On the mend

Doug reports that Boscoe was so excited to see Riley last night that he leaped around the yard and went into the play bow repeatedly. "He was huffing at him like a bull," Doug said. Riley, woozy, wanted none of it. Slept a lot.

This morning he seems fine, but subdued. We soaked his kibble in warm water for easier chewing, and he's on Rimadyl for seven days. He is spending a lot of time denned up in his favorite spot under the kitchen table, like he did two years ago after he was stung by wasps (That's what the picture is from. I haven't taken a new one.)

Amy asked what the signs are that a dog is in pain, so I'll quote from the hand-out sheet they gave us:

Whining, howling, whimpering, groaning

Restless, reluctant to move, trembling, seeking attention

Withdrawing from social interaction, sleeping more

Licking, biting, scratching

Grimaces, vacant stare; glazed, wide-eyed or looks sleepy (when doesn't Riley have a vacant stare?)

Aggression when normally gentle; acting out of character

Other than being extraordinarily quiet and denning up, Riley doesn't really exhibit any of these symptoms. I think he's like any of us would be after a tooth was pulled--woozy from drugs, and a little out of sorts.

After his mushy breakfast this morning he walked into the living room and did a big ol' scoot. Man. You just get finished taking care of one end, and the other end goes...