After far too many months of illness we had begun to think that our little circus dog, Tucker, would never play ball again. He simply had no desire to even get up.
However, tonight at the dinner table a ball suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Bob said, “Where did this come from?”
To which the Little Dog enthusiastically replied,
“Arf!”
So, with medication, and some exercise, in small doses at first, it would seem that the Little Dog still has a few good years left in him.
Can you feel the happiness!
Life on the Farmlet 
So glad he felt like playing ball, know you must be relieved. It’s tough seeing a pet not feel well.
We are relieved that he is better! Thank you, Rosemary’s granddaughter.
His disease was very gradual and subtle coming on. Sadly, we look back now and realize that he had not been right for over a year before we got him to the vet for testing and a diagnosis. The medications are very powerful and we had to creep up on the dosing to get it just right.
how fun! i’m so glad this story has a happy ending! – or a new beginning!
Thank you, Lisa. We really never expected Tucker to regain his energy again. We are so glad for him because before he got so sick his life revolved around “The Ball.” So much so, that we actually had to spell the word or he would go grab it and not leave us alone till we played! And he could play for an hour and a DAY! 😀
how funny that you had to spell the word! that surely put huge smiles in your hearts to see him well again!
That little dog is too smart for his own good. We also have to spell walk, treat, and cheese. Breakfast and dinner are simply “B & D” as in, “Have you given the dogs their D yet?” They can have just eaten, and will be all over you for seconds if you say the whole word. I think Pavlov was onto something…
😉
they are obviously highly-intelligent creatures!
The terriers are very smart, Tucker is scary smart, the jury is out on Buddy… He appears to be a slow study. Then, if it works for the Little dog he will try it too.
Hooray! What wonderful news! I’ll bet you’re going to bed with a smile on your face tonight!
We certainly did, Linda! He was fun to watch running about on the lawns up on the mountain yesterday too!
Lynda – even if he doesn’t have a few more years left, just getting some quality of life for a few months more is priceless. How wonderful to see him playing!
Nancy
Yes, I agree, Nancy! You should have seen him on the lawn at the Mountain Farmlet yesterday. 😀
How wonderful that he is getting back to feeling well enough to play. That is great news.
Thank you, Yvonne, we are so happy!
Hip Hip Hooray!!
You must feel SO much better now?!
(It’s obvious that HE does; )
Yes, and yes, Deb! Thank you!
super news!
Thank you, Annie!
Lovely post. Thanks for my morning smile.
xo
That Little Dog has that effect on everyone, Diane! Thank you!
Oh, Lynda!!! I’m so happy for Tucker! He looks fit as can be! I see Buddy is looking disinterested in “ball” playing, and seems to assume the position (just in case Bob is interested) for a “reach down and I’m ready for a belly rub”!!!
Thank you, Lori, and yes, you are correct about Buddy! Funny boy, that Buddy…
He will act like he wants to play ball, but when you throw it he just runs off with it and wants you to chase him. 😛
That’s how I feel about our little bunny Jembalaya. She is binkying all over the place now. Cinnabun can’t keep up with her. Gladdens my heart so to read this post!
Thank you, Kathee! And thank you for sharing about Jem! I’m so glad she is on the mend too!
Cool! Have I told you about Flexicose? http://www.flexicose.com/Flexicose_Pets.html It’s really helped my hound, who is almost 14, and did wonders for a coworker’s small dog.
Thank you for this, Wildninja. Unfortunately, Tucker’s major problem was Cushing’s Disease. Cushing’s is caused by an over active pituitary or renal glands and causes kidney malfunction. That is why we were so shocked when suddenly he couldn’t hold his water and his belly started bulging. His lack of energy and constant hunger were dumbfounding for us. We are grateful to our vet for finding the cause, because at first another vet tried to tell us it was his thyroid, and his thyroid was fine.
all the way over here. We had a dog with Cushing’s as well so I understand.
Margaret, I have heard that this is a common ailment in dogs. My friend, who is a horse lover, told me that even horses can get the disease! How did your dog do on his medication?
Oh, good! I’m so glad to see him responding to having a ball to play with.
Thank you, Patti! You can’t imagine our surprise when he showed up with the ball and wanted to play. We haven’t played ball in MONTHS! 😀
That had to be a wonderful feeling, Lynda.
Oh yeah!
What a blessing! 🙂
Thank you, April, IT IS! 😀
Our Doxie Oscar had the problem for years but he suddenly gained weight and went on the medicine. I don’t remember how long he was on it. He lived to be 16 1/2 and was good until the last year or so. He, of course, ruled the house and was nice enough to let us live here and be on call for him.
It’s those little dogs that rule, isn’t it? I think it’s something in their eyes.
Do you think Tucker knows the joy he brought to the blogging world today? Hooray for all of you!
Nah, we didn’t tell him because it would certainly go to his head! (Kidding!) Thank you, LB!
That’s wonderful Lynda! He loves being with you and doesn’t intend to leave anytime soon.
Mary, I sure hope not. We love the Big dog, Buddy, but the Little dog is the one who tugs our heart strings hardest! 😉
Yes Lynda I can feel your happiness and I am so happy for Tucker.. when they stard playing again, it’s a good sign.
lovely week end to you and your family
Chantal, it really is a relief to see him regain some of his energy. And I hope your week end is lovely too!