Saturday, January 29, 2011

Petey and the Vet

Petey went to the vet yesterday for his annual physical. He didn't care. He didn't really like it, but he was good by Petey standards. He is also in very good health for a dog. The vet commended us on taking such good care of him.

He got a battery of tests designed for the geriatric pooch, including both blood & urine tests. The vet called back this morning to say that all his tests came back fine.

While at the vet, John noticed a poster on the wall with estimated dog ages on it. It said that Petey was 72. The vet suggested that was a little on the low side for ole Pete, but didn't give a better estimate. She told John that Petey had at least two more good healthy years left. He's been so healthy that I was a little surprised to hear only two years. Who knows though, really. I'm not going to spend any time worrying about that.

The only cause for concern, is that he's developed a heart murmur. The vet said that 'at his age' it was not unexpected. Even dogs get the "at your age" speech from their doctors!! As of now, it is mild enough that all we need to do is take him back in 6 months for a recheck. Apparently, this issue will progress to a point where medication is needed. In the meantime we are to watch for him to get lethargic. If so, we are to bring him in right away.

Petey's had a day or two where he's laid around and acted like he just didn't feel well. But most of the time Petey's running around commanding to be let out or something. Right now he's outside 'helping' John work on the car. You'd never know he was in his mid 70's with a heart condition!!


Sunday, January 16, 2011

Share and Share Alike

...ummm...not with Petey. Petey knows what is his and has no qualms about staking a claim on it. John and I know what most of his stuff is because we gave it to him and he keeps it near the fireplace. Every once in a while we discover something that Petey deems to be his, that we thought was ours, such as my snuggi. We can protest and fight back all we want. Petey is persistent and undeterred. Petey always wins in the turf wars. It is a fact of life with Petey that we have come to understand.


Last night, however, Petey kicked it up a notch. Apparently, the heat in the house is his and his alone as well. Petey knows where all of the heating vents are in the floor and will lay on the nearest one when the heat kicks in. His favorite being the one in the living room floor. Long time readers may remember pictures like the one to the left. This is one of Petey's favorite winter time places.
So on to last night...

John and I had watched a DVD. Petey was in another of his favorite spots, snuggled up with me under the snuggi while we watched the DVD. Once it was over, I got up as I generally do, and Petey stayed under the snuggi like he usually does. We had the fire going in the fire place and I walked over to warm myself by it while John got the DVD from the player. Petey somehow sensed that I was close to the fire and immediately got up from the couch and got in is ring bed which stays in front of the fireplace. He gave me a look that communicated in no uncertain terms that the fireplace and heat were his and not mine. I tried to explain that there was enough heat for both of us, but I knew even before I started that the battle was lost. I went back to the couch.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Petey Treats Part 2

Scroll down and read the previous entry before reading this one...

I just offered Petey a bacon treat. He sniffed it and walked away. I may get my wish after all - this could be a lifetime supply. When will I learn???

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Petey Treats

On of our local grocery stores was running a super double coupon special this week. That means that all coupons up to $1.98 in face value would be doubled. Being one of those individuals that loves a good deal, I sorted through my coupons for those in the highest value to rush out there and double their usefulness.

What does this have to do with Petey? I got the dog what to any ordinary pooch would be a lifetime supply of bacon treats. I'm hoping this will last a month. I had coupons that made the treats less than half of their usual price. I came home with seven bags of his favorite treats and three bags of 'experimental' treats. I don't know if he likes those or not. He also got a bag of dog food for about a third of the usual cost. Of course, he really doesn't like dog food, but will eat it when he has to.

It will be interesting to see how long these treats will last...