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<title>Lobo</title>
<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo</link>
<description>Dogster diary for the dog Lobo</description>
<language>en</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2013 by Lobo &amp; Dogster</copyright>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 17:48:28 PDT</pubDate>
<generator>Dogster Pet-o-matic Gennie - http://www.dogster.com</generator>
<ttl>360</ttl>

	<item>
		<title>Late April 2013</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/824897</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:15:31 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/824897</guid>
		<description>I'm slowing down but still going on little walkies.
Mom just got this video from my uncle. I stayed ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm slowing down but still going on little walkies.
Mom just got this video from my uncle. I stayed at his house a lot. He was really nice to me and didn't complain when I tracked mud all over his floors. We knew he could play guitar, but had no idea that he could sing. He is very shy. Mom came home from work last night and found that he had posted this Youtube video. She cried happy tears ...
<a id="img6465870872"  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB4J80F0IXg" onmouseover="var el = $j('#img6465870872');var c=String.fromCharCode;var q=c(34);var l=c(60);var r=c(62);var a=c(39);var p=c(43); el[0].onmouseover = null; var n=$j(document.createElement('div')); n.insertBefore(el); n.html(''.concat(l, 'object type=', a, 'application/x-shockwave-flash', a, ' width=', a, '425', a, ' height=', a, '344', a, ' data=', a, 'http://www.youtube.com/v/uB4J80F0IXg&hl=', 'en', a, r, l, 'param name=', a, 'movie', a, ' value=', a, 'http://www.youtube.com/v/uB4J80F0IXg&hl=', 'en', a, ' /', r, l, '/object', r, l, 'BR /', r));">Uncle Singing</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Me from just over a year ago ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/823387</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 13 Apr 2013 20:51:36 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/823387</guid>
		<description>Lobo from just over a year ago .... ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ <a id="img2539988008"  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yYrA8WXZvU" onmouseover="var el = $j('#img2539988008');var c=String.fromCharCode;var q=c(34);var l=c(60);var r=c(62);var a=c(39);var p=c(43); el[0].onmouseover = null; var n=$j(document.createElement('div')); n.insertBefore(el); n.html(''.concat(l, 'object type=', a, 'application/x-shockwave-flash', a, ' width=', a, '425', a, ' height=', a, '344', a, ' data=', a, 'http://www.youtube.com/v/0yYrA8WXZvU&hl=', 'en', a, r, l, 'param name=', a, 'movie', a, ' value=', a, 'http://www.youtube.com/v/0yYrA8WXZvU&hl=', 'en', a, ' /', r, l, '/object', r, l, 'BR /', r));">Lobo from just over a year ago ....</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>My Aunt Lilian</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/823375</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:41:03 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/823375</guid>
		<description>Mom's sister Lilian and her share the same date of birth but 9 years apart.
Auntie is a very talent ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom's sister Lilian and her share the same date of birth but 9 years apart.
Auntie is a very talented person. She lost her voice years ago due to a growth in her neck area that had to be removed. She has worked really hard at getting some of her voice back. It is so lovely to hear her singing again. And, her kitty Sammy, seems to enjoy it too ...
<a id="img4917202212"  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ktM__Wqva0" onmouseover="var el = $j('#img4917202212');var c=String.fromCharCode;var q=c(34);var l=c(60);var r=c(62);var a=c(39);var p=c(43); el[0].onmouseover = null; var n=$j(document.createElement('div')); n.insertBefore(el); n.html(''.concat(l, 'object type=', a, 'application/x-shockwave-flash', a, ' width=', a, '425', a, ' height=', a, '344', a, ' data=', a, 'http://www.youtube.com/v/9ktM__Wqva0&hl=', 'en', a, r, l, 'param name=', a, 'movie', a, ' value=', a, 'http://www.youtube.com/v/9ktM__Wqva0&hl=', 'en', a, ' /', r, l, '/object', r, l, 'BR /', r));">Lilian and Sammy</a>
Sammy was rescued by her.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Dog Heroes From Just This Week</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/821886</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 2 Apr 2013 07:43:58 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/821886</guid>
		<description>Hope these links work. Cut and paste if need be.

This one happened Easter Sunday:

http://www.c ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hope these links work. Cut and paste if need be.

This one happened Easter Sunday:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2013/04/01/edmonton-man-dog-rescue-girls-river.html


This one happened last week:

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Hero+award+Chilliwack+chihuahua+saved+girl+from+bull/8170925/story.html

Gotta love us dogs!!!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Thank you everyone!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/821760</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 1 Apr 2013 10:52:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/821760</guid>
		<description>For the Easter presents for me and my angel dogs.
Our mail is still not working so we couldn't prop ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ For the Easter presents for me and my angel dogs.
Our mail is still not working so we couldn't properly respond or reciprocate. 
So, on behalf of Rosie, Max, Tasha & myself ... thank you!
Love,
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Mail Not Working</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/818968</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 8 Mar 2013 09:06:15 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/818968</guid>
		<description>We have not been getting mail from Catsters &amp; Dogsters for quite a while.
During that time, I could ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We have not been getting mail from Catsters & Dogsters for quite a while.
During that time, I could no longer do the stairs at home.
Mom got busy and built a platform for me at the bottom of the deck stairs. I was having trouble getting my back legs up to that first step. Now, with this platform, I can do it! So, I can come up for meals and visit with the kitties again. The platform is about 3' X 3' and 6 inches high.
Weather has been lovely. We had the easiest winter ever and are now getting spring like conditions.
So, this old dog is doing pretty well.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Family Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/815768</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:14:12 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/815768</guid>
		<description>We have a new holiday in BC this year called &quot;Family Day&quot;. Mom had it off so we went for a super fun ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We have a new holiday in BC this year called "Family Day". Mom had it off so we went for a super fun and action packed walk in the woods.
First thing that happened is that I was so excited to get going, that I didn't wait for Mom to finish setting up my ramp and started walking on it while she was still holding it. She couldn't hold it, and the edge of it fell on her toes, and I fell off it too! She made me go back in the truck and wait for her come ahead this time. (I think the ramp sustained some damage that Mom will have to fix later.)
Anyhow, while Mom was putting on her YakTraxs (things that help her walk on the ice) a guy on a mountain bicycle went by! He was riding on a super icy trail in below freezing weather. It was odd. He was shocked to see me and kind of scared. Mom had a hold of me but I wouldn't have bothered with him anyway.
Then, before we got going, two hikers went by. Mom checked to make sure they didn't have a dog. She held me anyway as the people were scared of me. I barely looked at them. 
Then, finally, we got going on our walk. It was super fun and I was in a very frisky mood. I went into the deep snow to check things out. It is hard for me to walk in deep snow now, but not today! I even ran just for fun!!! And picked up sticks for Mom to throw for me.
We went for quite a while and even off the trail just to explore.
On the way back, just before we got to my truck, there was an older couple driving their truck with a dog running behind them. Mom grabbed me by the collar so I wouldn't get in trouble. The dog came for a sniff but changed its mind and decided it was wiser to keep on going.
Finally, we got back to the truck all tuckered out and exhilarated. 
I think I like "Family Day"! Thank you premier Clark!]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>No communication ....</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/813689</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:52:12 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/813689</guid>
		<description>Not getting our mail.
I hope we don't have to go through months of this again.
Come on Catsters! W ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Not getting our mail.
I hope we don't have to go through months of this again.
Come on Catsters! What is going on? We emailed you twice and got no reply.
This might be the end of us being involved with what was once such a wonderful place to be. We are just too weary to figure out what is wrong and try and resolve it yet again.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Me and my cats ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/807891</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 Dec 2012 14:46:27 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/807891</guid>
		<description>Mom took this video this week:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJwD6Z5dJXs ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom took this video this week:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJwD6Z5dJXs]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>My Boots Have Come Out Again</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/807465</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 4 Dec 2012 15:47:37 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/807465</guid>
		<description>Update on Me ...
I'm doing pretty good but getting sores on my back toes again ... so my dog boots  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Update on Me ...
I'm doing pretty good but getting sores on my back toes again ... so my dog boots are being used again. I don't much like them, but they do the trick. I can still go for my little walks. 
The start to our cold season has been very mild so far. That has helped a lot as I cannot always get up the stairs to get in the house. But lately, I have been pretty good.
I'm having some trouble controlling where and when I poop. That is a new development as of about a month ago. 
When I do get into the house, I still have cuddle sessions with Kitcat and even Squirrel comes by and rubs against me sometimes. 
My appetite is healthy and I still guard the yard.
So, all in all, this old boy is doing pretty good.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Spirit Bear</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/803657</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 2 Nov 2012 10:57:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/803657</guid>
		<description>Our local wildlife park has taken in the world's first Kermode bear ever to be kept in captivity! Al ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Our local wildlife park has taken in the world's first Kermode bear ever to be kept in captivity! Also known as Spirit bear. There are less than 1000 of them in the world. They are very rare and endangered. This one, got too familiar with people and was relocated. It came back and continued to be of danger to human life. So, it was captured again and we got it in our wildlife park! 
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83dhMTfO5nQ">Clover, the Kermode Bear</a>

Then, of interest, it escaped last night! Wow! What a panic. They did find him and brought him back. They are building him a really nice place to live.
And here is a news story about the bear's escape. We could have run into him as we hike where he was found almost every morning:
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://www.cfjctv.com/story.php?id=11622">Spirit Bear Escapes</a>

Such a beautiful animal!
More info on the "Spirit Bear":
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kermode_bear">Information on Spirit Bears</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Prairie Road Trip</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/802755</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 09:37:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/802755</guid>
		<description>Here is a short slide show of our trip East to visit nephew Regan ...

Prairie Road Trip 2012 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Here is a short slide show of our trip East to visit nephew Regan ...

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/Prairie%20Road%20Trip%202012/?albumview=slideshow">Prairie Road Trip 2012</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>We are back!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/802485</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:15:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/802485</guid>
		<description>We are back from our 2012 prairie road trip to visit our nephew.
It was a tough one. I was sick, th ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We are back from our 2012 prairie road trip to visit our nephew.
It was a tough one. I was sick, then Mom was very sick. And it was super cold. We were just missing blizzards and horrible roads on the way home.
Mom is still sick.
But, we did do lots of quality visiting thanks to my uncle who took good care of us.
Nephew was amazing. It was worth it just to see him doing so well. Mom also met, for the first time, uncle's girlfriend (sweetheart!), her youngest nephew and her great nephew (both super cute!). Also, Mom got to see her longtime friend from elementary school. They laughed so much that Mom's guts are still sore from that. 
We will write more about it all later. For now, Mom just needs to rest before having to go back to work.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>The Vet ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/800300</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 6 Oct 2012 14:47:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/800300</guid>
		<description>Out of the blue, I found myself at the vet clinic again.
Last night, in the dark, Mom brushed me. I ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Out of the blue, I found myself at the vet clinic again.
Last night, in the dark, Mom brushed me. I don't like being brushed but she brushed a whole bunch of fur off of me.
Then, Mom woke up real early and we went for a super early and chilly walk. It goes below freezing at night now. She brushed me some more saying something about making me presentable. And, I didn't get my breakfast!
Then, I was at the vet clinic.
This whole series of events was in preparation for our prairie road trip! We are really going this time. Mom wanted the vet to give me pills that will make my trip more comfortable. The vet wanted to give me a checkup before she would do that.
I lost a lot of weight since my last visit. Over ten pounds lighter. The vet wanted blood work done before putting me on medication for pain and inflammation. Mom asked to have that done years ago but they didn't think it was necessary. Today, they decided they needed $150 so today they wanted my blood. First time ever that I had that done. Mom held me while two nervous techs poked me. I was a SUPER good dog and barely even felt the needle. Mom was extremely proud of me. When the techs left, she overheard them say to others outside the door that I was a really good dog. I guess the "others" expected them to come out of there with bite marks on their hands.
The pills I got taste like candy!  So I will have no problem eating those. Mom will get a call next week letting us know if they found anything wrong with my blood. They don't want me to have those pills long term if I have some other problems like kidney, etc.  Also, if the pills don't help me feel better, once they know that I don't have organ problems, we can try other pills too.
I got 2 walks today and it was an easy vet visit. Plus, since I lost so much weight, I'm gonna get fed extra rations.
It is such a beautiful fall day. Just over a week from now we will be driving across the western part of our great country. We hope the weather will be half as nice as it is now. We will be off to visit our nephew who just had that horrible accident. He is doing extremely well now.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Don't Know ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/800218</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 5 Oct 2012 22:18:20 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/800218</guid>
		<description>Don't know if this is something I should be writing in my diary or not, but Mom vacuumed me tonight. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Don't know if this is something I should be writing in my diary or not, but Mom vacuumed me tonight. I'm going to the vet tomorrow morning for a quick little check up before our prairie road trip to visit my nephew.  She remembered Penny the cat, who used to be terribly afraid of the vacuum cleaner. When she got old and deaf, she loved being vacuumed. So, tonight, Mom vacuumed me. I am old and deaf. It was nice!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Thank you for the prayers and well wishes!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/798748</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 10:07:22 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/798748</guid>
		<description>We poured our hearts out to our wonderful friends here at Catsters and Dogsters about our nephew. He ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We poured our hearts out to our wonderful friends here at Catsters and Dogsters about our nephew. He was in an auto accident back on Aug. 27th. For a while, we weren't sure if he would survive. He suffered serious brain injury and was in a coma for almost 2 weeks. Then, nobody knew what to expect next. He kept ripping out tubes, despite having his hands tied down, and kept biting his tongue making it worse! His nasal feeding tube was irritating him, so he ripped it out and they tried one into his abdomen. He ripped that out. The put in a trach because they thought the breathing tube was irritating his tongue. The poor guy went through all kinds of procedures only to rip many of them out due to frustration.
It is now just over a month since the crash and our nephew has made enormous strides. He still cannot speak, due to the severely swollen tongue, and needs a trach to breathe. But, just yesterday, his tongue swelling had gone down enough for him to eat some apple sauce! And, he took his first unassisted walk. He is communicating using a white board and texting. We think it is a miracle.
These are a few photos of our nephew taken yesterday:

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/P9250082.jpg">Nephew and Mom</a>

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/P9250086-1.jpg">First walk after month in bed.</a>

Anyhow, Mom and I felt very helpless being so far away from her family and really appreciated the support she got from our furry friends and their people. I think that she and I will be taking one more prairie road trip together next month to go and see our nephew and the rest of Mom's family. I think I still have one more in me.

Love, Lobo & Mom]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Can't Keep Up!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/791519</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 2 Aug 2012 09:18:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/791519</guid>
		<description>I just want to thank everyone who has given me one of those cakes. We tried to thank everyone person ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I just want to thank everyone who has given me one of those cakes. We tried to thank everyone personally, but we just cannot keep track! The cakes don't stay in the same order when we go to my page. So we cannot just go down the line and respond to each one.  We would end up missing some and thanking some twice! Anyhow, thank you to all my friends and know that it was appreciated.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Nice Sunday Drive</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/789030</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:37:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/789030</guid>
		<description>We took a drive yesterday to one of my favourite places ... Greenstone Mountain.
I got to cool off  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We took a drive yesterday to one of my favourite places ... Greenstone Mountain.
I got to cool off in a clear mountain creek.
We saw thousands of wild flowers.
We got to the top of the mountain where the air and views were amazing.
Mom did some 4x4'ing as the trail got pretty rough in spots.
It was just a great day.
Then, as we were leaving the area, we were treated to seeing a mother black bear with 3 cubs!!! From the safety of our truck. Mom managed to get a few pictures before they disappeared into the bush.

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/bears1.jpg">Mother bear and 3 cubs.</a>

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/bears2.jpg">The Triplets</a>]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Happy Birthday to our Country Canada!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/786937</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 1 Jul 2012 21:36:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/786937</guid>
		<description>Mom took me for a walk and a drive.
I'm not feeling good today and Mom is worried. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom took me for a walk and a drive.
I'm not feeling good today and Mom is worried.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The cats warned me about this ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/784497</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 Jun 2012 20:40:38 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/784497</guid>
		<description>They warned me that when Mom takes over our diary, she usually embarrasses us. Oh well, I'm mature e ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ They warned me that when Mom takes over our diary, she usually embarrasses us. Oh well, I'm mature enough now that nothing can embarrass me anymore. So, go ahead Mom!

We have had some really awful weather lately. Super gusty winds, rain, thunder and lightning. I took Lobo out for his walk between storms. We were basically just slogging through mud. When we got home he was about to go into the back yard when he stopped dead in his tracks at the gate. Something obviously was spooking him. He was looking down at the bottom edge of the gate, right next to the house. He looked like a cat who was spooked by something. You know, how they really want to check it out and tap it, but can't quite screw up their courage enough to actually touch the new, strange thing. I immediately thought I was going to see a snake there, as I saw one on our street just yesterday.  So even I started to get spooked. Lobo was going in and then jumping back before getting too close. I finally got a look and all I could see was 4 pinecones in a pile. The wind must have blown them into the carport and they gathered right there. I touched Lobo on his back and he jumped, just like a cat would. I was already laughing but laughed even harder when he did that. Then, just in case I missed seeing something, I used a broom to sweep the pines cones out from there. Once I had done that, Lobo gave them a sniff and then was fine with them. What a goofy thing to have made him afraid! We have pinecones all over the yard and, of course, in the woods. He is pretty well deaf now, but he obviously still has a sharp eye to have noticed a tiny difference like that. 
I had not seen him get spooked like that since he was a puppy.
It made me smile to see that puppy like behaviour in him today.
Mom
Now back to Lobo ...

Yeah, well to me it looked like a porcupine.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I've still got it!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/783394</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 7 Jun 2012 06:31:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/783394</guid>
		<description>Mom heard me barking early this morning. She can tell by my bark whether I am barking at another dog ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom heard me barking early this morning. She can tell by my bark whether I am barking at another dog or something else. So she got out of bed and saw me telling a bear to get out of our neighbourhood. There have been two very serious bear incidents near here in the last week. One involved a man being attacked while in his hot tub! Our bear was lurking right at our neighbour's front door.  So I kept yapping at it until it left. Mom got this picture of the bear leaving:

<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/bear.jpg">Bear - June 7/12</a>

Now, my Youtube video of the incident. Mom apologizes about the quality. She just woke up and could barely see ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_kFm3UdSpU]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>3 Weeks Since Surgery</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/767118</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:54:59 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/767118</guid>
		<description>It has been 3 weeks since my surgery. I am feeling 100%. Of course I have some old age issues, like  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It has been 3 weeks since my surgery. I am feeling 100%. Of course I have some old age issues, like it takes a while when I get up in the morning to get moving, but other than my bald patch, you would never know what I had gone through by looking at me. We sent a thank you note to our vet clinic and they answered us back. This is what Mom wrote to them followed by their response:

 Hi All,
    For everyone who worked on my dog Lobo, this is him today ...
    (We sent photos of the incision area all healed and my Feb. 20th photo.)
    I think we can finally put away the cone. He is doing well and the stitching and stapling of that giant incision was a work of art.
    The person who pulled out the last of his staples encouraged me to keep him on the cone for just a few more days. That did the trick for that last 1/2" of irritated area. 
     Thank you so much for such immediate and professional care during such a traumatic time back on Feb. 2nd.
     Also, I have to mention that I almost fainted at the vet bill. $1400. Later that same day, my sister was talking about having a small dent fixed on her vehicle. The estimate was $900. That put it all in perspective for me. What your entire staff came together to do for Lobo was an amazing collaboration of skill, experience, equipment and, most of all, loving care.
    Bodywork on a car: $900. Bodywork on my dog: priceless.
    Audrey & Lobo

    Audrey,
    thanks so much for the update Audrey and also for the very kind words. Glad to see and hear   he is doing well!
    Cheers
    Chris

    Chris is the young (and Mom says very cute) vet that worked on me that day. 
    So now, when Mom goes to work, I am able to be free in the yard and can get warm in my dog house (which I can fit in now that I don't have to wear the cone) and am not as bored as when I was house bound. And, bonus, I can go pee or poop whenever the mood strikes me. I'm still sleeping in the house at night. I don't have to but Mom lets me decide that. So far, I'm choosing to crawl into Tasha's kennel that is in our basement to sleep at night. I still miss her. It is way too small for me, but that is where I have spent the last few nights.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>What A Great Day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/766452</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:42:47 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/766452</guid>
		<description>My incision is healed and Mom put my cone away!!! Up on a high shelf! That is a good sign.
She took ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My incision is healed and Mom put my cone away!!! Up on a high shelf! That is a good sign.
She took me out for a walk, but first had to replace a bulb on a signal light on my truck. She went to 3 stores (including Toyota!) and none of them had it in stock. I got nervous when she went to Toyota because it is next door to one of my vet clinics.  She was going to go to a fourth auto store, but I was getting impatient and wanted my walk! So, we went out in the woods, in some nice fresh snow, and had a great time. On the way back, she stopped at Lordco Auto and we finally got our bulb. Mom popped it in, it worked and she was so happy that we took a detour and I had another walk! 
It is now snowing again and we are going to relax in the living room with the kitties.
We are so grateful for our friends and their love and support
Love,
Lobo & Mom]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>A video from the first week after my surgery ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/766090</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 18:46:53 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/766090</guid>
		<description>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yYrA8WXZvU ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yYrA8WXZvU]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Looking Good!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/766056</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:35:18 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/766056</guid>
		<description>I will only have to wear the cone at night, and when riding in my truck now as Mom has days off so s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I will only have to wear the cone at night, and when riding in my truck now as Mom has days off so she can watch me the rest of the time.  We just had another nice walk but the snow is now slushy.
Kitcat keeps bullying me off of my mat by the TV. She is relentless. Often, I give up and just lay on the floor and let her have it. So then, she goes and bugs Mom. Then I try and get back on my mat and she runs over to it and sprawls in the middle of it. Brat.
My incision looks real good except for that one tiny spot. It isn't open, but I still lick at it and it turns red. Vet wants it to heal without me licking at it. Once that is healed 100%, no more cone. And if my fur would hurry and grow back that would help too.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Back From the Vet .. All staples out!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/765866</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:20:52 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/765866</guid>
		<description>Mom drove real careful as some of the roads are still bad from our big dump of snow. Vet tech lady p ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom drove real careful as some of the roads are still bad from our big dump of snow. Vet tech lady pulled out my staples while Mom held me and kept me from biting her. It didn't hurt but I don't like being held. Anyhow, she said it was looking good but to watch that one spot still on my knee. She said it would be good if I was kept from licking it for a few more days. So, looks like I will be in the basement with a cone on while Mom goes to work. (Petsitter not available today.) She will come home on her break and let me out, then back in the basement I will go while she finishes her shift. But after today, she has days off so she can watch me and keep me from licking it without the use of the cone. So probably 2 more days and nights with the cone.
On our way home from the vet we went for a nice walk in the fresh snow. We both needed that.
Mom has to get ready for work now.
Love,
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Oh My!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/765698</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:14:30 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/765698</guid>
		<description>What a lot of snow going on! So much so that driving with be scary. But, I will be leaving soon for  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ What a lot of snow going on! So much so that driving with be scary. But, I will be leaving soon for the petsitter. I had lots of fun in the back yard in the snow. I swallowed the last of my antibiotics this morning. Staples out tomorrow morning! Hopefully! 
It truly is a beautiful day. The kitties are watching birds and we are pretty sure there is enough video of that for them to have a new video soon. Would have been better to have this snow around Christmas instead of middle of February.
Oh, and, the kitty at the petsitter that has been afraid of me, is starting to come closer and investigate me. I'm working my magic on that shy little sweetie.
Gotta go as Mom has to shovel us out of our driveway.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Phooey!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/765086</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:52:51 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/765086</guid>
		<description>Mom can write this about my staple removal day ...

 Of course, things could not go smoothly.
  T ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom can write this about my staple removal day ...

 Of course, things could not go smoothly.
  They only removed half the staples as they thought he needed another week to heal the tricky parts of the incision. So, back we go on Friday. Meanwhile, another week like the last one. The tech said it was a massive surgery and that no-one had seen anything like what he had going on. They could not identify the seeds. It wasn't foxtail. She said it looked like he had been pierced with a stick that was full of seeds, and the stick had slipped out and left a bunch of seeds inside him. But they don't know what it was and had never seen anything even remotely similar. She described how involved the surgery was. I guess she had been present for the surgery.
  They didn't let me see the staple removal but I didn't hear him yipping. He was pretty anxious to get out of there, but that is normal. Doesn't look like they hurt him at all.
  So looks like things are going fine, but they think it is wise to let those troublesome areas heal some more. If we blow it, he will be facing having to go under again. We don't want that. 
  So, I may have to impose on Brenda and Dave again, or do lots of extra driving.
  Oh, and when I took him out of the truck, I left his cone in the back. I was very much hoping that we wouldn't need it anymore, but had a hunch that we would. While I was waiting inside, a lady came in with it and said, "I saw this blowing around the parking lot ..." I jumped up and said, "That's mine! Thank you." It was funny because it is almost 50% duct tape now. Everyone had a laugh.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Monday is the day!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/764762</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:44:51 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/764762</guid>
		<description>I get my staples out first thing Monday morning!
The whole incision looks good except for about a 3 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I get my staples out first thing Monday morning!
The whole incision looks good except for about a 3/4" spot on the tip of my knee. I guess they will look at that come Monday.
Unfortunately, the vet that did the surgery is away. Would be nice if he could see his handiwork!
I was a bit lazy and clumsy today, but all in all doing pretty good.
Oh I hope I don't have to wear the cone anymore after Monday.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Day 8</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/764580</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:32:15 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/764580</guid>
		<description>I'm still doing pretty good. There was some bleeding in that troublesome area of my knee. Not much t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm still doing pretty good. There was some bleeding in that troublesome area of my knee. Not much though. I for sure have not had a chance to lick at it since Mom duct taped my cone together. I'm also getting a little less cooperative about taking my pills.
It is a yucky, gray and wet day today. But at least it isn't cold.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Really Good Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/764259</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:18:16 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/764259</guid>
		<description>I posted a photo of my incision this morning. Only 24 hours after that other one that got Mom so wor ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I posted a photo of my incision this morning. Only 24 hours after that other one that got Mom so worried. They are photos 2 & 3 on my page. Also, we posted a photo of me on this morning's walk. It was awesome.
But, I still have to wear the cone for at least 5 more days.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A few staples are missing ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/764075</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:09:09 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/764075</guid>
		<description>I am doing very well but Mom is worried about a few of the staples that I managed to pull out. 
The ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am doing very well but Mom is worried about a few of the staples that I managed to pull out. 
The vet said my incision is still okay but I have to be kept from licking it. I keep busting my cones or slipping out of them. So, Mom is buying another one and taping it to the most recent one. We hope that will keep me from breaking them and getting at my knee.
The cut looks really bad as it is so long, but it doesn't hurt at all. Hurts less than before the surgery.  We are still going on walkies! But, I cannot be loose in the yard and run around. So just leash walks. 
If all goes well, I should be good as new about a week from now. 
When you see how much fur was shaved off of me, you will understand why we are glad that cold snap is over! But I have not been staying outside at all while we deal with this. Just short times on the deck, with my cone, and our frequent little walks.
When Mom is at work, I have been in the basement. She comes home on a break to let me out and check on me. And, her ex has volunteered to puppy sit me for some of those days. She couldn't take a break on Superbowl Sunday. So I have been going over to their house too.
Love,
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>After I finally realized that I was not going to be allowed outside ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763517</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 4 Feb 2012 07:51:02 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763517</guid>
		<description>We had a good night. Mom slept on the couch and I settled right next to her. This morning, Mom remov ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We had a good night. Mom slept on the couch and I settled right next to her. This morning, Mom removed my cone to give me a break. I just ate my breakfast with some funny tasting pills in it. Then we went for a short walk in the frosty front yard. Now I'm sitting on the deck with Mom watching me like a hawk as I don't have my cone on. I get to bark at the neighbourhood dogs.
You know what those vet people did to me while I was sleeping? They clipped my front claw! What do they think I am ... A CAT?]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Mom's lunch break check ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763423</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 3 Feb 2012 17:53:13 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763423</guid>
		<description>Lobo is doing amazing.
I'm giving him a cone break, a little walkie, some snackies, with pills snuc ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Lobo is doing amazing.
I'm giving him a cone break, a little walkie, some snackies, with pills snuck in, and some attention. The cats are playing with his cone as it sits in the corner.
He is doing stairs without any trouble. It will be a long ten days to keep him reigned in. We will be going for a nice walk tomorrow. I just have to find a place that isn't icy and has no other dogs around. Then he can go off leash for a while and have a break from what just happened to him.
I know some have told me that I was crazy to spend $1400 on an 11 year old dog. Maybe so. But, I didn't know how large the bill would be. It was a gamble too as nobody knew what was going on with him. But seeing him now, only 24 hours after his surgery, it was the right gamble.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I am home!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763331</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:37:36 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763331</guid>
		<description>Easiest way for me to explain is to show you what Mom wrote to her sibling:

Mostly good news.
   ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Easiest way for me to explain is to show you what Mom wrote to her sibling:

Mostly good news.
  I will start with the bad. $1400. Huge incision, over a foot long with many staples. I will have to keep him quiet for ten days. That will be tough but I guess I can sacrifice my basement for that and insist on having a long enough lunch break to go home and let him out half way through my days of work. And, of course, he has to wear the cone and take antibiotics. 
  Now the good news. Vet found numerous grass seeds festering inside his flank. That was most likely the cause of this, or so I'm told. It is very unusual if this has been going on for 3 years, but possible. Vet hopes that he got them all but cannot be sure without getting more invasive. When you see his incision, you will understand why he didn't want to go further. Lobo is completely well and moving around perfectly. How can he not even have a limp with that kind of a surgery? How can an old boy like him completely recover from being under anesthetic for so long? He isn't even on pain meds. It will be tough to keep him from running around. And my yard is a skating rink at the moment. So that will be a long ten days. It would almost be better if he was groggy and not energetic. Almost, but not really. It was very nice to see him full of piss and vinegar. The vet was very impressed with his condition at 11 years of age. The lady that brought him out to me almost had her arm taken off. I wish I had had the camera when he spotted me and dragged her over to me. She said, "Looks like he doesn't like you." (In jest.) She said, "I think he needs to pee as he has not been out for a while." Soon as we got out of there, did he ever pee! And then, he was desperately thirsty. Glad I had water ready for him. Got home, he peed some more, pooped, ate and drank, peed again, wanted to go out and carry on like normal, but he is not allowed to do that crazy fence chasing for ten days. Plus it is icy. Don't want to blow some of those expensive staples. He has 60 of them. Also good news that he won't have to go back on steroids. So it looks like a careful ten days of keeping him from blowing his stitches, antibiotics, cone, and he will be better than new!
 Man that dog has caused me a lot of grief, expense and aged me before my time. But he is such a good boy. I sure wish I didn't have to leave him and go to work. And, I only get one day off this weekend due to Superbowl. 

  So that is what happened to me! I want to run and play but am not allowed to. Kitcat is still afraid of me because of the vet smells and the cone. But she hovers around me and stares at me. Squirrel came over and said hello. Both kitties checked out my staples. Kind of cool to have a zipper on your knee! Sure feels better than what I had there before. Mom did not take a picture of that as it was so horrible and she was so upset. Was very nice to get back in my truck and then come home.
   Thank you to all of you for thinking of me, yet again, and the messages and POP's etc.
   Love, 
   Lobo]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>We have such good friends!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763275</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:09:03 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763275</guid>
		<description>Thank you everyone for your comments and well wishes. This is the latest that Mom sent to her family ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thank you everyone for your comments and well wishes. This is the latest that Mom sent to her family about me:

I called the vet clinic from work. Lobo came through the surgery/patching well. This was just a receptionist so I could not get more information. For some reason, despite my making it very clear that I could not pick him up today due to my work schedule, they still expected me to come by and get him around 4:30pm. You know me, I would have made it VERY CLEAR! that I would not be able to do that and he was to spend the night no matter how much I didn't like it. I hate having him have to spend the night there, but there was no alternative. And, the original vet thought that wasn't a bad idea anyway as he thought Lobo could use the down time and supervision as opposed to loose in my yard while I was at work. When I dropped him off, the plan was for me to pick him up tomorrow at 8:30am. Now, the plan became me picking him up late tomorrow morning and speaking to the vet at that time. Well, I have to work late tomorrow morning. I was of the understanding that this was to happen first thing tomorrow, as in 8:30am! I guess the vet is not available to talk to me at that time. I can understand that as they do have scheduled surgeries in the morning, but how about telling me that right up front? So ... the plan is now for me to pick him up first thing tomorrow, get some instructions on his after care, and then speak to the vet on the telephone later in the morning about what they think and/or what they discovered, if anything. So I won't know anything until then. And, I'm afraid, I won't know much even then. And then, I will have to head off to work.
This sounds so bitchy. I'm sorry. I'm taking out the fear I am feeling on people that don't deserve it. I am just so ... I just feel so helpless. I will report tomorrow after I pick him up. I'm already worrying about if he will be able to do stairs? Will he slip out of the cone when I have to head off to work? How will I pay the bill? I have no idea how much it will be, but I am suspecting over $1000.

Mom is stressing. I hope she gets some sleep tonight. I don't like it here, but I think I can get some shut eye. I have some pretty good drugs in me.
Sometimes life sucks. But I'm pretty sure I will have more good days.
Love, Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I'm am under anesthetic ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763159</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:23:01 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763159</guid>
		<description>The vet called Mom. This is what Mom wrote to my auntie and uncles about me for now:

Finally got  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The vet called Mom. This is what Mom wrote to my auntie and uncles about me for now:

Finally got a call from the vet. This is yet another vet, Dr. Boist. (Though he was communicating with Dr. Nichol, so that is good. They need to be familiar with Lobo's history.) Lobo was under the anesthetic as we spoke. They ran a tube up the drainage tract of the wound and said it went over a foot up into him. I do recall Dr. Gummeson (almost 3 years ago when this first happened to me) talking about the drainage tract that he could feel by hand. He thought that would have led to a foreign body, like a splinter, but this would have taken a fairly major surgery to go looking for it and they still may not have found anything. Nothing showed up on xrays. So I chose to reject the surgery and just put him on antibiotics.  Since this was almost 3 years ago now, the vets now on his case don't think it is a foreign body. Had it been, it would have resolved itself by now. The way he has had these mysterious wounds come and go, and other strange wounds come and go, they are leaning towards an autoimmune disease. Which one, they don't know. They are going to take a tissue sample and send it to the lab. They also mentioned that his skin didn't look good after they shaved the area on his knee. So not good news as it is still a mystery so far and looks like we will be facing this over and over again. And, looks like he will have to go back on steroids. They will know a bit more, hopefully, when I pick him up tomorrow. I asked them, while he was under, to take a closer look at that thing on his neck and trim his front claws. They had already done his claws but will check with Dr. Nichol about that thing on his neck. That is minor, but while he is out, may as well deal with it. And he will be going home with a new cone. I'm not looking forward to the next few weeks, while his knee heals up and he has to wear the cone. Thank God that cold snap has passed. I sure hope we don't get another one as he will have a bald knee and not  able to easily go into his dog house with a cone on. 
Since Lobo has seen at least 6 vets on this problem, and all are puzzled, I know I have done all that I can to help him. From now on, I will just try to continue to manage his symptoms as they appear and try and maintain some quality of life for him. Other than that horrible thing on his knee today, he was happy and alert and energetic. And oh boy, he sure didn't want me looking at his knee. He did all he could to try and hide it. 

So that is the news for now! Right now I am completely oblivious to everything and on some good drugs. Moms says EXPENSIVE drugs.
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Rough Night</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763131</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:40:05 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/763131</guid>
		<description>Hi friends ... I have had a swollen and painful knee for a few days. The swelling went away and I wa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi friends ... I have had a swollen and painful knee for a few days. The swelling went away and I was fine for the last 3 days. Then, Mom got home from work at midnight and saw me licking at a HUGE open wound on my knee. I was walking fine, but that sure didn't look fine. She rinsed it with saline solution and tried to put a dressing on it but I wouldn't let her. So, she stuck the dreaded cone on me and we both slept in the basement. Well I slept some and she didn't sleep much at all. Even with that cone on, I was still able to mess with that wound a bit. 
So, of course, 8am and we were at the vet clinic. Looks like I will be there for the day and maybe overnight. Mom is waiting for a call from the vet to see what they think. Most likely I will need some patching up, but sure would be nice to know what caused this. I had something similar about 2 1/2 years ago, but not this bad. And, no doubt, Mom will have to make me wear the cone for a while. (She will need to buy a new one as this one is trashed.) I hate the cone. I can't even fit in my dog house when I wear that stupid thing. Doing stairs with it on is very tough. And Kitcat is frightened of me when I have that thing on. And I'm sure I will be on pills again.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Saturday Walk Fantastic!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/761121</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:58:48 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/761121</guid>
		<description>We did get several inches of snow overnight and it did warm up -5C (23F). So Mom dug us out and we w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We did get several inches of snow overnight and it did warm up -5C (23F). So Mom dug us out and we went for a walk. It was just perfect. We were the first dog and human to make tracks at our walking place. We saw vole tracks, deer tracks, coyote tracks. Mom saw a bald eagle fly over us. She threw my frisbee for me over and over again. She wasn't in a hurry as she didn't have to go to work and she wasn't cold. Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, the sun came out! So it was a very fun walk.

Mom just finished reading a true story called:

 Out of the Darkness: The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson
 by Eric A. Shelman and Stephen Lazoritz

 She read it because she wanted to see how this little girl survived horrible abuse at the hands of terrible foster parents. What she didn't realize when she bought the book was that this little girl was rescued thanks to the man, Henry Burgh, who started the SPCA here in America! So the book follows his battle to give animals rights at the same time as the book follows what this little girl is going through. Also, the book follows, Etta Wheeler, a kind woman and a Methodist missionary who brings help to this girl. Help arrives in the form of this man. 
 It is an amazing story with a happy ending. And an ending that continues to help protect us animals and our children too. 

  Mom had never heard of any of these people before. Now they are our heros.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>We couldn't wait for Saturday ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/760973</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:49:05 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/760973</guid>
		<description>We were both feeling housebound, especially me because Mom was going off to work while I was staying ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We were both feeling housebound, especially me because Mom was going off to work while I was staying home cooped up in my dog house. Then we heard that there was a heavy snowfall warning for our area. So, despite it being -12C (+10F), which felt warm after the last few days, we figured we better go out while we could. I was perfectly fine and had fun. I didn't even lift a paw once! Mom's face got a bit cold because it was windy, but she had fun just because I was having fun. It was nice to sniff animal tracks and mark territory again. I think Mom worried about me over these last few days much more than she needed to. Oh well, she has always been an overly cautious person. As a bonus, Mom was feeding me way extra and really yummy stuff to help give my body some energy to keep me warm. That was cool.
We are still going to go walking tomorrow no matter how much snow we get. And it is supposed to continue warming up.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Cold Snap is Ending!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/760867</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:02:05 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/760867</guid>
		<description>Mom doesn't have to work tomorrow and we are supposed to warm up again. In fact, it is already 5 deg ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom doesn't have to work tomorrow and we are supposed to warm up again. In fact, it is already 5 degrees warmer than it was at this time yesterday. I got through it very well in my dog house with heating pad. I was completely out of the wind too. It is just boring not to be able to go anywhere for so many days. And with the flaps Mom put on my door, I couldn't even see anything while in there. Boring. When I was younger, and had my winter coat, we would still go out on cold days like this. But not, with my age, and the false shedding of my winter fur, it wasn't a good idea. Come Saturday it is supposed to be plenty warm for us to go out for a walk. And this might be the last of the nasty part of winter. Hopefully.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>We were hoping it wouldn't, but it is happening ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/760365</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:34:32 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/760365</guid>
		<description>We are getting a really cold snap. I have completely shedded my winter coat. We thought it might be  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We are getting a really cold snap. I have completely shedded my winter coat. We thought it might be due to my health problems, but we heard that many other dogs have had false sheddings due to our unusually warm winter.
  But, it is now super cold and I am left almost naked. Mom bought me a heating pad and a new dog house a while back. She insulated the dog house as best as she could.  Just in case this would happen. She decided to spend money on that instead of more vet visits. She also had to replace my heated water dish as my old one quit working. She only has so much money and chose to try and keep me comfortable over the winter instead of spending our money on more vet bills. Anyhow, today, she put a thermometer in my dog house before she went to work on the coldest day we have had this year so far. She rushed home after work, in the dark, and I was there to say hello. She went to my dog house and checked the thermometer. It showed 0 degrees C (32F).  It is -15C (5F) outside. So, the dog house and heating pad is working pretty good. When I got in the human house she felt my ears and toes. All were warm. I ate my supper, asked to go out for my bathroom duties, and came back in. We are supposed to get even colder, but now Mom knows I will be okay in my dog house with my heating pad and new heated water dish. My house is for sure out of the wind which will be a major factor in how cold we get this week.
  I'm still doing very well and a happy dog. We had a walk in fresh snow yesterday. We love that. We actually came across cougar tracks! I knew what they were, but, Mom figured it out only because she could "see" them in the fresh snow.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I made it to 11 years of age!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/758249</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 4 Jan 2012 12:07:51 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/758249</guid>
		<description>And I'm doing pretty good.
Thank you to all my pals who have sent me presents and well wishes and s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ And I'm doing pretty good.
Thank you to all my pals who have sent me presents and well wishes and supported me through this tough year. 
We just had a good walk and have a lot to be thankful for. For one thing, the super mild winter just when I needed it most. I have shed all of my winter coat and just have my summer one. Apparently, I am not alone in this as other dogs have had the same problem. We had a cold snap in November, and then it got warm. So our systems were fooled and we shedded our winter coat even before winter had started! At least that is one theory. A false shedding. But, it may be related to my health problems and the meds I was on. I have been on zero meds for about a month now. 
I am for sure having a happy birthday. Thank you all.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>My Christmas Walk</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/757521</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:59:25 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/757521</guid>
		<description>Hi all! Mom took this video just a few days before Christmas. We had a wonderful walk in the late af ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi all! Mom took this video just a few days before Christmas. We had a wonderful walk in the late afternoon sun on a warm December day. We wanted to show you how I'm doing. You have all been so nice to us and offered lots of love and support while I struggled with health issues that are, as of yet, still a mystery.  This video shows that I am still having a good time and enjoying life.
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF4hFTEJaeg">My Christmas Walk 2011</a>
Happy New Year to everyone - wherever you are in life! Just do your best and God will take care of the rest.
Love,
Lobo & family]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Christmas is near ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/754857</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:44:33 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/754857</guid>
		<description>We are very thankful that we have had a mild winter so far.
I'm doing pretty good but have had some ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We are very thankful that we have had a mild winter so far.
I'm doing pretty good but have had some bad moments and scared Mom. The last being when I did a faceplant on the stairs and cut the side of my eye.
  My fur is still falling out in chunks. People at the pet stores said that they had heard of other dogs having "false sheddings" due to a cold snap in November, followed by warm weather. We have our fingers and paws crossed hoping that that is what is happening to me. 
  I am off ALL meds.
  I'm in good spirits and still enjoy my little walks and cuddling with Kitcat. 
  Mom has decided that she won't be spending much more money on vet visits as they seem to have no idea what is going on with me even after all of this time and money. And we have had second and third opinions.  She has decided to spend money on keeping me comfortable as best as possible instead. The latest being my new dog house (larger than my other, to allow for my decreased ability to turn around in a small space) and my heating pad. I already had a heated water dish. And, I'm getting the highest quality of food that Mom can afford.
  Mom is closely monitoring my quality of life. I for sure still enjoy our walks, my frisbee, chasing dogs along my fence, cuddling with Kitcat, and food. 
  Oh, and my elbow pads are working very well. My elbow hygroma is completely controlled by my elbow pads. Cool.
  I LOVE SNOW! And we are about to go out and play in some right now.
  Love,
  Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The Puppy</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/753795</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:18:40 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/753795</guid>
		<description>The puppy was such a handful that Mom was very glad to come home to me and the kitties. She understa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The puppy was such a handful that Mom was very glad to come home to me and the kitties. She understands how grandparents love their grandkids but might be glad when they go home and they  can get some peace and quiet.
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/charlieboy.jpg">Charlie Boy - at work.</a>
Mom is looking forward to watching Charlie grow into a fine dog.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>One more thing ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/753667</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:31:04 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/753667</guid>
		<description>It is the night for Mom's staff Christmas party. But, she has to work. Meanwhile, one of her coworke ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It is the night for Mom's staff Christmas party. But, she has to work. Meanwhile, one of her coworkers just adopted a chocolate lab puppy. He might bring the puppy to the workplace for Mom to babysit while he goes to the party. If he does, Mom will take pictures. The puppy is named Charlie. I will probably not get to meet Charlie because Mom is afraid that if I am in a grumpy mood I might hurt him. I probably wouldn't but Mom does not want to take that chance. Even if I accidentally stepped on him I could hurt him. He isn't as fast as the kitties for getting out of my way.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Mom hasn't seen me, but there are clues ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/753665</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:26:15 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/753665</guid>
		<description>Mom has not seen me use my new dog house and heating mat because I am still spry enough to hear her  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom has not seen me use my new dog house and heating mat because I am still spry enough to hear her coming and greet her at the gate! But, she feels my ears and my toes and then goes and feels the bottom of my house and knows that I am using it. Plus I dragged out my pillow a few times while getting out of the house. I also have my heated water bowl so my water doesn't freeze. We have not gotten really cold yet but I am sure appreciating the help that heating mat and house provides. So while Mom is at work, I can go there for shelter. When Mom is home, I spend as much time in the house as I want and sleep most of the night in her room. She keeps the temperature real low in the house so I don't get too hot. The kitties usually pile up on top of her part way through the night. So we all end up in Mom's room at some point.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Cold Weather Will Be Coming</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/752382</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 2 Dec 2011 09:30:02 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/752382</guid>
		<description>We have had a mild winter so far, except for a couple of days. Mom knows that older animals (and peo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We have had a mild winter so far, except for a couple of days. Mom knows that older animals (and people) have a tougher time staying warm than young ones. Also, for some reason, my fur is falling out in clumps. And, I am almost bald on my belly and on the insides of my thighs. She was going to take me back to the vet, yet again, about this. But, she thought, money might be better spent on setting me up for winter instead. We have two insulated dog houses but they are small for me. They worked fine while I had full mobility, but I now have a hard time getting in and out of them so hardly use them. I can't easily turn around in them anymore and really struggle when I try and go in and out of them. So, she is going to take the money that another vet visit would eat up and buy me a heating mat and a new dog house. This is for when she is away at work on cold days and for nights that I am too restless to sleep in the house. We will take pictures of the new setup when it is ready. But for now, we are luckily not too cold. It dips below freezing, but not by too much.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Update on Me</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/750842</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:42:16 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/750842</guid>
		<description>I'm having my good days and my bad days. But I'm generally doing okay. I am sleeping in the house at ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm having my good days and my bad days. But I'm generally doing okay. I am sleeping in the house at night for as long as I want. I wake Mom up when I want to go out for the rest of the night. Sometimes I stay in all night, other times I go out around midnight.
Mom notices that I sometimes have a hard time moving around. Especially after laying for a long time. So, she brought out my treat ball. I haven't used it in a long while but remembered it instantly. So, she uses that to get me moving around before I go outside and have to do the deck stairs. She is afraid that I will fall down them if I am not limbered up before I go outside. So far so good! If we get some bright sunshine, Mom will take a video of me pushing that treat ball around.
When she goes to work, she blocks off those dangerous stairs so that I won't have an accident while she is away. I like being on the deck but she doesn't like the way I run up and down the steps when I see something interesting at our fence. So, when she is at work, I cannot be on the deck. She learned to fear those steps when Tasha got trapped once. Tasha was at the beginning of her troubles and had a few legs slip between the house and the stairs. (I actually hip checked her into that predicament.) Had Mom not been home, Tasha would have been in big trouble. Mom lifted her out of there. Since then, Mom blocks those stairs when she is away.
We have had a few cold days. Right now it is very yucky. A rainy November day. Just borderline snow. We would rather snow than this cold, almost freezing, rain.
Also, Mom has put down this playground mat stuff at key places in the house. Because, when I come in with cold, wet feet, and step on the kitchen floor, I slip and slide and wipe out! That has helped a lot.  So I have that when I first come in and by my food bowl. Some of it near the TV for when I relax there and my mat in Mom's bedroom for night time.
It isn't fun getting old!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>This is a bit embarrassing, but here goes!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/746451</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:51:16 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/746451</guid>
		<description>Kitcat loves Lobo

Kitcat just loves me. What can I say?
Squirrel was nearby chewing on her toes. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ <a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX1kl5YyE7U">Kitcat loves Lobo</a>

Kitcat just loves me. What can I say?
Squirrel was nearby chewing on her toes.
Auntie Lilian sent us the music for this video.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I knew something was up when Mom took me for a walk in the dark!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/744619</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:35:18 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/744619</guid>
		<description>She made a really early vet appointment for me and wanted to give me a chance to do my business in a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ She made a really early vet appointment for me and wanted to give me a chance to do my business in an appropriate place instead of at the vet clinic.  So, there we were, out in the literally freezing temperature, going for a little stroll in the dark. 
Just before that, she found out I was diary pick! That was cool! I think the diary entry that got picked was the one about how my "Dogleggs" are helping to keep my elbows in good shape. My vet confirmed today - that my elbows were looking good and that if I kept wearing my elbow pads, for most of the time, I wouldn't have to worry about my elbows anymore.
I'm feeling pretty good as of late but have these weird sores appearing all over my body. This was the main reason for the vet visit today. The vets were quite puzzled but think I have "Sterile Nodular Panniculitis". Mom is just reading up about it now. I have to take 2 pills (250mg, each pill, of the antibioticTetracycline), 3 times a day, on an empty stomach for possibly 3 months!!! Also, we are waiting for another prescription of a vitamin. Poor Mom! She is quite certain that we won't be entirely successful at that pill schedule as she has to work full time and I do have to eat. Lately, I've been eating 3 times a day. But we will do our best.  If my sores clear up, we don't have to go the whole 3 months. 
I guess the good news is that this sounds treatable and isn't really bothering me all that much.
The thing on my neck, the vet confirmed what our Dogster friends told us. It is a sebaceous cyst. He squeezed it and a bit more junk came out. He just told Mom to keep an eye on it, and polysporin on it. 
The only other thing we all discussed was my deafness. Normal for an old guy. 
He said I looked very much stronger and better than the last time he saw me in regards to the way I moved. In fact, he told us that he could not have even imagined such an improvement in me.  He checked my heart and it is sound. We knew that.
Then Mom took me for a proper walk, in the sun. But, she did give me two pills just before we started out.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>You Can See the Difference!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/743886</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:27:39 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/743886</guid>
		<description>Mom took these photos. 
Photo one is of my elbow on the day before she ordered my Dogleggs elbow pa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom took these photos. 
Photo one is of my elbow on the day before she ordered my Dogleggs elbow pads.
Photo two is of my elbow after only wearing the pads for 4 days. And I only wear them for about 16 hours per day. Cool!
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/finalelbowphotos.jpg">Elbow Before And After Wearing Dogleggs</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Weird ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/743218</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 9 Oct 2011 00:10:44 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/743218</guid>
		<description>Right after I sported my new &quot;Dogleggs&quot; Mom took off my collar and checked on a lump that I have had ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Right after I sported my new "Dogleggs" Mom took off my collar and checked on a lump that I have had since my yearly checkup back before my troubles. At the time, the vet said it was nothing to worry about. 
Later, when I was getting laser therapy, that tech found the lump and agreed it was nothing to worry about but pulled off a scab from it. She kind of went, "Hmmm". But that was the last of it. 
Today, just before Mom left for work, she pulled off a scab from it and found that it was oozing. She ended up squeezing it and a whole bunch of gross stuff came out of it. About a thimble sized amount of green/red/white cottage cheese consistency type stuff. Mom almost puked but kept on squeezing the stuff out. It didn't hurt at all. When she was done, I was left with a hole about the size of a 22 caliber bullet on my neck. Mom rinsed it with saline, packed it with Polysporin, and then covered it with gauze.  Then she went to work.
She just got back now, had a look, and it is looking okay. She cleaned it again but didn't squeeze it.
Any ideas?
Of course Mom will ask the vet about it, but meanwhile, anyone have any idea what it might be?
We wonder if there is any way on earth that whatever this is has been the cause of my difficulties over the last 6 months.
Mom lost my collar and cannot find it.
Good, I hate the way it messes up my fur.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Exciting Times!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/743134</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 8 Oct 2011 12:46:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/743134</guid>
		<description>It looks like I will for sure be able to get off prednisone completely. We are slowly lowering my do ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It looks like I will for sure be able to get off prednisone completely. We are slowly lowering my dosage and I am down to 7.5mg per day and have had no ill effects as we reduced the dosage.
I am moving very well now. Mom thinks I am back to normal factoring in that I am 6 months older now than when this all started.
And, just yesterday, we got my elbow pads in the mail! One of the most scary things that happened recently was when I almost died from an infection in my leg from an elbow sore. Antibiotics got me through that but my elbows continue to be irritated from the way I lay down, where I lay down and how much time I spend doing that now that I am an old boy. So these new "Dogleggs" should prevent that from ever happening again.
I will be going to see my vet, Dr. Nicol, in two weeks to investigate the strange sores that are appearing on my body.
But I feel really good and have made an almost complete recovery from where I was at in April. I continue to take digestive enzymes with my food and my poops are nice and normal.
Love,
Lobo and a happy Mom]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>We are enjoying a very nice autumn ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/741798</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:23:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/741798</guid>
		<description>Mom has been taking me to cool places almost every day.
This is where she took me when I was a baby ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom has been taking me to cool places almost every day.
This is where she took me when I was a baby, ten years ago.
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert(\'Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.\');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJa-_X_OjZw">Isobel Lake - 10 Years Later</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The Latest on Lobo</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/737007</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 5 Sep 2011 17:02:13 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/737007</guid>
		<description>First, the bad news (not bad at all) ...
My elbow sore is not going away (despite wearing my culott ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ First, the bad news (not bad at all) ...
My elbow sore is not going away (despite wearing my culottes) and my other elbow is getting a sore as well.
I have a sore on the top of my right little toe.
Then, I developed a sore on my side that is about an inch in diameter. This one puzzles us as it is not a pressure point. Even my toe one isn't a pressure point.
My right eye got all pussy for a few days.

Now the good news ...
We have cut my prednisone dosage to half of what it was. (I'm on 25 mg per day now.) We are going to continue to drop the dosage.
We can drop the dosage because: My mobility is improved and has been quite steady over the last several weeks. I've even gone on a few walks without my boots because I was walking so well.
My diarrhea is under control now with the digestive enzymes.
My voice and swallowing has improved. We don't know why, but we are taking it.

I am for sure a happier and more active boy as of late. Mom and I are super happy as this is our favorite time of year.

Thank you friends for the power of the paw and the good wishes, messages and thinking of us.

Love,
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Yahoo!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/734534</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:22:45 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/734534</guid>
		<description>The digestive enzymes are for sure helping with my diarrhea!
I have had more than 3 days of good po ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The digestive enzymes are for sure helping with my diarrhea!
I have had more than 3 days of good poops. And, I have been much more energetic as a result. 
So, I am doing very well. We now have to try real hard to keep my elbow in check (sore on it) and I have a sore on one of my toes that we will have to watch. 
But, I am doing the stairs, ramp, short walks real well.  My voice and swallowing problem have improved slightly. 
It is amazing how important having decent poops can be.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Update on Me</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/733300</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:47:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/733300</guid>
		<description>A friend just asked about me. We haven't been doing much on Dogsters and Catsters since things have  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ A friend just asked about me. We haven't been doing much on Dogsters and Catsters since things have been so messed up after the "upgrade". 
My mobility, such as walking and doing stairs, has remained constant for about 3 weeks now. That is good because for a while I had some really bad days mixed in with good ones. So, with my boots, I have been going for my walk pretty well every day. This is about a mile walk with some hills. 
My loss of voice and swallowing troubles is still a mystery. It has not gotten worse. Maybe a bit better over these last 3 weeks? The vet is thinking I may have "myasthenia gravis". It is a long shot. We may try the meds for that and see what happens. But we don't think that is what I have.
My elbow swells up whenever I don't wear the culottes Mom made for me. So, she will have to make me better and more permanent ones. Only, her sewing machine is broken and she is broke from all of my vet visits and meds. 
We have successfully halved my dosage of prednisone without having me lose ground in my mobility.  That is a huge plus. We may even be able to go lower. Of course, this was done very gradually. 
The biggest thing that we are struggling with, in regards to my being able to go on the prairie trip, is my diarrhea. We have tried many things. Pumpkin and FortiFlora helped a bit but not enough. Now I am on some digestive enzymes prescribed by the vet. It is very early, but this seems to be helping.
Most anyone that sees me says I look a lot better than I have in a while.
Thank you friends for caring about me.
Love,
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Last Laser Therapy Session</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/730356</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 30 Jul 2011 13:40:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/730356</guid>
		<description>Hi everyone! I had my 4th walk with my booties today and my 6th laser therapy session. I'm doing oka ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi everyone! I had my 4th walk with my booties today and my 6th laser therapy session. I'm doing okay except for the latest problem. It is an embarrassing one. Diarrhea. So, while there for laser therapy, Mom talked to the vet about that problem. They took a poop sample and everything seems to be okay so I am going to go on some other medicine to try and help with that. Mom is still not sure how the laser therapy is working for me since I had all these other things hit me at the same time. Plus, the laser therapy girl said that the first few sessions I had did not match my weight category. So, I'm getting a free one next week. I'm feeling and looking pretty good today despite it being a hot one. The vet said I looked better and stronger than when he first met me. Mom is having a hard time judging that but she thinks he is right. I hope I get my diarrhea under control or I won't be able to go to the prairies and stay at uncle's house. I messed up my truck for the first time in my life last week. I just could not have that problem on a long trip and then at uncle's house! He has carpet even in his basement. We don't have any permanent carpet in our house anymore.
I'm still doing the stairs up to our deck and easily doing the ramp into my truck. So all is well for now.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>My New Hiking Boots!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/730038</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:01:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/730038</guid>
		<description>My boots arrived today. Mom thought that I would not be very impressed and would make it very hard f ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My boots arrived today. Mom thought that I would not be very impressed and would make it very hard for her to put them on. Then, she thought, I would try and kick them off or chew them off. Well, part of my condition involves my not being able to feel my back feet very much. So, as my latest video shows, I did really well in my new boots!!! 
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert('Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBE97a5W_nA">My New Hiking Boots</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Still no booties!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/729788</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:14:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/729788</guid>
		<description>But, at my laser therapy appointment, vet said my elbow was 100%! Yay! No more wearing culottes! I'm ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ But, at my laser therapy appointment, vet said my elbow was 100%! Yay! No more wearing culottes! I'm feeling pretty good today. I'm doing the deck stairs without making Mom cringe. I still can't go for walkies due to the worn out claw on my back right leg. So, we are anxiously awaiting my booties in the mail. At least Mom is. I would probably rather walk on bloody claws.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Lobo's Latest</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/729545</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:25:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/729545</guid>
		<description>Mom ordered me some boots! She is afraid I'm gonna wear out the tips and tops of my back feet. Well, ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom ordered me some boots! She is afraid I'm gonna wear out the tips and tops of my back feet. Well, 3 days after she placed the order, I wore one of my back claws down enough that it bled. So no more walkies for me until I get my boots. I'm not too sure what I think about wearing boots.
 We went into town for my 4th laser therapy appointment. We aren't too sure if it is helping my other problems because of my elbow problem and now my claw! They said my elbow is healing really well so my culottes did the trick. I have only a few more days of antibiotics to take. 
  Needless to say, when I get my boots, pics and videos will follow. I will try to not look goofy while wearing them. Sheesh, i'm getting embarrassed just thinking about it.
   Any other doggies out there wear booties?]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>No More Cone!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/729023</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:28:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/729023</guid>
		<description>After laughing her head off and me slipping out of the culottes she made me, and the cone, she got b ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ After laughing her head off and me slipping out of the culottes she made me, and the cone, she got busy on her sewing machine and made me much more proper ones. These are basically a cylinder that covers my upper elbow, a stretchy strap runs over my back and a smaller cuff goes around my other leg to help hold the other one up. The cuffs are lined with fleece and have a nylon outer shell to help keep things dry and comfy. They have velcro closures so Mom can have a look at things and it is easy to take off and put on. I have worn it since Sunday and it hasn't come off on its own. She made a few mistakes that she wanted to fix but her sewing machine broke.
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert('Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.');" href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/elbowbandage.jpg">Improved Culottes</a>
The vet, yesterday, was happy with how the wound is looking and the system Mom made to help keep my tongue off or it and it dry and clean from me laying out in the yard. Also, there is a bit of padding there.
I am once again a happy dog. I would like to see a human wear a cone for ten days and see what they thought of that!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A Fun Day, or so Mom says ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728680</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:19:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728680</guid>
		<description>Mom wrote this to her family about me:

 Got back from Lobo's laser treatment. The student who wor ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom wrote this to her family about me:

 Got back from Lobo's laser treatment. The student who worked on him commented on how I had better try harder to keep Lobo from licking his wound and keep it cleaner. Tough to do when I am at work for ten hours and he slips out of his cone and is laying in the dirt. I cannot leave him in a kennel as his prednisone makes him super thirsty and having to pee more often than usual. Impossible for him to be in a kennel while I am at work. A doctor wandered by and offered some suggestions such as taking an old T'Shirt and making him clothing that would keep a barrier between his tongue, dirt and his wound. I ended up cutting up a pair of my favorite sweatpants (but they were worn out) and making him some culottes for his front legs. I haven't stopped laughing since I put them on him. They look like clown pants! Poor boy. I think I will put the cone on as well and hope he doesn't slip out of both while I am at work. We had a normal walk today and he did good. Excuse me, but I'm still laughing. I will try and get a picture. 
  One thing of interest, this young woman vet student mentioned how she had lived in Kamloops all of her life except for attending vet school in Saskatoon. She is set to go back for her fourth year. She likes Saskatoon but was dreading the mosquitoes. I then asked her if she knew our cousin's daughter who just became a vet.  She did! Small world. These treatments take 20 minutes, so we had plenty of time to talk. She said she liked working for Dr. Nicol because he embraced new technology like this laser therapy. It must be very new because I can't find much about it. I may be dreaming, but I think Lobo's toes drags were less pronounced on our walk today despite the heat and his compromised front leg. He is becoming a favourite patient at the clinic. And he is behaving amazingly well. I sure love that boy.


   Now me talking ...

   Mom laughed her face off when she put those pants on me. I'm not too sure what to think about that. I wish she wouldn't also put the cone on me but she was told that the wound was to be kept dry and away from my tongue and dirt. So, she is using the "culottes" and the cone. She says it is for my own good. Doesn't feel like it.

   Love,
   Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Hey Everyone!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728624</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:59:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728624</guid>
		<description>I'm much more active and alert today. In fact, I found a way to slip out of my cone overnight. Mom s ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm much more active and alert today. In fact, I found a way to slip out of my cone overnight. Mom saw it sitting in the middle of the yard when she got up.
My leg was still quite swollen this morning but much less so just now, in the evening.
She took me on a drive up to Greenstone Mountain. We took a little walk and just enjoyed the flowers and the view:
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert('Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs0AhyNoc1c">Greenstone Mountain Wildflowers</a>
I'm going for my second laser therapy session tomorrow morning. 
My little cuddle kitty Kitcat is terrified of me when I'm wearing the cone. Too bad because I could use the little kitty to comfort me. She just won't come near me and even growled at me when I tried to say hello!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Back From the Vet ..</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728484</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:51:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728484</guid>
		<description>This note is from Mom to her family:

 Back from vet. 
  He has an infected leg. Not related to h ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ This note is from Mom to her family:

 Back from vet. 
  He has an infected leg. Not related to his other troubles except for the fact that he has been laying down more than usual and got a sore on his elbow. He is on high power anti-biotics. So I will continue to block him from the stairs but not from the rest of the yard. Might be better to have him running up and down the fence and falling on his face, than getting, basically, bed sores. 

  Woohoo! I'm going to Saskatchewan! Thank you all for your prayers. Wait, crap, I have to take more pills! Oh well, I can do that. Mom is taking me on the Buse Mt. drive right now to celebrate.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Heading to the Vet Clinic</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728465</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:47:16 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728465</guid>
		<description>The latest news is, that Mom finally noticed that my right front leg is swollen. We are hoping this  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The latest news is, that Mom finally noticed that my right front leg is swollen. We are hoping this is completely unrelated (to my other troubles) and treatable. Mom moved it around and it didn't hurt. Wasps maybe? Snake? Spider? Anyhow, I'm going to get checked at the vet and FOR SURE get my laser therapy. We are hopeful yet again that I'm going to be around and make that prairie trip after all. Phew! We just thought of spider now. We have black widows here. I will be at the clinic in two hours. Mom tried to move that up but they are too busy. I have improved since last night and this morning. So hopefully, another couple of hours won't hurt.
Mom is feeling very bad about being such an alarmist. But she really doesn't have much support out here. You guys are our support. Plus it is quite alarming when a big boy like me doesn't move. Especially after these last few months.
Now, let us see if I can climb the ramp into my truck.
Love,
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>10:45AM Update</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728458</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:46:01 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728458</guid>
		<description>Mom came out to mow some lawn and release pent up energy. I got up and followed her to the far back  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom came out to mow some lawn and release pent up energy. I got up and followed her to the far back yard. I feel a bit better. Mom was amazed.
Mom is taking me to the vet in a few hours and now thinks I will be able to use the ramp to get in the truck.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Not well today ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728448</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:58:48 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728448</guid>
		<description>Mom just wrote this to her family. (Forgive the language, it was a term of endearment and other term ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom just wrote this to her family. (Forgive the language, it was a term of endearment and other terms of frustration and anger.) The ones we were hoping to visit on our prairie road trip in September....

Thanks Sharon,
 I just double checked the meds again. He had been taking 25mg in the morning and 25mg at night before last Thursday. He is now on 25mg in the morning and 20mg at night. I don't think that slight drop would explain this. He has been on the slightly lower dose for a week now. 
 He spent the whole night right where I left him in the yard. I just checked on him and he lifted his head and that was it. I brought him water and he didn't want it. Frisbee, no reaction. Then he laid down flat again. I guess I waited too long because now I am stuck with not being able to get him in the truck. But the son-of-a-bitch and I had a normal walk yesterday morning! What the hell is going on? I think today will be the day I have to put him down. How long can I let him lay like that and wonder if he might get well enough to move around or not? Especially when no-one knows for sure what is wrong. The biggest difference from this new episode with the old one is this time he has no appetite and no excitement at all. Last time he was pretty upset that he was having trouble and still wanted to play with his toy and eat. And he was loud! He has eaten better than usual ever since this April thing. Before April (and coincidentally, the prednisone) he would always screw around and take his sweet time before eating. I would even have to put something on his food, like cheese, if I wanted him to hurry up. I will try and speak to a vet this morning. Maybe even see if any would come to the yard and put him down here for a big price. I could also wait until Dave is off work and we could haul him in later today. There is just always going to be this niggling thought in my head that we missed something. And if we figured it out, Lobo could be okay again for a year or two. But I just cannot have him waiting around like this for much longer. I had a feeling that when I took his latest video, up on Buse Mt. in the storm, it was kind of like his swan song video. I will always cherish that. He looked pretty good in that video and we were having fun. That was only a week ago. I had intended on going on that drive again last night when I got home from work, but he wasn't going anywhere. I will bring out his food bowl. I'm sure that he won't eat, but just in case. Maybe some magpies will come for it and that will perk him up.
Audrey]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Hi Everyone!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728051</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:51:27 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/728051</guid>
		<description>I'm holding my own and enjoying these last few days. It isn't so hot! And Mom is a bit more relaxed. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm holding my own and enjoying these last few days. It isn't so hot! And Mom is a bit more relaxed.
The evening after my vet visit, Mom took me for a drive and made a little video. She had better buy a lot of video cards and bring her charger when we go on our road trip!
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert('Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gd9kEF-7R4">Storm on Buse Mountain</a>
Love, Lobo]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>I was a model patient ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/727759</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 7 Jul 2011 17:15:57 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/727759</guid>
		<description>Hi everyone. We just got back from the vet. He is a very nice vet too. I only yelped once when he wa ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hi everyone. We just got back from the vet. He is a very nice vet too. I only yelped once when he wanted me to stand up and tried to pick me up. I don't like being picked up. The rest of the time I was quite comfortable. He did a few tests on me but no needles or thermometers up my butt. He talked to Mom for almost an hour and a half. (I even had a snooze during that.) He was really good in that he had read all of the reports that my other vet had filed about me. 
From all that information, Mom telling him about me and from this visit, he is pretty sure it never was a tick after all. He is in agreement with most everything the other vet said it might be if it wasn't the tick. The only thing that he didn't agree with is having me take both meloxicam and prednisone at the same time. So Mom will stop with the meloxicam.
What he thinks that I have is a lesion in my cerebellum or somewhere near there. If that is what it is, we will never know why it happened. But the good news is, I probably won't ever get as bad as I was when it first happened. He said Mom could think of it like I had had a stroke, damage was done, my body has adapted a bit so I can move around better than I did that first day and we have to manage it with prednisone. He would like to see me on a much smaller dose since I will have to be on it forever. So, we are going to slowly cut that back. I also have arthritis in my lower back. We already knew that. It isn't bad but it for sure doesn't help with this other problem. It adds to it.
He thinks that it would be worthwhile to try laser therapy. Have any of you heard of that? He says that might help my mobility and make it easier to lower the prednisone dose.
He discussed all kinds of tests they could do, other rare possibilities, but as far as he is concerned, there is something constricting my spinal cord (a lesion?) and affecting the nerves running to my rear legs and even my front. With the prednisone's anti inflammatory characteristics, it reduces the constriction enough so that my front legs work good and my rear legs work enough so I can walk. I guess the hot days made things worse and that must be why I scared Mom by getting worse this last while. 
Anyway, we left the office thinking that I will be making my prairie trip and maybe even another one next year!
Everything is still a bit of a mystery but Mom is feeling much more confident that we can manage this and nothing is growing in me that will make me get real bad real fast. That is what she thought. That I had a tumor. It is still a possibility but the vet didn't think so. He also noticed that my right rear leg was a bit worse than my left. He is definitely a good vet. He must have commented ten times on how handsome I was! And how I was in great physical shape. He couldn't believe how good my hips are, as in perfect! Every vet seems worried about my hips and elbows until they examine me. They are perfect. I guess it is common for a big GSD like me to be prone to hip dysplasia. 
The lady at reception was also going on and on as to how handsome I am. She even took my picture and petted me, cautiously! And she brought me a bowl of water while we were waiting.
And other people in the waiting room were pointing at me and saying, oh my God! Is he ever big! and good looking! I was just waiting patiently and laying on the floor. The other dogs were all tugging at their leashes and making a nuisance of themselves. I cooperated when it was time to get weighed. I usually don't. I actually liked this vet clinic.
Mom thought I had gained weight, but I actually lost ten pounds. It makes no sense because I am eating like a pig and not running around like I used to. Must be the prednisone.
There was a 4 month old GSD being carried out wearing a cone. She was really cute. She had cut open her belly on barbed wire. I winked at her and told her about when I sliced open my ear on barbed wire. I gave her a few pointers on how to spot that nasty stuff in the future and avoid it.

Mom and I truly appreciate each and every one of you for supporting us through this latest fright.
Mom is feeling 100% better today after what we learned. Trying another vet and vet clinic was for sure good advice. Mom still likes our regular one, but it is good to know another super good vet.
If anyone know anything about this laser treatment, we would like to hear your opinions.
Love,
Lobo, and Mom]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>We appreciate our friends!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/727638</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 6 Jul 2011 16:54:06 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/727638</guid>
		<description>Thanks everyone. Mom is usually an optimist but she isn't feeling good about things right now. Obvio ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thanks everyone. Mom is usually an optimist but she isn't feeling good about things right now. Obviously, she has been pouring over the internet for theories and answers along with checking up on everything my vet mentioned. We really trust him, but our good friends definitely got through to Mom in that getting another opinion would be wise. (Puff, you are one of them! Thank you Marilynn for the good advice.) Even really good vets can miss something or make a mistake. So thank you for that because Mom is having a hard time thinking clearly right now and is panicking. 
I'm doing okay at the moment except it is so bloody hot out here right now! It is 33C (92F). We did our walk at 6:30am when it was 22C (72F).
I have had a huge appetite throughout all of this. In fact, I'm loving my food way more than I ever did. Mom used to never get much interest out of me when it came to meals or treats. Now, I'm all for them. So she will stock up on such things on her next trip to the store.
We will post tomorrow after my vet visit. This will be late in the day.
Love,
Lobo & Mom]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Vet Visit</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/727610</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:31:38 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/727610</guid>
		<description>I'm getting worse so Mom is taking me to a brand new vet tomorrow. I have seen a few but they were f ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm getting worse so Mom is taking me to a brand new vet tomorrow. I have seen a few but they were from the same clinic. This 3rd opinion will be a last chance to see if there is anything that can be done for me.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Not Looking Good</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/727305</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 3 Jul 2011 15:03:23 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/727305</guid>
		<description>My problems have returned despite the pills and vet care. I have been stumbling a lot on our now, sh ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ My problems have returned despite the pills and vet care. I have been stumbling a lot on our now, short walks. I can still do the stairs up to our deck and jump in and out of the truck with the step or ramp, but I am for sure losing ground. 
I can sense Mom almost panicking about my condition. She is trying to hide it from me, but I can feel it.
Of course we will see if the vet has any other ideas about what to do now. 
Mom has holidays booked in September. She is hoping to take me on yet another prairie road trip. It is now looking like I might not make it until then. If I can negotiate the ramp when that time comes, I will go for another road trip. Uncle has a place for us where we can stay while we are there and there are no stairs. Last time I was there uncle had two dogs. They have since passed from age related troubles. I guess that is kind of what I have going on.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Hi My Friends</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/721187</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 6 May 2011 12:37:11 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/721187</guid>
		<description>It has been a week now, without the prednisone pills and I am doing well. We are all breathing a big ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It has been a week now, without the prednisone pills and I am doing well. We are all breathing a big sigh of relief. I just happened to take longer than average to recover from my tick paralysis.
That is what we are all thinking now even though my vet still seems a bit puzzled. 
Thank you all for your encouragement and well wishes. Mom and the kitties and I are hoping to have a nice summer of 2011.
Love,
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>I'm Even Better Tonight!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/719540</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:44:25 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/719540</guid>
		<description>I have been doing the deck stairs real well and getting up from laying down no problem. Mom says I'm ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have been doing the deck stairs real well and getting up from laying down no problem. Mom says I'm a new dog! I don't want to lay down and rest. I just want to play. Mom is trying to make me take it easy but I don't want to. We are so hoping that whatever this was is not going to come back. We are hoping it was the tick and that I just took a lot longer to get it out of my system than the average dog. I can hardly wait until tomorrow for maybe a little longer walk? Thank you again to all our friends. You sure helped my Mom out a lot. And happy birthday to my little Kitcat.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Really Good Morning!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/719488</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:16:03 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/719488</guid>
		<description>I am much improved this morning. We don't know if it is the pills? or I was just taking long to get  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am much improved this morning. We don't know if it is the pills? or I was just taking long to get rid of the tick toxin. Whatever it is, we will take it.
I got to go walking in the snow. I'm super happy because Mom is so happy. 
Mom will wait and see how I am a week from now before she tells Dr. Gummeson about it. I think if I am still this good a week from now, he will be happy for me too. I'm still not up to long hike status but I can most certainly go for decent hikes now. This is turning into a really nice Easter. Peaches just had her bridge birthday and was named Tabby in the Spotlight! Tasha just had her bridge birthday and had many friends remember her. Kitcat is having her birthday today. And I was diary pick a few days ago. We all got tons of pmails from our wonderful friends. What a difference a day or two can make! A week ago, things did not look good for me and Mom was a basket case. Today, we are just so happy and thankful.
We hope all our friends are having a nice Easter weekend and spring. If not, we hope they can see past it and a light at the end of the tunnel.
Love,
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>I will let Mom tell you about my vet visit today while I lay in the grass and enjoy spring!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/719389</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:50:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/719389</guid>
		<description>Lobo and I had a good morning in the yard while waiting for the vet appointment. I was picking up hi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Lobo and I had a good morning in the yard while waiting for the vet appointment. I was picking up his poops while he insisted on playing frisbee. Pick up a poop, throw the frisbee, pick up a poop, throw the frisbee ...........
   At the vet clinic, Lobo was the only patient in the waiting room. But, there was a resident black cat. This cat was there when Lobo went for the extraction of spear grass from his ear over a year ago. At the time the cat was recovering from surgery from being hit by a car. It was a stray and its personality made the staff of the clinic adopt him. He isn't afraid of any dog or human. Last time I petted the cat with Lobo by my side and the kitty walked all over me. Today, I petted the cat and Lobo nuzzled him. What a sweet kitty. Later, while waiting, a teenaged boy came in and asked if he could pet my dog! I said he doesn't really like it, but he won't bite you. The guy was afraid but gently petted Lobo and we talked about Lobo and the boy's family dog. He was just there with his mother to get a dog license for it. He had been waiting in their car when he spotted Lobo and just had to come and see him. What a nice and polite young man.
   The vet came out and our appointment began.
   Dr. Gummeson, watched him walk and said he is displaying "ataxia".  That matches with the tick problem but the neurotoxins from the tick should have been cleared by now. There is always the exception, but he is now wondering if his long shot diagnosis might be the one.
   That is fibrocartilaginous embolism. If that is what happened, he is what he is now. That being still happy and healthy and not in pain. But having limitations now. He still highly doubts that this is what happened.
   There is the possibility of invertebral disc disease. But he should be in pain if that was it. He is not in pain at all. Lobo let the vet move his neck all over without any pain.
   He could have a tumour, damage or problems in his cerebellum. I assume this would be progressive and probably not it because he did get better since last week? Just my opinion on that.
   We are at a wait and see mode. Dr. Gummeson prescribed Prednisone just in case he has some swelling going on near the spinal nerves, for whatever reason, and he just isn't showing pain because he is trying to be macho. If he improves dramatically on that, we have to figure out why there is inflammation affecting his spinal nerves. This has to be happening up high on his spine as it is affecting all his legs. If there is no change on Prednisone, then we still have to consider that the neurotoxins from the tick have not cleared yet or he did in deed have the embolism. 
   The tests to go on and try and figure this out better are MRI's and Cat-scans. We don't have these machines here in town. If we did, they might be able to spot a tumour or disc disease. Or, most likely, tests would be negative and we would be in the same boat. In either case there would be nothing much that could be done on a ten year old dog on a 50 year old working woman's budget.
   So, I am prepared to wait and see and prepare a spot in the basement for Lobo to hang out with me and the cats without having to do stairs. I could set up a computer and TV and instead of vegging in my present livingroom, we could hang out in the basement when Lobo is in the house for meals and visiting. He has been sleeping down there the last few nights and can continue to do so.  I will continue to perfect an easy way for him to get in and out of my truck. He has been doing the ramp for the last several days without trouble, but I will build something else if I have to. Stairs are the big problem. He tends to fall down the last several. He can go up them pretty good. So the "basement livingroom" would solve that problem.
   That is where we are at now. I am grateful that he isn't in the condition that he was in last Wednesday. As he stands now, he is doing well but won't be going on any long hikes. He is definitely happy and playful now. He wasn't last week. We had a really nice walk in the woods after the vet visit. 
   After that first horrible day, things are no longer urgent. Lobo is getting around and still having a fun life. If he gets better, that would be the best thing ever. If he doesn't, I will make sure we still have fun together. If he gets worse, we will deal with that.
   The only sure thing about life, is that it changes.
   Lobo's Mom]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>I'm Still About the Same</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/719212</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 07:07:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/719212</guid>
		<description>I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow. We sure hope there is something he can do. Thank you al ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow. We sure hope there is something he can do. Thank you all my friends for the kind messages and gifts. I even got diary pick and new friends out of this.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Woke up a little weaker than last night ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/719039</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 17 Apr 2011 12:48:08 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/719039</guid>
		<description>I wasn't quite as strong this morning as I was yesterday. But I'm still okay. Still some wobbles and ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I wasn't quite as strong this morning as I was yesterday. But I'm still okay. Still some wobbles and weakness. I did do my ramp and some stairs today but Mom is making me take it easy. Unless I have big troubles, Mom can't take me to the vet until Wednesday because of her job. That gives me a few more days to get stronger. 
Mom will call the clinic tomorrow and give them a report. Hopefully I will pick up a bit before then.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Even Better Now!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718985</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 16 Apr 2011 23:34:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718985</guid>
		<description>Mom just got home from being away at work for ten hours and found me even better some more! So it lo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom just got home from being away at work for ten hours and found me even better some more! So it looks like I won't need to see the vet again about this and I will make a full recovery. Thank you to all of my friends for caring about me and supporting my Mom through this very frightening ordeal.
Love,
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>Had my walk ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718933</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:09:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718933</guid>
		<description>... and am doing better. Mom talked to our vet clinic and I don't have to go in today. We will let t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ ... and am doing better. Mom talked to our vet clinic and I don't have to go in today. We will let them know on Monday if I continued to improve or not. But I am much better than I was last night. So I guess it just is taking longer for the poison to get out of my body than expected. We still have our fingers and paws crossed that I will be okay. Thank you everyone for rooting for me!]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>A bit better this morning!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718905</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 16 Apr 2011 08:59:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718905</guid>
		<description>I am a bit more solid this morning. I did the stairs better when coming in for breakfast. Now Mom is ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am a bit more solid this morning. I did the stairs better when coming in for breakfast. Now Mom is trying to decide if I am good enough to skip the vet visit today. She will call and see what they have to say. If it stops raining and snowing she will take me out for an off leash walk and observe my condition as compared to yesterday. Our vet is booked solid today so we are all hoping that I don't have to go in. We all expected I would get better quicker, but at least I am getting better slowly! Mom has to work tonight so she is glad I can get around better now.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>We were hoping I would be 100% today ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718837</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:20:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718837</guid>
		<description>... but I'm not. I'm just a tiny bit better than yesterday evening. Mom had a chat with the vet and  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ ... but I'm not. I'm just a tiny bit better than yesterday evening. Mom had a chat with the vet and he said that as long as I am not getting worse, we will give it one more day. So I will take it easy for another day. I can go up and down the few steps that lead to our front door without too much trouble now. So we are still hoping for a full recovery and that it was a tick that caused this. Thank you all my friends. You have given Mom and I a lot of support. Hopefully we will have good news tomorrow.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>I am home and the whole neighbourhood knows it!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718721</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:23:15 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718721</guid>
		<description>It is looking like I suffered from tick paralysis. We aren't 100% sure, but 95% sure. If that is the ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It is looking like I suffered from tick paralysis. We aren't 100% sure, but 95% sure. If that is the case, I should be back to normal within a day. Weird isn't it? Mom brought me home and used the neighbour's driveway (again) to unload me. Then she played with me a bit in the yard. I am still wobbly and very thirsty. Then, I made a big, loud fuss in the back yard so she decided to let me try the stairs to get into the house. I fell a few times but made it. All the neighbours thought she was killing me because I made such loud noises. I was just so happy to be home and giving Mom shit for leaving me at the vet all at the same time. That amounts to super loud German Shepherd noises. Once in my living room, I ate a hearty meal and am now snoozing on my mat. Mom won't let Kitcat cuddle with me because the medicine they put on me to kill the tick is poison and it would not be not good for her to rub against me for a few days. Mom is glad to see that Kitcat has no interest in cuddling with me while I smell like chemicals.
When I was going through this, Mom was way too upset to take video. Now that she knows what it probably was, she wishes she had so that she could post a video about what it looks like when your dog is suffering from tick paralysis. Mom describes it as if I was walking like a drunken sailor. When she was searching the internet last night, for what might be wrong with me, she could not find anything that would have helped her figure it out. She would love to have found a video or information to help diagnose this possibility.  She wishes she could have produced one so others could see what this problem can look like. My vet said most calls that he gets about tick paralysis are from people who are positive that their dog suffered a stroke or their dog was poisoned. That is exactly what Mom thought at first.
But, maybe we are counting our chickens before they are hatched? We will let you know tomorrow if I am back to normal. If not, I will have to go to the vet again. I don't like going there but he sure is a nice vet. Dr. Ken Gummeson. He totally gets me.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I sure scared Mom ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718700</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:31:02 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718700</guid>
		<description>I'm at the vet clinic right now and under observation. Mom is supposed to pick me up in a few hours. ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm at the vet clinic right now and under observation. Mom is supposed to pick me up in a few hours. I didn't just scare Mom, I was scared too. I will let her tell the story:

I got home from work around 7:30pm. Lobo & I had had our normal morning hike around 8am but after that, I was at work all day. I heard him whining, as usual, as I parked our truck. I then ran into the house to quickly feed and pet the cats. Then I turned on the hockey game and waited a bit, so the cats had a chance to eat their treats before letting Lobo in the house. He came in stumbling like a drunken sailor. He didn't pick up his head and look me in the eye, like normal, and staggered all over the place before falling on his mat. His face was covered with mud. I thought maybe he had dug a big hole and was feeling guilty? Thus explaining him not looking me in the eye and the mud on his nose? The staggering, maybe because he had just got up and his limbs were asleep still? But, another terrible thought crossed my mind. Maybe someone poisoned him? So I went out into the yard to search for clues. He followed clumsily behind. I found nothing. He was able to follow me back up the stairs, with some difficulty. He wasn't interested in his supper until I sprinkled grated cheddar cheese on it. Then he wolfed it down while having a very hard time standing. Moments later, my neighbour knocked on my door. I answered with, "What happened to my dog?" She said, "I don't know, I was going to ask you what was wrong with him?" She had noticed him falling all over the yard and called me at work. I was already on my way home when she called. We were both puzzled and I thanked her for keeping an eye on him and having made the call. We both decided it would be good to keep him inside and keep and eye on him. She said he already looked a bit better than when she had seen him. But he was just laying down at the moment so hard for her to tell.
He seemed comfortable while laying on his bed so I did some thinking. Stroke? Brain tumour? Bad fall down the stairs and concussion? Broken neck? Tick paralysis? Of course, I researched all of this on line but could not come up with an obvious answer. I spent the night beside him and he slept quite solidly. The next morning, he tried to get up and fell like a ton of bricks. Getting him down the 4 steps to go out my front door was horrible. He fell and hurt himself 3 times. He managed a pee between stumbles. I took him carefully into the back yard and watched the poor guy try and move around while whining the whole way. It was still 2 hours before the vet clinic would open. He drank water and ate breakfast like a champ. I tried to get him into the back of the truck, with the ramp, with no success. Impossible. I sat out in the back yard with him in almost freezing temps. I got his favourite frisbee and let him have free reign with it (it is normally a guarded prize). I praised him and told him what a good boy he is. The whole time I was thinking that I was going to lose him today. But, for the moment, he was comfortably laying in the grass with his favourite toy. The vet clinic opened and I called. I made an appointment for him ASAP. The lady on the phone asked if I had checked him for ticks. I said I had but it was an impossible task given his thick fur. But I grabbed onto that glimmer of hope that it was a tick causing all of this. I moved my truck to a place on the street where I could position his new ramp so that the incline was almost zero. I managed to get him in the truck using his frisbee as a lure. Then I took him for a drive, like we always do. Despite the cold, I opened the sliding back window so I could talk to him while I drove. I found a place where he could get out without having a steep ramp to negotiate and let him just do what he wanted to do, off leash, while I secretly said goodbye, just in case. He fell on his face several times but did take the time to roll around in the grass and seemed to enjoy the sensation. I knew then that if whatever was going on with him was not reversible, he was not going to be coming back home with me. He weighs 125 pounds and I cannot carry him. There would be no future for him in that condition. So, off to the vet clinic we went. The vet helped me unload him and examined him. Right off the bat the vet suspected a tick. That sure gave me more hope and stifled my tears. He said strokes like I feared were rare in dogs. The brain tumour, a remote possibility. Trauma, from a fall, he ruled out with his exam. He is almost positive it is tick paralysis. He and 2 vet techs searched Lobo from nose to tail to try and find the offending tick but could not. But, he said, that doesn't mean it isn't there and/or it could have dropped off him. So, they gave him a shot of medicine that will kill any tick that might still be on him. They are keeping him for observation just in case the paralysis gets to his lungs before the medicine does its job. I am very cautiously optimistic that Lobo will be okay. I know one day I will have to face losing him but hopefully this won't be today.
While I was waiting, two people had their beautiful 19 year old Siamese kitty put to sleep. They stayed with her for the procedure and left with tears in their eyes. My heart goes out to them. It was the same room that I had Tasha put to sleep in almost 2 years ago now. I thought I was going to have to do the same with Lobo today. Bless those people and their kitty.
It has not been a fun 19 hours but it looks like my Lobo will be okay.
Mom

Good story Mom, now come and get me!!!
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Know, I'm a Pushover</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718225</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 10 Apr 2011 10:28:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/718225</guid>
		<description>Mom and the kitties posted a cartoon and a video today. The video involves me being bullied by Kitca ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom and the kitties posted a cartoon and a video today. The video involves me being bullied by Kitcat. She just won't leave me alone at times. She thinks she owns me. Anyhow, here is the video:
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert('Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlJsf5AORnQ">Kitty in the Ear</a>
She is a little pest, but I kinda like her.
This is the cartoon posted in our cartoon group:
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert('Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.');" href="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/door-to-door-sales.jpg">Door To Door Salesmen Cartoon</a>
 The cartoon was based on a true story. Mom took Squirrel for her leash walk last Saturday. There were 2 door to door sales people coming towards them and they laughed and commented on Mom walking "a cat" on a leash and how cute it was. They were still about 50 feet away. Mom said, "Careful, don't spook her, she is feral." Much to Mom's surprise, they respectfully stopped in their tracks and left a pamphlet on our driveway so as not to "spook" the feral Squirrel! That was very nice of them to respect her that way. And Mom was thankful to have avoided a big long sales pitch! So it was sort of a true story!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Getting Older!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/716985</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:00:57 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/716985</guid>
		<description>I'm having a bit of a hard time making the leap into the back of my truck. Mom built me a step a few ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'm having a bit of a hard time making the leap into the back of my truck. Mom built me a step a few weeks ago and it helped. But, I still found it tough to even use that.  So, Mom got busy and fabricated a ramp for me. After a few tests, it is doing the trick. A video and photos are in the works.
So I'm good to go for a while longer. 
Kitcat, my kitten friend, has tried to scrap with me! She boxed my muzzle and bit at my front legs! Mom jumped right up and snatched the brat away and told me, "Good Boy! Thank you for not hurting that little brat." I'm good with that. I like that spunky little girl. 
The best news of all is that there is a squirrel hanging around our yard. That gives me something to do. Mom knows that so she is trying to encourage this furry little critter to hang around.
Life is good.
Here is the Youtube video of my new ramp:
<a  class=bodyTextRev target=site  onClick="alert('Dogster Alert: You are about to visit an outside link that was submitted by this pet owner.');" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R1UGhtB9Ms">My New Ramp</a>]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>It was a very Happy Birthday for me!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/706197</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 4 Jan 2011 21:00:26 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/706197</guid>
		<description>I turned 10 today and many of my friends helped me celebrate. I feel very fortunate for the love you ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I turned 10 today and many of my friends helped me celebrate. I feel very fortunate for the love you have all shown me. Mom also emailed the lady she got me from almost ten years ago. She sent the photo that my friend Flicka's Mum made for me and my recent winter video to this lady, Kay. Kay emailed right back to thank Mom for keeping her posted on me and my life and said that I am a very handsome dog and that she is happy that I came to live with my Mom. So am I. 
Right now, it is late in the evening and I am digesting my supper while laying on my mat. Kitcat is rubbing up against me and being cute. Squirrel is sleeping and Mom is updating my diary. LIfe is good.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I am 10 today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/706122</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 4 Jan 2011 11:52:10 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/706122</guid>
		<description>It is snowing but warm as I turned 10 today. Mom took me for a walk in the light snow and promises t ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It is snowing but warm as I turned 10 today. Mom took me for a walk in the light snow and promises to buy me a treat later today. 
Being 10 doesn't seem much different than being 9. I feel the same.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Happy New Year Everyone!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/705696</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 1 Jan 2011 07:12:41 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/705696</guid>
		<description>It was really cold last night so I chose to sleep in the house. Kitcat has a habit of bringing one o ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was really cold last night so I chose to sleep in the house. Kitcat has a habit of bringing one of her toys to bed with Mom in the middle of the night. Last night, Kitcat brought her toy mouse to ME to sleep with. What a little darling she is. When Mom saw that this morning, she thought it was a wonderful way to start the new year.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Cousin Panda has gone to the bridge ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/705060</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 27 Dec 2010 13:51:42 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/705060</guid>
		<description>It is very sad, but there was nothing more that could be done for that little kitty. She was about 1 ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It is very sad, but there was nothing more that could be done for that little kitty. She was about 15 years of age and had kidney cancer.
Other cousin, Punkie, is doing well after his latest vet visit. So we are hopeful he will be okay.
I'm snoozing in the house right now and Squirrel & Kitcat are sharing a chair and grooming each other. Mom loves it when they do that.
Mom is looking for a photo of Panda to share with our friends.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Merry Christmas!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/704818</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 25 Dec 2010 15:54:17 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/704818</guid>
		<description>Mom gave me a really good breakfast this morning. It was yummy steak with gravy. And she told me, Me ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom gave me a really good breakfast this morning. It was yummy steak with gravy. And she told me, Merry Christmas Lobo!
I finished my antibiotic pills. My wound has not reopened. So, we are all hopeful that I will be okay and not need surgery. I'm glad to not have to eat those gross pills anymore. They taste terrible and smell even worse! And we all know how sensitive dogs' noses are.
Our winter wonderland is melting so our Christmas walk today ended up being in slush, ice and mud. Mom hated it. I don't mind getting a bit dirty! It was sunny & warm.
I think all of us are going to watch a Christmas movie tonight. Mom's favorite called: Prancer, with Sam Elliot. 
Mom is worried about our kitty cousins, from different families, Panda & Punkie. Panda has kidney cancer, we think, and Punkie is having trouble peeing again. I met Punkie and I liked him. He is a giant orange boy and much too young to have these troubles. Panda is an elderly girl and it might be her time. So Mom is giving us extra pets but has a tear in her eye for those two kitties and their parents, her brother & sister.
Mom talks to me on our walks so I learn all about this. I do my best to distract Mom from these thoughts and make her see what is going on right now! Such as me being ever so excited every time she throws my frisbee for me! Even though I am an old dog now! I will be ten real soon.
Merry Christmas to all who read this. Cherish each moment.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Vet Visit</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/702574</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 8 Dec 2010 16:38:56 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/702574</guid>
		<description>Well, first, they pulled the vet switch on us. Mom waited until today just so we could see my favori ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Well, first, they pulled the vet switch on us. Mom waited until today just so we could see my favorite vet, but they pulled a switch on us. This guy was, well, okay I guess. He was messing with my wound and didn't warn Mom that he was going to squeeze it and make me yelp. I pretended to bite him and he got scared. Mom said, "warn me before you do that and I will hold him". So that is what he did next and Mom held me and I was good. Mom told him, "He hasn't bitten anyone ... yet." Looks like he thinks I have a "foreign body" inside me causing my wound that won't heal. This is just like last year. He wants to do surgery. Mom chose to not do that last year and try antibiotics for a while and then consider surgery. That worked last year. We are hoping it will work this time too. So, for now, I don't have to wear a cone, I feel fine but I will have to swallow four yucky pills every day for ten days. One good thing is whatever is causing my weeping wound doesn't appear to be as deep inside of me as what bothered me last year. Oh, and, the vet found a cyst on my neck. He said it was nothing to worry about, but if I do have surgery for the one thing, it might be good to just remove that.
Then the vet went to listen to my heart. He couldn't hear a thing! Mom said, "Well, I know he has a good heart." The vet laughed and went and got another stethoscope and listened to my strong heart.
So, I am good to go for a few weeks. I will try real hard to heal that thing during this time. But even if I do need an operation, I am fine. Oh, I hope if I do have to have an operation, that I don't have to wear the cone. That is what I hate most of all.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>That will teach her!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/702276</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 6 Dec 2010 14:26:26 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/702276</guid>
		<description>I overheard Mom making an appointment for me to see our vet on Wednesday. Something to do with a tin ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I overheard Mom making an appointment for me to see our vet on Wednesday. Something to do with a tiny little wound on my side that won't heal up. That is her story anyway. I think I can heal it up on my own. Anyhow, a few minutes later, I saw a coyote trotting by my house and, understandably, made quite a fuss including dumping Mom's hot chocolate all over the coffee table, remote controls, papers and even some splashed on the couch. She then let me out so I could warn the neighbour as she has a cat that she rescued that has no front claws. Mom saw the cat run to the neighbour's back door so she phoned them as the coyote was lurking near by. I think I scared him enough though. Anyhow, Mom deserved that mess in the living room for having made me a vet appointment. And I am a hero for letting everyone know that there was a coyote prowling around near a defenceless little kitty.
Then, after our walk, I was in the back of Mom's truck and barfed up my entire breakfast. She didn't notice until we got home. She was puzzled as to what to do as it is winter and you cannot use a garden hose in winter. So, she took out the box liner and has decided to let my mess freeze up and then chip it off. She said something about "Why didn't you do that during our 90 minute hike instead of after our hike and in my truck!" I didn't bother correcting her and telling her it is my truck.
That is what you get if you decide taking me to the vet is a good idea.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Fire Season</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/683879</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:54:17 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/683879</guid>
		<description>Mom got off work at 11pm only to see a coworker, a camera man, packing up his camera and saying ther ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom got off work at 11pm only to see a coworker, a camera man, packing up his camera and saying there was a bad fire out in "Uplands". Mom said, "WHAT??? I live there!" He said, "You had better hurry home." Mom did just that to find the way to our house blocked. She went the long way around and got to our block and we were all okay. Then she took me for a walk. It is very scary. Many of our neighbors are on ten minute alert. Mom's ex and his wife have been evacuated along with 150 other people. It is now 1:45am. Mom won't be getting any sleep tonight. Once we get some daylight, the air crews can come in and take care of the fire.
We are praying for everyone whose homes are in danger and those wonderful and brave firefighters.
Poor Mom has to be up at 6 for an appointment. It is now almost 2am! I had an extra walk today because of the fire. And, a policeman said how nice I am. Mom said she was worried sick about me and the cats as she rushed home. He said, "You needn't worry. We would never have left a fine dog like that behind!" Then he added, as an afterthought, "And the cats." Ha, ha!
I'm sure Mom will come up with a video about this fire sooner or later.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>We got an email back from the people we rescued!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/672533</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 18 May 2010 21:03:26 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/672533</guid>
		<description>The lady wrote:

Hi Audrey,

first, I thank you for the pictures. Ours are still coming, we just ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The lady wrote:

Hi Audrey,

first, I thank you for the pictures. Ours are still coming, we just take a little longer. Thank you again for the rescue.
B. went up to Heller Creek Road the next day with someone who had a suitable truck and a chain, and they had no problem pulling the car out of the mud. I was surprised how fast they were back.
My dogs and I, and also Bill, were very sore. One of my dogs is still limping, and I am just starting to be able to move without a lot of pain.
We all have to get into better shape and need a lot more exercise, so we are planning for a lot more of this, of course without the mud or other mishaps.
I hope I will be able to forward you our pictures soon.

Talk to you soon
S.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>We Rescued 4 Dogs and 2 People Today!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/672037</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 15 May 2010 23:50:52 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/672037</guid>
		<description>Mom wrote this:

  I had been wanting to drive up to Deadman Falls for a while. I wasn&acirc;t sure wh ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom wrote this:

  I had been wanting to drive up to Deadman Falls for a while. I wasn’t sure what condition the road would be in this early in the year but thought I would drive as far as I could on it. It was in pretty good shape and the drive was much more spectacular than I had even remembered. It was also farther than I remembered but I was in no rush. The lakes were beautiful and the trees have not been hurt by the various bugs and diseases that seem to have been ravaging our forests. I got to the falls and the way in was no longer marked by the usual BC Parks sign. I might have missed it had another vehicle not been visible from the “main” road. The ruts were terrible so I parked near the other four wheel drive truck. I could hear the falls from there and leashed up Lobo. I met the other explorers as they were leaving. They were a young couple and commented on my dog as to how big he was while making a wide detour around him. He was leashed and was not acting up. I spent the next hour very carefully trying to photograph and videotape the falls without endangering my dog or myself. As I was leaving, another couple pulled up in a small 4x4 with a large dog. They had not been there before and were a bit confused as to if they were in the right place and how much further the falls were. I suggested they park where they were as the ruts were so bad I would not have even tried to go further with my 4x4 unless I wanted to risk damage to my vehicle. I also strongly suggested a leash for their pooch. The driver was using a cane as a necessity while his female companion was using a walking stick for fun. I got Lobo into my truck to prevent dog troubles and chatted with them. They wanted to know how much further to the falls! I assured them that it wasn’t far at all (less than a city block). I then asked them if they knew where the “main” road (actually, rough forestry road) continued on to? They said no. I have always wondered about that road. As I was leaving, I literally had turned my steering wheel one way, to go back the way I had come, when I decided to go the other way. This is where everything happened.
   Had I just gone home, nothing would have happened. I already thought I had had a full and adventurous day. I had a wonderful bear sighting and got good video of it. Same with deer. Scenery was stunning. But, I had a full tank of gas and thought I would just go as far as I could and turn around if I had to.
  Wow, I cannot believe how nice it was up there. And that some people actually live up there without power or other utilities! I drove and drove and had to make numerous decisions at trail forks and junctions. I marked them all in case I had to back track. At some point, a dual purpose motorcycle came by me. I think I surprised him a bit as he was hogging the road and had to quickly swerve into his lane. He was going fast, I wasn’t. Plus I was on my side of the trail. Anyhow, I was the only one around for many more miles. Then, about the time I thought I should turn around, a small Ford 4x4 showed up. I waved them down and they did stop! I just asked them, window to window, if I could get back to Kamloops this way! They were an older couple and said yes I could! They had come that way. They gave me a few very important clues. Forestry Roads Criss Creek or Sawmill Road would get me to Kamloops. So on I went. Once again I encountered plenty of unmarked junctions and forks. I just took the most traveled and marked where I had come from with little twigs and rocks that only I would notice and understand. I did have to decide between Criss Creek Road and Sawmill Road somewhere along the way. I actually started on Criss Creek and changed my mind, turned around and went back to Sawmill Road. I don‘t know why I did that but had I not done that, the rest would not have happened.
  I came to a 50km marker, on a logging road, from who knows where they mark from, on yet another confusing intersection, when I stopped to let Lobo out and stretch my legs. I just opened my door when I saw movement in the bush. Two large dogs. They were tangled up by their leashes and whining a bit. When I got near, they got a bit aggressive by barking and growling. I called out loud to see if anyone was around several times. I had no idea how long they had been there. It was a warm day. I pushed a water bowl towards them. One drank, the other  lunged and growled and barked at me. They both had collars but were not taking too kindly to me trying to look at them. They each had long, leather leads hooked to their collars. These leads were tied together and hopelessly tangled around a tree. This was when I was very happy that I had the extra water with me. But now I wondered what the hell I was going to do. The one dog allowed me to read her tag so I got a phone number. Tried the cell phone. Out of range. No hope there. I was just thinking about what I was going to do when I heard a dirt bike. (Same guy I had seen earlier. Him and the older couple in the truck were the only vehicles I saw in about 6 hours of driving over about 200kms of back roads.) I flagged him down and he begrudgingly stopped. I asked if he knew anything about these dogs. He said no. But, he was kind and brave enough to help me load them into my truck! The one was easy, (lab cross) she let him pick her up. The other was acting mean (rotty-shepherd cross) but he tried to jump in and accepted help to get his ass end in. Good. The biker then wanted nothing more to do with it and took off. But I really appreciated his help. Now, Lobo my dog, had to ride in the back seat. My plan was to drive to the “Wendego Lodge”. That is the other thing the biker did for me. He told me it was about 6 kilometers away. From there, I knew where I was for the first time since I left Deadman Falls. We both thought the dogs might have run away from there and tangled themselves up. Plus, the lodge would have a satellite phone. So, off I went, with a black lab cross, and a rotty shepherd mean dog in the back of my truck. Took a few kilometers to get to the lodge turn-off, then I got a few clicks down the Wendego Lodge road when I came to a “road closed” sign. Road closed due to soft ground and impassible conditions. Crap!!! So, I turned around and started driving back to the main forestry road. Soon after, I spotted a “hiker” and her dog. I thought that maybe this person would know something about these dogs. When she saw me, she started wind milling her arms. When I stopped, I saw she was on the verge of collapse! She talked about her and her ex husband getting stuck way up somewhere and her trying to walk out but two of her dogs not being able to go any further and having to leave them behind and so on and so on! So I opened the back of my truck and said, “You mean these dogs!!!”  She couldn’t believe it. She couldn’t believe that I had them and they were safe. She didn’t ask for help. She was so desperate that there was no question about it. I was helping her whether I wanted to or not! (Of course I wanted to help. It actually added to my already wonderful day.)  So, we loaded her 3rd dog in the back, I gave her much needed water and we started down the road towards Kamloops. I told her I knew where we would get within cell phone range and could call for help. Her ex-husband, and hiking partner, was still trying to unstuck their vehicle way up somewhere. I think she had walked at least 12 kilometers without seeing a soul except for the motorcyclist who didn’t stop for her. She didn’t see me but saw the dust from my vehicle as I made the turn to go to the lodge in search of a phone and/or dog owner. That is what she had pinned her hopes on while she was on her last legs. She was 50 something. Her ex, 75 or so???  
   So, we drove the ten or fifteen kilometers it took to get cell phone coverage. She called their son and made arrangements for a rescue/tow. I didn’t have a tow chain. So, back up the hill we went to go and find her man and let him know help was on the way. We met him about 18 kilometers up the road walking with yet another dog!!!! He did not want to go back to their vehicle and try getting it unstuck. He said it was hopeless and just wanted to go home and worry about it tomorrow. No kidding! 75 and working for hours at trying to unstuck a vehicle, then walking probably ten kilometers and wondering about his ex-wife? (Obviously, they are still friends.)  So, down the road we went again. 4 strange dogs in the back. Lady in the front. Man in the back with Lobo and then me driving. (The 2 liters of water I brought with me served us well. I will remember to pack even more water in the future.)  We had to stop once so they could phone the son back and cancel the rescue operation for that day. And once again because poor Lobo was very uncomfortable trying to sit in the back like that. Another 15 kilometers and we were in town and, I dropped her off at her house with her two dogs, and then dropped him off, and his 2 dogs, at his house (way out near the airport). It was pretty well dark by then.
  She gave me a big hug when I brought her home. She was truly on her last legs when we found each other. And she was terribly worried about her dogs. They had walked far enough that they could not keep going and kept laying down and panting. Especially one of them. That is why she decided to leave them behind. One was a bit unfit and the other she left for company for the unfit one. She kept the other fitter one with her. They probably should have left all four with the car and the man, but I imagine, her old man wanted her to have their protection as she tried to walk out for help. Little did she know, she would have had to walk 50 kilometers before she would have come to another human being on that particular day.
   It was an amazing series of events. I’m sure they would have all been fine had I not happened by, but boy oh boy, was she ever grateful. And I sure felt good about not leaving those dogs tied up to a tree. Who know how long they would have had to be there. I am also grateful to the biker who helped me load them up. And the old couple in the truck who told me I could get to Kamloops by either Criss Creek or Sawmill Road. Their truck was older but in good shape and not covered with mud... so I chose to drive on on their advice. And wow did I ever see some nice country and wildlife today.
   There was another thing that prevented my going a different way. I was started on a different road when 3 horses blocked the trail. (Deadman/Cache Creek Forestry Road)  These horses would not move out of the way. Since I didn’t want to risk having them kick my truck, and really didn’t have to go that way, I turned around. I parked and took pictures. Meanwhile, a lady in a car had the same problem! I sort of helped her get by the horses using my dog and my voice. She did the rest with her car. I could have then turned around yet again and followed her, but I didn’t. I went with the flow.
   Everyone I met today was very nice and friendly. And I was actually able to help people. That felt good.
   Oh, and one more tidbit. The woman I “rescued” on the road to Wendego Lodge, told me that 15 years earlier, her and her hubby (same guy) got stuck in winter! She was 8 months pregnant. People from Wendego Lodge rescued them via snowmobile. She thought it would have been so ironic had she had to walk in to the lodge and ask them for help to get unstuck again today.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>YES!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/671035</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 10 May 2010 09:59:29 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/671035</guid>
		<description>Seems like my thyroid was the problem. The doctor isn't 100% sure as the blood test was not for sure ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Seems like my thyroid was the problem. The doctor isn't 100% sure as the blood test was not for sure conclusive. But, he suggested we try the pills anyway. Well, right away they helped. I am more lively and dragging my back toes less. I don't know who is happier, me or Mom! So, I take two tiny blue pills per day. One in the morning and one at night. They are so little, Mom can sneak them into a treat and I don't even notice. Mom was so scared that I had DM that she couldn't sleep. Now she knows I might be around for a few more years. I cannot believe how much she loves me. I guess about the same as I love her.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Check Up</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/669323</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:31:12 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/669323</guid>
		<description>Mom moved up my yearly appointment to this week. She was worried that I might have the early stages  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom moved up my yearly appointment to this week. She was worried that I might have the early stages of degenerative myelopathy. That is what Tasha had. I have been dragging my back toes a bit and getting a little weak in my hind end. The vet examined me and even went outside with me and Mom to watch me walk. The vet then said that out of the 3 things that I might have he is pretty sure that D.M. is the least likely of the 3. We are very happy about that. Then he took a blood test and will be testing me for hypothyroidism. We don't have the results yet. If that is it, it is easy to treat. But what it probably is, is a bit of arthritis. That is what Mom now thinks it is. If that is the case, some pills could help with the discomfort but I will still be fine for a long while yet.  Mom said the $200 it cost for my appointment was worth the sense of relief she felt about my probably not having D.M.
Now we are going for a walk with uncle Martin.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The Royal Visit</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/668069</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:05:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/668069</guid>
		<description>Mom is going crazy trying to tidy up the house. My auntie and uncle are about to land. They are comi ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom is going crazy trying to tidy up the house. My auntie and uncle are about to land. They are coming to visit us for a week. Mom will be picking them up at the airport in 3 hours. I can tell she is full of nervous excitement. The house is still a bit of a mess, but better than usual. She keeps saying to herself, okay, that is good enough, then she sees a dust bunny in a corner, or a smudged up mirror, dirty windows (forget it! no time!), she even washed our food bowls real good! We aren't used to having company, so Mom really lets the place go if you know what I mean. And, our fridge is empty! She just doesn't know what to do! So, they will have soup and bread, then go shopping. Ha, ha! Mom is freaking out because we have a small house with only one bathroom. Uncle will have to sleep on the futon in the living room and be open to the bad cats. Auntie will have her own room but Mom isn't sure if she will like the loft bed. Mom took apart the cardboard castle and put it in her room along with a bunch of other stuff. It should be a fun week. Oh, and the weeds need mowing. Mom is hoping to lure auntie or uncle into doing it by saying, "Do you want to try out my cordless electric weed, er I mean, lawn mower?" Mom is allergic to grass so HATES mowing weeds, er I mean, grass.
She picked up my poops yesterday, but I already have a few more piles in the back yard. Hey, poop happens! Right?
I am very anxious to see uncle Martin. He is my favorite person next to Mom. Auntie is really cool too. They have not been here since we lost our Tasha and Lucky. And since Kitcat came to live with us.
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I'm An Action Dog</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/664539</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 3 Apr 2010 19:17:24 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/664539</guid>
		<description>So, I haven't written in a while.
But, today, Mom an I went over ground that we hadn't been on sinc ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ So, I haven't written in a while.
But, today, Mom an I went over ground that we hadn't been on since we lost our dear Tasha. We got kind of weepy and nostalgic. But, we kept going and considered our walk today as kind of a tribute to my best friend next to my Mom. Mom was in rough shape because she is noticing that I am having troubles jumping up into our truck yet I won't let her help me. Tasha didn't mind at all when Mom helped her. Me, I will do it myself or not at all! I have noticed that Mom spends a lot of time finding just the right place to park so that I don't have a big jump to make to get in and out of the truck. At home, I now have a table to split the jump up in and out of the truck into two steps. Today was neat because our weather is still cool. Mom and I love that. 
I have to complain about our new kitten. Kitcat. Well, she isn't that new. It has been almost a year. But she just won't leave me alone!!! She zeroes in on me and rubs up against me and insists on my grooming her. She is cute, but what a brat and a pawful of trouble. When I see how Mom and Squirrel love her, I have to agree that Kitcat is a happy addition to our small family after the loss of my best friend Tasha, and Squirrel's best friend and sister, Lucky.
Mom said that auntie Lilian and uncle Martin are coming to visit real soon. I love them because they are so nice to me and my Mom. 
So, I am having a nice Easter weekend and hope all of my friends are too.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Spring Hike In the Woods</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/660923</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:54:07 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/660923</guid>
		<description>Mom wrote this:

  I was lazy today, and sore from yesterday's hockey. So I drove to a regular spo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom wrote this:

  I was lazy today, and sore from yesterday's hockey. So I drove to a regular spot where I knew there was a suitable walk for my energy level. Well, it was a mud hole. So I kept driving until I got higher up into some snow. Used my 4x4 to get into an area and turned around for the return trip later. I forgot my phone was at home on the charger. Good thing I didn't get stuck. Took Lobo for what I intended on being a short stroll. We followed snow covered ATV tracks, human snowshoe tracks, moose tracks, coyote/wolf/cougar tracks, and so on. I was starting to dread the return trip as the footing was such that sometimes the snow holds you, other times you sink in and almost bend your knee backwards. I kind of wanted to fluke out some kind of loop back to the truck. This was all just bush whacking going from one type of track to another. Sometimes no track, just a section of easier going. Anyhow, I had resigned myself to having to back track all the way back to the truck when I spotted an old log cabin. Right in the middle of nowhere. That distracted me from my wet feet and sore muscles as I love looking at these things and taking pictures of them. What a nice surprise! So, with a new burst of energy, Lobo and I risked trying to complete a loop back to the truck without a clue of where we were. At least I didn't have a clue. At one point I was ready to turn around but before then, kind of kidding, I asked Lobo to find the truck. He went off for a little bit and came back. I followed him this time and sure enough, he brought us back. He is a smart dog. Plus he was probably tired of tromping through the spring snow.
This is a collage from the day:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/zzmarch15hike.jpg

Lobo now ... Yup, I am a smart dog.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Turned 9 Today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/646863</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 4 Jan 2010 21:04:54 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/646863</guid>
		<description>It was my birthday today. Mom took me on a walk in the snow. She emailed the lady that she got me fr ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ It was my birthday today. Mom took me on a walk in the snow. She emailed the lady that she got me from and sent her a picture of me. The lady emailed back right away saying how happy that Mom keeps her up to date on me and that I look very happy and healthy. Then, Mom had to go to work. Yuck. When she came back she gave me a bone and locked Kitcat up so I could chew on it without her bugging me. When I was done with that, Kitcat came back out and I groomed her. Squirrel even gave me a kiss and a light swat when I went to sniff her while she was on the cat tree. Then, Mom gave me a new toy. It is a really thick rope with a tennis ball at one end and a handle on the other. It is for me to chew, Mom to throw and me to chase, and us to both have tugs of war with it. She is hoping it will last longer than my other toys. It was a good day but I'm very anxious for Mom to finally have some days off so we can have long walks and not be rushed. 
  Oh, and the trouble I had with my knee ... the swelling, then the open sore ... (this was back in September) - Well, for a while it looked like I would have to have surgery. Mom hesitated and even saw another vet about it. Also, I had to go on our road trip around that time. The second vet said to go ahead on the trip and that a giant bottle of antibiotic pills would keep the infection under control for the trip but that I would probably need surgery when I got back. )They all thought I had a foreign body inside my knee like a sliver or something.) We got back, Mom stopped the pills and I was fine. She called the vet and talked to him and he said it might take up to 2 months before the problem comes back. He expected the infection to flare up again and find a way to drain. That was what that sore was, it was draining fluid from an infection I had going on somewhere inside.) He said if it didn't return by Christmas that meant that my body took care of the infection and Mom could relax and forget about me having further troubles from it. So, by being patient and not rushing into surgery, we dodged it. Phew! Thank goodness for antibiotics. So, the vet said my body either managed to dissolve the foreign particle or encapsulate it.  All I know is that I never want to wear a cone again. Yuck.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>We Survived Hallowe'en...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/632545</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:50:08 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/632545</guid>
		<description>Hallowe'en went well. Mom was home and the kitties and I and some visitors all stayed in the house.  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hallowe'en went well. Mom was home and the kitties and I and some visitors all stayed in the house. When kids came to our house, I kept Mom safe by watching while she handed out candy. The visitors made sure the kitties didn't try and get out. It went very well.
The next day, Mom took me on a nice hike. We went way up high in the Battle Bluffs. It was sunny and cool. Perfect for hiking. Last time we went there, Tasha was with us. I miss Tasha.
Today is cloudy and wet but we will still go for a walk.
Tomorrow, little kitty Kitcat is going to the vet for her spaying. Mom finds that very tough. I will go with them and after Kitcat is dropped off, Mom and I will go for a walk to try and get her mind off of it. Then, we have a furnace man coming to our house to make sure our furnace is good for the winter. Shortly after that, we will go and pick up Kitcat. Mom is hoping she won't have to wear a cone.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Road Trip 2009</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/627895</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:29:54 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/627895</guid>
		<description>Prairie Road Trip 2009

I knew we were going on a trip when I jumped into the back of the truck an ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Prairie Road Trip 2009

I knew we were going on a trip when I jumped into the back of the truck and it was crammed with stuff. This was confirmed when we stopped at the small lake we always stop at when we are going East. Mom and I were heading back to her prairie home town for a family reunion of sorts. I settled into the familiar driving mode ... though it had been two years since we went on such a trip.
We stopped near the place where Mom found Lucky and Squirrel over 6 years ago:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/00eagle.jpg

We stopped in Glacier National Park and did a quick trip around the Giant Hemlock interpretive site:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/01gianthemlock.jpg

Then, we stopped at a secret campsite that Mom knows about. It has Wapta Falls, Yoho National Park, visible and audible in the background. It was too early to camp there but we had our supper at that spot:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/02suppernearyoho.jpg

We drove on and Mom almost ran into two black bears on the Icefields Parkway in Banff. Good thing she was driving slow and there was no traffic. She kept going and we camped in the David Thompson park. The stars were bright and there was zero noise all night. Not one car went by. It was amazing. This is the view we awoke to:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/03sunrisedtp.jpg

More driving and we found ourselves at the home town of the world’s largest bunnock. This is a tourist attraction in Macklin Saskatchewan. A bunnock is the ankle bone of a horse. The place was closed so we didn‘t learn more about it:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/08largestbunnock.jpg

We camped in the town of Wilkie, Saskatchewan. The campground was almost empty so I once again could go off leash. We got up before dawn and kept on driving. We next found ourselves in North Battleford, Sask. I got my picture taken with a bison made out of barbed wire:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/10barbedwirebison.jpg

and a giant Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman and his horse at the museum:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/11battlefordmuseum.jpg

The museum did not allow dogs but was closed anyway. So, we kept on driving as we were very close to Mom’s home town.
We finally made it to uncle N’s house. Uncle N was allowing us to stay at his house for a few days before our cabin up at Loon Lake was ready. Uncle N really likes me and I like him:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/12uncleN.jpg

The next day, after Mom took me for a walk in the woods, we drove out to visit uncle M at his acreage. He has 7 kitties and 2 dogs and 2 horses. Here is a photo of uncle M having a morning chat with Squeak:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/13uncleMchattingwithSqueak.jpg

Squeak is a kitty that showed up at his house over 3 years ago. She was pregnant and had 4 healthy kittens. Uncle kept 3 of the kittens, found a good home for one of them (a neighbor, so he sees the kitty all the time) and has had all of them neutered. Here he is telling Squeak that she is a good kitty except for being on the table.
One of Squeak’s kittens is a GIANT cat. His name is Pumpkin. He weighs more than 20 pounds. Uncle finds him to be a very special boy and loves him dearly:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/13uncleMgiantpumpkin.jpg

Uncle M was hoping we could fit it and helped Mom load up a chair that she inherited from their Mom. It is a chair that is made out of moose antlers and such. Grandpa made it way back in pioneer days. It made for a lot less room for me in the back of the truck but Mom and uncle really wanted that done. Mom is very proud to have it.
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/grandpaschair.jpg

Later in the day, we drove over to auntie L’s house. She had just returned from Ontario. She lost her husband there in January and had finally taken care of the numerous details that it took to move back home. She had just finished making the super long trip with 4 cats:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/16auntieL.jpg

 Mom and uncle M showed up there to help her unpack her camper. While there we saw auntie S and her new baby B. This was the first time Mom saw baby B ever:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/15auntieSbabyB.jpg

Once back at uncle N’s place, he took us on a nice walk. He said I was the best trail dog ever! The best hiking partner a person could have. I love my uncles. Then in the evening, uncle M brought over some stuff that made everyone laugh a lot. Stuff from their past. Auntie L was too tired to visit that night as was auntie S. 
The next day, Mom and I got up early, took all of our stuff out of uncle N’s house and put it back in our truck (because that night we were heading to the lake). We then went for our walk in the woods before visiting uncle M for breakfast at his acreage. Once there, uncle M fixed something on Mom’s truck. This is when I got into a bit of trouble. One of his dogs, Reba, and I got in a bit of a scrap. Mom grabbed me by my loose skin on my back end while uncle grabbed Reba and we were pulled a part. None of us got hurt. It wasn’t a serious fight but we scared our people. 
Then we went back to uncle N’s to wait for the time to go to the lake. Auntie L showed up and we all visited some more. I am kind of used to them talking forever and I just wait patiently. 
Finally, we started driving north. I had never gone this way before and got a bit nervous and was trying to tell Mom that she was going the wrong way! She told me everything was okay and we kept driving. After a while, she stopped and I could smell auntie L and uncle M were near. Sure enough, there they were! In a really nice cabin. I was welcome to come in. Dogs were allowed. Auntie L paid extra so that I could stay there. I was a good boy and fit in real well. This is a photo of our cabin:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/17ourchalet.jpg

Auntie L took a nice picture of me, my uncle M and his partner in the cabin. It was so cozy! I had a nice carpet to relax on in front of the fire and beside Mom’s bed:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/23meinthecabin.jpg

Uncle N was not expected to spend the night or come the first day. Auntie S and her family were supposed to but never showed up. Auntie L and uncle M and his partner went out to the fancy lodge for supper. Mom wanted to stay put, wash up and just relax at the cabin. She made her own supper with her camping supplies and we relaxed on the deck:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/18mydeck.jpg

When they got back, uncle M’s partner had to leave. Uncle M had brought a box full of goodies including some crazy stuff Mom had done as a child. So, auntie L, uncle M, Mom and I spent hours looking through all of that stuff. At one time, something my Mom had drawn made auntie L laugh so hard V-8 juice came out her nose!!! Mom had to get her a towel. So that was a very fun night for my Mom.

Next day, I had a nice long walk with Mom first thing in the morning. Uncle Nelson showed up a bit later on. That was so cool to have those four siblings together. Lots of laughing and talking. Then uncle N took Mom and me on a long walk. He knows most every area of the bush around there. After the walk uncle M and aunt L were going to go to the lodge for fine dining while uncle N and Mom were going to stay at the cabin and visit. Mom had plenty to eat from her camping supplies. Well, the fine diners changed their minds and we all stayed together and ate from Mom’s camping supplies. Uncle M helped Mom give me my dreaded pills that night. I was still taking my 4 pills a day at that time. Yuck. Then, uncle M played a movie he had brought. “Into the Wild“ Based on the true story about Chris McCandless, a young man that escaped into the wild but got in trouble and perished. It was a good movie to watch up in the wilderness of Northern Saskatchewan.

The sad part for my Mom was that her youngest sister, auntie S, did not show up. There was no reason for it. Auntie L had planned this ages ago and auntie S was all for it. Also, auntie L paid for everything. She also paid a lot more to get a big enough cabin to accommodate auntie S, her husband and her three children. Cell phones did not work from up there so there was no way to talk to her. Auntie L would drive out to a phone and get “Yeah, we are coming!” from auntie S. This is what hurts Mom so much. It became obvious that auntie S purposely messed up this family reunion for no good reason. Mom is super sad because she has not seen the older niece and nephew in over two years and just saw the youngest nephew briefly and by accident on that one day at auntie L’s. So that was the down side of this super long drive that we made.

So, next morning we all went on our way. Mom stopped by the graveyard where Grandma and Grandpa are buried. I never met Grandpa but Grandma and I got along real well. Then we started our serious driving all the way home.
Had a nice walk in the David Thompson Park area:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/20dthp.jpg

We got caught in an early mountain blizzard up at Peyto Lake viewpoint:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/21miniblizzard.jpg

It was really nice to get home and see the kitties. Mom had to pretty well rush off to work right away. That is why it took so long for me to get her to write about the trip for me. She still has a big sad place in her heart over what happened with the younger auntie. 

Finally, Mom got through her first work week back and we went for a nice drive and walk around here. This is a photo from that:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee21/breakgive/21prairiedog.jpg

That is all for “Road Trip 2009”. 
Lobo]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>The News from My Vet</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/627777</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:58:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/627777</guid>
		<description>I only got to go on the road trip with Mom because my vet sold us a bottle of 100 antibiotics. This  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I only got to go on the road trip with Mom because my vet sold us a bottle of 100 antibiotics. This was so that my infection/wound would not flare up on the trip. It closed up just before we left so I didn't have to wear the cone. That was sure a lucky break.
When we got back, Mom discontinued my pills and waited to see what would happen. Those pills were no fun. I had to take four each day and I am not a good patient. Anyhow, after a week everything was fine. The vet had asked Mom to let him know how things went so she called him. She told him everything went well and I had been off the pills for just over a week now. She asked how long before we can quit worrying about the infection and resulting "exit wound" coming back. He said it often comes back within days of discontinuing the pills, but it can take months. It all depends on what is causing the infection. This we do not know. He said, that if it doesn't come back by Christmas then Mom can relax. That will mean the body has either dissolved or encapsulated the foreign object that is causing this.
So, Mom and I have a reason to be anxious for Christmas.
Mom is going to eventually write about our road trip. Soon, I hope.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>We Are Home!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/624834</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:50:46 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/624834</guid>
		<description>Mom and I just got back from our trip today. Mom is very tired and didn't leave enough time between  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom and I just got back from our trip today. Mom is very tired and didn't leave enough time between now and going back to work to catch up on our mail. I was a very good boy, except for a brief fight with my cousin rottweiler, Reba. Also, I scared our human nephew, but it wasn't my fault. He just saw me and got scared. Our northern retreat at a cabin was really nice. I was super good there. Squirrel and Kitcat were very happy to see me again and I was happy too. Mom must get some rest. Bark at you all later.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>My Cone Woes</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/618599</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 2 Sep 2009 16:49:09 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/618599</guid>
		<description>Oh, to make matters worse, Kitcat is petrified of me with my cone on! She freaks out and runs away f ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oh, to make matters worse, Kitcat is petrified of me with my cone on! She freaks out and runs away from me. Mom tried to bandage my knee in some way so I don't have to wear the cone, but so far, nothing is staying on.
Kitcat gets a super fat tail whenever she sees me or when I move an inch. Squirrel isn't scared of me at all. Mom took the cone off briefly to see what would happen and Kitcat immediately came over for cuddles. Then, she put the cone back on (as I right away tried to like my wound) and Kitcat took off like I was the devil. We will see if she gets used to me with the cone on eventually. If not, it is going to be a long and super sad week. I miss my cuddle sessions with Kitcat.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>My Knee is Bad Again</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/618550</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 2 Sep 2009 12:51:58 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/618550</guid>
		<description>Just when we thought my knee was almost 100%, I developed a little lump on it. This time it looked a ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Just when we thought my knee was almost 100%, I developed a little lump on it. This time it looked angry red and was weeping liquid. Then, it would shrink down and look fine again. This went on for a few days until it looked like it had split open. I was for sure licking at it or worse. So, off to the vet we went today. I was real good at the vet clinic and they didn't have to hurt me. But, they hurt Mom instead. They told her I might need surgery. They want to go in there and see if I have something in there like a splinter or a pellet or something foreign. They said they might find nothing and just cut out some of the infection and sew me back up. Option number two was to try antibiotics again and keep me from licking it. If that doesn't work then I will need an $800 surgery. The vet thought Mom should just get the surgery done and get it over with. Maybe the vet doesn't think $800 is a lot of money. Mom isn't sure what to do but decided to try the antibiotics one more time. When we got home she dragged out Tasha's cone from when she had cancer. It barely fit over my head. I'm not too pleased about wearing that for a week. And if my wound doesn't go away, I will need surgery and have to wear the cone for another two weeks! Ugh! What about my road trip? 
The good news is there is no talk of anything more serious like cancer and my joint is sound and I am not in pain. And Mom will be home to nurse me during this week.
Now I understand why Tasha hated this thing as much as she did. It still has my teeth marks on it from when I pulled it off for her when Mom wasn't looking.
We are praying that one week of pills and one week of wearing the cone will take care of it.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Diary Pick!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/614391</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 16 Aug 2009 09:58:21 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/614391</guid>
		<description>A cute little doggie named &quot;Crystal&quot; just told me I was diary pick!
Thank you! I am now even more h ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ A cute little doggie named "Crystal" just told me I was diary pick!
Thank you! I am now even more happy than I was when I wrote that diary entry!]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I Am A Happy Dog!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/614239</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:45:49 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/614239</guid>
		<description>I am done taking pills. My knee is still swollen, but much better. I don't have to go back to the ve ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am done taking pills. My knee is still swollen, but much better. I don't have to go back to the vet.
  I am getting along real well with the new kitten, Kitcat. She is all over me! At first I didn't know what to think of this kitten circling my food bowl while I was trying to eat. I got a bit defensive about that, but then Mom yelled "Lobo! NO!" and snatched the kitten away. Now, I let her bug me while I eat. I even groom her. She rubs up against me and acts like I am her dog. I guess I am! Her and Squirrel are crazy when they play together. At that point, I just want to get out of the way and I go back outside.
   Now, for the really good news! Mom is getting a canopy for her new truck. So, I can ride in style! I have been riding in a dog crate in the back of her truck since late June. It will be nice to have the canopy. Then, the back of her truck is like my own house. On our trips, Mom sleeps back there with me.
    Also, Mom and I are going on a road trip. We are going for a really long trip out to a remote resort up in Northern Saskatchewan. We haven't gone on a big road trip for 2 years. I will get to see my aunts and uncles and maybe even gophers!!!
    I am a happy dog.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I just went to the vet in May!!!! And here I am again!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/609765</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:55:37 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/609765</guid>
		<description>I'll let Mom tell the story as she told it to her family ..... But I am NOT a big baby.

I discove ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I'll let Mom tell the story as she told it to her family ..... But I am NOT a big baby.

I discovered a large lump on Lobo's knee on Tuesday morning. It was filled with liquid. He was limping. I waited a day then called the vet this morning. His appointment was for 2:40pm. The hottest part of these wretched hot days.
I did cram him into the back of my new truck cab. I had to remove the center console and still it was a tight fit. (There goes the new truck smell.)  He needed help and whined when I lifted his back end. I don't know if that was from pain or just him not being used to me picking up his back end. Anyhow, he was perfect on the drive. settled right in even though it mustn't be too comfortable for him. Lumpy. But the air conditioning was good for him.
   Super long wait at the vet, but he was good there despite the parade of cats and dogs through there. There was an amazing resident cat. He is glossy black and just slept on a chair through it all. Lobo sniffed him. I did see a woman carry out a gorgeous tabby cat, and then another woman in tears and young boy consoling her. A person in the waiting room told me the kitty was only 1 year old and had been diagnosed with renal failure. That made me cry. It was less than two months ago that I was in that clinic crying over my beloved Tasha.
  Once inside the examination room, the vet asked a few questions then took Lobo out back for the torture. He shaved his knee and then stuck him full of holes. He had to see what was in there before he knew how to proceed. Then, he brought him back in to me. Poor Lobo cried like a baby and circled me about 20 times when he got back to me. He was not in pain, just being a big cry baby like he is. He is a Momma's boy and I like that.
  Vet was sweating and said, he is a big and hairy boy, isn't he? Then he said he was actually quite good during what he had to have done to him. This vet is good with Lobo. He isn't scared of him.
  Vet said he drained over 100 ml of stuff from his lump.
  Vet said the substance was blood tinged (called it something that I don't remember) and was most likely caused by a torn muscle or some other injury. He said that was a good thing. Had it been just blood he would have suspected something more serious like a tumour. It may fill up again and if it does he might have to put in a drainage tube. But we are hoping it won't. He is on pain pills and anti-biotics because of all the holes the vet had to put in his leg. He probably wrecked his leg running up and down the fence or up and down the deck stairs when I wasn't home. Sounds like he will be just fine.
   He made a big baby fit at the front desk while I was waiting to pay and everyone thought he was funny. Then he settled down and was good for the rest of the trip. He only barked at one dog the whole time. And that was outside the clinic and the other dog barked first. The other dog was a gorgeous Burnese Mountain Bear Dog.
   I guess I could have just left Lobo as he was for a few more days, but it was quite uncomfortable for him. Plus, I was worried. And, starting Friday, I am working ten days in a row. 
   Vet said to consider it a giant blood blister. Painful, but not too serious.
   Oh, and I am allowed to walk him as much as he wants starting tomorrow.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>We respond to the kindness of our friends over Lucky's passing.</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/601160</link>

				<pubdate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:42:31 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/601160</guid>
		<description>Hello to all of our friends.
We are overwhelmed by all of the kindness shown by all of you. We rece ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hello to all of our friends.
We are overwhelmed by all of the kindness shown by all of you. We received over 300 emails and gifts and comments for our dear Lucky. We are sorry that Mom was in no shape to communicate any further during this time. It was all she could do to help Squirrel along and read all of the wonderful and supportive messages from all of our friends through her tears. It is still hard for Squirrel and Mom to accept that Lucky is gone.  Plus, she was still trying to help me deal with Tasha’s passing. 
We don’t think it will be possible to thank all of you individually. Just please know that we read and appreciated every word, gift and kind thought from all of you. We had friends give us their personal emails and phone numbers even!  Mom really appreciated that but couldn’t even talk to her own family about it. She is still trying to sort out her feeling and cannot speak about Lucky without crying. She just now phoned and left a message for her ex-husband about it, as he was her husband when she found the kittens and loves them too.
We will never know for sure but it seems like Lucky passed from a heart condition. It is the only thing that makes sense. Thinking that gives Mom some degree of comfort. Plus, knowing that the night before, Lucky came for her usual cuddles at bedtime and was her usual self in the morning. She even gave Squirrel a little chase and later came for a second helping of their Fancy Feast treat. There was no warning or signs of her being ill or in distress. She probably passed within an hour after Mom left the house.
It is impossible to express properly to all of you how wonderful you all are for taking the time to let us know how much you care. Right from the short little messages to the those who set up the candle pages, and  from the ones who set up the photo in honor of Lucky,  to those that gave rosettes and offered their personal information in order to help my Mom. We honestly have looked at and read every one of those. It involved a fresh set of tears from Mom, but they were tears of gratitude. She is thankful for each and every one of you who recognized how special our gentle little wildcat Lucky was. And is.
Love,
Lobo,
on behalf of Mom, Squirrel and all of our angels]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Something bad is going to happen ...</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/593431</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 2 Jun 2009 22:06:05 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/593431</guid>
		<description>Tasha has missed some of our walks lately. And the last one she came on, we only went a very short w ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tasha has missed some of our walks lately. And the last one she came on, we only went a very short way. She doesn't want to play with me and she is always falling down. Also, Mom is carrying her up and down the stairs and petting her extra. She gets short with me when I try and butt in. Then she pets us both and cries. She also sneaks extra treats to Tasha. I overheard her say "degenerative myleopathy" and having to make "a terrible decision" soon. I just Tasha would play chase like she used to do. I'm getting kind of bored and out of shape without her to run around with.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>It is my birthday today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/545795</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 4 Jan 2009 06:49:04 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/545795</guid>
		<description>But, Mom is on the real early shift and will be gone all day. Boohoo! She gave us our favorite food  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ But, Mom is on the real early shift and will be gone all day. Boohoo! She gave us our favorite food for our early breakfast. We will need the calories as it has turned cold again. But this time it isn't supposed to stay cold for long. Thanks to Dogsters and our friends for remembering me today.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Happy New Year</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/544990</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 1 Jan 2009 19:55:22 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/544990</guid>
		<description>Tasha and I just went through a very cold and snowy spell. Seems like there was a blizzard every sec ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tasha and I just went through a very cold and snowy spell. Seems like there was a blizzard every second day. 
It is now still snowy but not too cold anymore.
We just had a couple of real fun walks in the fresh snow. The only thing missing, for us to have super fun, are squirrels! They must be hibernating.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Little old me was Bud of the Week this week!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/525020</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:14:52 PST</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/525020</guid>
		<description>The wonderful group of Navin and Buds named me Bud of the week! Mom always calls me her bud. I prote ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The wonderful group of Navin and Buds named me Bud of the week! Mom always calls me her bud. I protected everyone on Halloween, and just yesterday, from a door to door salesman. Tonight, I made Mom laugh by playing with soap bubbles. I was snapping them up in my giant jaws. Mom had no idea I would go after them. She should know better as I chase the laser toy and notice even tiny bugs.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>A Big Hike</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/506423</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:06:51 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/506423</guid>
		<description>Mom loaded me and my backpack into her truck.  So that means a trip but not a super long one as she  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom loaded me and my backpack into her truck.  So that means a trip but not a super long one as she didn't load my food bowl. She didn't take Tasha so I knew we would be going for a long walk. She drove for about two hours, way up high, and parked at the end of a logging road. As she was putting my pack on we heard people coming. There were only two other vehicles parked on this mountain. Two young girls jumped in their vehicle and drove away. Then, we started hiking up a steep trail. It was good to get into the shade of the trees as it was a warm day. Real soon, we met 3 older hikers. They belonged to the only other vehicle, so once we went by them, we had the mountain to ourselves. We hiked up through the trees and way up to a super nice place with little lakes everywhere. We went up to the top of a big rock and had lunch and a rest. Mom took my pack off so I could be more comfortable. She gave me some water in my special hiking water dish. (It is made of nylon and folds up. I kind of wrecked the outside of it once, when I was a puppy, by chewing it, but it still holds water.) I wasn't too thirsty at the moment as I was drinking water in the streams all the way up. She was thirsty so she drank lots of water. She had a lunch of tuna on crackers and gave me half of them. When it was time to go, my pack was much lighter. Mom goes faster downhill than her slow way of going uphill. Ha, ha. She said she was going so slow when we were coming up because she had to watch for grizzly bears. Yeah, right. After our hike Mom drove to a place to look at a waterfall. Boring for me. Then, she took a different and longer way home. I was very anxious to get back to Tasha and get Mom home safe. It was long dark by the time we did get home.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>I was a good dog today!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/488347</link>

				<pubdate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:46:40 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/488347</guid>
		<description>I am proud of my doggies. Especially Lobo. Here is why:
 Tasha got lost today. Her and Lobo were wo ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ I am proud of my doggies. Especially Lobo. Here is why:
 Tasha got lost today. Her and Lobo were working over a stump trying to get at a ground squirrel. I just kept walking for about 5 minutes. After that I stopped and waited. Eventually, Lobo came running, but no Tasha. That is normal as she usually takes her time. Lobo and I waited. The stump was about 1/4 kilometer away. After waiting a long time I figured we would just go and get her or run into her as she tries to find us. On my way there, at one point, Lobo started trying to pull me in a different direction. I wondered what he was up to but figured I would go find Tasha before I let him loose to chase more squirrels. So I went all the way back to the stump. Well, she wasn't there. And I was sure we should have met up with her on the way. So, I thought I would ask Lobo to find her. He was just like those tracking dogs on TV. Head down, pulling me, sniffing what looked like was each of her paw steps. (So he was right the first time he tried to pull me in a certain direction.) Anyhow, through his nose, I got to see all the little detours she took and why I hadn't seen her go by. At one point he kind of lost her trail but I kind of knew she was making her way back to the truck. So I helped him find the track again. As we got near the truck, through her round about way, I didn't see her. So I thought he was wrong after all. Well, she was in the back of the truck (out of sight a bit) waiting for us. So Lobo really did understand what I wanted and for sure tracked her like a real tracking dog. And Tasha was smart to return to the truck after losing us. It was fun. I never got worried or angry because I had a lot of time before I had to be at work and the weather was perfect for being out in the woods.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>More Hiking</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/383171</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:30:04 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/383171</guid>
		<description>Mom took us on another walk today.  On her way home, she took us to a different place.  It turned ou ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom took us on another walk today.  On her way home, she took us to a different place.  It turned out to be really cool!  It was foggy when we started, then the sun came out and  shone on some frosty trees.  So she went nuts with her camera.  The result: 2 new pictures of me on my page from today.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>More ground squirrels than in my wildest dreams!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/376751</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:22:42 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/376751</guid>
		<description>Mom took Tasha and I on a long walk.  She took her mountain bike for part of it.  I should have know ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom took Tasha and I on a long walk.  She took her mountain bike for part of it.  I should have known that meant that I should conserve energy, but, hey, I'm a dog!  So, we went up to the top of a mountain.  Both Tasha and I stepped on prickly pear cacti.  Mom had to pull them out of our toes.  Ouch for us and ouch for her.  We chased so many ground squirrels that we lost count.  We got so tired and thirtsy, Mom had to share her water with us.  Now we are resting and waiting for our next adventure.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>I love October!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/372792</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 6 Oct 2007 17:48:55 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/372792</guid>
		<description>Mom had the day off and took Tasha and I on a nice walk. Tasha wasn't wanting to run and play as muc ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom had the day off and took Tasha and I on a nice walk. Tasha wasn't wanting to run and play as much as me so I found a nice stick for Mom to throw for me.  That is what my new picture is about.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Long Drive</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/367120</link>

				<pubdate>Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:56:22 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/367120</guid>
		<description>We've been back for a while, but only now is Mom adding this to my diary. We had to make an unexpect ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ We've been back for a while, but only now is Mom adding this to my diary. We had to make an unexpected trip back to Mom's home town as her Mom passed away.  As usual, she took me with her. I thought we were going for our yearly visit.  When we got there, I was surprised to not see Grandma sitting in her usual spot and giving me crackers. I looked all over for her and could not find her. I later figured out that she was gone forever, like Peaches.
I stayed real quiet and behaved very well. Mom still took me for daily walks where she thanked me for distracting her from what was going on. The rest of the time, her and my aunts and uncles were sorting through papers and stuff and talking. It was very boring for me, but I didn't complain. The last few days, I had a bit of cabin fever, but soon we were back on the road. Mom stopped to walk me regularly but she sure didn't sleep much on that super long drive back home. I was glad to get back but then, no Tasha!!!!  Tasha wasn't in the yard or our house! I found the cats, but no Tasha! I was afraid maybe Tasha was now gone forever like Grandma and Peaches. But, Mom ran over to the neighbor's house and came back with Tasha. Now I can relax. Mom acted funny for quite a long time after that. You know, not her usual self. But things are better now.]]></content:encoded>
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	<item>
		<title>The Camping Trip</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/351455</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:30:00 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/351455</guid>
		<description>August 8, 2007
  All of us know something is going on.  A pile of stuff has been gathering in our l ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ August 8, 2007
  All of us know something is going on.  A pile of stuff has been gathering in our livingroom.  It smells like nylon,  wood smoke and food.  Mom filled up the cat food bowls extra full and our water dishes, inside and out, extra high.  She took the whole pile of stuff from the livingroom and started to throw it in OUR truck.  When she put MY food bowl in there, I knew I was in for an adventure including a lot of driving.  She gave kisses to Lucky and Squirrel and Tasha and I could tell she was a bit sad.  She said goodbye, then, “Tasha stay, Lobo come!” and we were off.
  Mom stopped at all of the usual places we stop at when we go East.  She tried to sleep in the front of the truck and later, in the back with me.  She didn’t have much luck.  It rained most of the time.

August 9, 2007
  As soon as it was light, Mom kept driving.  We saw these gigantic animals with wood on their heads.  I barked real good at them.  There is a picture of one of them on my page.  After a lot of driving we found my Uncle!  I love him and was really happy to see him.  He plays with me and teases me a lot.  A little while later, my Aunty drove up!  Wow, I know now we are going camping together where we went last year.  Moments later, we all started the long, bumpy drive up to our new home for a few days.  Stuff was unloaded, tarps were put up, tents were set up and then it rained, and rained and rained.  When it got dark, Mom put me in our truck and went into Uncle’s van with her sister and they visited.  All of a sudden, there was a bright flash of light and a big BOOM!  Mom came out and got me and we both went into our tent.  Then there was a flash of light and BOOM at the same time and Mom got real scared and so did I.  When she got in her sleeping bag I tried to jump on top of her and she said NO LOBO!  Instead, I stayed real close to her and she put her hand on my back until I fell asleep.  It rained all night but the booms moved farther away.

August 10, 2007
  It rained all day and we just visited under the tarps and in Uncle’s van (he let me in with the understanding that I would not jump on his bed).  Mom took me for several walks during the day just for something to do.

August 11, 2007
  The rain stopped over night and we woke up to a freezing, but sunny morning!  We all had breakfast in the sun!  Some deer came by and I chased them away.  Mom said NO, but I did a chase them little bit anyway.  We went for a hike and I carried a pack.  It was really hot and every chance I got, I sat in the shade.  In my pack was water, my water dish, and some paper that humans use to wipe their bums.
  Then Mom, me and Uncle went to find dead trees for firewood.  We had a camp fire.  I got bored and went to sleep in the tent.

August 12, 2007
   Another icy, but sunny morning.  We all had breakfast in the sun and when I was dozing, some birds tried to steal my food!  Mom called them “whisky jacks”.  Aunty and Uncle called them “camp robbers”!  So, I had to go and guard my food bowl.  Mom will make a Youtube video out of that when she gets a chance.  We went for two hikes.  One was to a spring to get water.  I got to chase squirrels on that walk.  We had another camp fire.

August 13, 2007
   It was cloudy and Mom started putting things away and taking down her tent and tarp.  Uncle snuck away from camp and when he came back I barked at him really good, like he was a bear.  Aunt and Mom got scared for a moment.  They all talked for a bit and then we started the long drive.  I was sad because I will miss them.  So will Mom.  When we finally got home, I was very excited.  I had a lot to tell Tasha and she had a lot to tell me.  Mom had us in the house for a late night snack and visit and I fell into a deep sleep.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Vet Visit Again</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/351454</link>

				<pubdate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:29:24 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/351454</guid>
		<description>July 17, 2007
  I had a major tooth removed in May. Mom thought the incision site for my surgery st ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ July 17, 2007
  I had a major tooth removed in May. Mom thought the incision site for my surgery still looked bad.  So, off to the vet we went for our 3rd post surgery visit.  They weighed me.  I’m now 130 pounds, so I am obviously eating okay.  The vet cornered me and looked at my mouth, yet again.  He smelled my breath, poor guy, and then told Mom everything was fine.  Yahoo!  On the way out I barked at this big dog and then almost broke down the front door trying to get out of there.  Mom put me back in the truck, with Tasha, and then went back to see if she owed some money.  They said no!  So then Mom took us for a walk and we could tell she was really happy.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Yikes! Coyotes!</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/337270</link>

				<pubdate>Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:04:14 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/337270</guid>
		<description>Mom took us a different place this morning for our walk. It was hot and humid and there were plenty  ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Mom took us a different place this morning for our walk. It was hot and humid and there were plenty of horseflies bugging all of us.  But there were also plenty of ground squirrels to chase. When we were about half way done our walk, I was chasing a ground squirrel when a coyote popped up right near me and started to make a heck of a racked. Mom freaked out, leashed Tasha who was already near her and yelled for me to come! I did, right away. Mom leashed me and we all walked together. That coyote followed us real close yelping and barking at us for a long, long way. Later, Mom spotted its partner. That one had been following us quietly on the other side of the trail the whole time. Mom figures they were hoping to get one of us dogs away from Mom and maybe catch their breakfast. Mom was very proud of us for not falling for it. We didn’t even want to go and chase the coyotes.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>Latest Vet Visit</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/310571</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 19 May 2007 23:09:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/310571</guid>
		<description>The time had come for Lobo's 4th vet visit within a month.  We brought Tasha with us so he might not ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ The time had come for Lobo's 4th vet visit within a month.  We brought Tasha with us so he might not clue in as to where we were going.  We had left Tasha behind on his other vet visits.  So, a drive without Tasha, had quickly meant VET to that smart dog.
  The clinic was very busy and they had our appointment time written down wrong.  I said to them, "I have the piece of paper that you wrote the appointment time down on if you want to see it!"  Then I said, "If you want, you can examine him while he is in the back of my truck.  That way, you won't have to clean out an examination room and he won't have to make the dreaded trip into the building!"  The waiting room was full of dogs and Lobo weighs 120 pounds and has recently learned to hate that building.  They were so busy and frazzled, that they agreed.  A vet, that I had never met before, came out and briefly looked at Lobo's mouth.  She said, "He's fine!" and then ran back in.  I'm not so sure about that examination but was glad to leave the place.  Wish we would have had our regular vet.  For $600, that is the least you could expect.  Our usual vet,  got up and close and personal with Lobo and actually sniffed the surgery site.  Not an easy thing to do with that dog.  This vet, seemed to want nothing much to do with him.  Or who knows.  Maybe a quick glance, from an experienced eye, was enough for her to determine that the second round antibiotics had done their trick. 
  So, Lobo, Tasha and I went for a walk after that.  Later in the day, I gave him his last pills.  Hopefully for a long, long while.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>6 More Pill to Go</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/309675</link>

				<pubdate>Thu, 17 May 2007 08:45:43 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/309675</guid>
		<description>Lobo has his check up scheduled for tomorrow.  It is getting very difficult to give him his pills.   ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Lobo has his check up scheduled for tomorrow.  It is getting very difficult to give him his pills.  He knows every trick in the book.  I don't know if he will get a good check up.  Infection seems to have been going away but he seems depressed and has no appetite.  I think it is because of what happened to his favorite cat.  We lost Peaches on Monday.]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	

	<item>
		<title>VET</title>
		<link>http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/308030</link>

				<pubdate>Sat, 12 May 2007 19:52:38 PDT</pubdate>
		<author>Lobo ~ writing at dogster.com</author>
		<category></category>		
		<guid ispermalink="true">http://www.dogster.com/dogs/539750/diary/Lobo/308030</guid>
		<description>Lobo the dog is recovering from dental surgery.  He broke one of his upper fangs.  Probably on the c ...</description>

		<content:encoded><![CDATA[ Lobo the dog is recovering from dental surgery.  He broke one of his upper fangs.  Probably on the chain link fence.  He had his check up today and infection has set in.  So he is on a second round of antibiotics.  Does anyone want to help me give him 4 pills a day?]]></content:encoded>
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