Jake's visit

It was nearly dark when I returned home from work, via the markets with bones (beef knuckles) and chicken necks (a low fat option instead of chicken wings) for Kane.

On our way on our walk tonight, Jake walked into the front yard. So we went back inside the house and invited Jake in for a drink of water. Jake went exploring as if he'd forgotten that he has visited before.





After a few minutes of excitement, we went on our walk, accompanying Jake and his person Sue as they walked home. We then continued around the block.

I was wandering the mall at lunchtime today and found these beaut soft pet beds. Kane has another mat, but he hardly lays on it. I've put this one next to the couch so he is close by.

The beds were such a bargain, I bought another one to put where Kane sleeps. Kane doesn't like the dark, so I leave a night light on for him. The bed is on a nice soft bit of carpet mat in the hall way outside of my bedroom. Kane won't stay in my room, where there is another bit of carpet mat.

the bestest puppy party ever

I was home from work early, leaving earlier than usual. It was a good time to make up for yesterday's missed puppy party at Macquarie oval.

We walked to Cook oval at 5pm and Margot the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen was already there. I found out the name of her actual breed. It was funny watching Kane and Margot going off together on scent trails. We were then joined by Kel the Labrador.

The party picked up when Rosie the three legged dog arrived (unaccompanied), then Sir and Jazzy - two Labradoodles, Molly the black Labrador, and Jazz the Kelpie. Kane was having a great time but took a particular liking to Molly and started running after her. I let him enjoy himself before restraining him with the leash to slow him down. Poor puppy.

Kane wanted continue to play and run, so I took him home, for his own good. It was a mean thing to do as he was really enjoying himself. On the way home we bumped into Millhouse the black Labradoodle (the ball-obsessed one) who was on his way to the oval.

It was a fun walk. We were out for nearly an hour.

pupsy

One of my nicknames for Kane is pupsy. I also call him puppy when we are out in public.

This evening we walked to Macquarie oval. Kane was off like a rocket with no regard to his arthritic condition, so I had to put the lead on him to guide his walk more slowly.

We met a new puppy called Bingo along the way, who was just returning from the oval. Bingo is a brown and white beagle cross something who lives in the house opposite to Jake.

Unfortunately, the puppy party that I had spied on my way home from work had finished, so we meandered home past the oval.

Outside Jake's house we bumped into Jake and his person Sue who had just stepped out for Jake's walk. Jake is still recovering from a leg injury so his walk was guided on a lead. Kane was pretty excited to see Jake as we haven't seen him for nearly two week.

Sunday is easy

Today was a quiet day. Kane's only outing was a gentle stroll around the block before midday.

I was out for a couple of hours in the afternoon and it was raining when I returned. Poor puppy, we used to have such exciting Sundays out and about.

I have decided to keep the bathroom door closed even though Kane prefers to sleep in there, so that he is not lying on cold tiles. I'm sure the colder weather is affecting his joints. I wonder if a heat pack would work.

a visit to the vet, a puppy party...

I was out early this morning to go to the farmers markets with Susan and left Kane inside. When we returned home, I discovered that Kane had somehow reached up onto the dining table and found the little bag of liver jerky, chewed through the plastic and ate the lot, along with a bit of the plastic. Naughty Kane. My fault for not feeding him before I left.

Later this morning, Margie came over and we took Kane to the vet. Kane met two dogs there, one before his appointment and one afterwards.

The vet said that Kane's limp is due to arthritis and gave him an injection of Pentosan 100 (sodium pentosan polysulfate). Kane has to return to the vet for three more injections at weekly intervals. The vet also suggested marine based products, so it was good that Kane already takes Sasha's blend and cod liver oil.

Kane is also on the heavier side at 45.2 kg (nearly 100 lb), but the vet said that at Kane's age, not to put him on a crash diet. I will just gradually reduce the amount I give him. Poor puppy, he loves food!

Kane is also on Desmopressin (an anti-diuretic hormone replacement) for Diabetes Inspidus, which also required a new prescription.

The last ailment we told the vet about was Kane's epilepsy which is being treated with Potassium Bromide.





Early in the afternoon, Kane and I walked to the shops. Strolled more like it, as the vet said a gentle walk. We met a very friendly German Shepherd cross who was very fawn in colour like a Corgi. The dog still had balls but submitted to Kane and wanted to play. We walked back via the green way.

This evening, Devi came over for dinner but wanted to go for a walk to buy wine, so we walked to Cook shops via Cook oval. There was a huge puppy party in session, most of whom came to Kane as if he was a movie star celebrity when we arrived. There were a number of new dogs including Millhouse a Labradoodle who was obsessed with balls. I had to make sure that Kane didn't run around too vigorously. Despite his arthritis, it would be cruel to deprive Kane of his attendance at puppy parties.

A day full of excitement but still not quite a Kane Day.

it could have been a better day

Today was a public holiday so I spent the day with Kane. We would have had another big adventure walking up Mount Painter if Kane did not have a limp.

This morning we went to visit Jet who has healed nicely from the cut in his leg. It was only a brief visit during which Kane marked Jet's backyard as his own while I chased Jet who had a ball in his mouth.

This afternoon, I gave Kane a massage working lanolin cream into his fur as well as a long brush. He also didn't mind his fur being vacuumed!

Late in the afternoon we walked to the shops and it was dark when we walked home.

w00t, a puppy party

I was home early today as Sue B gave me a lift and came to visit. We went to Cook oval and there was a puppy party in session - with Desker and Tully the Shelties, and three new friends, Kel a blond Labrador, Ruby a Cocker Spaniel and Margot a fluffy something.

A Beagle called Sherlock soon arrived to whom Kane took a real liking. Though I suspect that because Sherlock still had balls, Kane was keen to exert his dominance as top dog in the pecking order.

As we departed, we met Molly the black Labrador on her way to the oval. She was very playful. Despite his occasional limp, Kane did not have any trouble on the walk and running after Sherlock. Instead, he exhibited signs of deafness by ignoring my requests for him to come and to leave Sherlock.

Kane enjoys laying on the kitchen floor when I am preparing food. Here, he is waiting for his dinner.





While Kane mostly takes his meals on the deck (porch), I occasionally let him eat in the kitchen. Tonight he had leftover roast pork and roast vegetables. Of course, he also had some dry food, but on the deck.

bor-ring...

Poor Kane, I didn't take him out for a walk as soon as I returned home from work. I spent that time preparing vegetables for baking.

While dinner was in the oven, Emily arrived and we went for the minimum walk around the block.

Kane has been walking with a slight limp in his front paws since early this week. Oddly, he can still do his little runs without limping. It is either arthritis or the lump of fatty tissue near his shoulder is affecting his joints.

We are going to the vet on Saturday morning for a check up.

Kane's teeth

perfect for the bones

a walk with a torch

I returned home from work a little later so we didn't walk to any of the ovals this evening. Instead, we walked to the shops with a torch. We didn't really need a torch as most of the way is well lit, but was handy for paying closer attention to the ground.

Along the way, Kane gave me a start by suddenly bolting. He had seen the ginger cat and thankfully he was on a lead. The cat didn't even move. I think Kane just wanted to say hello.

A walk to the shops used to be a big excursion, now it's just a regular walk.

puppy party

We went to Cook oval this evening and there was a big puppy party on.

Party pooches included Buffy the Dobermann, Pepper the brindle coloured Staffordshire Terrier Mastiff puppy, Gypsy the Shih Tzu Maltese, Taz the Cocker Spaniel and Zulu the Spoodle.

There were also two new dogs Dandy a Fox Terrier cross and Bika a Chihuahua. Jaz the Kelpie came later on and Melba the Border Collie made a quick appearance. A large Labradoodle also came by on his way somewhere.

Kane did a lot of running around chasing after Molly and Pepper.

We returned home when it became dark instead of continuing on a further walk as Kane actually did a lot of running around at the oval chasing after Molly and Pepper.

double the fun

I returned at 5.30pm from the airport and immediately took Kane on a walk.

Dogs are always happy to see their people return home, unlike cats who are able to somehow endear a guilt trip. I always felt guilty leaving Keiser, even just to go to work. She so enjoyed just laying on my lap or being cuddled. Still, I still felt guilty leaving Kane.

We walked to Macquarie oval and joined in a little puppy party with Jack the Jack Russell terrier cross and Viva the blond Labrador. We didn't stay long as I wanted to walk Kane a bit further.

We set of towards home then walked past and continued on to Cook oval. On the way, we met Sully a cattle dog (also 15 years old) who was pretty excited to meet another elderly gentleman canine. Sully wanted to play just like a puppy. Sully's person and I exchanged notes about canine old age ailments and arthritis remedies. Hopefully, we'll bump into Sully again.

It became dark but we continued on to the oval but there was nobody there. So we went home. A walk to both ovals in the same walk. Double the fun.

poor puppy

This morning we went on an early walk to the shops, meeting a Golden Retriever on the way called Sophie. We returned home via the green way (bicycle path).

Poor Kane. I have to leave him now to go to Brisbane. I'll be back tomorrow late afternoon.

Emily will come over and give him love and attention.

the most boring day

After such an exciting week, today was an anti-climax.

I returned home from work a bit late and it was already dark.

Poor puppy. We didn't go on our walk until after Kane had dinner and it was our minimal walk, which was around the block. It was less of an exercise walk and more of a slow patrol of Kane's territory.

w00t, another puppy party

I was a little late home today, well by 15 minutes anyway. I try to return home from work by 5.30pm.

Anyway, we went to Cook oval this time. Thankfully a puppy party was in session - with Pepper the brindle coloured Staffordshire Terrier Mastiff puppy, Gypsy the Shih Tzu Maltese, Carla the Kelpie Sheltie, Molly the black Labrador, Kali the black Labrador and Melba the Border Collie. Kane wasn't as playful this evening, but he did enjoy catching up with his puppy pals. He was naughty though, begging treats from Carla's person.

When it became dark, we left along with Molly, Pepper and Gypsy. Instead of going on the additional walk along the green way, we went to the shops. Thankfully the butcher was open as they had a very meaty lamb shank (400 grams) which became Kane's dinner, along with some dry food.

We were out for an hour again. It seems to be the perfect length of time for a walk.

a mid-week Kane Day

Kane had me at home all day, so he was quite happy, though much of that was resting. We had a long walk in the afternoon, but not like the super-sized one on Sunday, even though we were out for two hours.

We walked to the local shops as I had to go to the post office to post a letter. From there, we continued on to the markets. Our first stop was the pet store to say hello to Splat the resident cat. Unfortunately, it was also the time that Splat had to be imprisoned for the night (store staff mentioned that it was necessary or he would set off the alarm). I'm also going to try Kane on super premium Advance dry dog food, the best product on the market, after his other packet is finished. It has added ingredients for joint health similar to Sasha's blend.





While Kane was tied to a seat, I also stocked up on his (weekly) beef bones from Eco Meats, chicken wings from Market Gourmet chicken shop, and a pig trotter from Hing Wong Butchery.

I also mentioned to Brian from Market Gourmet to go and say hello to Kane, where he was tied up (he knows the wings are for Kane), and a few minutes later, he brought Kane over to me on the lead (the floor where Kane was tied was being cleaned, and I was minding the shop for him). Oh dear! Kane let a complete stranger untie him and take him by the lead! I shall have to train Kane to snarl at would-be dog-nappers!

On the way home from the markets, we stopped by the house of Tess the Border Collie and she came out to say hello to Kane. We also walked past Macquarie oval, but it was getting dark by then and nobody was around.

Here is a map of our walk (click to enlarge).

new friends and another puppy party!

I managed to leave work on time this afternoon to make up for yesterday.

We went to Cook oval this time and Kane made more new friends - Bailey a Golden Retriever, Kali a black Labrador cross and Tully and Desker both Shelties. I cannot keep up with Kane's social life. He has more friends than I do!

Normally, Kane can't keep up with the younger dogs even though he tries to run after them. Tonight though, he managed to actually run with full strides and wanted to join in Bailey and Kali playing rough, which he did a few times. Absolutely amazing.

It soon became dark, but instead of just going home, I took Kane on a further walk. We were out for an hour with Kane walking or running most of that time, except when he laid down a few times after Bailey and Kali had left, while I chatted with the Shelties' person.

Here is a map of our walk (red line to the oval - then the blue line detour on the way home). Click on the picture to enlarge it.

dusk walk

I returned home from work just as it was becoming dark. We walked to Macquarie oval and luckily a puppy party was still in session.

Lil (black Labrador), Kosi (Blue Heeler) and a new puppy (Red Heeler) were leaving, but Kane said hello to the puppy. Thankfully Jake (black Kelpie/Labrador) stayed, along with a new dog called Rocco (Dobermann).

We didn't stay too long and were out for only half an hour. A walk in the park really.

Kane's big adventure

Today was not only a Kane Day, but it was a Kane Fun Day.

It rained heavily early this morning so our big plan was nearly shelved. Then the rain stopped and the sun came out, so we set out at 9.30am for a walk. This time we kept going.

From the green way that we normally walk from the shops, we continued on to Mount Painter. It may have been a long walk with hundreds of trees, but Kane was intent on smelling most of them.

Here are the photos from our big walk. They are in sequence. If any look out of place, it means that I have looked backwards to show where we had just been. We had a few rest stops - Kane told me he needed a rest by lying down, which was a good time to have a drink. At the steepest upward climb we took little steps.

On the way home, we didn't follow an alley way in Cook (the suburb) as there was a huge Husky wandering around without a person, and I wanted to avoid any danger. We soon came across Cook shops, which was our landmark for the way home. We finally returned home at 11.30am.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

We actually walked a long way. The red line is the route we took. The green X is Cook oval, which we walk to on some evenings.

It was well timed as after midday, there was a huge thunderstorm.

The big walk did not even tire Kane out. This evening (the rain stopped mid afternoon), he insisted on another walk, so we went to Macquarie oval. Compared to the big adventure, it wasn't a walk but a trip around the corner!

There was a big puppy party on - with Sammy and Shayla (Belgian Shepherd), Jake (Kelpie/Labrador), Jack (Jack Russell Terrier X), Viva (Labrador), Rosie (Kelpie) and Bruno (Labrador). Bruno loves Kane and wouldn't leave him alone. Thankfully Kane enjoyed playing with him. As we were leaving, Nellie (Cocker Spaniel) arrived.

Today was the best Kane Day ever. For an old dog, Kane is certainly not wheel chair bound!

Tonight, he had raw topside beef for dinner (and last night). It's a dog's life!

Happy Saturday

Like last Saturday, we only went on one walk today.

This morning we walked to the shops. When we arrived, somebody was sitting on our seat and had his shopping trolley in the way, so Kane had to wait somewhere else. It was right in front of the shopping centre with a view of the inside (the entrances are on the sides). Kane was content to look at the approaching passers by.



Kane always stands to attention when he sees me


As usual, after I had finished, we walked around the outside of the shops where there are lots of interesting smells. We walked the long way home along the green way.



We didn't go on an evening walk today in preparation for the big adventure tomorrow.

This evening, I left Kane and went into the city. I felt bad leaving Kane alone, so I came home. Partly. My arrangement in the city didn't work out, and I didn't really feel like going out anyway.

Kane's paw

Front left paw

Partying with new pup pals

The regular walk to Macquarie oval is too easy now, and will become another minimal walk. The attraction of that walk is meeting up with lots of canine friends. That walk will have to be extended!

This evening, Kane decided to go to Jet's house first to say hello. Jet still has another two weeks of recovery before he can go on a walk.

From there we walked to Cook oval. There was already a party there with Buffy the Rottweiler, Pepper the brindle coloured Staffordshire Terrier Mastiff cross puppy, Gypsy the Shih Tzu Maltese cross and two new friends, Molly a black Labrador and Jazz a Kelpie.

After about 15 minutes, it was getting dark so we walked further on, away from home to explore new territory. On the way home we came across Melba the Border Collie again.

Our walks are gradually becoming longer in distance. We are training for a big adventure this coming weekend.

a puppy trail

As the days become shorter, even 15 minutes makes a big difference. I try to return home from work by 5.30pm, but didn't leave work today until 5.15pm via the markets for bones and chicken wings (and two fresh lamb hearts).

We didn't set off for our walk until 5.45pm. Kane wanted to visit Jet, but I persuaded him to head towards Cook oval as it was getting dark.

As we approached the path to the oval, we saw Adam with Melba the Border Collie who were walking the other way, so we turned around and followed them. The path eventually led us towards the shops, which we walk to on Saturdays, but instead of going to the shops we followed the green way (bicycle path) that we walk when we take the long way home from the shops.

It was a nice long walk even as the light was fading.

puppy party

This evening, Kane decided he wanted to visit Macquarie oval. He had the choice of turning right (Cook oval) or left (Macquarie oval) as we left the front yard.

Kane also decided to visit Jake's house first (I merely followed him), but Jake was already out on his walk.

At Macquarie oval, there was a puppy party in progress - with Sammy and Kayla the Belgian Shepherds, Jake the Kelpie (Labrador cross as we found out last week), Jack the Jack Russell Terrier (cross), Rosie the Kelpie puppy and Viva the blonde Labrador.

It was all very exciting with lots of running around. Kane didn't know who to chase.

I will have to keep an eye on the time of sunset. Since daylight saving ended, I am leaving work earlier so that we can start our walks at 5.30pm. Unfortunately it is dark by 6.15pm. We might have to go on our walks in the morning instead.

A bigger dog than Kane

This evening, we returned to Cook oval as I had arranged a play-date with a friend of mine and his Border Collie.

Kane knew his way on our fourth visit to the other oval.

My friend Adam was there with Melba the Border Collie. She is also a ball chaser. Kane finds chasing balls so uncouth.

While we were there, a huge giant dog turned up. Maggie the Wolfhound made Kane look little. Kane was quite pleased to meet a big dog whose nose was at the right height.

It was another exciting walk. Unfortunately, even though I leave work earlier, it gets dark after about half an hour into our walk.

Kane's ear

new friends

This evening we went to Cook oval instead, where the grass is a lot nicer and greener.

We met some new canine friends including Buffy a Rottweiler, Pepper a brindle coloured Staffordshire Terrier Mastiff cross puppy, Gypsy a very little something, and Carla a Kelpie Sheltie cross.

While Kane refused to join in fetching a frisbee or ball, he did his share of running after the doggies who did.

Now that daylight saving is over, we need to leave earlier (as soon as I return home from work) before it gets dark.

Visiting Kettles

Today was quite an exciting day.

This morning we walked to the shops again as Sunday mornings are always busy there and there are lots of things to see. Kane wore his footy scarf and a passer by asked about it.

On the way home, we visited Klaudia's place where Kane met Kettles the cat. Kettles was a bit wary at first but became very tolerant when she realised that Kane wouldn't hurt her.

This evening, we went on our walk to the oval an hour earlier as the clocks went back an hour for the end of daylight saving. We went to Jet's house first to see how he was doing after his accident. Then we went to Jake's house but he was already out. We stopped past Jack's house and he and Jake had just returned from the oval.

Thankfully, Nell was at the oval. She was very silly. She wanted to play with Kane and as she is smaller, she kept on jumping to be close to his face. Of course I asked Kane to lie down so Nellie wouldn't need to keep jumping. She loves Kane. We were out for about an hour.

Kane's nose and tongue

Saturday

Today wasn't quite a Kane Day. We only went on one walk today.

This morning we walked to the shops. After I had finished and exited, I walked past Kane and pretended I didn't see him. Even for an old dog, I couldn't fool him. Two passers by had a laugh and I had to explain that I was just playing a trick.

We walked around the outside of the shopping complex and met a young brown (possibly Staffordshire Terrier) puppy who was tied up. The puppy just wanted to play.

Later in the afternoon, Kim P came over and Kane barked at the door. It wasn't a deep bark but more of a higher pitched woof. Therese also came over to ask for a bone. She reported that Jet had an accident in their yard earlier today and had severed an artery and had to go to the vet. Thankfully Jet was repaired. Therese thought the bone would help to quieten him.

Later, I left Kane and went with Kim to go out to dinner.

I returned late and Kane smelt Tex on me.

This is Tex.


Hopefully Tex can come to visit soon.

Poor Kane, he didn't go on an evening walk. I shall have to make it up to him tomorrow.

Kane's nose

being led

This evening we went on our regular* walk.

We met Jack along the way, who was just returning from the oval. Viva had been there earlier, but nobody was there when we arrived.

This time, I kept Kane on the lead for the whole time, not that he needs to be led as he is quite habitual and does walk the exact same route on his own.

Kane had a cooked dinner tonight - veal mince with peas and pasta. Last night's was also fresh - raw veal mince mixed with cooked rice. Of course, it all tastes rather fishy because of the cod liver oil and Sasha's blend.

*aside from the regular walk, there is the minimum walk (around the block), the walk to the shops (which is slightly longer), and a myriad of other variations, including to the markets etc.

Viva la Viva

This evening's walk was a short one, not as in a shorter distance as we went to Macquarie oval, but we didn't stay too long.

I left work with Stella who came over after work. We went to the markets first and she was rather astounded at my canine food shopping (small beef and lamb bones, a large beef bone, lambs liver, chicken wings and pork rind). Kane must have a better deal than her poor Dexter.

Stella then went home to get changed out of her work clothes, and Kane and I went on our walk. We met up with Jack, Rosie and Nell and made a new friend with a blonde Labrador called Viva. They all played so well together.

Viva




Unfortunately we couldn't stay too long as Nell and Viva were leaving, as was Jack, so we went home too.

Stella returned to pass some time before going to dinner at Lil's place (our back neighbour - what a small world).

showing the young pups who is boss

This evening's walk was another exciting one.

We went to Jake's house, but he wasn't ready so we went ahead. We met up with Jack the Jack Russell Terrier and Rosie the Kelpie puppy. Jack and Rosie were chasing each other around. Milco the Beagle puppy then arrived.

Kane was the biggest dog there and was intent on exerting his top dog status over Milco. As if that wasn't embarrassing enough, Jack joined in to show Kane that he was boss and he is a much smaller dog.

Jake arrived as I was trying to walk Kane home. He struggled to stay so I let him off his leash and he ran back to the oval. Sasha's Blend must be working as his strides were long, unlike his usual running like an old dog. Anyway, after a few minutes of exerting his status over Milco again, it was time to leave.

As if that wasn't enough excitement for the evening, Momo the Shi Tzu/Maltese puppy came to visit us at home.

As always, Momo was fascinated by Kane and smelled him from head to tail to make sure that all that fur belonged to the same dog. He followed Kane everywhere like a pesky puppy, which he is. Kane was very patient and placid. Kane even had his dinner while Momo watched.

another puppy party

This evening's walk was another exciting one.

We walked to Jake's house first and Kane just walked in when the door was opened! I have to teach him some manners! Once Jake and his person Nick were ready, we walked with them to the oval.

The Belgian Shepherds Sammy and Shayla were there, but they were apart from the main puppy party and left soon after. Jack the Jack Russell Terrier was there, along with Lil the oversized black Labrador and Kosi the undersized Blue Heeler. The Japanese Spitz Yoshi and Kumi were also there (we had not seen them for awhile). And a new Kelpie puppy called Rosie. She was so cute. Bronte the Golden Retriever also appeared for a quick visit.

It was terribly exciting. While Kane likes catching up with his canine friends, he also likes to say hello to the people.