Thursday, May 15, 2014

Cricket and Shadow

Easterly winds helped keep temperatures subdued yesterday, and it was actually feeling a little cool despite the humidity. Right now it's relatively quiet on the weather front, but wet times are ahead to close our week.
~Cricket, waking up from a little nap~
Cricket has settled in really nicely this week and is getting along well with the other dogs.  During the day, Cricket is alert and will come to us for attention, and will nap in the office with the other dogs. Yesterday when I arrived home from work she stood at the fence with the other dogs and barked.  All of this a contrast to her behavior by late evening  when she wanders around the house and seems not quite sure of where she's supposed to be.  At those times I've been putting her to bed in her crate and she'll sleep soundly until around 5.  Today we're off to the vet, and I'll ask about it; I do think it isn't uncommon for a gal of her respectable age of 16.  
While Cricket has been settling in, I've been noticing a few changes with our boy Shadow.  He is panting heavily even when at rest. I've gone through the check list starting with his color that looks good, even after activity, appetite is good ... But he's not himself.  I thought it may be pain from his arthritis, so I gave him pain-medication, but there's been no change.  I've no idea what it could be.  But tomorrow when his vet returns to work, I'll take him in to see her.  I hope you'll send some good vibes for this most gentle boy that joined our household about 7 short months ago.

33 comments:

  1. oh, those sweet little furry souls...

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  2. I am happy that Cricket is happy around you others dogs! Maybe he is still missing his old home and has not found his happy place yet? I hope Shadow is ok, sending good vibes. Cute photos!

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  3. I hope Cricket settles in the afternoons soon, and Shadow, sending loving thoughts, all messages of good health and love to Shadow, and all at G.P. Heart of Gold you have, for all who come to live with you, happiness is assured the second they come in the gate. Oh, to be one of the pack, I'm sure the word in the doggie ears spreads far and wide. Hugs, Jean.

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  4. So glad the Cricket is doing well with the other dogs. Hopefully she will find her comfort place soon when its time to sleep.
    Sending lots of good vibes for Shadow. Hope its something minor and no biggie.
    Ana

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  5. Hope all goes well with both Cricket and Shadow, Kim. Good vibes coming your way!

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  6. such sweet faces. good vibes for dear shadow.

    Edgar and his mum

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  7. Cricket is so cute...love her! Prayers for Shadow.
    Summer has hit here, 74 degrees yesterday and I have been busy, busy, busy with yard work after eradicating the fleas that the cat drug home!

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  8. Oh Cricket is soo cute and WOW ! looks good for her age . Our Miggs has always panted like that even in sleep and even in the icy winters but more so when it is warmer,and we always get her shaved for the late spring and the summers our vet said some dogs are like that especially when they have thick undercoats they tend to be warmer blooded . I hope Shadow is ok though ! Thanks for sharing , Have a good weekend !

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  9. Have you funded your vet's kids college fund yet? We have.

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  10. I send good vibes for Shadow. Let's hope everything is well. Cricket is so cute.

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  11. Perhaps there was an evening routine with her lost friend that no one else knows about and she's missing it. All you can do is your best and that's pretty good.

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  12. I've enjoyed catching up with your posts and excited to read about sweet Cricket coming to live with you. She is absolutely adorable, sweet girl. I hope she settles in soon and her moments of confusion are few.

    Hoping that Shadow is ok, sending him love and cuddles from the UK.

    xxx

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  13. Crickets ears just slay me. Adorable. She's a beautiful soul. Fingers crossed for our Shadow. X

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  14. Awww - humans with dementia do that too; it's called "sundowning". My 13 yr old, Josey, is starting to pant all the time, too :(

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  15. Hello Kim, Cricket is so sweet, what a loveable face. Sure hope Shadow is ok, you are such a kind soul, hugs Francine.

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  16. Glad Cricket is settling in, even if confused at times.

    Healing vibes coming your way for Shadow. Paws crossed.

    XXXOOO Bella & Roxy

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  17. My sister suffers from dementia and has had many changes medically and living circumstances. Any change sends her into a fit of panic. I was told that Alzheimer residents need to have the same routine and any changes make it very difficult to adapt. It is possible that Crickett just needs time to adapt to her new home. I have also heard of sundowning and that it is common with nursing home residents. Bless her little heart. She needs the direction that you are giving her to fill secure.
    I was thinking Shadow was relatively young. Maybe he is just adjusting to the warmer weather? We also had an older golden that started the panting as she aged. We also supplied her with endless bowls of crushed ice!
    Thinking about both of your sweet babies. I will be waiting to hear what the vet says.
    Gus' Mom

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  18. Jackie mentioned about a routine in the afternoons that Cricket may have had previously. A friend that fosters cats had a similar situation. It was an older cat. His human had special time with him when he got off work at midnight. The poor fellow in foster care would cry and pace at midnight. He was confused and missing his midnight routine with his human. They get old and just don't understand what happened to them. Thank you for giving these dogs your love and care,

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  19. I love seeing the sweet old dog faces! Hopefully it's nothing serious for either Cricket or Shadow. Fingers (paws) crossed for you.

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  20. Most defiantly, sending POTP to Cricket and Shadow.

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  21. I was thinking the same as Eileen. Perhaps Cricket hasn't settled in yet, though it could be dementia, yes.
    Here's hoping that both Cricket and Shadow just need some vitamins.
    *hugs* ♥

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  22. Here come some good thoughts and magic bubbles for Shadow!!!
    Feel better soon our friend!
    And so good to hear Cricket is setting in- perfectly.
    love
    tweedles

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  23. Sending hugs and love to them both...it is so difficult when they get on in years...mine are ten now and it does not seem possible!!

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  24. If it's any reassurance I also wander round the house not quite sure of what I'm supposed to be doing.

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  25. Sending hugs to Shadow & Cricket. Paws crossed for Shadow - hopefully the vet visit will result in good news...

    Hugs to you and your doggies!
    Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

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  26. Healing thoughts for Shadow. Cricket is so lovely.
    You do such a great job Kim!

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  27. Kim, my strongest thoughts are always with you!!!...:)JP

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  28. I hope you get some answers for your pups. It has to be frustrating to not know what to do! We do know they are in wonderful hands!
    oxox
    Daisy

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  29. My dogs have a bedtime routine that includes evening meds, three spoons of yogurt each, an outing, then a toy in their crate or bed and finally a cookie. When we deviate they act confused and have a hard time settling down. You don't know her former routine so maybe you can establish a new one.

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  30. Easton has snapped out of his funk. I hope the same thing for Shadow. I've had pain meds and anti-inflammatory meds for Easton since he re-injured his leg. The vet gave me anti-nausea pills and recommended I give him the anti-inflammatory meds, but not the pain pills. This seems to have done the trick. Paws crossed for gentle boy Shadow.

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  31. oh shadow. no. you must stay well sweet boy. just not ready for you to be in danger.
    spring here is hard on humans and animals alike. terrible allergy prone air.
    hoping that's what it might be.
    also... did you ever find out if a dog can be given CoQ10? it puts oxygen into our bloodstream and makes breathing easier. my cardio recommends it. if dogs can take it too... it's very inexpensive. even places like walmart carry it. only in gel form though. best absorbing. just a thought.
    and... always... holding only good thoughts for shadow and little cricket.
    and loving thoughts for YOU dear heart. xo

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  32. I always keep all of your dogs in my thoughts. How gorgeous they look with their red furs against your green grass and trees. I hope nothing serious is wrong with Shadow.

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