Lina's back!

Yesterday was such a good day for Lina-boo. She greeted us (on all 4s) at the baby gate throughout the day and even felt good enough to help her foster sister with homework last night. She has stopped shaking and her tail is officially out of its home between her legs. She clearly feels better! She is still sleeping a lot, which is good as its what she needs right now. It is so good to see her eyes looking happy again!

I've noticed that not only has she stopped panting but her water intake has dropped drastically. When she came to us she would easily drink an entire bowl at one sitting; now its closer to finishing the bowl over the course of the day.

Not now, Im sleeping...

Lina is still doing a lot of sleeping but she is eating like a champ - not only at mealtimes, but her cookies throughout the day as well. When she is awake her little tail has been wagging, and she's been giving her little groan lately - the one she usually lets out as she is getting settled in and comfy for the night. All feel like good signs!

Heart(worm) breaker...

Praline's heartworm treatment went well this week! We heard so many warnings that for the first few days I almost thought they forgot to do the treatment! She was her regular self, and we really had to work to keep her calm. After about 3 days, though, she started to slow down...the worms were likely dying off and breaking up into her system. She is not herself, and it is so sad! I can't wait for her to start feeling better again, but love knowing that she's started on the road to her new life!! Pictures to come if I can get some that aren't too heartbreaking!

A country girl can survive...

Miss Praline accompanied us to a baseball tournament out in West Chicago this weekend where she generated a lot of attention from parents and players alike. She sat patiently, hanging out through the afternoon like a seasoned veteran. Her hour-long romp in the neighboring dog park likely helped to wear her out, but she really was such a well behaved girl and she got a lot of affection from the crowd. She was so in her element with the trees, tall grass, woods, and wildlife all around; I know in my heart that the city is not the place for this beautiful girl! Fortunately, Lina boo got the chance to meet a potential forever mommy this weekend, and the prospect of a wood-romped filled future is looking better and better every day.

This was Lina's last hurrah for a little bit as she went in for heartworm treatment early this morning and will be on-leash only for the next two months! More updates to come as we hear how she's doing!

Home again, home again...

Praline's spay was completed this week and she came home with her head in the clouds! She took a few days to clear the fog, but today (4 days post surgery) she was out at the park enjoying the weather and clearly feeling more like her old self . She is still very subdued in the house, though. Even Tucker can tell that he needs to be calm, and sticks to just licking her ears.

Next step is her heartworm treatment in two weeks!

What a difference a month makes!

Praline is starting to show us new little tidbits of her personality. First it was her playfulness with big burly Tucker, then her love for lounging. Up until now she's been go-go-go with an occasional break for a few minutes of love. This week she started really giving it up for some good belly rubbing. She is still on the move - she makes Tucker jealous with her ability to entertain herself with her best friend Rocky Raccoon - but she is really making the most of her downtime. We also heard her bark for the first time this week - she gives us a polite word when there are folks out front and she would like the blinds pulled to take a look.

Lina goes in for her spay in a few days; we are hoping for a quick and easy surgery and recovery!

"i heart rocky raccoon"

Spring is in the air...

...and while mom is away, dad lets the dogs out to play. Big news on this first beautiful (80 degree!?!) day of the year! Brett took a chance after a nice long walk and let Lina and Tucker off leash together. Lina is a smart cookie - as her brother would strong arm one toy away from her she'd find another to wave in his face. Atta girl, Lina...