Walter and Henry Moving On

First of all I realize that this does not happen to just me. That it happens or has happened to all dog and cat owners, any owners of pets. My old friend from high school just put his old boxer down days before Stella. He has had boxes longer than I have had basset hounds (1987). So we all know how we feel and when I am on the other side I never know what to say to a friend when it happens. There are not any words although well intended, that makes things feel better ... time and good memories are about the only thing that gets you through the time after putting down your best friend. Today I posted at the top of the blog "Stella's Story" with close to 100 photos included. I guess it's a little like therapy but also a tribute to a hound that many loved and many wanted to see on this blog.

When I returned home Saturday morning without Stella, Walter ran from room to room then out to the garage looking for her. He made her his best friend when he arrived that night in April 2020 at 8 weeks old. Even before Stella left for the vet he did his normal morning routine of cleaning her ears, her eyes and her nose. She would always hold up her head and lean for areas he would lick clean.

Saturday afternoon he found the perfect spot under the high ceiling fan that was blowing cold air from the AC down to the floor. He prefers inside and the AC when its 93° and humid outside.

RIP Stella

 

August 19, 2009 - June 12, 2021

Stella Has An Appointment

It wasn't easy but as of yesterday Stella has an appointment, but the earliest she can be seen is June 15th a week from today. I had two vets at the top of my list. I called them as soon as they opened and was told "we are not accepting new clients". Hmmmm, I better start looking. So I went to search for Vets in Evansville Indiana and started at the top of the list on Yelp. 13 calls in a row told me the same thing ... "we are not accepting new clients". A town of 120,000 people, more than 14 vets in the area and not one of them accepting new clients ????

Stella - VWs - Landscaping

I hope to get Stella into the vet on Monday when I call. She is now limping with every step she takes, even on her front legs. Some think she has arthritis. Feeling her stomach I fear she also has a tumor. I have been giving her this supplement for years for her hips. I could see a major difference when I started but now wonder if it makes any difference at all. Her smiles are normal, she wags her tail, her appetite is normal and water intake. One day in the backyard grass she even tried trotting a short distance. One of the vets at the new place I plan on taking all of my dogs, specializes in older dogs with these types of issues and treating with alternative methods. I don't want her to spend the rest of her life living on prednisone. 

Checking Off Tasks Continues

I think I left you last post with Walter supervising my house maintenance. It was another week of that with some added features. It finally got hot, upper 80s, humid to where Stella was panting like the old days. Then it rained right after I mowed the yard as planned. There has not been a lot of rain during the day but I have seen more rain the month I have been here than I did the past year in Sierra Vista AZ. No photos to prove it but my septic tank was pumped clean last week. He said the tank itself was in great shape and that was good to hear since it is 62 years old. The hounds and the dog continue to adjust to their new home, neighborhood with less barking, more relaxing and still getting pets each time they are seen outside.

Walter Supervises House Maintenance

Walter likes to be in the middle of the action. Today was a good day for him because while he was out front with me supervising my early morning leaf blowing, there were chances for him to bolt to see someone out like Henry would do in an instant. He stayed where he was when I told him to and once we were finished, his ears lay back and he runs like any bulldog to the backyard, up onto the deck and stands at the patio door to get inside. Today was a busy day, a lot done and some answers.

A Little Excitement On Thursday

Since I posted last Wednesday, it has been an interesting four days and Sunday isn't over yet. I will say the hounds and the dog continue to get better in the yard when they see neighbors outside. Henry is always on his long cord that stretches to the property line in different directions. Stella hangs out in the yard free of any leash UNLESS I walk inside to do something quick and by that time she is in the backyard two houses over. Walter hangs out with me in front or back and doesn't bolt if he sees someone out front. He WILL go to the neighbors yard if he sees them, only to get petted one time and then comes trotting back home so proud.