The Unexpected Doctor's Visit

Wow, I was really sick and my mommy said she thought my skin was yellow and it really freaked her out. Of course I got sick on a Sunday and the vet was closed, but she called and made an appointment anyway. She wrapped me in my favorite blanket (it belongs to my human, Michael) and put me in the car. It was warm and cozy in the car and I could have slept in there forever, but she took me and put me on this cold silver table instead. If I wasn't feeling so crappy, I would have complained about that.

The doctor said my mommy was very observant that I was ecteric (Mommy thinks that means jaundice). They took my blood, ran some tests and put a bunch of fluids in my neck instead of an IV. I finally got to go home, but the results were not good. The doctor said I was having liver failure and they couldn't figure out why, so I had to go back the next day and get x-rays and an ultrasound. The doctor thought it might be a genetic disorder (but as you can clearly see, I'm perfect as I am...there's nothing wrong with my genetics). My mommy was really upset. As much as the fluids in my neck itched me, they made me feel better the very next day, and I was able to play with my two dumb brothers. The x-ray and ultrasound didn't show anything abnormal.

Mom took me back at the end of the week for another blood test (at her request instead of the doctors) just to check my liver numbers. They were still obnoxiously high, but they were on their way down, so mom calmed down a lot more. The doctor said it was probably poison of an unknown origin. My mom said that was pretty ominous, since I'm a house dog. I guess I'll just have to be more careful when I am rooting around bushes smelling all those new and exciting smells out on my walks and be sure not to eat anything my mom considers "gross."

The Day I got Two Brothers

I have this great house all to myself with my four humans. At least I did until I started knocking over the kitchen garbage can about a month ago. Mom thought I was lonely and was getting into mischief while she was at work, but honestly, I just like sticking my nose in empty cans of chili and tuna.

The other day, a couple boys came over for a play date. Unfortunately, their humans left them here and I don't think they're coming back. I don't blame them. Those boys smell like they need a bath!

I woke up from my afternoon nap on the couch under the window and the grey one, called Felix, was on mommy's lap kissing her face. I had to put my bark on. That's my mommy, I'm the only one who gets to kiss her face.

When it was time to go for a walk, they came too. It was lots of fun because I got to show them all the great smells in my neighborhood. I thought the little tan one, named Fluffy, was lazy at first because Mom had to carry him the rest of the way around the little block short walk. Later he showed me his feet, and I figure his other humans must have never taken him outside for walks.

In the evening, Felix did a "No, no, naughty dog!" in the living room right in front of the TV when my humans were in the kitchen cooking dinner. Mommy is very patient, she just took it outside and showed them where to put it. She does that for me when I have accidents too.

When it was time to go to bed, Daddy did the unspeakable. He put the boys on the big bed with mommy and me. That's my spot. I made sure those boys knew about my spot and they got off the bed in a quick hurry. Apparently, Fluffy barked at every sound all night long. I'm glad I'm deaf, I slept so good.

Early this morning, Fluffy did a "No, no, naughty dog!" right in front of the entry door when everyone was looking. It was definitely gross. And, yesterday, the boys left piddle puddles on the front of the couch, the wall between the kitchen and living room, a leg of the coffee table, the dishwasher, the clothes dryer, a closet in the hallway, the list goes on and on and on. I don't think they understand the concept of "going for a walk." I'll probably have to tell them that the emphasis is on "going," not on "walk."

The idea of having a couple brothers has grown on me and, someday, I may even share the bed.