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Wolves in Dogs’ Clothing

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While they may appear sweet and innocent, don’t let their cute looks fool you. Capone and Cosmo have surpassed Moose and Red in one aspect of doggie behavior. Just when small animals thought it was safe to venture into the yard . . .

I’ve always said that Moose and Red were little gentlemen, so to see them dispatch another living creature would have been shocking. My memory may be incorrect, but I don’t recall either of them killing a critter. Maybe I’m in denial, because they were the perfect Italian Greyhounds to me.

I remember getting a phone call from my mom when I was out at a concert. Red wanted to come in from the yard and blew past her with a bird in his mouth when she opened the door. I thought she said it was a dead baby bird, but I had a hard time hearing between concert noise and her excitement over the situation. We had a tree out back at the time that was popular with avian families. Surely it must have fallen out of the nest, and Red sought to bring his grandmom a gift. I can’t imagine my perfect angel boy doing anything else. My mom was justly grossed out, and this escapade earned Red the nickname of birdface for a time.

The only incident I can remember of Moose confronting something in the yard was when he had a standoff with a vole. Of course, he was all bark and no bite, he never did anything worse than growl and refuse to come in until after he scared off the intruder. I wasn’t home for this incident either. Maybe that’s to preserve the illusion of Moose’s absolute perfection in my eyes.

When it comes to Capone and Cosmo, anything that moves is fair game. I’m convinced they dig up the yard because they hear something moving below the surface. I’ve caught them with mice and voles, the sad outcome the same every time for their targets. I’m careful to scan the yard for movement before letting the boys out (something I never needed to do with Moose and Red).

Fortunately, our yard is small, with just enough room for two exuberant iggies to run. I’ve never seen anything large in our yard; however, I do suspect I caught the tail end of a skunk exiting into the neighbor’s yard via a gap below the back fence. All I saw was something scooting along the fenceline when I turned on the floodlights. It was quick, and the scent was unmistakable. I’m just relieved I saw it before I released the hounds, because dealing with sprayed dogs is an issue I could do without.

To say Capone and Cosmo have more of a prey drive than Moose and Red is an understatement. As I mentioned, I have never seen a large critter in our yard, but if one bird flies a tad too low, or a squirrel falls from a tree or fence, the pups will take their misfortune for an invitation to pounce. I just hope I luck out again to not be home for the aftermath if this ever happened. 

Tummy Trouble Times Two

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When Bram first came to live with us, we noticed that he had a litterbox issue during his quarantine from the rest of the fur family. His stools were soft and bloody, which we thought might be from worms or some kind of parasite, since he was a stray. We had a similar experience with Barnabas when he came home, and his problem was the result of a parasite, which quickly resolved with medication. When Bram’s condition failed to improve on its own, we brought him to the vet. A special veterinary dry food diet of hydrolyzed protein was prescribed. We’ve been following this protocol since it was recommended, and it works well for him. Because he is the only cat in the house who eats this food, we are careful that he never gets into the other cats’ food, and treats are given sparingly. To date there have been no recurrences of his tummy trouble.

Capone has been to the vet for his own digestive issues. One day we noticed that his stool was similar to Bram’s when he was ill, and he was refusing food. His apparent rapid weight loss was concerning, as he has aways been thinner than his brother Cosmo. Our vet felt he was suffering from a bout of HGE (hemorragatic gastroenteritis). It was something I never experienced with neither Moose nor Red, and I had never heard of this condition.

We spent a couple days going back and forth to the vet. Capone was hooked up to IVs, as keeping him hydrated was important when fighting HGE. The vet was able to get him interested in food and eating again. Capone recovered from HGE, but I believe it’s something that could recur. Unlike Moose and Red, Capone and Cosmo do not eat table food, and I am particular about the treats that I give them, more so now than ever. It’s a shame that I am unable to indulge Capone with whipped cream from the coffee shop or special treats from places we visit. That was something I enjoyed doing for my previous boys, who had no food sensitivities. However, because we don’t know what triggered Capone’s tummy trouble, I’m careful not to trigger it again. His diet may be boring, but so far we have had no HGE recurrences. Perhaps he will be allowed special treats on occasion in the future. As for Cosmo, he seems to have no issues with his stomach at all. Fortunately, he is able to eat the same food as his brother to make mealtimes easier, and that has worked out well. The boys eat a formula for sensitive stomachs and skin that can be found at any pet supply store, while feline brother Bram is the only critter in the house on a prescription diet.

The tummy trouble for both Bram and Capone was caught early. Bram’s condition requires lifelong maintenance, while Capone’s requires lifelong monitoring. Hopefully they aren’t aware of all the goodies they miss out on due to their conditions. As for me, I’m just happy that there are diets that can maintain their digestive health and keep further flareups at bay.

Tooth Trouble

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Capone and Cosmo had an uneventful routine vet visit, the first since their neuter. They are considered biggie iggies, weighing an impressive 19 pounds each. They received their necessary vaccines, including for Bordetella which was administered orally. Although this is considered optional, I operate on a worst-case scenario basis. The boys will likely never need to be boarded anywhere, but what if there was some disaster in which we had to flee to a place that required the vaccine? I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Cosmo was examined and passed with a clean bill of health. Next was Capone, who passed scrutiny, or so it seemed. An unexpected broken tooth in the back of his mouth surprised us. How did that happen?

We’re not exactly sure what made Capone break a tooth, but I can only guess that it happened when he returned from the yard one evening with two cuts on the side of his face. Other than the visible marks, he seemed no worse for the wear, and it certainly didn’t change the way he approached the food in his dish.

We had two options, either a root canal or an extraction. Knowing that one day he will likely be relieved of this tooth in true iggy fashion, we opted for an extraction. The procedure was scheduled, and we were given some antibiotics and pain meds to take home. It was good that his exam occurred when it did, otherwise we wouldn’t have discovered the tooth issue.

I had tears in my eyes when we dropped Capone off for the extraction. It seemed like forever since we were in this situation, as Moose and Red stopped getting dentals when they reached advanced age. I’m sure he would do just fine given his youth, but it’s still nerve wracking. Apart from that, it was the first time he and Cosmo would be separated. How would Cosmo do without his brother’s company for a day?

It turned out that he did just fine, but he did miss his twin. Cosmo looked for his buddy in the house and in the yard. He seemed to realize Capone was missing, but he settled and didn’t appear anxious or ill at ease. He ate his breakfast in his brother’s absence, food having been withheld until Capone was dropped off. Cosmo didn’t whine or howl, which was a relief.

We received a call in the late afternoon that the dental had gone easier than expected, and we could pick up our boy in a few hours. We made the time we had to wait to retrieve Capone pass quickly by attending a local food truck event. We were able to eat some dinner before arriving at the vet, feeling a bit guilty as our pup was surely starving by now.

It always seems like an eternity waiting to pick up your fur kid from the vet after a procedure. When Capone padded into the waiting room, he was happy to see us but wasn’t up to jumping. He whined his greeting and was happy to get out of that place and go home, even if his annoying brother was there. He ate a bit once he arrived, and his recovery and follow up went smoothly. We have our energetic pup again, missing a tooth but otherwise unscathed.

(The tooth issue occurred in July 2023)

Introducing Capone and Cosmo

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We thought about what we would do when the unthinkable happened and we lost Moose and Red. Our intention was to adopt a bonded pair of Italian Greyhounds, preferably 1 to 2 years old, similar in size, but different colors, like Moose and Red were. Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans.

Capone and Cosmo came home on May 14, 2022. They were born on February 15, 2022, just days after Moose passed away. They are male littermates, who look like twins, and if it weren’t for the size difference, it’s almost impossible to tell them apart. Capone is the larger of the two, but the difference is ever so slight. They have few white markings on their paws and are mostly solid fawn in color. On close inspection, Capone has a white patch that resembles a star on his neck, while Cosmo has a white streak on his. That is the way we tell them apart, because when they were this young they tore off each other’s breakaway collars and destroyed them, so we gave up on collar wearing. (Now that they are over a year and microchipped, they still do not wear collars in the house. They do have a tag collar for walks along with their martingale and leash. Also, Capone has grown to be long and lanky, while Cosmo is short and stocky, earning him the moniker of D.B. for Dad Bod).

It was one thing to raise one puppy when the hubby and I were 20 years younger, but two puppies 20 years older is something else! I think this is how my parents must have felt when they found out I was on the way, 11 years after my brother. Talk about starting over! When Moose was a wee pup long before we adopted Red, we had the benefit of my mom to let him out for potty breaks during the workday. She lived seven houses away and loved her grandpuppies, and was always available to lend a hand when needed. Sadly, these boys will never know their grandmom, but despite that, we couldn’t ask for better timing to bring home a pair of squirmy pups. These guys arrived just before my hubby’s summer vacation from his job. With one of us being home for a couple months, it was easier to house train them and acclimate them to the household.

It’s tough starting over with new dogs when your prior pups lived to such an advanced age. It will be a learning curve for us, but one that is well worth it. We entertained thoughts of other breeds, but there is nothing quite like an iggy. To know them is to love them. We have experience with IGs, so it was a no-brainer for us. (Corgis and dachshunds were considered, shh). What I wish for Capone and Cosmo is a lifetime of love and fun, plus the longevity to rival that of their predecessors. They have some huge paws to fill and although they can never replace Moose and Red, Capone and Cosmo are welcome and beloved additions to the family.

End of An Era

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It was inevitable given their ages, so I was somewhat prepared. Although it’s been over a year, my heart remains broken. It hurts more than I ever thought possible to announce that both Moose and Red have passed away.

Moose lost his battle with kidney failure on February 9, 2022. Sadly, it was also his Gotcha Day, having brought him home that day in 2003. He was in the end stages of the disease for a year and a half before succumbing to it at age 19. He remained status quo for quite some time, but he declined rapidly and the decision to let him go became obvious. I was the first person to hold Moose so long ago, and as I promised him, I was the last to hold him when the time came.

We worried about how Red would react to losing his buddy of almost 17 years. Red did better than we expected. In fact, for a while it looked like he was on track to outlive his brother. His appetite increased, and he even gained a bit of weight. His mobility had been more limited, but it was improving. His senior bloodwork was fine. We believed we had more time with Red, so it came as a shock when he passed away in his sleep at home. Maybe it was a broken heart, not wanting to go on after the loss of his brother. Red passed on April 6, 2022, exactly eight weeks after Moose.

It was one thing to lose Moose. Even though we anticipated it, we were still devastated when it finally happened. I had hoped he would see his 20th birthday, and for a long time it seemed possible.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be, as he left us nine months before.

Just when we were beginning to resign ourselves to a one-dog household, as awful as it was, we lost our beloved Red. Losing one was terrible, but two in such a short time frame, after so many years, was devastating. It all played out how we assumed it would, when one passed, the other would soon follow. I had hoped there would be more time in between, however.

I’ve titled this post End of An Era, because in a way it is. Moose and Red lived far longer than I ever would have expected. Eighteen and 19 is impressive for any dog. I miss them both every day. There are no more pills to cut up, no acupuncture appointments to keep. Yoga mats no longer line slick floors. The bumpers to keep the boys safely in bed are now stowed away.

My heart breaks every day. I cry for my boys, wishing we had more time, yet knowing we had longer than most pet parents are afforded, and for that I am grateful. I only hope they knew how much we loved them. They meant more to us than they’ll ever know, or that I can express in words. As I held Moose for the last time, I told him it wasn’t “goodbye.” It was just “until next time.” Goodnight, sweet princes.

Miracle Moose

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Almost a year has passed since my last post, and that is unfortunate. I intended to scale down from two posts a month to one, but never did I anticipate life events would have me stop altogether. 2020 was rife with personal tragedy, affecting both humans and animals in my life.

In October 2020 Moose was diagnosed with advanced kidney failure following a routine wellness exam that included a senior blood panel. I shouldn’t have been as shocked as I was. After all, he was a month away from turning 18, with a degenerative heart condition. Still, his bloodwork earlier in the year was normal, but a few months later that would change. Moose’s kidney values were off the charts. He was given several weeks to several months left with us. Even when you are somewhat mentally prepared for the inevitable, bad news still comes as a surprise.

We’re approaching October 2021 and Moose’s condition is status quo. We’ve heard that some dogs can live up to a year with Moose’s diagnosis. We’ve had to make some household adjustments given his new health issue, and I’m guardedly optimistic that he may see 19 in November.

Now more than ever before, Moose needs to have access to water at all times. This means that the dogs are no longer crated during the day while we are at work. They still eat their meals in their crates as a matter of habit, but food aggression on Moose’s part is no longer an issue as they are both elderly. There is a water bowl in the family room, which has been there for years since their mobility started declining. Our family room is sunken, and we didn’t want them troubled going upstairs into the kitchen with its slippery linoleum for water, even though yoga mats now line the floor for traction.

As for food, we have switched Moose from his prescription stomach food to a prescription kidney food. His appetite remains healthy so getting him to eat it isn’t a problem. He’s also fine with taking heart and thyroid meds in just about anything.

The biggest concession now is allowing the dogs free roam of the family and dining rooms when we’re gone. This means old blankets cover the couch. Even though the pups wear their man pants, accidents still happen. The coffee table is away from the couch, and a blanket is on the floor in the empty space between the furniture. Old pillows lay against the coffee table, buffering fragile dogs in the event they fall from the couch. Moose and Red can get down from the couch for water, but once they are down, they are not able to climb back up. The blanket on the floor cushions any falls plus acts as a place to snuggle since jumping on the couch isn’t an option for them anymore.

Last Christmas we took what we assume will be Moose’s last photos with Santa. It remains to be seen if he will see Christmas 2021 or his 19th birthday in November. While I’m optimistic, I’m not delusional. They are both very old dogs. While I would like to see Moose reach these milestones, I will not let him suffer to do so. The vet told us what to watch for when our time together is nearing a close. Until then I will savor our remaining days together.

Car Sick Canine

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Car Sick Canine (1)

Snoozing After a Playdate (2006)

Moose and Red had an active social life when they were younger. They enjoyed play dates with other Italian greyhounds, and we found lots of dog-friendly activities and events for them to attend. Unfortunately, most of the time these fun outings involved a trip in the car.

Moose vomited once in the car when he was a puppy, but that was the lone occurrence. His issue was speed, not car sickness. As long as we were cruising along, he was fine. Stopped in traffic, or even for a light, Moose would bring on the whining. He would start low, increasing in volume to an ear-splitting level. Could you imagine explaining to an officer that the reason for speeding was because your dog has a need for speed? Thankfully I have never had this happen.

Both Moose and Red travel in soft-sided crates when we are in the car. At first we used a single crate, but Red’s penchant for car sickness made it necessary to crate them separately. If Moose could talk, I’m sure he would tell us how gross his brother was. He couldn’t understand why Red was getting sick yet he was fine.

As for Red, it didn’t matter if we traveled a short distance to a dog park, or hours to a play date a couple states away. He still got sick in the car. We were meticulous about his food intake close to car trips, but that didn’t matter. He could be sound asleep and wake up long enough to vomit.

We tried specialized medications for car sickness, together with his normal anxiety drug to no avail. We were at a loss as to what to do, because once we got where we were going, he was fine. I think he tended to get sick more often going somewhere rather than coming home. Maybe he suffered from anticipatory anxiety like I do now.

The pups’ grandmom usually accompanied us on play date excursions. She always rode in the back between the boys. We learned that she was fast with a plastic bag whenever Red started retching. There was no mess in the vehicle and disposal was a snap. Thank goodness for grandmom’s willingness to catch her granddog’s vomit. Whenever we road tripped with Moose and Red, we were sure plastic grocery bags were added to their bye bye bag.

Red was an adult when he had car sickness, but he has since stopped. Maybe he outgrew it, who knows. We no longer have to monitor food intake. In fact, he gets treats at the acupuncture vet and can enjoy a puppacino on the way home with no problems. Moose and Red can even share one crate now without fear of messes.

While the car sick dog no longer gets sick, old age has brought another issue to replace it. I’m not sure there’s a technical term for it, but it’s peeing in the car. Both dogs wear bellybands to prevent any accidents during their travels. It looks like I traded one leaky end for the other!

Car Sick Canine (2)

Plastic Bag for Sick Dog

Holy Voley!

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Holy Voley 2

Young Moose Spots Birds

A few years ago in October, we spent a few days in Massachusetts. We left our beloved fur family in the care of our dear friend and pet sitter extraordinaire, who has watched our kids several times in the past. The critters are for the most part well behaved, but one of them had a surprise in store for her.

We were spending our favorite holiday in Salem, but we had plans to meet some friends in a nearby town prior to the Halloween festivities. Dinner was arranged at a local bar/restaurant that they had chosen. It was so nice to see them again, enthusiastic hugs exchanged in the restaurant’s waiting area. After we were seated, we got down to the business of ordering and catching up.

I believe the phone call came before the meal arrived. I never get calls from my pet sitter, as she usually keeps in touch via text, sending me a photo or two when I am missing the kiddos. I thought it was odd when her contact info came across my phone, so I answered right away.

She had a situation with Moose. The dogs were let out into the yard to take care of their evening business. While Red returned to the house, Moose refused to come in. Our yard is postage-stamp sized, and it can be viewed entirely from the house, with the exception of behind the garage.

But Moose wasn’t behind the garage. He was in plain sight, laser focused on something near the vinyl privacy fence. When he wouldn’t answer his sitter’s calls, she went out to investigate. He wasn’t paying much attention to her, but when she tried to get him in the house, he growled and continued to stare at something in the distance. My 20-pound Italian greyhound turned into a watch dog; it must have been a bit comical to see. I was on hold on the phone when she was trying to convince him to come in from the yard.

Defeated and likely annoyed, she picked up the receiver and told me that Moose was being stubborn and growling at her. We were both at a loss as to what to do, so she decided to watch television until the standoff in the yard ended. I hung up and continued with my night, wondering if Moose was going to square off against an intruding critter. Moose was always a lover and not a fighter, so I had my doubts that he would get into a confrontation with anything. Whatever it was should be thankful it wasn’t Red in the yard instead.

Moose at long last did return to the house unscathed. It appeared that he didn’t do battle with anything in the yard, as he bore no scars or brought any trophies into the house. We still don’t know what he saw that night, but my pet sitter believes it may have been a vole.

Of course this episode took place a few years ago when Moose was younger and had better vision. Now I don’t think he could see the intruder, his skinny frame not so intimidating anymore. I’m just glad that he wasn’t hurt, and was up to date on his vaccines in the unlikely event that he did get ahold of something. In case you were wondering, yes, we still have the same pet sitter, even after this unexpected adventure.

Holy Voley

The Beat Still Goes On

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The Beat Still Goes On (2)

Moose’s cardiology appointment is always stressful for everyone. It’s a matter of hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. Of course, I hope that his heart is no worse for the wear, but the fact remains that he is a dog of 17 years. Even though he is enjoying a long lifespan (he would be in his nineties in human years), the inevitable bad news we receive one day will still be shocking.

A cardiology appointment requires a day off from work, as it’s a comprehensive visit. Moose’s doctor practices in a large city out of state, which means that his dad escorts him to the visits. My better half is a pro at driving in big cities, while I am terrified of the idea. I can handle appointments solo if they’re in the suburbs.

Both of us are nervous before the appointment, but it is my better half that has to hear the results, good or bad. (For this reason I can’t say that I am envious that he goes to these appointments without me). He leaves our boy at the hospital for a few hours to undergo an exam and testing. The good thing about the city is that there is always something to do to pass the time, in walking distance from the hospital. Still, even though he finds ways to occupy himself, I’m sure it seems like an eternity until he can be reunited with Moose.

We have observed no serious deterioration in Moose’s health, other than a little stiffness when walking; a bit of an anti-inflammatory twice a day has greatly improved this issue. He does not seem to get winded, and we haven’t heard him coughing, which are all good signs that the heart condition hasn’t worsened.

When asked if Moose was still a candidate for teeth cleanings under sedation, the vet thought it best to leave well enough alone. Unless Moose were unable to eat due to a tooth issue, we were advised to forego any unnecessary dental procedures notwithstanding an emergency. Italian greyhounds are notorious for having bad teeth, with some pups requiring so many to be pulled that dogs are sometimes left with their tongues hanging out. So far neither Moose nor Red have lost the necessary teeth to cause this. To be honest, this was something I dreaded and hoped would never happen to them. (Although they would still be adorable).

I am pleased to report that Moose’s condition has remained status quo since his diagnosis three years ago. He has chronic degenerative valve disease, but he is not yet in heart failure. Moose remains on the same dosage of medication, as it seems to work well for him. I only pray that his disease progression is moving along at a snail’s pace. While I am elated over this news that he hasn’t gotten much worse, next on the radar is the boys’ annual checkups. Senior bloodwork will be done, and I hope that it won’t reveal any underlying problems. As I mentioned, we have recently added an anti-inflammatory medication to their routine to help with age-related joint stiffness. They haven’t had kidney issues in the past, but we need to be sure with the new drug. Every day with senior pets is a gift, one that I never take for granted.

The Beat Still Goes On (1)

The Long Arm of the Lawless Moose

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The Long Arm of the Lawless Moose (2)

Hmm . . . I Didn’t Open This

Happy 2020! I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. The most wonderful time of the year involves family, friends, and food. Lots and lots of food. Tempting treats abound, and not just for the humans.

We ordered a two-pound cookie tray from the decades-old bakery located in town, just down the street from our house. Their delicious gingerbread men, chocolate chips, and cherry cookies have become somewhat of a holiday staple for us. While they were intended for Christmas Eve, no one had any room for dessert after enjoying the rest of the substantial holiday spread.

Because we had more food than people and places to put it, the kitchen table became host to a variety of treats, including the unopened cookie tray. This table is small and round, so space to put things is limited. I put the treats closer to the edge than I should have, assuming that the dogs were too old to be interested. You know what they say when you assume.

We were getting ready to go out one day during the Christmas break. I knew the dogs were roaming free from the confines of the baby gates, and I thought I heard them go into the bedroom. I didn’t see them walking around, so I figured they burrowed under the bed covers, hiding out until it was time for us to leave.

I didn’t think anything of the stillness of the house until I walked into the kitchen. The pups hadn’t gone back to bed at all. They were quiet because they were eating the cookies that had mysteriously made their way to the floor. Moose and Red were helping themselves to the treats. They were taught the “leave it” command, which saved them from potential disaster one time when chocolate fell on the floor, but I doubted that they would remember it from their puppy classes. Even if they did, they couldn’t hear me anyway. Instead, I swooped in and removed their bounty, now in pieces, from the floor. The aftermath looked worse than it was. They don’t have a full set of teeth between them, so I doubted that they ate much before I intervened.

How did the cookie tray end up on the floor? I didn’t have to see it to know what happened. I have no doubt that Moose was responsible for procuring the cookies. He is a notorious chow hound, with special skill. He will stand on his back legs at any surface containing food, stretching a front leg to paw at anything edible that he can knock to the floor. My guess is that Red was innocent in this debacle, but stood by to share the fruits of his brother’s labor.

The moral of the story is never underestimate blind, deaf dogs. While those senses diminish with age, the power of scent remains as strong as ever. I should have known they could locate and get into the treats left too close to the edge of the table. I did order a replacement tray, and that one is out of the way from the old men that still have some puppy in them. ♥

The Long Arm of the Lawless Moose (1)

Crime Scene