I haven't been on YT in the last couple of weeks, and I am just seeing this. I am so sorry you and Jackson are going through this. My heart goes out to you both. I truly admire you and the love you have for Jackson.

I am by nature a worry wart. I inherited this wonderful trait from my mom. So I know exactly what you are going through. I worry everything, especially when it comes to my Taycie. I just want you to know you are doing a wonderful job. I wish Taycie and I could give you and Jackson a big hug!

I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers for a continued recovery:)

I think it's good to stick with the current vet who is treating him to get him through this episode, but I can completely understand wanting to run it by another vet who will answer your questions (not necessarily question the current treatment plan - which I know you aren't). I'd like to be told exact amounts on things too. That's why I go to the vet, because I want the expert to spell it out for me once a diagnosis has been made. Hopefully, he'll continue to improve resting at home and with the extra fluids.

As far as keeping him entertained and calm, does he like massages? I know Rory who is probably about as go-go-go as Jackson, will sit still for very long periods of time when I'm massaging her little ears and neck and shoulders. She'll close her eyes and lick her lips, and it's like she is destressing and getting the weight of the world off her shoulders. We actually do this every night now where she lays on my chest for her massage for probably 30 minutes after her nightly teeth brushing, and I know she looks forward to it. I think it's actually made her a more snuggly dog in general. Usually, it relaxes her enough that she'll nap afterwards (even not at bedtime). It seems like the more you could get Jackson to nap maybe the less bored he would be (I know they nap when they are bored) and maybe his body could rest up to heal better.

I think you are doing a great job and just stressing yourself out trying to do everything perfectly for him. I never feel bad about asking questions, and if someone makes me feel like I'm an annoyance, then when the appropriate time comes I have no problem finding someone who will listen and explain things to me in a way that I can understand.

I know what you mean by this. I often go in to the vet or doctor with a pad of paper and a list of questions, and I take notes on their answers. It seems to unnerve or even annoy them. But I do it anyway. And if they give evasive answers, like "feed him less, blah blah blah" I'll go "uh huh, yes, okay...so how much do I feed him in cups, exactly?" and just insist on a clear answer. Which DOES annoy them, but I just do it anyway. I hate getting a vague answer, because it could mean anything to me. After this crisis is over, I would look for a different vet if I were you.

Oh, and I would not listen to techs. In my experience, if you ask the vet and the tech the same question, you will get a completely different answer from each. And I take the vet's word over the tech's.

Just wondering how you and Jackson are doing today.

Thank you.

Yes, Jackson does seem to enjoy getting a little massage. I did this last night and he calmed down quickly and went to bed. Rory sounds like Jackson so much! It has been really nice having him snuggle more. He used to go under the bed every night for the first 1/2 hour or so and then hop in bed but now he curls up right against my leg from the get-go and sleeps all night like that with me. Very cute! :D


Yes, I agree! I know better than to just listen to solely the techs. I hate getting conflicting answers from everyone!! Grrr.

Oh well. We'll see how the vet is that I see on Tuesday at this same clinic and take it from there.

Jackson is doing very seemingly well. He's eating fine, he's drinking normal (in addition to the fluids he has) and acting totally normal. But I am keeping him rested. It was much too hot yesterday to do anything anyways so there was nothing else we could have done even if he wanted. He relaxed most of the day and I just gave him a few small play sessions inside. I went to the bank this morning and took him for a car ride with me and then we came back home. He's now been sleeping since.

I have another family BBQ to go to today, lol, and he is certainly NOT coming with me this time. :p But I'll be gone for about 6hrs so that will give him a lot of time to just stay home and sleep.

Glad to hear that Jackson is doing better. Poor little guy. It's just the pits to see them when they are not feeling well.

Awww....., Sooooooo GLAD to hear Jackson is doing better!!!! xoxo

Riley and I have a double doggie birthday bbq we are attending tonight 5pm.
It is supposed to be Hot as Heck...so not sure how long we will last. I will definitely make sure I bring his water/gulpy along!! :)

How is Jackson today? Did he get some rest while you were out?

Puppy massage is great and I'm glad Jackson is enjoying it. We were not able to go out walking tonight, so my boys enjoyed some shoulder and neck rubs and nuzzling (since I won't let them wrestle each other for the time being, lol).

It has been almost a week. His food almost certainly can start to be increased now (but only if his vet okays it). You don't need to go with 1/4 cup long term.

I agree with Cathy on the Kong thing. It will come in handy later.

I hope Jackson is getting stronger and better each day. I am sure you both missed each other a lot today. You have such a special bond with each other, and Jackson has thrived with your love and devotion to him. He's going to get better, and hopefully this will be a small blip in your wonderful life together. I believe that times like these make the love and bond even stronger. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Jackson.

He is good. Extremely bored, but well. :)

Thanks -- I, too, think it would be okay to increase his food a bit. He's acting starving and I just don't think 1/4 cup is enough for him.

When he was eating 1/2 cup of kibble per day, he was also getting lots of treats, bully sticks, people food, and canned food. Really, a dog is size, eating solely kibble, would be fine with 3/4 cup of food or more (a healthy Jackson, lol). So I think I will up it tomorrow. Maybe split 1/2 cup into 3-4 meals. We go again at 1:30 for a "re-fill" on the fluids tomorrow.

Thank you so much. You always have the kindest words and say things in such a nice way! I wish I could relay my thoughts as beautifully as you! :D

We do have a really special bond. I can't even really explain it at all... there is something just so special about Jackson and I am so lucky to have been blessed with him in my life, and as my "first" dog, and such a fantastic best friend. I'd do anything to make sure he's healthy and sticks around for a long time! I really couldn't have asked for a better dog...

So happy to hear hear Jackson is feel better. Hopefully the food increase will be good for him too. Poor little guy has been through the wringer.

Good job Brit for being such a good Mommy, I know for a fact I wouldn't have been able to handle everything as well as you have.

Yup. My 15 pounder gets >1/2c/day, but we don't do many treats and no chews.