Update on Jake and a Road Trip

Today we're off to eastern Tennessee near Gatlinburg, to spend a few days at Autumn Dancer Llama Farm with a few of our pups. You'll recall that the trip had to be rescheduled when Todd swallowed a cap from a plastic water jug in September.  There are no water jugs in the house this time, and I'm hopeful that we'll make it out of town.  I'm hoping to be able to keep up with your news while we're away, but if not, I'll look forward to catching up when we return on Sunday.

I did take Jake to the vet last evening.  We did all the senior blood-work, including a thyroid test which may help to explain his thin coat and bald patches.  Preliminary test results will be in on Friday, the thyroid test in a couple of weeks.  He has severe arthritis in all his limbs, it's worse in his front legs.  We discussed his feet and he received a really good nail trim.  The vet feels that the problem with his feet could be congenital  because all 4 feet and all his toes are wide and spread apart.  The tendons are really stretched, and all of this together makes it difficult for him to walk because his reflexes are delayed, especially in the back, but they are better in the front.  I have decided that watching him walk reminds me of someone with scuba flippers on.  Jake also has a 'Grade 3' heart murmur and his lungs have a raspy sound.  As expected, and as you can see, there is a lot going on.  But my vet and I have made a pact to keep Jake going as long as we can.  Not just for him, but because we've lost 4 dogs in the past 6 months, and I don't want to make it 5.  So please, keep those good thoughts coming for Jake!!

THANK YOU for stopping by, I hope you enjoy your day!!