I had every intention of sitting down and penning our update on the Northern Virginia Cutest Dog contest. I just had to get through an interview with a rescue group (for volunteering!!) and a few work things. But Melvin had different ideas for how today would go. I’m just going to tell you the Melvin part matter-of-factly because right now, we don’t have a ton of info:
- He was confused this morning and panicked a few times.
- He was unable to get up from the lying down position (on hardwood and on carpet) and that, too, made him panic.
- He then had a significant increase in his normal tremor activity, his whole body was shaking.
- Then he threw up. A lot.
I took him to the vet and they think he had (another) seizure episode. They weren’t however ready to rule out minor stroke. He was all sorts of sore from the episode so they laser therapy’d him, took blood and pee and we are going to reassess tomorrow. We feel like he’ll need a neuro follow-up but it was not felt it was critical to do that today. The last time he had a seizure, the next day he was unable to move and had to be put on Doxy (which helped). He is back home now, resting and still a bit out of sorts. He got some meds to calm him down and relieve any lingering nausea. The hardest part was hearing the vet say over and over ‘sometimes, with OLD GUYS like him, blah blah blah’. Uh, he is only one (plus 8). He is not old. But that’s why it’s the hard part, he IS older.
So you know that no story of ours is complete without some sort of humor. When I realized Melvin needed emergency care, I rushed him out to the car (through the garage). Normally when I take Melvin to the vet (alone) I sneak him out the front door so that Jake does not explode with jealous rage. Well today, Jake saw me load him up. I came back in, put Jake in his room and apologized (HUGE WASTE OF TIME SINCE HE DOESN’T SPEAK HUMAN). I could hear Jake honking and howling as I pulled out of the driveway. Once at the vet and situated, I checked the Jake cam to see if he’d calmed down. He had not. Instead, he was shooting meatballs out of his butt faster than his body could possibly even be making them and he was HOWLING at the moon, arching his back and putting a every ounce of hissy into the fit as possible. There is no way to record on the Jake cam but the vet staff saw it. Meatballs and howling. Not exactly the behavior you would expect from one of the top three cutest dogs in NoVA! Thank goodness the voting is over.
Here is my boy getting loved on by the vet. We all had to wear protective glasses during the laser part.
Poor Melvin. Poor Jake too. And poor you. What a tough day. I hope tomorrow is easier. Watching our dogs age is a bear.
Yes it is! Thank so much for the well wishes!!!
Oh Melvin, so sorry you had such a rough day. 🙁 I do hope you’re feeling better very soon big guy. Bet that laser treatment felt good though. 🙂
He did love the laser so it was almost worth it!
Poor, poor Melvin!! Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Love you guys!
Thanks sweet friend!
I’m so sorry that today sucked so bad. I have a golden that is approx 10 yrs old. It’s the only negative part of loving these guys. I know it’s hard on you but I’m so glad that love your boys enough to – well, love them.
Love is magic!
I love how much you love your dogs…even when they’re shooting meatballs out of their butt. (That never fails to make me laugh, by the way!) Poor, sweet Melvin, I hope you feel better soon. You’re not an “old guy”, you’re just a little wiser and more mature than other dogs! 🙂 I work at a doggie hotel, and we have a 16-year-old large breed dog that stays with us occasionally…and she seems to lead a happy and healthy life. Never lose hope <3
You just made my day!!! Sixteen and going strong! Yes!!!!
<3 you.
Back atcha sister.
Boy, lame indeed! I hope that tomorrow is a better day for everybody. Of course it will be!!!
It’s better!!! Thank you!!!
I “liked” for the hilarious Jake story but most of all, I’m sending you my love and warm wishes for Melvin to be a-ok! Keep us updated and give Melvin a ton of smooches from me!
I love when we have to explain out liking of something!!! He received his kisses and pretended they were from Rufus too!
OH, the internet haha
I’m sorry guys, today was not being kind to any of you three! I hope tomorrow is better, much better.
Thanks love!
My goodness, that sucks. Please keep us informed as to Melvin’s state. I know how worried you must be. We will be sending every good vibe we can to you.
We have received your good vibes and they are working!
Tough day, Hope Melvin and Jake feels better soon! And you too!
Thank you SO MUCH!!!!
Oh noowoowoooo! We all send much much wuvwuvwuv and Mama’s special healing light to Melvin! <3 xoxoxoxoxox, Ku and the whole pack
Thanks guys!!!! We feel your love!
You are such a good mommy. Poor Melvin and poor Jake. Even when they speak human, sibling jealousy can’t be tamed.
You just made my day!!! Thank you!!!
Oh no! I am so sorry. That is how my Sophie would be if we took Stella to the vet without her – so codependent! I hope Melvin feels better today.
This literally happened the hour after you left! Co-dependent indeed!
Cousin Ging sends lots of love to Mel today. Hoping Jake has since calmed down and is giving some brotherly love. Or just not making a “mess” for momma. HUGS!
The meatball maker is tame today and the big guy seems to be doing better!
Poor sweet Melvin. Poor meatball shooting Jake. And poor you . . . the best dog mom ever. I hope today is a better day for all of you, and I hereby give you permission to celebrate Wine Wednesday one day early. You have more than earned it!
I hope Melvin feels better soon.
Sending hugs to Melvin. How is the ‘old’ man doing? I hope everything is back to ‘normal’. I know how hard it is to see the pups age.