Hectic!

We had a lot of fun with Argus's birthday yesterday. A Facebook announcement, trip to Chuck & Don's to pick out a toy, and a special birthday dinner. Guess that's what happens when you are an empty nester without grandkids! Dogs certainly DO play a variety of roles in one's life. I try very hard not to treat my dogs like people (it puts too heavy an emotional load on the dog) but they do enjoy a bit of spoiling! Ginger suggested that Argus should get a steak dinner for his birthday, so I picked up a small ribeye, grilled it just a bit, and served it with sweet potatoes and cabbage (his favorite veggies). I made him do a sit stay while I took the picture - hence the pleading expression! Wasn't actually sure his sit would be this reliable, but he was perfect.

It's definitely going to be a hectic week. Later today I drive to Mason City to meet Paula and pick up Tess who will be bred to Argus this week. Argus has a vet appointment on Thursday to discuss what might being going on with his stifle and back - can't keep him on aspirin forever and something is not right. Shows this weekend with a chance to finish Charlie's championship. Penny is not entered but will ride along, Argus is entered but I will not show him, and Charlie must be picked up for the weekend - hopefully he remembers everything and does not need to be retrained. He's not entered anywhere else, so if he does not finish this weekend, it will be awhile - assuming we can even find points and competition anywhere else. Then I need to get Tess back to Paula - and can't take her along to the shows with us or poor Charlie would lose his mind. Teenaged boys can NOT travel with bitches in season . . .

Tried to get an appointment with the top local veterinary acupuncturist but she is not taking new clients. Bummer. Hopefully she can provide me with the name of someone else I can try. There is something going on with Argus's back, and perhaps it is related to the stifle injury, but maybe not. Acupuncture might be useful. Chiropractic did not help. Something has changed his topline and I need to get that taken care of. It's not the ideal time to breed a bitch, but we have been waiting all summer for Tess to come in season and I really want to see what this breeding produces. She's a Watson daughter and I would really like a good bitch that combines the best qualities of Argus and Watson. Fingers crossed.

So for now Argus is sitting out. He's comfortable, but not 100% and I don't want to show him again until we get this taken care of. Am concerned that the stifle injury is a cruciate ligament problem that might require enforced rest or surgery. Please cross your fingers! And paws!