Straydog UPDATE posted TUESDAY 8/5/03 at ~5:00 p.m. CT

Bill Arnold's Daily Straydog Log

TUESDAY AUGUST 5 2003

Shannon's report for today ...

Sally and Alice had to have a portion of their tails removed

     Unfortunately Sally and Alice had chewed to the point that a segment of their tails did have to be removed. We were hoping that it wouldn't come to surgery, but with each day of improvement, there seemed to be a setback (Click here to see the July 29th update). Now that their tails are short enough that they can't be reached, they seem to be recovering. Why these babies (lovingly referred to as the Bobsey Twins) began eating their tails is still a mystery. We noticed a small sore on Sally's tail after the fireworks on July 4th. Perhaps it began out of nervousness and continued due to irritation. We're not sure, but we do know they now need constant supervision. Michael and I built them an inside kennel where they are being watched in shifts. The bandages have been removed but they still have to wear their E-collars until the stitches come out and we are sure they won't start chewing again.

     It's quite a hospital kennel area we have going in the Straydog office. We have to start walking the hospital dogs at four a.m. just to stay on schedule.

Fuzzy's appetite improves

     Now for some good news: Fuzzy's appetite seems to be improving! Dr. Morton found no evidence of a problem with Fuzzy's health, but for some reason she had stopped eating. She was picking at her food and losing weight. We tried everything to get her to eat!

     Luckily, Guy's mom, Brenda, is visiting from New Mexico, and we now know where Guy gets his love of dogs! She's a whiz with home remedies, and she gave us an appetite increasing recipe for Fuzzy that is working wonders. Fuzzy is even eating part of her afternoon meal now, which she never does in the hot summer months.

Update on Julie's scheduled eyelid surgery

     Julie's eye surgery (to remove the tiny tumor on her eyelid) was rescheduled for Thursday, and I will give an update as soon as it's over. Hopefully that will solve her occasional discomfort.

Bobby's doing better every day

     Bobby continues to improve and likes the hustle and bustle of the new crowded hospital area. It's great to see how comfortable he is in the house now.

Katie continues to come inside during the heat of the day

     Old Katie is still spending the hot days inside, and the sassy girl gets a big kick out of barking at the other inside dogs. She's still so spunky, and there is nothing wrong with her sniffer--she knows when lunch is coming and barks until she is served!

More and more calls about dumped puppies

     We are getting more calls about dumped puppies--it's that time of the year. There are just too many pups, not enough space, and never enough funds. One day people will understand what happens when they don't spay and neuter dogs. Meanwhile, we are giving ideas, support, and thanks to all of the people taking care of the pups until they find homes. Several people have said Pat has inspired them to find a way to help the helpless doggies. It's amazing the effect one person can have on so many lives--both dog and human.