Another elderly German Shepherd, and finally a puppy party

This morning before I left for work, I gave Kane a quarter cut beef marrow bone as usual. He gnawed on it a bit while I was there, then realised I was going to leave for work. As I was locking up the back door, Kane went from the deck to the yard looking out from the side gate. When I left the house, I made sure that I gave him a wave.

When I returned home from work, thankfully Kane was not still behind the gate. There was still some light so we went on our walk straight away. As we passed the house next door we saw another German Shepherd across the road. I waved and we crossed to say hello. It was another elderly GS called Jody and she was 15 years old. Kane was happy to meet Jody, who was very friendly, while I chatted to her person about diets and arthritis. Jody still manages to walk well for up to 45 minutes at a time, but needs help climbing.





After the chat, we continued on our walk through the alley of the single small block. Then we crossed the road and headed to Cook oval. There was a puppy party on and Kane was pleased to catch up with many of his canine friends including Kel the blond Labrador, Molly the black Labrador, Tosca, Margot, Lucy and the two Shelties called Desker and Tully. It soon turned cold and dark and most went home, except for Kel and Molly. Then Kel left so we accompanied Molly and her person to Cook shops. Afterwards, we walked most of the way back together and Molly and her person turned off home before we crossed the road to our block.

It was a good 50 minute outing, which we hadn't done for some time.

Thursday

Just like yesterday, when I returned home from work, Kane was waiting behind the side gate, keeping an eye out for my arrival. Poor puppy, he must miss me when I am at work during the day.

This evening we walked the regular double small block. Kane walked at his own pace, stopping often to smell the canine gossip. Along the way, we met a really cool West Highland Terrier called Ted. Ted was being walked on the other side of the road and pulled his handler to come over.

It was a great walk that only took 22 minutes this time.

back to front

When I returned home from work, Kane was waiting behind the gate to watch for my arrival. Poor puppy, he must have missed me.

This evening's walk was the double small block in the opposite direction as usual. On the way, we visited next door to say hello on their front porch (the home of Scotch the Dobermann). The thing about the opposite walk is that Kane's side (on my left) passes the power poles, most of which Kane insisted on smelling. It wasn't a bad walk, with the visit next door and the regular smell stops, taking 25 minutes. We used to walk the big block in that time and now it is only a fraction of it in the same time.

back to regular walks

After the long walks on the weekend and yesterday's rest day, we returned to the regular walk this evening. This time, we went on the double small block walk and it took 23 minutes.

rest day

After yesterday's big walk, we had a rest today.

In the evening Margie's husband Luke came over to take Kane to the vet for his third (of four) Pentosan injection. At the veterinary clinic Kane wandered around smelling traces of previous patients. Kane also weighed in at 37.2 kg, a little less than the last weigh in - I could give him more to eat as his metabolism is probably faster in winter to stay warm.

We met a Bassett Hound called Ruffles, who was friendlier than the Bassett Hound from last time. There was also a huge Saint Bernard called Cujo, who was far too big for Kane to meet.

market walk

We went on our walk in the early afternoon. This time we finally walked to the market. Distance wise, it is only marginally further than walking to the regular shops on Saturdays. At the market, we went to the pet store as we had run out of Sashas Blend and I had not been organised enough to order more online beforehand.

At the pet store, Kane enjoyed walking around smelling all the dry packets of dog and cat food. We didn't see Splat the cat though. Poor puppy, it was quite a long walk for him and inside the store, he could not go up two steps after wandering the aisles so laid down to rest instead. Eventually Kane was able to get up and we made our purchase and walked home slowly.



It was probably far too long in distance. After we returned home, Kane slept soundly for a few hours.

finally the shop walk

We went on our walk in the early afternoon. This time, we walked to the shops taking the short way. It had been two weeks since Kane walked the route, so he wanted to check out all the gossip along the way.

After my shop, we walked around the outside of the shops like we used to do, then we walked home the short way. Kane did want to walk via the woods, but it would have been too long a walk.

Kane walked well, but now and again his back legs were wobbly - dragging each leg in front of the other.

I added spinach and zucchini to Kane's latest batch of dinners (for the next four nights). Tonight, Kane also had a small tin of sardines.

Today was a good day.

no party

We finally walked to Cook oval this afternoon but there was no party. We were perhaps too early. Kane also walked a lot better, taking proper steps at a good pace. It was a good 28 minute walk.

A non-collared wandering brown dog that looked like a Staffordshire Terrier (and possibly some Pit Bull) came close to us as we left the oval. I had to shoo him away as he was not neutered and still had his balls.

Thursday

It continued raining this morning.

This afternoon, we went on a walk around the double small block. It was a good walk including some at a good canter pace. 22 minutes was also good timing.

rest day

Poor puppy. It has been raining so we haven't been on a walk.

It was fine this morning, but I was sleeping. Poor puppy.

Tuesday

I was home with Kane for most of today.

We went on a walk in the early afternoon but it was only around the single small block. It was at a more restful pace but Kane was still dragging his back legs across each other instead of a normal canter steps. Forcing Kane to walk at a faster pace might be counter productive.

In any case, I have been giving Kane hind leg massages.

I left Kane in the afternoon for a medical appointment. The doctor (a professor) gave me the rest of the week off work. Puppy is lucky this week.

Monday

Margie came over this morning to take Kane to the vet for his second (of four) Pentosan injection. At the veterinary clinic, we met a great Bassett Hound who was a little shy. After returning Kane home, I went to work.

But then came home soon after on account of still being sick.

In the late afternoon, we walked the double small block. I had to force Kane to walk at a quicker pace to ensure he used his leg muscles properly and to build them up again. When Kane is really slow, his back legs cross in front of each other and looks wobbly. The vet thought perhaps Kane was thinking too much how to walk instead of just doing it. It's been a long time since Kane walked at a canter. The walk took 22 minutes, which is an improvement.

Lola goes home, and rest day

In the late afternoon, Margie and Mikey came over to take Lola home. When they came to the door, Lola barked and then Kane barked. Lola was very excited to see them. I explained to Margie about my trouble with the leash at times, and Lola was trained to sit when the leash is pulled. Oh!

Anyway, today has been a rest day. Mainly for my sake.

pack walk

Poor Kane, I walked to the shops without him as it is too strenuous a walk for him these days. I thought about taking Lola, but I wasn't sure how she would behave being tied up outside the shops.

We went on a pack walk together in the late afternoon along the double small block. On the way, Poppy the Kelpie puppy came outside her house (next door) to say hello. Then we continued. Separate walks would have been a better idea. Lola was very defiant to being led and on some five or six occasions stood her ground when I insisted that she not walk in front of me. Previous disciplined walks obviously worked better without a bigger pack.

Anyway, it was a rather slow walk with Kane's slow pace and Lola's defiance, taking nearly 40 minutes over such a short distance.

It was a good idea at the time.

when the short walk takes longer

I was off work today to try and recover from a nasty virus.

This afternoon, Kane and I went on our walk. It was the double small block walk. It took 30 minutes and was very slow. Poor puppy, his arthritis seems to be getting worse. Hopefully he'll get better soon once the medication settles.

Afterwards, Lola and I went on our walk. It was the big block walk. We met a Rottweiler on the way, who was very friendly. On the way back we met the very overweight black Labrador Lil and the blue and red heelers (Australian cattle dogs) Kosi and Jeanie. I had to re-establish rules and boundaries like the other day - not allowing Lola to walk in front - and we had a very good structured and disciplined walk at my pace. The walk took under 30 minutes.

rest day

Poor puppies. I haven't been able to take them on walks today. I returned home from work in the early afternoon as I was feeling really sick and slept for most of the afternoon.

single walks on the double, then triple

After I returned home from work, Kane and I went on our walk around the double small block. It was quite a good walk actually as Kane picked up his pace half way. The walk took under 20 minutes.

Afterwards, I left Kane guarding by the front door while Lola and I walked the second shift. We saw a Border Collie run past (and Kane's barks of acknowledgement), who then turned around to say hello. They continued on the right and Lola wanted to follow, but I wouldn't allow her and led her in the opposite direction, so she promptly sat down in protest. It didn't take her long to agree and we walked the triple small block. It was a great walk actually - disciplined and on a short leash. I refused to let Lola walk ahead and stood in front facing her every time she tried. Eventually she agreed to walk beside me at my pace, so I kept the pace at a more relaxing one. It took 25 minutes. It was such a great walk with the leash loose that I even forgot she was beside me. Good dog!

After the first dose of the Metacam with dinner last night, Kane still has a good appetite. Loss of appetite is a side effect of that medication. It will take a few more days to be fully effective. Hopefully it won't be a problem.

(eventually, Lola took over the mat)

the major vet visit

This morning when I let Kane out, he still had trouble negotiating the deck steps and I had to help him up.

I took Kane to the vet this morning. Thankfully, some local taxis do allow canine passengers. On the way over, the driver thought Kane could sit on the floor by the front seat. No way could he fit in such a small space, but he allowed Kane on the back seat as I brought a large cotton throw rug.

When we arrived, Kane stepped up on the scales. His weight was 37.8 kg, so he has maintained a good weight over the past 6-7 months. Kane doesn't have much body fat so the Rob the vet suggested he could eat more, and even carbohydrates.





The vet started Kane on another course of Pentosan 100 (sodium pentosan polysulfate) injections for his arthritis, with another three injections over the next three weeks. Kane is now also on a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication called Metacam (meloxicam), indefinitely and taken with food.

The vet also thought that Kane's back legs, particularly the rump, had lost some condition with lack of use, until I explained that we have been walking. There is a delicate balance between not aggravating arthritis and walking to maintain muscle condition. Hopefully with the current treatment we can build up Kane's leg muscles again.

I mentioned to Rob the vet that Kane was still perky even though his joints were making him struggle, and Rob agreed that Kane still has a lot of spark. He also remarked that Kane was the oldest canine he's seen. Many close to his age suffer from dementia.

After we returned home, I gave Kane a cup of kibble (Lola had the last chicken wing) and went to work.

After I returned from work, Kane and I went on the small block walk. It took 17 minutes, like during the hot summer.

I then left Kane in and took Lola on a walk, firstly around the triple small block and then we continued towards the woods before I thought better and turned up an alley. Unfortunately, Lola did not agree and sat down in protest at this change in direction. Golden Retrievers can be stubborn! I finally coaxed her to follow my lead. Our walk was probably five times the distance but took 27 minutes.

After Kane's dinner, I let him out the back while I went inside to fill up Lola's bowl with her kibble (as she had finished her 700g can). When I went outside, I saw Kane climbing up the deck steps by himself. It was a great sight to behold!

Still, I will construct a ramp for him in the next few days.

rest day

It rained after I returned home from work so we didn't go on a walk.

I also found Kane stuck at the bottom of the steps from the deck struggling to climb up. He is having great difficulty with stairs. I will have to help him now, until I can make a ramp. Poor puppy, he has only fallen twice before, but recovered. I fear his shoulders and hips are deteriorating rapidly.

Perhaps we should have more rest days.

When I helped Kane up the steps, Lola kept on getting in the way wanting to play making it difficult. She should be fine without a walk today.

small and big block walks

In the late afternoon, we walked the double small block together and Lola was content to walk at Kane's pace. It took 19 minutes.

After the short walk, I returned Kane home and took Lola on the big block walk. We walked at a fast pace and even met Viva the golden Labrador along the way. Lola really wanted to play, but Viva was on her way home. We walked at a fast pace and had two bursts of running at the start and the end. It took 20 minutes.



Before going on a walk

shift walks

Poor puppy, yesterday's big block was probably too much for him and he was a little sore today.

In the early afternoon, we left Lola at home in the backyard and walked to the shops the short way there and back. It was quite a slow walk, nearly 30 minutes each way, but Kane does like to come to the shops with me.

After I returned home, I left Kane by the front door, looking out through the screen door, while Lola and I then went for a walk at a faster pace. As Lola and I walked past the front, Kane barked. Good dog!

Lola and I walked via the double small block to Cook oval and back. At Lola's place, it took 20 minutes, but it is now a rather long walk for Kane.

Though Kane enjoys walking in a pack, it takes quite an effort to control Lola on the leash, which in turn means Kane's special needs could get overlooked.

Lola is still enjoying her stay including running to the neighbouring fences to bark at the dogs next door and behind.

finally the big block walk

In the mornings before I leave for work, I usually give Kane a quarter of a beef marrow bone, so we have a double supply with Lola staying over. Kane is content to gnaw on his on the deck, but Lola takes her piece into the yard, guarding it. Silly dog!

This evening we went on the big block walk. The usual 35 minutes turned into 42 minutes. Not so bad with two big dogs, walking at different paces.

Kane hasn't barked for sometime. Nevermind, Lola makes up for it, conversing with the neighbouring canines.

like yesterday

Just like yesterday evening, we walked the triple small block. I haven't timed it yet, but it must surely take a little bit longer than usual. Anyway, on the way home we saw Bruno the chocolate Labrador. Lola was very excited and wanted to engage in play but it was too boisterous for us human handlers.

Kane eats his food in one sitting but takes his time, while Lola tends to graze and leaves her food. I've managed to discourage Kane from eating her food, by claiming it and not giving him permission.

triple on the double

I was home from work earlier than usual so we went on our walk while still just daylight. It was only around the triple small block, firstly with Kane and Lola both on my left, and then Lola on my right. Poor Lola, I made her walk at Kane's slower pace. There is just no possibility of Kane walking any faster. It was hard work restraining Lola to a slower pace on the leash.

Lola, as boisterous as most Golden Retrievers, is gradually slowing down to Kane's level of calm energy.

Lola

After I returned home from work, we went on our walk and it was along the triple small block. It took 29 minutes, a little bit longer than usual as most of the walk was leashed except towards the end when I let Kane walk at his own pace, stopping and sniffing.

Later tonight, Lola arrived. She will be staying for one and a half weeks. She's a funny dog. She heard a door bell ring from the television and barked. Kane didn't.

no party

There was still some light when I returned home from work, so we walked to Cook oval via the small block alley. Unfortunately, there was not another canine in sight at Cook oval. No party.

No matter, we did our usual walk, unleashed. I let Kane do his own thing, stopping to smell at his leisure. It was a great 29 minute outing.

Sunday

Poor puppy, it was sunny today but we spent all day indoors where I didn't do anything but vegetate on the couch.

In the early evening, we did go on our walk. It was the triple small block walk - a good walk but it took 29 minutes, four minutes more than usual. Kane is slowing down a bit, but we walked at a good pace.

express shop walk

We went on our weekly shop walk in the early afternoon. It was really cold, windy and cloudy so it we walked the short way to the shops and then back again as rain seemed imminent. On the way, we met a Beagle called Gracie.

It was very much an express walk - 20 minutes there, 20 minutes rest while I shopped, and 20 minutes back again.

In the end, it didn't rain, but was still very cold. Poor puppy, we only went on the one walk today.

Friday

Poor puppy, I meant to take him on an early morning walk to make up for yesterday's rest day due to the rain. Didn't happen.

After I returned home from work, we went on our walk straight away. Already dark, it was really cold and we went on the double small block walk. This time, it took 16 minutes, compared to 20 minutes on Wednesday.

Later on, Brendan and Lavinia came over but Kane didn't bark when they came to the door, though admittedly, it was before I put his dinner down. B&L brought over hotdogs to make for our viewing of the footy match between Collingwood and Essendon. Pfft result.

weather for ducks

Poor puppy, it has been cold, wet and raining. Ideal weather for ducks but not for humans and canines to go outside for walks. So today is a rest day.

smallerising the walks

Late last night or rather at 3am, Kane was awake and panting very heavily, which made me worry. He stood up and nuzzled me at the bed, so I got up and let him out the back. He must have needed to go and was uncomfortable. Given Kane's advanced age, I am constantly on the alert for any signs that he is in any pain or discomfort.

We went on our walk this evening, but only on the double small block that took 20 minutes. Given that Kane tires and really slows down towards the end of our regular 25 minute walks, it may be time to scale down (or smallerise*) the walks.

Later tonight, Jingo came over but Kane was having his dinner at the time, so didn't go to the door and bark. Jingo is staying a few nights, on his way to Sydney, and then Jakarta to join Emily on her work posting.

*The opposite of smallerise is biggify.