Winnie the Pooh Settles In

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Well, the last couple of days have been an adventure. Winston (I've decided to keep his name) has been quite sad and timid but he is getting more comfortable.  When he is nervous or sad, he burries his head in my lap and waits to be comforted. He did this to the groomer this afternoon too and the groomer just about teared up by how sweet he was.

 

At home I threw out my futon and turned the guest bedroom into his room. I put his stinky old bed (gotta get him a new one) and his food dishes (these are quite nice so I think I'll keep em) in the room, and I got him some new toys (his owner didn't give me any toys for him, I guess he didn't have any)...

 

Giving him his own room has helped him I think. It is a place to go to get away from bouncy, kissy, Sophie-Bear, and to eat and rest in peace. I've been keeping him in the room with the door closed while I'm at work to make sure he doesn't get into any mischief with Sophie. He handles this very well.

 

When we are at home of course I let him have free reign of the whole place. He likes lying on the cool floor by the front door, or playing with Sophie in the living room. Sometimes he sits nicely beside me and puts his paw on my leg or arm asking to be pet. I don't think there's anything sweeter in the whole world.

 

When I went to bed last night Sophie Bear took her usual spot on floor by the foot of the bed, Penelope started crawling all over me as usual, and Winston stood there in the doorway of my room, looking at me. That's when I realized he was probably confused about where he was supposed to sleep, having been used to sleeping in the basement in his old house. I called him to my side and comforted him and he eventually settled on the floor beside me where he stayed all night.

 

We've gone for many a long walks and he is so so good, only pulling when he encounters the occassional squirrel. In the park, he greeted many new friends with ease and didn't show any signs of discomfort. I can tell Sophie-Bear is proud to show off her new big brother to all her friends. Winston likes to chase balls and sticks and really perked up when we were running on the grass chasing each other. I was so happy to see him come alive like that.

 

This afternoon I took Winston to the groomer, who adored him from the get-go. I was a little worried at first because he was so nervous, but after I picked him up and brought him home he seemed so much happier, and I'm pretty sure his skin is a little less itchy. And Oh Boy, is he ever handsome now with his clean soft fuzzy fur.

 

All Clean Winnie-Poo!

Pretty Soon you'll be as good as new!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad she prescribed the oral antibiotics. I think that will help a lot. Your vet sounds great, despite the high prices. I'm sure Winston will be feeling a lot better soon!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I am out of the loop on this, but Winnie is ADORABLE and I hope he gets well soon and the allergies can get under control.  He is so very very very lucky to have found you :)

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

What rat news, Sherri! I know all these vet bills add up, but as far as I'm concerned, I'd rather pay more and make sure our doodles are in tip top shape than always wonder "what if". I hope his ears clear up soon, and that you find a good way to deal with his allergies!!!! And of course everyone at the office loved him...I mean, just look at him!!! He's so beautiful and cuddly! So happy for this update!!! Keep us in the loop!

[Terrlyn]

I love reading your stories about him. I'm really glad he's settling in comfortably :)

[BG and Gavin]

Glad for the comprehensive check up.  Don't worry Sherri, you will make the financial situation work.  I would not worry about the bed, if he is anything like Gavin, he prefers the floor anyway as long as he is near you.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I hate combination drugs since you can't change the dosage of only one drug. Also, the trimeprazine is probably quite sedating unlike newer antihistamines since it's related to the antipsychotics.. I'd think you'd pay less and have more flexibility if you got separate, generic versions of the component drugs.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

My thoughts exactly.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks F. I remember there was some talk of this yesterday but I sort of lost track of what was decided. Is the suggestion that I go with claratin and get the steroid component from the vet? They are very receptive to my suggestions so if I call tomorrow and see if i can change it up...

[F, Calla & Luca]

I would certainly talk to the vet and get the vet's ideas on this.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Great to hear the update and especially that his ears are finally getting sorted because that must have been mighty awful for him.  When you have them clear perhaps think about using Thornit powder as a preventative. I think it's pretty great and not expensive.  On the bed, I ordered a great dog duvet cover from etsy.com (bow wow dog beds) which is reasonably priced.   The XL is $40.   It takes four standard pillows and is made of really great hardwearing fabric.  You get to choose the colour and they print the name on the cover, really cute and very comfy.

Winston is simply gorgeous and I admire you so much for this great act of kindness (even though I can see you are getting a lot back as he is such a darling doodle)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks Nicky. The Thorn it powder is what i have been meaning to buy. i hear good things about it. Thanks for the reminder. I will definitely order some.

[shelly]

AWE... SHERRI!  WHAT DID I MISS???? Anew addition?  See what happens when life interferes with your social hours!  SOOOO stinkin' cute!  Love the story!