Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Pooch Update

So now that some time has passed, I can tell you with certainty that Pooch has recovered from his sharp decline a couple of weeks ago. We've figured out that he stopped eating because he doesn't seem to recognize food for what it is anymore. He ACTS hungry, but put a plate of chow down in front of him and he just hovers over it, confused. I mentioned in a previous post that we've resorted to syringe-feeding him, and the weird thing is: he LIKES it! I feel our relationship has taken a kinky turn.

I sit over him on the floor, gripping him so he can't escape, stick the full syringe in the side of his mouth, and he *glugs* the food down. If I'm too slow at pushing the food out, he bites at the end of the syringe. AND, if I pick up any food that spills out of his mouth and offer it to him on a spoon, he turns his head away; if I put it back into the syringe, he can't gobble it fast enough. Weird. Luckily for him, it's not too much for us to handle at this point. So, we'll keep doing it.

Now that he's recovered, he's back to doing what he does best: snuggling, sleeping, and, well.... dog stuff.


Our little "Couch Hound" hard at work

(I promise he only LOOKS like roadkill here! No need for mouth-to-mouth {EEEwwww} - he's busily chasing dream rabbits.)

Thanks to all of you for your kind comments in my last posts about Pooch. They helped a lot.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ohh poor baby! Mine is 13 and I feel like having to care for a baby. It's been weeks since I have slept through the night and have to hand feed as well.

I am glad yours is doing well again!

Thanks for my lovely gift, I featured it on World Market Portraits

xoxo Enzie

T.Allen said...

I'm glad Pooch is feeling better. We have an interesting assortment of pet issues within our motley crew of rescues, so I totally understand the relief that accompanies a return to some semblance of animal normalcy.I hope it continues.

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

What an adorable photo! I am glad your pup's life (and yours) has returned to (a new) normal....

Snap said...

Great photo and I'm glad to hear he's doing better. He's just entering his second childhood. =)

High Desert Diva said...

Maybe Pooch is regressing and thinks of the syringe as bottle feeding. Glad he's doing better, and is back to the normal dog stuff!

lori vliegen said...

great, great, great news about Pooch!! hooray! so glad to see him back at work...doing Pooch type of things! :)

Anonymous said...

Hello,

Glad to hear that the cute creature is doing much better!


~ Gabriela ~

3rdEyeMuse said...

if I didn't know better, I'd say pooch is faking it for all that glorious fun attention! :)

am thrilled he's doing so much better.

Anonymous said...

Hahaha, what a picture! Glad he is getting back to his good old self!! Funny dog :)

Love the apple crisp recipe, that is definitely going into my collection now, I'll let you know when I try it out.

Anonymous said...

Aww..hope he is doing okay ..I like that photo:) We had to use the syringe with out (late) iguana and it was distressing to see her in that condition. Your dog is lucky to have owners who care and dote over him!

I wanted to thank you again for the gorgeous earrings, Kate! I received them yesterday and the packaging and earrings were top notch!!!

Faded Plains said...

I'm so glad to hear that Pooch is doing better. He looks so comfy lounging on your chair.

Isabel said...

Glad to know your Pooch is back to having "rabbit" dreams ;)

Unknown said...

Awwww... poor little baby!! I hope he is himself again very very soon! I once had to nurse a terminally ill kitten of mine, and it was the saddest thing. I am so glad your poochie is getting better, despite the weird new eating preferences!!

What a hoot he is, looking like road kill on the chair!

Valerie said...

i love your couch hound come visit me sometime ! I think we have alot in common!

Vera said...

Kate, I'm so glad Pooch is getting better! He is adorable :)

windcyclewake said...

I love keeping up with you blog cuz. I'm glad poochie is still a happy boy. Your recipe section is making me hungry. Horatio