Blogging from A to Z: Dogs resemble their owners, yes?

I’ve heard of dogs and how, if you put their photos side-by-side with their owners, many look like they are related. However, have you ever heard of dogs getting ailments similar to their adoptive parents?

It was a week before I left for California on business that Hershey began having problems with his lower back. One night right before bed, he sat on our bed and cried. For over an hour, he whined like he was in excruciating pain. It was heartbreaking! We have a central emergency vet so I called them to let them know we were coming. Hershey loves car rides and going “bye-bye” but even he didn’t enjoy the ride to the vet. One hundred and forty nine dollars later, I was driving home with anti-inflammatories for my dog for a possible back/hip problem. The vet asked that I try this treatment for eight days and see how Hershey progressed. It was suggested that he hurt his back while playing and perhaps pulled a muscle. He was to take it easy. Uh, hum.

Thank goodness Hershey likes string cheese. I discovered that pills disappear among the dense, buttery Mozzarella and become almost undetectable to an excited, expectant dog. He received treatment for five days before I had to leave for California. Joe didn’t want to risk giving him the pills, since it was iffy if Hershey would even eat without me present (I know, ridiculous, right? I have that effect on dogs — I can make them eat and poop. Yay, me.)

He was fine upon my return and I thought we had dodged a serious bullet (like there is any other kind). The next weekend he experienced another night of distress and I gave him more anti-inflammatories. Fast forward to Wednesday where Hershey is being seen by a new vet – Airport Veterinary Clinic. After I talked with the kind, compassionate vet, they took Hershey back to x-ray his spine and hips, to see if it was a muscular-skeletal issue. I’d seen hip dysplasia in dogs and it wasn’t pretty. And, Hershey was young. He had just turned 2-years-old March 22. Poor Joe wondered if he was brushing him too hard.

This morning Hershey was x-rayed and the vet said his hips were “beautiful.” Of course, that swelled Hershey’s head a bit. His spine was also healthy and that was also good news. The vet thought he was suffering from Colitis or inflammatory bowel disease and that it was precipitated by a change in routine at the Weidenbenner house. Well, I did just travel to California for five days. And, before that, I was stressed out about getting things done at work so I was working long hours. And, Joe worked a lot outside, sans Hershey, and the weather had gotten oddly warm for this time of year. Anything out of the ordinary? Nah.

About three days before I travel, I get an upset stomach. I’ve traveled for years – about 27 to be exact. I’ve traveled overseas, and to many states. I have the cookbooks to prove it! No matter how long I have traveled or how organized I am (I can pack in about 30 minutes), I still get a nervous stomach. It seems I’ve transferred this anxiety to my dog. Really?

REALLY?

Hershey had to be sedated prior to his x-rays so he was high as a kite on the ride home. I went through Java Haute for a Chai tea and the drive-up person offered Hershey a bacon treat. Hershey looked up at her with glassy eyes and a goofy grin. Just when you think he can’t look any cuter!

So, I’m thankful to God that Hershey is healthy and is an overly active dog. I’ve been praying that God would help me be more active. I’ve been swimming with Joe at ISU and feel better than ever (even my knees). I just didn’t think that God would use Hershey to prompt me into compliance.

So, it’s Wednesday, and beginning Saturday, I commit to taking Hershey to the park at least three times per week, to get additional exercise, expand his social horizons, and increase my heart rate. I got Hershey two weeks before my mom died of undiagnosed heart failure – did I say that already? I was hoping that mom would help me raise Hershey. It seems that in some sense, she is. Thanks, Mom!