Sheltie Mom

8/02/2013

Andy Courie

August 31, 2005 - August 2, 2013

R.I.P.

4/21/2013

I have been complaining to our Vet for some time that Andy keeps losing weight. He is on thyroid medicine, but was underweight before we even started the thyroid meds. He had a bottle brush tail, so at the recommendation of his breeder, I had his thyroid tested. It was indeed low. Dogs suffering from hypothyroidism are usually overweight, though.

Finally, I decided to have Andy checked by another Vet and we found he is suffering from Stage III kidney disease. He is on meds and a special kidney approved diet. Many dogs have problems eating the new food, but Andy simply would not eat it. I couldn't afford to "just let him get hungry enough" since his ribs were already prominent. I tried adding low salt chicken broth, green beans, and even oregano as various bloggers suggested. Finally, I just started spoon feeding him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qTjZPO2mmA

Andy is gaining weight and is feeling and acting like his old self. I don't know how long we can keep him healthy, but each new day is a blessing.

3/20/2013

My Andy has just been diagnosed with kidney failure. After the initial shock and tears, I am thinking positively about his future. With proper diet and kidney helping drugs, I am hoping he can live a long life. See Dad in the background listening to music and reading.....

12/19/2012

Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas to all!

10/23/2012

Mom, quit playing on the computer! I need some lovin'!

10/22/2012

Andy and Roy

Mom, is it time to go for a walk yet?

9/28/2012

Andy and Mom made the long trip from Georgia to Pond Eddy, NY to visit with Laylage at her mountain cottage. On the way we spent the night in Roanoke to visit with Mom's brother. Marian rode the train up Friday night and spent the Labor Day week-end with us too. We took in a play at a neighborhood playhouse and went to a magical restaurant with a stream running through a garden of tables outside. Andy got to go too!

After Laylage and Marian returned to the "city," Andy and Mom spent a quiet week of reflection. Laylage returned on Friday and took us to Brooklyn to visit with Marian and see her new apartment. Andy got to prance around the Brooklyn streets and show off his good looks. We heard lots of "Mom, look at the miniature Lassie" comments.

Monday we headed back to Georgia to a Dad and Roy awfully glad to see us!