Time to Panic?

She actually seems afraid of him again—unless he is eating. He gives her treats off his plate sometimes so she comes running (well, hobbling) when she smells food. Yet if he talks to her or walks by her, she goes and hides like she’s afraid.

He is surprised at the improvements she has made though. He commented that she is like a totally different dog now. He’s right. She is so different now. She even tried to play a little this morning. She was doing her “happy dance” this morning trying to get me out of bed. I poked my foot out from under the covers to pet her and she jumped and acted like she was going to bite my foot. lol She doesn’t actually bite, just puts her mouth on me. It’s clearly a play behavior which is so nice to see.

So she may be old and not in the greatest of shape, but she is finally acting like a dog to an extent. At least when she dies I will know that she felt loved and happy—finally.

Hi Kathleen,

I am so glad that Lila is getting better.  She must be a fighter.  What a relief. 
Good news about your husbands interview.  I really hope it went well. 
I am so glad things are looking up for you.

Christine

Kathleen! I’m so happy to hear from you and to hear that Lila is doing well- she had us all really worried there for a minute! Much like everyone else said, this is terrific news and I hope that this is just what you needed to start turning the tide!

Since Lila seems to be doing so well, maybe the move was good for her? I don’t know but it seems that some dogs do better in some environments that others, so I’m hoping that this was just the thing she needed to come out of her shell and to see that she is so loved!

Hi Kathleen - I am so glad to hear that Lila is doing well - I was so worried about you and Lila. I have not been feeling well and didn’t even turn the computer on for a few days and when I did I checked to see if you had posted an update! It made me so happy that she is not only feeling better and is happy!

Thanks all,

Jackie, I think you’re right about certain environments for dogs. I know large breed dogs do not do well in the heat, so Florida wasn’t the best place for either of them. Here things are cooler and not so horribly humid. I think they both are happier here.

Lila even came to Dave for pets this morning. Of course, this was at the kitchen table so she may have thought she would get some food. Tango wore himself out running around the yard when my daughter threw the tennis ball. They never could do that before. no room and too hot to run around. So I think this climate is absolutely better for the dogs and for me. We just have to get Dad working and we’ll be good to go.

He has another interview today. Sounds good but we’ll see. Something will come through soon.

Take care!

This is awesome news Kathleen, and I just know that something will shake loose soon-it’s got to, right?

I think it’s so funny that you said “pets”; my sister says the same thing, so it’s funny to see someone else say it (I’ll have to let her know- she’ll get a kick out of it).

You make a good point about big dogs not doing well in warm climes- my big one is the same way, and let me tell you, she starts panting at the drop of a hat, even if the mercury inches up just one degree!

I’m so glad that the climate is agreeing with you as well- there’s nothing like cool autumn air to make a body feel good!

Funny you found that article about Parvo, because I’m in Florida and Ive lost two to Parvo.  The first dog, idk where it came from.  the second dog started the symptoms three days after I picked her up from the pet shop so i got an extra gift with my purchase and put my other three dogs at risk.  Luckily, I was so paranoid after losing the first one, i immediately quarantined her.  She died four days later and i havent lost another dog to parvo since.  Where I live there is only one pet store.  It is commonly known that the breeders are puppy mills. i had no idea of this when I got pets there.  My first animal, tiger, is a four pound brindle chihuahua.  Hes just over a year old now and the only dog from there thats still alive.  he did have a nasty cough, though, and one day couldnt breathe.  Now, I have all the machinery and medication to nebulize any person or animal in my house (yes OCD lol) the good part of the OCD is that I was able to contain the parvo and keep it from living in my house.  talk about bleach!

ive had some very intense painful experiences with parvo.  when i initially read your post, that was my first thought, but I feel like my vet told me that after a year old the risk is way low.  Could it be internal parasites?  perhaps wherever you moved had them and the dog picked them up.  I believe the incubation period is anywhere from five to ten days (not 100% sure of that.) but, the symptoms, especially the diarrhea are very parvo-ish.  Heres a couple of things I do know about parvo that may help you know.  first, if a dog has parvo, they always vomit before they get diarrhea.  Secondly, the two dogs I lost to parvo both threw up what looked and smelled like diarrhea.  i have never seen that type of throwup since.  I wish you the best of luck.  The symptoms really do sounds like possible internal parasites.  If thats the problem, you give them meds and by the end of the day they are already feeling better.  I noticed that my dog would strain and strain with only blood coming out.  thats another difference from parvo.  The diarrahea in the two parvo dogs i lost was so exposive and they had no control (please keep in mind these were 1 pound puppies.) they got so violently ill that it would knock them on their side and they didnt strain with diarrhea it just exploded out of the poor things.  I wish you well and good luck with you babies.
Stacey

Wow,kathleen what a scare with Lila.  I’m so glad she is doing better.  I wouldnt have slept for days.  I’m happy for ya.  I know this is late coming, but I’m new.  It occurred to me just this minute to check the posting dates.  Take care.
Stacey Roberts

Hi Stacey,

I just had to say I know exactly what you’re talking about with the parvo. My sister brought home a German Shepherd puppy (this was many years ago) and he came down with parvo that same week. I have never seen or smelled anything like it before or since. Amazingly, he survived.