Tucker laying on a comfy bed
It was a pretty new adventure for Mr. Tucker who has spent most of his 15 years of life in a pen. He must have been at least once as he is neutered. He handled it like a trooper! Dr. David Loff is perhaps the kindest and most gentle vet I have ever met. He handles the rescue dogs so kindly and respectfully. Tucker’s ears were dirty. We knew this and we had been trying to clean them but we didn’t do it right. Dr. Loff squirted some ear cleaning solution into his hear and proceeded to rub around his ear canals with gauze pulling out all the gunk. Tucker started making noise…we thought it was a growl at first but Dr. Loff clarified that it was actually a groan and likely meant a ‘little to the left please.’ I almost cried. Tucker was so clearly enjoying something that most other dogs hate. Likely he has never had his ears cleaned before and there was 15 years of gunk built up in them along with a yeast infection.
Tucker also has arthritis in his hips and so he was started on cartrophen injections, he will get one a week for 4 weeks and he is on metacam to try and reduce the amount inflammation and pain in his hips. He also has a bladder infection so we are off to pick up medication for that and it may (or may not) help with his incontinence problems.
All in all, for a 15 year old dog Tuck is in pretty good shape. Tucker is a SAINT and he is up for adoption. He is a great dog and deserves a home of his own. In the meantime he will be fostered at chez Thomas. Adopting a senior dog will change your life.
Laughing Tucker
Tucker looking kind of regal
August 16, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Dr. Loff really was incredibly gentle and kind with Tucker. It’s great that Tuck’s first experience with a Vet (in many years undoubtedly) was so positive. He has no reason to fear going back, and, given the look of pure joy Tucker gave Dr. Loff when he was getting his ear massage, the doc is Tuck’s newest best friend.
August 18, 2008 at 9:37 pm
A friend of mine found and posted your blog (please don’t ask me how). When I went in to check it out, I found myself totally enthralled. Agreeing with many of your points, disagreeing with a few. Killed a day reading it from start to finish.