Loki Update

Getting Loki into the van to go to the vets was fun! When we left here on Friday he could still get in and out without difficulty, today was a no-go. Anyway, you have more strength than you realise when needs must. 

For consistency I'd made an appointment to see Ken who was one of the two vets who saw him of Friday, but it was Beth who came to see us. No problem really as I think she's great! Anyway, she had read Loki's notes and was pleasantly surprised to see him on his feet. His front has improved dramatically, which means he falls less and if he does he has the strength to get up. She hopes that he will continue to improve, but we have a long way to go and he may never be quite what he was, but as long as he has good quality of life who cares about a dog show! She thinks that the major issue is in his neck, otherwise his front would not have been so badly affected, that makes sense as the first thing I noticed was that he was holding his head/neck at an odd angle. Beth complimented his character and condition. He was so good, but I guess being shown all his life he is used to being "gone over." She said his weight was spot on and said that had be been carrying too much weight it would have hampered any chance of recovery.  He is now being referred for treadmill hydrotherapy and we are to continue exercising him as we have been doing the last few days. If we have no further issues she doesn't want to see him for a month, but she did warn us that as there is a problem on the spine he may suffer similar server episodes. Here's hoping not eh!

Blanik Liszka

Siska at 5 months old - Yep I'm happy with that! 

A Couple Of Pics

Zeus - "Run Cat Run"

Jamie - "Don't do running mate and not scared of no dog!"

Baby Siska 

Moving Ahead

We had a nice time at Ring Craft last night. It's such a shame that we are limited with numbers, but it can't be helped. We are running on a pre-book, block booking system, and as with future shows, no spectators are allowed. Cheshire show will certainly not be the same but at least it's going ahead. 

I'm sure the people around me know I'm struggling right now. It feels like, what next?  Since the beginning of April life has been harder than normal. My dad is starting his Chemo now and I guess my parents will need more support. Loki, we what can I say? Take every day as it comes ...So considering all I guess my sense of humour is running on empty! Years ago one person started making remarks that my dogs were noisy, one bitchy person who should look closer to home. Some found it funny and jumped on the bandwagon, but you know what, the joke is so stale now it's got fecking mould on it. I guess Mikey was noisy if he was taken away from me, I guess the dogs do scream and shout in excitement when they get to a show, but they are not statues or ornaments, they are living breathing and happy to be sharing the day with us. They are not noisy in or around the ring and other than Ross being a clown most are paw perfect. Really if you want silence don't get a GSD. Oh hell the person who made the remark last night is a friend, she didn't mean to hurt my feelings ... but come on, it's as funny as someone saying "Do you want a saddle for that?" to someone with a Great Dane. I really must try not to be so sensitive ... but we are who we are!

Steve decided to go out before me with Loki, I was so annoyed. All he had to do was give me 5 mins. Of course when I went to catch up Loki saw me and came charging towards me. It really wasn't a good idea and he struggled then to get his balance back. OK it's good that he can still get into a 2nd gear, but it's not what he needs now he needs slow and steady! Hopefully a lesson learned. The poor lad is so wobbly, I feel sorry for him but I can't show it and we continue to try to be normal and happy in all situations. At least now he is able to stand still and strong and his front is dramatically improved, though I'm concerned about his neck carriage when he's walking.

Today Loki has diarrhoea, I rang the vet for advice but he said to give him the medication with a light diet and we'll discuss it further at his appointment tomorrow. I'm going to ask them tomorrow for copies of the Xrays to be sent to me. I asked on Friday and the vet I saw was none too pleased. Anyway, according to a friend under the freedom of information act they can not refuse to give them to me. 

At Ring Craft

Callan

Siska

Double trouble, indoors for the second half of the class.

For My Referance

Just to give me an idea in future of how Siska looked next to her mum at 5 Months. I would imagine colour-wise she will end up looking pretty much like Kaiah. With bitches the saddle almost always fades. (Ziva and Kiri have been exceptions here). I sill think she is smaller than Kaiah, Sammi and Asha were at the same age, but maybe on a parr with Ziva and Tali? That would be ideal! I'm taking Loki to the vets on Wednesday and I'll get her weighed then. 

Kaiah at 5 months

Walking

Zeus

Someone asked me yesterday if Zeus was still with me .. Well yeah of course he is. He asked if he was up for rehoming .. I paused, well I guess I'll say the same as I did before, if someone can offer him more than we can then yes, otherwise, simply No!  I't would break my heart to let him go now, but that is of secondary importance to his happiness and welfare. 

Zeus is a great dog, lots of fun and I've invested time in getting him to understand the rules of life at Blanik. I've said before and I mean it, he is a pleasure and a privilege. 

He's doing really well on the Arden Grange white fish and potato food, his condition is equal to how it was when he came back and was raw fed, with one advantage, he's not itchy now! 

Walk In The Fields

 Ready to go out to walk we had to change the plans last minute and stay in the fields. We are so lucky to have so much space around us. The dogs had fun, they don't mind occasionally, but obviously it's not good enough on a regular basis. 

Nico, Jezi, Zeus 

Ross, Sammi, Ziva

Siska, Orin, Kaiah

Loki on his second toddle in the field. He's far better there than anywhere. I guess it's easier to go in a straight line than the twists and turns of the garden, he continues to fall with every few steps in the garden. Come on Loks keep fighting the fight. 

Day Two Of Recovery

 9am  - Well Loki caught me out this morning. Following the normal 8am routine he got up and went out to the back whilst the others were coming in. It was too late to stop him,  I'll have to remember to close his crate tomorrow. He fell by the bathroom but got up again himself and managed a poo unaided. (outside not in the bathroom 😃) I decided to take him through the gate onto the grass for a wee, he fell twice and we giggled about it and gave him a belly rub, he did manage a wee and then back in for breakfast. He is definitely better than yesterday morning, but we obviously have a long road to travel. .

His front legs/feet seems to be more of a disability to him than his back legs. The back feet seem to be slightly straighter and knuckling less, but I guess if your front feet bend or don't go down as you would expect them too then there is no choice other than to fall flat on your face. That is why I'm trying to keep him on the grass, I feel he's better on a softer surface. 

11am - We've been for our walk - choked with emotion. Best you see for yourself.