April 1, 2009
You’ve asked about Lance
Mahalo to all of you who have asked how Lance is doing. He tolerated the flight from Honolulu to Dallas well, though he was a little subdued for a few days afterwards. His weight-loss continued for the first week or so that we were here, but I think he’s actually gaining a little of it back now. It’s taken a while to find a routine that works. He was having digestive upsets after most feedings and losing all of the food. Now I’m feeding him three or four small meals a day & that seems to work. I’m assuming that the liver tumor is causing the tummy troubles.
We’re staying with my cousin, who has five dogs and five cats. I think that helped Lance come out of his funk because he’s a very social critter. He can’t have any unsupervised social time with the other animals out in the fenced yard because he’s too rough in his play with the cats. He does well with all of them as long as there are folks around to calm him down when he gets a little overly-enthusiastic. He and Rock seem to be forming a special bond. Rock joins us on most of the walks we take each day.
When Rock finds the perfect patch of sun, he’s ready for a nap. Lance always seems hesitant to continue our walks without him, as if he thinks he should stand guard while Rock snoozes.
There’s ample reason to be on alert. The yard is full of coyote tracks each morning. Beagles are scent hounds, of course, and Lance is using his natural instincts each time we walk, whether in the yard or in the woods out back. He gets excited at the cottontails we startle from the underbrush and wants to give chase. I’ve seen a few snakes, but never when Lance was with me, so I don’t know yet how he’ll react to them. I’d be happy if we never find out! There are also raccoons, opossums and other critters nearby, but I haven’t come across their evidence yet. It’s the coyotes and rabbits that leave the most signs.
Mind you, I haven’t actually seen a coyote yet. The size of their footprints compared to the size of Lance’s paw have convinced me that knowing about them without meeting them is perfectly acceptable! I haven’t had any occasion to venture far from the house in the dark. Since the coyotes seem to rule the nights around here, I can’t imagine that anything short of a roaring house fire would persuade me to do so.
All-in-all Lance is doing very well for a dog with two serious health conditions. He’s adapted well to his new environment and seems contented. There’s one thing that hasn’t changed at all. Wherever I am is where he wants to be. You can’t see my foot under the quilt rubbing his belly, but he knows it’s there. I think he’d like it best if we stayed just like this, all day every day!
[tags]beagle, cat, country living, coyote, Lance, Rock[/tags]
Posted by skeet @ 7:06 am • Home & Family
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April 1st, 2009 at 8:08 am, Nellie Says:
Sorry your Lance is so sick. Somewhere along the way I missed that. I mean I knew he was sick awhile back but thought he had recovered.
2 of the gals I work with have had pet issues recently.
April 1st, 2009 at 12:37 pm, Julie Says:
Awww, that’s good to hear. I’m happy to read he’s got some friends he can pal around with also.
April 1st, 2009 at 3:22 pm, skeet Says:
Lance has had a heart murmur since birth, Nellie. Now he has a liver tumor that can’t be treated. It’s caused the heart murmur to kick into high gear. It’s a grade six, as bad as they get. The vet says he could be around as long as another year, but that’s an optimictic guess.
April 1st, 2009 at 3:23 pm, skeet Says:
Lance hasn;t had an animal companion since Buddy died last year, Julie. He’s really enjoying having other furkids as playmates.
April 1st, 2009 at 6:00 pm, Laurie Says:
aww… I am glad to hear that he is doing somewhat better and enjoying some new friends. It looks like there are plenty of adventures for him to have around there.
April 1st, 2009 at 9:57 pm, hyphen eight Says:
Good to hear that Lance is adjusting well to Texas.
Coyotes & snakes, huh? Hope *your* adjustment is going along ok too.
April 4th, 2009 at 5:11 pm, Anele Says:
Sweet lil Lance. Give the sweetie a smooch for me. He’s quite the trooper and I wish him many good days ahead!
April 6th, 2009 at 5:40 pm, Kawena Says:
Oh, what touching pics of Lance. Wishing him all the best. You’re a comfort to him (his mommy) as I’m sure he is for you.