STRAYCAT’S DOGGONE BLOG

Wolfie’s Wheeze

On Wednesday, the 30th, about mid-day, Wolfie began coughing and wheezing. I at first thought that he had something stuck in his throat, but when it continued throughout the day, I became concerned. It subsided until that night when it began again. Thursday he seemed alright, but was listless, and about mid-afternoon, it started again. I was on the road enroute to Las Vegas, so there was nothing I could do. Again it subsided after a while, but I had decided to take him in to the Vet as soon as I could. On Friday, I took him to his regular Vet in Las Vegas. He coughed a little as we were checking in, but naturally, by the time the Vet was ready to see him, he had stopped. Diagnosing from described symptoms and a cursory examination of his throat to insure that there were no obvious obstructions in his esophagus, the Vet said that he probably had an upper respiratory infection, and prescribed some anti-biotics and a follow-up visit in 2 weeks. He is now only coughing occasionally. Hopefully the drugs will soon take effect and he will be better soon. He was a big, strong brave doggie throughout the ordeal. He doesn’t mind taking his pills, mainly because they are wrapped in a piece of cheese or lunch meat. That’s the only way to give a pet Oral Medicine.

BCC BIRTHDAY BASH

On the 30th, the BCC and I celebrated their 5th Birthday (either 35 years old or 34 years old in human equivalency depending on which method of calculation you prefer). The first method of calculation is straight forward: 7 years for every “dog year”. In the second (more modern and arguably more accurate) method of calculation, you use 14 years for the 1st year of ‘doggie life’ then 5 years for every ‘dog year’ there after.
I’m reasonably certain of Wolfie’s date of birth. I recieved him as a Birthday present in 2000. He was 6 weeks old (plus/minus a day or two) when I got him. July 13th, minus 6 weeks equals May 30th (hence: sometime during the Memorial Day Weekend). Being a “foundling”, Walter’s actual date of birth is unknown. His Veterinarian estimated his age to be about the same as Wolfies’, therefore, I just celebrate both of their Birthdays on Memorial Day Weekend. Neither He nor Wolfie have ever complained about the arbitrary method I used to calculate the actual ‘celebration’ day. They are just happy to get the treats and the attention.
The ‘celebration’ entailed little more than buying a “Happy Meal” (I DO NOT let them have the “Toy Surprise”). I had the counter-person divide it in half and leave off the pickles and onions (doggie breath is already bad enough). This I did in Lincoln, NE early in the afternoon. It was raining, so they enjoyed this treat in the cab of the truck. When I stopped at the Bosselman Truckstop in Big Springs, NE in the early evening, I bought them each a”soft serve” (ice-cream like substance) cone, and divided a package of Twinkies. We then went to a small patch of lawn behind the Truckstop where I removed their leashes and had the PARTY!! They enjoyed the cake and ice-cream, then had a good ‘romp’ on the lawn.

Walter (Life Day 1826)………….Wolfie (Life Day 1826)
No “silly” hats or noise makers were allowed.

THE DOGGIES’ PROFILE

Wolfgang (Wolfie):
 
Wolfie is an Austrailian Sheepdog (Kelpie). Kelpies are “working” dogs and are intelligent and loyal. They were bred to endure the harsh climate of the “outback” where they “work”. They also make good “family” pets. They are not currently listed as an AKC (American Kennel Club) registerted breed, but the breed is recognized in other parts of the world http://www.answers.com/topic/australian-kelpie. Wolfie is Black and Tan. I recieved him as a birthday present in July of 2000. He was 6 weeks old, and barely weaned. He weighs about 45 lbs and is 20 inches tall at the shoulder. He is very gregarious, and like Will Rogers, “never met a person he didn’t like”. He is also extremely active, alert, and curious. He plays well with other dogs, and could play well with cats too if he weren’t so hyper. He doesn’t understand how intimidating he is to smaller animals because of his size.

Walter:

Walter is a “foundling”. He is also Black and Tan. He is marked remarkably similar to Wolfie (considering that they are entirely different breeds and are totally un-related). The Vet estimates his age to be close to Wolfies (judging by dental wear and over-all condition) so I just “celebrate” both birthdays sometime on Memorial Day weekend. He is some sort of Spaniel/Terrier/Whatever Jumped The Fence mix-breed. His coat is “Spanielesque”, but I try to keep it trimmed fairly short. (Less work for me). He weighs about 25 lbs and is 10 inches tall at the shoulder. I found him (or he found me) at our terminal in Salt Lake City, UT in September of 2001. He had been abandoned there, or had found his way there after being abandon somehwhere else. He was terribly frightened. I think that he had been abused by his previous owner. He eventually began to play with Wolfie, and when I went back to my truck, he followed. He jumped right in ‘like he owned the place’. The “original” plan was to get him cleaned up, get his shots, get him neutered, and find him a home. However, he bonded with Wolfie and I (and visa versa) so quickly that I soon realized he had already found his home. He plays well with other dogs, but he will not let larger dogs intimidate him. He is a pretty much a “daddys” dog, although he has become much more trusting of people as he becomes more acclimated to his ‘new life’. Cats, unfortunately, are strictly for barking at and/or chasing. He dis-likes motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller-skaters, joggers, and anything else that moves suddenly.
Here is a link to their Picture Gallery.

DOGGIE PICS

WOLFIE:
Wolfie at 7 weeks. Too Cute !!

Wolfie at 10 weeks. “leading a Dog’s life.”

Wolfie at 14 weeks. His adult features are beginning to show.

Wolfie’s 1st Birthday. “Mother Nature” provided his favorite toy.

Wolfie “opening” his Christmas present (2002).

Ever vigilent Wolfie.


WALTER:
Walter just after he adopted me (Sept, 2001).