October 5, 2012

White Dog and the others cheered when we came home from the vet and shared our news about both Nuka and Quinn. Both were sniffed and then playfully nudged and jostled as the White Dog Army celebrated double bills of clean health!

Nuka amazed Dr. Julia at how quickly she has bounced back from the infection. While our girl is no longer on the pain meds or antibiotic, we must continue the swabbing regimen and using the steroidal ointment until the tube is used up--just as a precaution. Another White Dog now sports a closely trimmed "potty path" so the area stays germ-free. She may be over the crisis but I believe she has, during our need to treat her, discovered that she likes being cuddled like a babe in arms. It is a very nice moment of togetherness AND gives us the chance to brush her belly, trim her nails or just give her a time out when she gets stressed.

Sugaring was Quinn's salvation for his leg wound. It is now completely closed up and correctly healed. Fine new furs are beginning cover his shaved leg. He is fully resting his weight on and walking upon the formerly painful and wounded limb. He is walking almost normally. And the cooler weather has seemingly made a positive difference in his manic-ness. The Mighty Quinn is back!

As if to prove that very point, The Other White Dog gave us a tremendous anniversary gift yesterday. He asked...no, really insisted..on joining the White Dog Army on our afternoon jaunt. It has been months since Quinn has felt up to the idea of car rides and except for trips to the vet, we have let him stay home to mind the ranch.

But yesterday, proudly wearing "his" WDA orange harness (not the help-me suitcase handle one), TOWD hopped up on Pumpkin's way back seat next to Nuka and the entire White Dog Army rode to the little hidden Cottonwood Bosque where we stepped out of time and routine to just be together. He opted to stay in the car and not walk, but the others came back with stories and scents to sniff and he was happy at my side.

We celebrated with a special treat that only he and White Dog had previously experienced. We carried out Pupusas from a tiny El Salvadorean restaurant in the South Valley and rushed home to enjoy them while still steamy hot. Pupusa are stuffed tortillas, but really more of a stuffed corn pancake filled with cheese, or beef or chicken or a local flower...or White Dog's favorite, chicharones. Traditionally they are served with sweet cabbage and hot sauce (which the WDA skipped). Needless to say, not a single White Dog issued a complaint or said "no thanks."

And then our Mighty Quinn was spent. He crashed into a heavy nap and didn't waken until Steve shook him to eat dinner. Then again, ALL of the WDA slept pretty well last night.