[Dailydrool] A Zack Update

[laumag at mts.net]

Zack of Canada, formerly of Wisconsin, would like to announce that he now has a "girlfriend". No, not in the biblical sense, just a lovely little Girl named Sky, who came to him via Sue Edginton of Bagabones Bassets here in Winnipeg. Sky just had a litter of six beautiful bouncing baby Bassets and had to have an emergency C-Section and complete hysterectomy afterwards. Her Babies are now seven weeks old and just precious. However, a puppy at this point in my life would have been just a bit overwhelming, so, I opted to adopt Sky. I consulted with Zack. He yawned. I noticed a lump under his left eye. I called my Vet and had him in to see her last night. He has an infected tooth and will be having a complete dental next Friday. He is currently on antibiotics to clear up the infection. I brush his teeth every day, but, without a scaler it is difficult to clean under the gum line. He had a dental three years ago, when I bought him from Becky, because his gums were in rough shape at that point. Some dogs, like some humans, are more prone to periodontal disease. I am an example of a human in this category. My Vet did mention that there is a remote chance that this lump could be oral cancer. I will not entertain that idea. Since Zack will be put out for his dental, I have also okayed neutering him. His Show career up here is done, due to the limp he has from his spinal arthritis. I can't show a limping Basset. He limps when he gets up from lying down. My Vet tells me that this is very common in dogs with neck arthritis. He also has some arthropathy in the centre of his spine and spondyliosis at his tail. This was officially diagnosed last December, but, I had early warning signs last July. He was five years old at the time. So, he gets Meloxicam as needed. He had an episode of discomfort on Wednesday. Now, he has the tooth thing. Poor Guy ... at least he has a buddy now and won't howl from lonliness anymore, when he is alone in the house. So far, they keep to themselves, but, I'm sure they will warm to each other as time passes. Sky will be three years old in July. She is a Canadian Champion thanks to her handler Bev and Breeder Sue. Bev owns Sky's Sire. Sue had Sky's Dam, who now lives in a forever home outside the city. I strongly suggest to ask Breeders if they have any kennel dogs to rehome. I am going on 58 years old and this old body would balk at looking after a puppy. I remember many a night in my pyjamas with my flashlight in hand trying to convince Puppy Oliver and subsequently his son Ben to use the yard instead of my kitchen. It is so much easier training an older dog.

I will need some drool flung for Zack's procedure on March 20th. I will of course be a basket case that day. I adore the Zack Man. He is a love. 

Laurie, Zack and Sky