Wiggle - Day 74

Wiggle is hardly coughing any more which is good news, however he somehow managed to nearly pull off one of his dew claw nails! While I'm at work a neighbour comes in and takes them out and Wiggle was bouncing around with Dolly but then suddenly yelped and wouldn't put any weight on his front leg.

I've had a thorough look and clipped off the sticky out bit of nail. With Wiggle being on the anti-biotics already, I don't think a trip to the vets is necessary, especially as Wiggle is walking and running ok. Doesn't stop him from remembering he has a poorly paw and looking woeful from time to time.

We made the most of the sunshine yesterday and went to Cotswold Water Park for a walk. And in Wiggle's case, a swim too. Here are the photo's from our walk:

Sir H had a paddle in the shallow water

Wiggle - Day 72

I'm very pleased to report that the anti-biotics seem to be doing their job and Wiggle is coughing less. Thankfully, neither Sir H or Dolly have caught kennel cough although with Dolly being on strong anti-biotics herself, it seems she's resistant, so thats good. Wiggle's also not scratching, despite having his Atopica reduced while he is on the anti-biotics. Once he's finished his course of anti-biotics, if he is still not showing signs of being itchy, I can carry on giving him the Atopica every other day as long term the drug should be reduced and eventually stopped.

This week I have been working nights but Wiggle doesn't seem to mind so long as he gets his share of cuddles and play time with a tennis ball. He's just his usual happy self.

Wiggle's Blog has now had over 5,500 page views, which is mad really considering its just my waffling about the baldy, skinny dog. From the site stats, I know a lot of readers come here via the LRSE&C website so hopefully Wiggle will get to meet some of his supporters in person at the Labrador Party next month.

Wiggle - Day 70

Wiggle's had his bath today, the first for a little over a week, what with work and being away at the weekend. Dolly comes in the bathroom to offer him moral support as he's not overly keen on being bathed, even after having them regularly for the last couple of months. He won't come into the bathroom when he realises whats going on; I have to pick him up and plonk him in the tub!

It's definitely much more noticable now how much his fur has grown - instead of rubbing the shampoo into hairless skin I can feel all his new fur on his chest and belly. Now that his skin is so much better Wiggle only needs to be bathed weekly but I think he looks forward to his run about after.

Wiggle - Day 69

Wiggle has been to the vets today for a checkup. He's not gained any weight but thats ok as he has been getting lots of exercise so I'd rather the gain was slow so his joints can keep up.

Bridget was pleased with the rate at which Wiggle is growing back his fur and his overall condition.

The only blip for Wiggle at the moment is that he has kennel cough. He has been given anti-biotics as his immune system will be lowered due to the Atopica, so hopefully the anti-biotics will help him get over it. He's not coughing too badly and has still been running around.

Wiggle had a good weekend, visiting friends and going for lovely walks. Here's Wiggle with Dolly and Sir H at Woollaton Park in Nottingham:
















Unfortunately for Wiggle the lake was a rather green and smelly so he didn't have a swim but he did have fun going up to people to say hello and try and steal their picnics.

The other great news from the weekend is that the auction has raised £650 for LRSE&C. A fantastic amount so huge thanks to everyone who took part and very generously donated items.

Wiggle - Day 65

Wiggle is still enjoying the good weather and being able to go out and run around after his ball without getting soaked.


On Thursday I reduced his medication so he's now back down to 100mg Atopica daily instead of 150mg. So far, so good. We're back to see Bridget on Tuesday so all being well she will be pleased with his progress and he can stay on the reduced dose.


I was looking back through some older photo's and the change in Wiggle is really noticable from when Mindy first went to see him.


This was one of the first photo's I saw of Wiggle:














And this photo was taken 2 days later after I'd collected him:














He just doesn't look like the same dog who's here now!














We're away for the weekend visiting friends so Wiggle will be offline for a couple of days. In the meantime, the auction is going well with bids of £550 so far which is fantastic!

Wiggle wishes all his readers a very good Bank Holiday weekend

Wiggle - Day 63

We are very pleased to see the return of the sunshine at last!

Even better though, was taking all 3 walkies as Dolly has been feeling much better recently so she joined us. After all 3 sat nicely for a group photo, Dolly and Wiggle did plenty of running around, chasing after the ball.

The walk was going well until Wiggle and Sir H found a nice, muddy puddle. Wiggle had a splash around. Sir H became a hippo....

Wiggle - Day 63 Pics

Wiggle - Day 62

The Death of a Tennis Ball...

As you'll know by now, one of Wiggle's favourite hobbies is shredding tennis balls. Usually, I just find the tatty remains of yellow felt and bits of rubber but this evening Wiggle has been happily chomping away on one of his vast tennis ball collection.









While Dolly and Sir H sleep off their dinner, Wiggle is far more interested in killing one of the poor balls....





















And he doesn't look at all guilty!

Wiggle - Day 61

I've been at work the last couple of days so not much Wiggle news to report. He's been fine though, still eating well and taking his medication. We may need to change his appointment with the vet next week as Dolly is due to go to a specialist for surgery but we'll know later in the week.

The Refuge auction is going well with bids up to £500 already, which is fantastic. Hopefully there will be a good total when the auction ends on Monday evening.

Wiggle - Day 59

Wiggle has had a very nice weekend which has mostly involved shredding tennis balls and going for lovely long walks. I didn't have the camera with me so can't share any photo's but Wiggle did lots of running, lots of chasing the ball and some sleeping after. Dolly has been feeling much brighter so joined us too and Sir H spent some of his walk searching out muddy ditches, but thankfully didn't get himself covered!

I am going to have to have another chat with the Wiggly One after finding him on my bed yesterday morning. Clearly the conversation we had before has been forgotten and he thinks its perfectly ok to sneak onto my bed and then bounce around when I wake up.....

Wiggle - Day 57

Wiggle has had another busy day of eating, sleeping and running around after his tennis ball. His current favourite is the ball on a rope as not only does it travel the furthest, but he can then boing around swinging the rope as he brings it back. Sometimes he holds the wrong end though and bashes himself around his head with the ball....

I should have noticed the theme to his preferred toys as indoors he likes to play with his Kong Wubba and fling that around. And hit himself around the head.

I have been organising a mini auction fundraiser on The Refuge forum (link on the right of your screen) to try and raise some funds for Wiggle and the other dogs needing extra special care from LRSE&C. Some very lovely people have donated items so we're hoping to raise a good amount.

Wiggle - Day 56

It's always harder for me to notice the improvements in Wiggle as I see him every day so yesterday while we were in Bristol I asked my friend Sarah to hold him so I could take a couple of photo's.



The difference can clearly be seen when you look back to how Wiggle was when the photo's were taken during his first weekend here.






Day 2:









And yesterday:








Day 2:














And yesterday:














As you can see, definitely not the skinny, baldy boy that Wiggle was not even 2 months ago!

Wiggle - Day 55

Wiggle and Dolly have had a fun filled afternoon meeting Bran, the little 14 week old Chocolate Labrador puppy who lives with Flora and her humans.

The dogs all had a good run around in the garden, chasing toys, chasing each other and trying to avoid crashing! Both Wiggle and Dolly thought that Bran was a good playmate, especially as he has perfected the art of flying by launching himself off the patio.

Just because it rained, the play didn't stop and carried on indoors until everyone was rather worn out. Dolly and Bran enjoyed a cuddle on the sofa while Wiggle played with toys.

Sir H stayed home making sure the sofa was safe from burglars which no doubt made him happier than coming with us and having to be social.

I'm now listening to the sound of 3 snoring but happy dogs...

Wiggle - Day 55 Pics

Wiggle - Day 54

All quiet for Wiggle at the moment as I've been working nights so sleeping in the day time. Wiggle doesn't seem to mind and has been his usual good self.

Tomorrow afternoon we're visiting our very lovely friends in Bristol again. We saw them last week but the visit was cut short due to needing to get Dolly to the vet but since last week they have a new addition - a very cute little Chocolate Labrador Puppy. Wiggle will no doubt be very excited and have lots to say about it tomorrow.

Wiggle - Day 52

Wiggle's had a busy weekend - probably laughing at me for being daft enough to find his ball when he loses it in the field! He loves running after the ball but if some interesting smell catches his attention, then he forgets about the ball.

Today we went for a walk around the ancient stones at Avebury which is just up the road from here. Wiggle was rather interested in the sheep that graze around the stones but had to make do with being vile and eating the poo. Thankfully he didn't try and roll in it.





We stopped for a coffee before heading back via the Downs. Sir H was a bit worn out so stayed in the car while Wiggle did more ball chasing and looning around, even when the horizontal rain came in.

In between walks he and Dolly have had some tennis ball shredding sessions before getting all the toys out of the toy basket. No doubt he'll be glad of the rest this evening when I go to work...

Wiggle - Day 50

Fifty Days of Wiggle the Dog with a Blog!!

Just a quick entry tonight as I've been at work and have another early start in the morning. Wiggle has been playing ball, his favourite pastime, and is now fast asleep on his bed.



Looking at this photo, it really shows how well Wiggle is doing. His head is less domed or, as my Dad call's it, his 'knowledge bump', is less pronounced. The new fur growing on his chest can also be seen, which is great as I'm starting to notice the changes more and more.

Wiggle's not repeated the sleeping arrangements from the other night, so hopefully our little chat had the desired effect...

Wiggle - Day 49

Thought I'd share this little video clip of Wiggle from earlier. He'd had his bath and went for his usual mad bouncing and ball chasing session. He's very cute at the end of the video when he give's paw.

Last night I had a bit of a surprise - I woke up to find Wiggle on my bed! He's never done that before and I've never told him he could get on the bed. Wiggle had come upstairs with us when Dolly and I went to bed. Wiggle normally stays downstairs on his bed or the sofa but he seemed to be worrying about Dolly as she whined all evening, so he came up and curled up with her.

When I woke up and discovered him, he went very soppy and waggy until I asked him to get off. He did, and went to curl up with Dolly again, but weve had a chat and I've told him thats not on.

Wiggle being Wiggle, just wagged his tail and looked his usual dopey self...

Wiggle - Day 48

Dolly and I were out most of the day so Wiggle had a good run around this morning before we left. As usual, he was a good boy but was pleased to see us when we got home. Dolly has been whining quite a lot, an after effect of the anaesthetic and this is confusing Wiggle so he keeps going up to her to check she's ok. He really has bonded with Dolly which is lovely for both of them. Sir H, as you know, isn't very sociable but wherever Dolly is, Wiggle will be close by.

Wiggle had a game of fetch this evening and for the first time, he actually looks like a normal Labrador. Obviously he still needs to put more weight on, but seeing him running around, although his ribs are visible, they are nowhere near as pronounced as when he arrived. He's no longer the skinny, emaciated dog who arrived here less than 2 months ago. The medication is definitely helping as he doesn't scratch much at all now so thats great news and no doubt he is much more comfortable.

Wiggle's blog has now gone over 4,000 page views which is fantastic. It's lovely to know so many of you are keeping track of how he is getting on. If you've not had a look at the Sponsor a Dog page on the LRSE&C website, please do take a look as Wiggle is just one of many dogs needing special care.

http://www.lrsec.org.uk/Sponsor/Sponsor%20hp.htm

Wiggle - Day 47

A quiet day for Wiggle as I've been at work this afternoon. We've had rain all day here so the field was a nice and wet for Wiggle to have a splash about this morning.

Wiggle has been in a silly, cuddly mood this evening and wriggled and wagged while I sat on his bed with him for a group hug with Dolly. Sir H was not impressed with this display of affection and took himself off upstairs. Wiggle loves cuddles he just wiggled himself silly! Wiggle by name.....

Tomorrow will be another quiet day for Wiggle as I'm taking Dolly to Cambridge for her CT scan but he'll get time to play ball before we leave and knowing what a good boy he is, I know he'll behave while we're out.

Wiggle - Day 46

We've been to visit my very good friend Sarah in Bristol this afternoon. Wiggle hadn't met the lovely Flora before but they had a good time running around and chasing the ball. Flora tried to get Wiggle to wrestle and play but Wiggle on had eyes for the tennis ball and toys. Dolly got sidetracked with the swingball but had a good run around too.

Unfortunately our visit was cut short as I needed to get Dolly back to the vets for blood tests and x-rays (she's going for a CT scan on Wednesday) but Wiggle wore himself out tearing around Sarah's garden with Flora. Sir H wasn't feeling like being sociable today and stayed home, guarding the sofa.

Wiggle - Day 45

After a good run around the field and helping me in the garden, Wiggle is now doing what he thinks everyone should do on a Sunday - taking things easy.

Wiggle - Day 44

Wiggle has had another bath and a run around the field chasing after his tennis ball. I thought I'd take a photo to show how well his fur has grown back after he was shaved for the intradermal skin testing - a good growth in the last two weeks!

Seeing Wiggle every day, it's hard to notice the changes in him so I've been looking back through this blog and even I'm surprised how far he has come.

When I think, it's not even two month's that Wiggle has been here yet he has improved so much from the sad, dull and grey baldy dog who arrived here on the 20th June.

It's flattering to have recieved so many positive comments and compliments but to be honest, I'm only giving Wiggle the care that any responsible owner give's their dog (or foster dog!!). Wiggle gets the same love and attention as Dolly and Sir H yet in so many ways it makes me sad to think that he spent so much time being itchy and uncomfortable when treatment was available that would make him better. He doesn't scratch like he used to, is happy and bouncey and just enjoying life being a dog again.

Wiggle's still got a long way to go - more fur to grow and more weight to put on, but he'll get there. One last photo for today - taken at Maude Heath, on top of the hill, a place where you can see for miles and feel like you are literally on top of the world - probably how Wiggle is feeling these days!

Wiggle - Day 43

Wiggle has taken up a new and slightly odd sitting position on the sofa. Whether it's because Dolly won't move over or not, I don't know, but he seems comfortable. Just as well he's still skinny and can squeeze into the small spaces!