Our poor dog had surgery today. He had some benign tumors that had to be removed. He’s had the same surgery before, but this one was worse. He had more tumors and they had muscle and arteries in them.
He’s all doped up which is pretty amusing in one way and kind of pathetic in another. He can’t seem to get comfortable. He keeps moving from one room to the other, from one throw rug to the other. Our other dog keeps having to move to accommodate him. He seems to keep wanting to be on whatever rug she is on. He’s got sutures on both flanks, on his hind quarters and on his anus. So he’s dadgum uncomfortable.
We bought him from a back-yard breeder, something we’ll never do again. He’s had a lot of medical problems. He even had distemper as a little puppy and almost died. We found out the breeder was trying to save money and was giving all her puppies half doses of their vaccines.
In spite of all that, he’s a beautiful beast. He just isn’t very smart AT ALL and has all kinds of neurotic habits that are just a tad irritating.
We have a mixed-breed that decided to take up with us several years ago. She defers to our other dog, knowing he was with us first. She is much healthier and smarter than him. She’s so smart it takes you aback a little. She can figure out puzzles. For instance, when I bring them upstairs, if the door at the top of the stairs isn’t open all the way, he will walk right into the corner between the door and the wall and stand there not knowing what to do. She stands behind him rolling her eyes and shaking her head. We all have to stand aside while he slowly backs ALL THE WAY back down the stairs to start over. She’ll go on up to the door, take her paw and open it wider and walk on up. Once the door is opened all the way, he can start from the bottom of the stairs and go on up himself.
The difference in their abilities is astounding.
Speaking of irritating habits. He’s digging in a throw rug across the room now. He lays down, stands up, digs some more, walks in circles 10-15 times, lays down, then starts the cycle again. He does this even when he hasn’t had surgery.
