MerlinsMum

^^^THIS. A thousand times this. "Correcting" Lester - a misguided term in the first place, imo - would have confused the heck out of him. I think you did the right thing. It depresses me that there are still websites that recommend electric shock collars and antiquated training methods that do more harm than good. To the OP: it's been a few days, I'm not sure if you've come to a decision, but good luck to you and your husband. You both sound like the kind of people who will give a dog the benefit of the doubt and who are willing to learn and work towards a harmonious relationship with a dog. I'm not sure if the adoption group would let you take Lester back, but considering that he now has a bite history his chances of finding a home have grown considerably thinner. Which does NOT mean that you need to feel bad or guilty and bring him home again if you're uncertain or think that you can't get over what happened. As someone said above, it wouldn't be fair to Lester or to you. However, you seem like a great potential home for a dog who may need guardians willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and understand things from his point of view. Whatever you decide, I hope it's the right decision for everyone involved and if you feel inclined to do so, I'm sure many of us here would love to know how things turned out.

Such a beautiful tribute. Sleep well, Argos... Big big hugs to you, Shannon. :grouphug

Welcome, Jason and Baron! Years ago I used to think that greyhounds were weird-looking. Then one day I met Merlin... Fast forward seven years, and whenever I'm downtown I half-expect everyone who meets us on the street to stop and tell me how beautiful my boys are. And on the rare occasions that people walk by without even a quick glance at the dogs, I think they must be either blind, not right in the head, or soulless..

Judy, I have been gone from GT for a long time and I am only just seeing this. I had no idea that you had lost Nadir, and that you had to experience so much anguish over the circumstances of his last illness. I am so terribly sorry. :grouphug I'm thinking of you. I hope you can find a degree of peace from the results of his necropsy. Big hugs to you.

I have no advice to give, Carol, as I've never been through that particular ordeal yet... but I hope you still have a lot of quality time left with Magic.

Thank you all for your very kind comments and good thoughts! I am so touched to read the comments about Merlin. He really is one of a kind. Love him to the moon and back. If I could, I would spend every minute of the day with him. And since he had his stroke and I was with him around the clock, we are more bonded than ever. I am his person, and he is mine. Ellen, thanks for asking after Sagan. He is doing very well, still my 80lb limpet, still a mummy's boy, but he's been spending more time with his daddy lately, as we've been walking the dogs separately to give Merlin a chance to push himself but without pressure to keep up. I have been taking Merlin out everywhere and DH has been taking Sagan for longer walks, which he loves and needs (mentally more than physically). Sagan has been a really good boy throughout this ordeal. Somehow he always seems to know to take a backseat when Merlin is sick, and is less whiny and generally less demanding.The other day Merlin and I were on the front lawn and saw Sagan and DH walking back towards the house. As soon as Sagan saw us, his ears went nuts and he started running. He hates it when his family isn't all together. DH let go of the leash for the last few feet and Sagan ran towards me with the biggest grin on his face and his tongue hanging out. He's adorable.

Hello! I haven't had a chance to post here for some time - too busy with a million other things - but I know that Merlin has a few fans on Greytalk who are not on Facebook, so I wanted to let you know that he had a stroke last month. When we got home we heard banging and when we walked into the house we saw Merlin frantically thrashing about on the floor in the spare room in a panic, unable to get up, his tongue sticking out. It looked as though he'd been there a while, because he looked exhausted. We rushed him to the emergency vet in rush-hour traffic (which was so not fun) and it was really horrible. I arrived and jumped out of the car to let them know we needed help, and by the time I walked back to the car DH had opened the back and picked Merlin up twice and twice Merlin fell on the ground on top of him, because he was moving about and panicking so much that his 75lbs felt more like 100lbs. I yelled for help and two vet techs came running out with a guerney, but realized that they couldn't strap him down, he was moving about too much. So they carried him in, and within seconds there were 5 people over him, trying to sedate him, while I watched in disbelief before being ushered away to reception by another vet tech. It was one of the most terrifying days of my life. We left him there and went home to Sagan and a long, sleepless night. The next morning we went back and met with the neurologist, but not before she called me at work and told me that she suspected a brain tumor that had metastasized to other organs. I stopped breathing. You can imagine what state I was in when I left work. Those of you who know me/ remember me know that he is my heart... The sedatives had finally kicked in when we got there. He seemed calmer but was mostly unresponsive. Couldn't stand on his own, could barely eat. His head tilt was extremely pronounced. Merlin stayed at the emergency vet for three days. On the second day he had improved a bit - which ruled out a brain tumor. By then the neurologist had examined him again and diagnosed him with vestibular disease caused by a massive stroke. I visited him twice a day and the vet techs got used to me staying for long periods of time, I didn't care where it was, as long as I could be with him. He was still urinating on himself and has cuts and gashes everywhere, and a rash in his groin area. One night, after visiting him, I drove home in tears because he just didn't seem to be there anymore. Of course, by then the stress and the lack of sleep were making me worry that the worst was yet to come, and I was feeling deflated, discouraged, and worried about my boy. Finally we brought him home. We were told that he wouldn't be able to walk for at least two weeks, maybe more. We rearranged the furniture, some kind friends donated extra blankets, time off, a harness and a sling, and even a beautiful wizard-themed belly band. You all know who you are, and I will never ever forget your kindness and support. It was a frightening, extremely emotional time and the money worries from his hospitalization and treatment have added to the stress, so the kind words and encouragement and everything else meant so much to us. I took time off work and nursed him around the clock. I was getting about 2 hours' sleep a night by this time, so the house was a mess and I felt gross most of the time, because taking care of Merlin was a full-time job. But he was home, and I wouldn't have been anywhere else for the world. And then... His ears did funny things: ... He started looking like Merlin again: His voice returned... well, sort of http://s263.photobucket.com/user/kerrywyler/media/Merlin%20Vestibular%20Disease%20May%202014/5EC9AB85-3AAE-4819-9B16-17EA2763AA2C.mp4.html .... THIS happened!!!.... And eventually he walked again: http://s263.photobucket.com/user/kerrywyler/media/Merlin%20Vestibular%20Disease%20May%202014/9805FCD0-3DAF-48B1-BA22-B6E874FA4E09.mp4.html He started to wag his tail again (he bashed it really badly and it was sore for a long time), and started eating better, and his walks resumed. He had been extremely bored and as soon as his voice returned, he let it be known that the Wizard found the frequent but boring and uneventful outings to the front lawn unacceptable. He wanted to go farther, and explore! Silly hound. His attitude returned, including his notorious stink-eye. And this morning he trotted for most of his walk! His neurologist saw him for a follow-up exam and she was very impressed at the way he has bounced back. I am so happy. He will likely continue to display hypermetria (high-stepping gait) for a long time, maybe for the rest of his life, due to the damage in his cerebellum. And his head tilt, though amazingly improved, is still there. But it's not impacting his quality of life. And of course we have spoiled him rotten in any way we can (which isn't saying much, as he has IBD and can only eat a special diet). Thanks for reading! Merlin means the world to me and I wanted to share my optimism for the future with those who remember him, even though I only post in C&F these days.

Oh, Marc, that was hard to read but also a beautiful tribute to a girl you clearly loved very much. I will never forget how we all knew you were toast way before you adopted her. We all knew you were completely besotted with her! I am so very, very happy that you found each other.

Thank you all! Great tip about checking both paws, KF_in_Georgia, thanks! My vet followed up this afternoon and I will be taking the bandage off in a couple of hours, once I am done with chores and am able to supervise him. I already know that he will try to lick it incessantly if he does, I'll be wrapping it up again tomorrow morning while I'm at work, and unwrap it again for good in the evening.

I don't think the nail would have come off on its own and I couldn't stop the bleeding, and he seemed to be in considerable distress, so in the end I took him in. Thanks for the advice, though. I'll keep it in mind for next time, if there is a next time. They have him some antibiotics for 5 days and told me to keep it wrapped for 24 hours, as the quick is completely exposed. It's definitely sore - I had to get up several times during the night to get him to lie down again and relax, as he was very restless. But he seemed to be comforted by my presence beside him. I just hope the bandage isn't too right. I always worry about circulation.

Hello everyone, It's been a while, but I'll leave the pleasantries for another day -- right now I have a bit of an urgent question. Merlin just broke his dew claw running. It's in pretty bad shape and won't stop bleeding. We have not yet tried to apply any stiptick powder because the nail is kind of dangling and I think it's really going to have to come off. Here is a bad photo - the nail is severed at the level where the droplet of blood appears. http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii121/kerrywyler/9E880B42-251A-4664-B96F-D4640BE66D42.jpg E-vet? Or can I wrap it for tonight and take him tomorrow? I'm thinking e-vet right now, but incredibly I haven't dealt with a dew claw situation before. Sorry, not sure how the image will appear, posting from my phone. Kerry

I don't bother with supplements. And the evidence on the effectiveness of glucosamine is inconclusive at best. I understand the worry about Deramaxx, but I would encourage you to put her on it on a daily basis if it turns out that it's definitely arthritis. Deramaxx is proven to be beneficial in providing relief for the symptoms of arthritis. Merlin has arthritis and used to take it only during flare-ups, but it's gotten worse and several months ago he was put on it daily. It's made a BIG difference. And of course he gets tested regularly to make sure that taking Deramaxx isn't causing any deleterious effects to his liver/kidneys.

Oh my gosh. What a nightmare. I am so terribly sorry. :grouphug

Sweet Gracie Rose. She will be missed terribly. Thank you for sharing her with us these past years, Charla. Even though I am no longer on Greytalk much at all, over the years Gracie filled many of my days with smiles, laughter, giggles, and joy. I will always remember her roaching on the bathroom floor. Sending love and a ton of virtual hugs to you., Charla :f_white

Oh no I am so sorry, Alicia. I haven't been on GT for a while and this is the first thing I see upon my return I am sending big big hugs.

It seems a little surreal, still. I have a hard time imagining a world without Joe T. The WFUBCC will miss him more than ever. We will never forget him, Donna. I know that seems trite, but I just can't find the right words. I just can't. :grouphug Always in our hearts, Joe. Always.

MaryJane, Thank you for that! Sagan isn't on any fish oil supplements, but I didn't know about that, so good to know. I spoke with the vet tech who's been helping me with this another couple of times this afternoon. She's been so patient with me I will pick up enough tablets to have him on 750mg 3xday if needed, and I will talk to the vet after his dental to see of we can start him at the lower dose or medium dose. If I need more, Walgreens can get it within 1 business day, thank goodness. Thank you, everyone!!!

Oh Judy, I'm so sorry! Poor Joey. I'll keep him in my thoughts! :goodluck

Ok thanks, but just to be clear, you recommend starting on just 1 500mg pill even though he is 84lbs and the 500mg pill dosage is for greys between 55 and 79lbs? I'm confused... I am all for giving the lowest dose possible, of course, as long as it's safe... sorry if I'm being dim! Just a bit out of my depth on this one!

Really? I was told that Dr. Couto stated that there is no need to start before the dental, just the evening of the procedure. Usually when given before the procedure (if I remember correctly), it is given in liquid form. I don't have it in liquid form and will not have it before the procedure. It was actually taken off the shelves and was supposed to be back on the shelves in July, but I'm not sure whether that's the case or not. In any event, it doesn't really matter for me, since I can't get hold of any. Sagan has no known bleeding issues. His platelets have not gone up but they're within normal range for greyhounds - just lower than usual for him. The vet feels that this is his new normal range and that there is no need to be concerned. But I'm ordering Amicar anyway, because Dr. Couto recommends it for any surgery on greys. Thanks. I wonder if that's because Freight had bleeding issues. Sagan doesn't. I think that's why the vet tech suggested 23 tablets. I don't want to over-dose.... I end up giving him 1000mg 3x a day, that's 30 tablets total. Maybe I should just get 30 in case, and then just give him less if the vet gets back to me and feels he can do with just 750mg 3x day....? Of course Walgreens told me a month and a half ago that it would cost me $75 for 40 tablets (instead of the $185 that the vet mentioned!), but yesterday they called me to say it would be $55 for just 15 tablets... If I'd known, I would have gone online and looked elsewhere again. Unfortunately I have no time now as his dental was supposed to be on the 27th but was pushed back earlier to next Tuesday the 20th...

Some of you may recall that Sagan's dental was rescheduled due to his platelets being low. Well, it's 1.5 months later and we're going ahead with the dental finally, so I ordered Amicar from Walgreens. But now I'm worried about dosage. I know that it's supposed to be given 3x a day for 5 days following surgery. However, the recommended dosage in Dr. Couto's literature is 500mg on the low end to 1000mg at the high end, or between 15mg and 40mg per kg. I originally got a script for 15 tablets, but then I realized that Sagan is 84lbs and this article mentions the following: 55lbs to 79lbs: 500mg (1 tablet) 80lbs to 104lbs: 750 (1.5 tablets) >104lbs: 1000mg (2 tablets) (The article is about deerhounds, but I don't think that matters, since this information comes from the study conducted on greyhounds.) Does this look right? So am I ok to order 23 tablets? (i.e 1.5 x 3 = 4.5 tablets a day, for 5 days)? The vet tech I've been speaking to hasn't heard back from my vet (who is recovering from surgery herself), and I really want to pick up the Amicar today or tomorrow. Chances are I probably won't be hearing back from the vet today, so I needed to make a decision. The vet tech mentioned getting more if I wanted to (enough for a 1000mg dose 3x a day), but I don't think I want to give him such a big dose. Anyone here with an 80lb+ grey who has used Amicar? How much did you give? I need to know asap if I want the pharmacy to have the correct prescription for me and I need to let the vet tech know by 5pm. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me! This is my first time using Amicar, and I'm nervous enough about his impending dental...

What Batmom said! Also agree with the assessment on the trainer. SERIOUSLY?? What a joke. I want to stress that this is 100% normal behavior for a dog who is still in new surroundings, still unsure as to what is expected of her, still finding her feet and getting to know you and trust you. 100% normal. It DOES get better, with patience, time and positive reinforcement training. Those three are essential. I have been where you are. With Merlin, I started training right away and did the trade-up games all the time, and he stopped exhibiting resource guarding over his food and high-value treats very quickly. With Sagan, it was another story. Sagan is very loving, cuddly and submissive, but high-strung and insecure. It took us a few months to train the resource guarding out of him at meal times (and the snatching), and a while longer with very high-value treats. He is SOOOO good now. Seriously, it sounds as though your girl really lucked out with you, since you don't have the worry of kids around while you're training her (although I should stress that even that is manageable - just requires a little more diligence). We don't have kids either so it was just a question of keeping the training consistent. ALWAYS SET HER UP FOR SUCCESS. I can't emphasize this enough. The point of positive reinforcement training is to improve communication between the two of you - and strengthening/reinforcing your bond in the process - while teaching a dog what you expect from her. As much as possible, therefore, this type of training seeks to prevent the "bad' behavior from occurring altogether by creating situations and an environment in which the dog is far more likely to offer the desired behavior instead. Essentially you set the dog up to do the "right" thing, and then use praise or treats as a reinforcer (rather than old-fashioned methods which focus on punishment and "correction", which imo mostly just confuse the heck out of a dog.) This way everybody wins, and because you've made it easier for the dog to understand what you want from her, your chances of her "getting it" and offering "good" behaviors are far higher. And the really wonderful thing about it is that it will really strengthen your bond. Patience and time are key as well. It simply took time for Sagan to start trusting me, which is totally understandable. Good luck, and please keep us posted on her and your progress! I know it can seem intimidating and scary at first (hey, those teeth are huge!) I was a bit scared of Sagan too initially (who is a big 85lb male with the sharpest frigging fangs on the planet, I can tell you! ) but it's important to remain calm while training, keep it consistent and predictable, and praise her enthusiastically when she offers the behavior you are demanding of her. You can do it! And please come back here for help anytime.

Oh no. I am so very, very sorry Rest in peace, beautiful Gracie.

Jan, I am so sorry. :grouphug What a BEAUTIFUL tribute to the prettiest girl in town. I had to shut my door at work to weep in peace. Rest well, sweetie.