The Couch Crew : Pupdate: March 4-8 2020

It's March already! Time is sure flying fast. Let's get on with the Pupdate as there is much to discuss.
Lada is doing much better. Took a few days to relax before she started acting like her old self. She's been doing much much better. I don't know what exactly was wrong (a virus?), but she's back to her cute little hyper self.

Lada helping me pick up groceries

She went for follow up blood work yesterday and we're waiting for the results to see if the liver#s were related to her illness or indicative of another issue.

She's even more comfortable around Volos. She snapped at him when he attempted to get cuddles from me. No one-- Nothing touches her Mommy. I am HERS! She was polite and allowed him to get in cuddles the past month, but no more.

She ignores him mostly except for when it is time for sharing me.---There is NO SHARING. She's actually been clingier since this incident. She definitely is keeping an eye on Mommy.

He's shown some interest in her--sniffing at her when she's near, but he's not initiated any contact--kind of.

Who's in charge?

Peryn-- has been his typical self. Wants to play ball. Wants to play with Volos when he gets excited and runs while outside. He's also been more affectionate. Now that there is competition, he comes for more hugs and kisses than he ever has before.

He really wants Volos to play and I want that too. I'm hoping one day soon I can report that. In the meantime Peryn is still his intense self and would love nothing more to play with his ball or burger..and just fetch. Dude is definitely high strung.

Lada & Athena

Athena-- Athena is Athena. Her back legs are, pardon the pun, on their last legs. She's struggling more and more on her hind legs. She is still doing well in the cart, so it's not the end yet. This disease is horrible though. Watching her waste away and not being able to be independent much anymore. She really is still so bony to touch. I give her as much love as I can. She still craves the affection and still barks when the dogs play. So the Athena we know and love is still in there.

Again, the 2 of them

Taking her outside to use the bathroom is a chore. Her legs are locked forward and crossed. It is a real struggle to pull them back and separate them. It is putting a crimp in getting her to use the bathroom outside because she tries not to go while her tail is in the way or she's sitting down.

However that's exactly what happens. It's frustrating as we get her situated and 1 bump or movement and her legs are back to their normal position. Holding her up by the handle with one hand while fighting her legs with the other is hard on the back.

She's still quite mentally engaged. Barks ANYTIME anyone is having fun without her. She had her time at day care on Friday and she was beat afterwards. Slept hard, but she's over it and is very alert.

We have started using the diapers we bought a bit ago on her. it's been a bit of a necessity as of late, so on they go. She's been really good with them on, but we're using them for the days she won't be good.

Volos-- So much to say. Let's start with the biggest. HE BARKED!!!! Thursday after work while sitting in my office, the window was open to let some fresh air in. Lada began barking, which started Athena and then Peryn. Out of nowhere a new bark sounded. I thought I was hearing things and turned to watch and he opened his mouth and barked again. It made me happy. He then barked on Friday morning. Lada was chasing a toy that I was throwing for her and it was annoying him so he barked at her.

He also got a harness this week. Freaked him out when I showed it to him because he had no clue what it was. Once I calmed him down & put it on him--he looked handsome and walks better in the harness than when the leash was clipped to the collar.

Car rides!!

He's definitely more affectionate and interacts with the family more. He has his moments where he still hangs out in his room--but he is expanding his terrain.

Training him--that's still on hold. He's not focused enough or relaxed enough to attempt to teach him his basics. He does know his schedule and his yard boundaries though.

I get much more hug and cuddle time out of him. I'm hoping to work our way to when he'll lie down next to me and cuddle.