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Dear Morgan Friends (and my wonderful support system),
I wanted to publish a current status for Morgan that you can
share over the Internet. A lot has happened in the past
few days, and I think it is in everybody’s interest to
hear the same story. Annie, if you could please add this
update to Morgan’s profile on your site, I would be most
appreciative.
I offer this information to ensure that no matter where Morgan
ends up, that everyone is completely aware of his situation,
and can accommodate his needs.
To be clear, I am NOT currently in need of an immediate foster
home. Thanks for all the wonderful responses so far. Luckily,
my travel schedule is manageable for the next few weeks, and
I have the help of friends and family. What I’d
like to do is get through the next week, and make a final decision
about his placement after all the medical stuff is known and
complete.
Morgan Update 11-29-06
Medical Care
Full Blood Count and Profile: Complete, no problems. Slightly
elevated white blood cell count in one area, but vet indicates
that this could be due to a slight allergy of some kind, or
due to the massive recent flea infestation; Cleared for
anesthesia.
Shots: Received distemper and Parvo inoculations. Rabies
shot will be given next week.
Parasites: Blood test indicates clear of heartworm antigens;
initial test for gut parasites were negative. Started
Interceptor today for long term heartworm prevention; started
long term flea treatment (Frontline) yesterday. I have
a year’s supply of both that will stay with him wherever
he goes.
Current Hip Treatment: Currently on 75MG daily of Deramaxx,
also on Glucosamine supplement; Hip Xrays planned for
next Tuesday
Neutering: Scheduled for next Tuesday.
Teeth: Both canines are broken. Has one small
tooth that will be extracted next Tuesday while under anesthesia
for the other procedures. Will request a cleaning as
well.
Behavior
House-breaking: Currently no problems with urinating
in the house. No marking behavior indoors; Seems
to have a problem holding bowels overnight. Had to clean
up a couple times due to over-night pooping. Currently
altering feeding schedule to better plan elimination in the
evenings.
Dog Socialization: Continues to do well with Chloe,
my mini schnauzer who lives with me. He treats her with
a combination of dismissal, curiosity, and mild interest. They
chased each other around yesterday due to my whipping them
up a bit with a toy. Chloe barked at him and challenged
him to chase her, which he did, with hilarious effect…until
I broke it up. J. Confronted by 2 small dogs at
the vet yesterday, and no dominant or aggressive behavior. He
is very mellow in most situations.
Walking and Mobility: Most of his 80lbs is balanced
on his front legs. His back legs have apparently atrophied
a bit. He “pogos” his back legs going up
and down stairs. Is able to get up from a lying down
position on a carpeted surface but not on slick surfaces
such as hardwood or tile. Does not sit down, lays down
on his own only infrequently. Seems to remain standing
a lot, and seems to get frustrated that he can’t lay
down on his own. Circles dog bed several times, then
comes over to me to get help.
IMPORTANT: To get him into a lying down position, I
pick him up with both arms (bear hug) about 6 inches off the
floor the way the vet showed me, collapsing his rear legs across
my arm, and put him into a sitting position. I then coax
him to put his front legs down, and that’s how he lays
most of the time often for hours. Requires some
personal strength to accomplish this.
Leash: Walks very well, with little correction using
a flat collar. Can keep pace with a regular or even fast
walk no problem. Walked for 30 mins tonight with no winding. Is
a really great walker.
Crate: Does not like to be left in crate alone. Shows
signs of separation anxiety when left in crate. Likes
to be in the presence of people a LOT. Would not consider
crate trained at all, but WILL lie down quietly in a crate
while being transported, for some reason.
Barking: Has not shown signs of excessive barking. Will
bark occasionally when left alone at times, and will bark to
be let inside. Does not bark at all at strangers, or
at day to day noises.
Feeding: Eats dog food, but CRAVES people food. Needs
correction or will get in your face while eating. Needs
to be reinforced with new owners, or will definitely beg and
steal people food, raid garbage, etc. Drinks a lot of
water 32oz/day, and is very sloppy when doing it.
Overall disposition: happy, loving, loves attention
(will seek it excessively without correction), a bit nervous
sometimes; gets excited when played with, but does not go to
far or become a physical bully. Likes to follow me around
the house.
Outdoor behavior: Curious, but not obsessed with being
outside. Prefers to be inside lying down in sight of
humans. Eliminates outdoors, both on leash or in
fenced area. Does not run away, but does like to charge
doors. Working on that behavior currently.
Kids: Not yet determined. Will advise when I get
him in front of kids later in the week.
That’s what I have for now. Hope this is helpful
to all…
Best,
Mark |
