Pets Are Family Too

Pictured above you see the loving and sweet Bruno (aka Meathead, B, Little Brother). This shot was taken just this past Sunday on an outing to the lake. He thouroughly enjoyed himself as did we all. I apologize for the slight blurriness of the image, but trying to get this dog to hold still for a picture is like trying to get a shot of Loch Ness or Big Foot!

If you've been reading my blog for a while, then you already know that B was a rescue from a local shelter and was adopted as a Christmas gift for my love, Kevin. Kevin made a trip to the shelter in November to pick out a dog, fully intending upon heading that way to get the German Shepard that he read about on the shelter's website. He has a fondness for that breed and was looking forward to having another one. Upon arriving (with my daughter Amy in tow) he looked at numerous dogs, including the German Shepard and Bruno. The shepard was a good bit younger and would be in need of all the training that is required of a new puppy. When they were shown Bruno, the shelter worker pointed out that Bruno was already housebroken. That sealed the deal, my past expieriences with dogs in the house was unpleasant (to say the least) and I am grateful to my daughter and to Kevin for keeping that in mind while he was picking out his dog.

The shelter is a great one, to tell the truth, they updated all the dog's shots, did heartworm tests, and even microchipped him. Since November, Bruno has been a loving part of our family that we have all enjoyed and cherished. The Monday after our trip to the Lake, Kevin took Bruno to the vet for a checkup. Since we've had him, he has had some days (frequently, like once a week) where he will not eat anything but grass. We assumed that it was his diet, or that he was still anxious from the adoption. We purchased high quality sensitive stomach dog food for him and it still did not get better. We had been wanting to take him to the vet for a while, but funds were always low and we put it off. Monday, Bruno was diagnosed with heartworms.

I can only assume that he is not horribly infested since he tested negative right before we adopted him. However, the treatment is harsh, no matter the level of infestation. The newest treatment available is much less dangerous than the previous option, but there is still the chance of death. In a nutshell, the dog recieves 2 shots spaced out in 24 hours and must remain calm and quiet for the next 3-6 weeks. This means no playing, running, barking, nothing. The best chance of survival is to make sure the dog rests as much as is possible.

Now Kevin loves his dog as he would a little brother and is very attached to him. The dog in turn is very attached to Kevin. The make a great pair and are very good for each other. Kevin is beside himself with worry for Bruno. To see him today, he looks thin and tired compared to the photo above and that is just in 4 days time. I have faith that Bruno will pull through this treatment as he is young and strong and his love for Kevin is great. I think I am actually more concerned for Kevin's wellbeing during this time, as he is prone to worry and doubt. It has been proven (by someone or many someones whose names I cannot recall) that pets are good for the soul. Please, say a quick prayer for both Kevin and Bruno that they will both make it through this difficult time will little to no ill effects.