AndysMom

We have only done two events so far this year because of Mike's back surgery (had his 7th spinal fusion in May), whereas we usually to 10 to 12 shows a year. Plus, Andy's lumbar stenosis has gotten worse in the past year, so I don't take him to many M&Gs because he won't lay down and he gets all wobbly. Nevertheless, we have a lot of contact with other Greyhounds plus Ecstasy and Tribute still do M&Gs. For these reasons, I get bordatella immunizations for all three dogs twice a year (before Gettysburg and before Dewey), just to have some measure of protection. Like Pam said, it's pretty much a crap shoot because the strain changes so much and so quickly, but I feel better knowing that I did something to protect them. With two 12-year-olds, I worry that a bout of kennel cough could be more than either one of them could handle, plus then I'd have to assume the other two would come down with it as well. Lois

This was likely not a stroke. More likely is Canine geriatric vestibular disease. Usually treated with steroids and antibiotics. EXTREME inner ear infection. The dog has lost its equilibrium, so don't lift her or carry her if you can avoid it as it will increase her dizziness. Keep her calm and quiet. Crate her if you can. Limit activity as much as possible. No stairs or running for a week or so. Give her yogurt if she'll eat it. With a week or two of steroids and antibiotics, lots of rest and TLC, she may recover completely. We went through this with a 14-year-old Toy Fox Terrier. She lived for another year or so in excellent health. Lois

Really sorry about Major's accident, but glad you came home early to get him to the vet right away. Hope he recovers lickety-split! Lois

He has (or had; she'd be really old now if she's still around) a female pup named Schuyler. Schuyler passed away last year. The final panel of the Frazz strip on 6/11/06 bore a tiny note that read, "Rest well, Schuyler (1990-2006)". I wrote to Jef Mallett and he was kind enough to confirm that he had indeed lost his beloved greyhound. ALSO, former New York Yankees’ first baseman and current Bench Coach, Don Mattingly, and his wife Kim own several greyhounds. They are members of GPA/Tri-State in Evansville, Indiana, where their farm is located. Lois

Oh, Cynde. I'm so sorry for your loss. Bless his little heart. Threat had a wonderful home with you and I'm positive he knew he was unconditionally loved. Lois