dog ownership!

The following is copied from my book about Ray – “Who Said I was up for Adoption?” (Click book cover image in right column for more information).

To set the context: We had recently adopted Ray, and his first medical examination produced a positive test result for heartworm. Heartworm is terminal if not treated and, for a number of reasons, the treatment itself can be fatal. He had to be kept as calm as possible throughout the complete treatment period of six months. Continue reading →

Oh Ray!

Ray has expressed his interest in his walks from a long time ago. To be more precise, he has expressed his interest in where we walk! Typically, if our choice of route was not to his liking, he would just stop and stare at us and, if nothing resulted from that move, he would sit! Continue reading →