We had visitors tonight

Dad surprised me with a visit from my former family. Former dad needed somewhere to store an rv overnight, so he called dad. When he showed up, he had the twins with him! Guess what--they loved me and wanted me to go home with them. But of course, mom said, "No way! Maxie lives here now!" Even the little girl that I bit told her dad that she loves me. Both the girl and boy played with me. Uncle Mike couldn't believe the dog that I have turned out to be. He said he could tell that I am very happy here.

It was nice to see the kids and play with them, but it was nice when they went home.

Birthday!

Well today is my birthday!! I am 9 years old. This is the first time that I will be celebrating this special day. My old family didn't even remember how old I was or what day I was born. Old mom thought that I was 10 when she gave me to new mom and dad.

I am sure that mom will give me something special to help celebrate me today!! But even if she doesn't, the fact that I have a great day and am loved very much is enough.

This is going to be a really great day for me, and I hope that you all have a great day, too!

Woof!

A ride and a visit

Yesterday evening dad was out with a friend and mom was home with me and Buddy and Kit. Yes, she was in the house because it was rainy. She hasn't come in for awhile now because I chase her and she doesn't like it.

The house was very quiet with mom working in the kitchen. I had fallen asleep on the living room floor and forgot that Kit was even in the house. She hides behind the couch and comes out to eat. Buddy was in the bedroom sleeping.

Suddenly, mom's phone rang. It was on the chair in the living room. Close to where Kit was eating. The ring scared the heck out of Kit and she jumped. I heard her jump. I jumped up and started after her. Mom yelled, "No, Max. Stay." I did! Imagine that. Kit went behind the couch.

Dad was on the other end. I don't know what they were talking about, but I heard mom say, "Sure. I'll put Kit out and grab Max. We'll see you out front." Next thing I know, mom picks up Kit's food and shakes it. She told me to stay and told Kit to come. Mom opened the door and put Kit's food on her chair. She went out.

Next mom grabbed by leash and hooked me up. I heard her say, "Be good, Buddy. We'll be back shortly." I don't know if Buddy heard her.

We went out front to wait for dad and then jumped in the truck. We took a short ride. When we stopped and got out, everything smelled very familiar. I was back at Cricket's!

Up the front walk we went. Dad knocked on the door and dad Jim came to the door. I was happy to see him and then mom Jamie came to out! There was Cricket! No twins (thank goodness); they were in bed.

We all went in and visited for a short while. All the time though, I kept going back to my "new" mom for approval. After awhile I was ready to go and sat at the door.

It was a nice visit, but I sure love my new home. It is nice to know that I am welcome at the old place; it is a nice place to visit, but I know I've got it better with Buddy.

Back to the vet

I have been living with new mom and dad 1 month tomorrow. In this time I have been to the vet 2 times more than I have in the previous 5 years. I was at the vet 3 days after mom and dad took me in and then again today.

Mom noticed that I had been rubbing my left eye on the furniture or rubbing it with my paw. In addition to that, my right eye was crusty. Dr. Morrison looked at my eyes and showed mom that I have an ulcerated cornea in the left eye and my right isn't producing enough tears.

So for the next two week mom has to put ointment in my left eye and a drop in my right eye. After the two weeks, mom has to begin putting a drop in my left eye and discontinue the ointment. And then I'll go back for a check up.

Dr. Morrison said that it is common in breeds like me that as we age our eyes don't produce enough moisture. I may need to have a drop in each eye the rest of my life.

At least I am now up-to-date with all my shots and when I go back in a month I won't get stuck again!

I am glad that mom and dad are taking proper care of me. I do love them!

Max out.

My first Diary Pick--thank you!

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Today I had a message from Dogster that I am one of the Diary Picks of the day. Woo-Hoo! Thank you, Dogster!

Today is my two-week anniversary with my new mom and dad. I am getting lots of affirmation and I am doing very well adjusting to the new house, the new brofur, the new cat...

Well, just yesterday morning mom had put Buddy on his leash (because he becomes deaf when he catches a scent) and took the two of us out for a walk through the yard. Kit had been sleeping on her chair on the porch and she jumped down to follow us on our walk.

Mom wasn't paying too much attention to me, as I'll stay very close to her. But, she keeps a close enough eye to make sure Kit and I are being nice to each other.

I was standing there on the hillside looking at Buddy when it happened. Mom couldn't believe it. Here came Kit, slowly behind me and she rubbed up against me! Just like she does to Buddy. I didn't growl or bark or try to chase her away. "Good boy, Max!" I heard mom say, as she patted me on the head. "Good girl, Kit!"

And because I have been so good, when we were visiting at Jethro's house and Andrea let him off leash, I was allowed to chase him. At first it started out as me being a little brat barking and trying to bite him. Then it turned into a game! He'd run, I'd run after him barking. He stopped and laid down and barked and barked at me. Geez he has a deep bark for a puppy! Buddy even got into the game with us. He was baying and running after me running after Jethro.

I think we will be a happy family.

I am feeling much better!

Boy what a difference that little pill makes. I am able to walk around--but mom won't let me walk too much. I'm still supposed to say calm.

I did get to sleep on the bed last night--which I missed the night before because mom didn't want to disturb my leg.

When I went out this morning, Kit followed me and mom into the yard. At one point we were less than two feet from each other and I didn't growl and she didn't hiss.

My visit to the vet

I was a very good boy at the dogtor. I didn't growl or try to bite anyone, even when the dogtor was touching my paws and feeling my leg.

I tried to pull away from her when she got to my right knee. After an x-ray it was determined that I have a small chip in the bone at my knee. I do not have a splint on; we are first going to try an anti-inflamatory and rest.

Because of my leg, I didn't get any vaccines tonight or chipped. When I return next Wednesday for my follow up I'll get all the necessary shots, and I'll get chipped.

On a positive note, I am heartworm negative and lyme disease negative.

Even after just one pill this evening I am using my leg. But the dogtor told mom to not let me walk too much.

Thanks for thinking of me.

My leg

So this morning mom took me and Buddy out. Of course, I had to go after Kit. Mom was out in the yard with Buddy, so she didn't see what really went on, she just heard me bark. She called me and I came over, we walked around for a bit and then went in. Mom put me in my crate so I'd be safe and not bother Buddy. I like my crate.

When mom got home, I barked, because I heard someone at the door. I'm a pretty good watch dog. Mom greeted Buddy and me and then she came over to let me out of my cage. She harnessed Buddy and called me to the door. Then she noticed that I was limping. "Oh no, Max, what did you do? Are you okay?", she said. I wasn't putting pressure on my front right leg. I tried to follow her and Buddy around the front yard but it wasn't easy.

Mom called Valley Vet from her cell phone and inquired about getting me an appointment for this evening instead of tomorrow evening. They returned our call almost immediately and asked if mom could get me there in 10 minutes. She said she'd have to rush, but yes, we could be there.

So she ties me to the chair on the porch and puts Buddy in the house. Runs into the bedroom and changes quickly. Grabs her purse, pats Buddy goodbye and closes the front door. She immediately realizes that her keys are on the chair in the living room. I saw her check all the doors, but she couldn't get back in.

At least she had her phone so she could call and cancel the appointment. We went down to Steffe's house to visit with her until dad got home. Luckily he gets home about 20 minutes after mom, so we didn't have long to wait.

The dogtor's office told mom to keep me crated until the appointment tomorrow and don't give me any aspirin in case they start a med tomorrow. I am not in pain; I haven't yelped or been whimpering.

Manners

Dad is working with me on my manners. He does not like that I am keeping Kit from coming in to spend time with the family. This is her house, too, and we have to all get along. I'm pretty good with her outside.

When I hear Jethro's collar and medals outside in our yard, I go ballistic. Mom and dad realize that it is because I haven't been well socialized, just with Cricket, who I used to live with.

Tonight the four of us went for a little walk. Mom had Buddy and dad had me. We didn't get off the front porch before Jethro appeared and I went cuckoo. Dad told me to sit and tugged me in a sit. Jethro sat. I went after him 3 or 4 times. But Jethro didn't come after me. He is a good boy and well socialized--with dogs, horses, kids and cats! It is a good thing that Jethro is like he is, because if it were another dog who had insecurities like I do there would surely be bloodshed.

Dad was able to get me under control and we managed to walk through the field. Of course, Jethro was called back home which made it a little easier. Our goal is to walk with Jethro without me going off.

Through all of this, of course Buddy is not reacting at all. He is the most sedate pup mom has ever seen.

A special visitor

There was a knock at the door. I didn't bark this time. I heard mom say, "Come on in!" Hey, I know this lady--it is mom Jamie! I didn't react as new mom thought I would. I picked up my Easter chick and took it over to mom Jamie. Then I went back and played with my new toys (hand-me-downs from Buddy).

Old mom stayed for about 20 minutes and she said she had to go before she got too sad. When she got up to leave I didn't follow her. I just let her go out the door.

She told new mom she could tell that I am happy here and that I am getting the attention that I deserve and had been missing.