Happy Tails - Furever Family Update, September 25, 2009

So, anyone seen the movie Jackie Brown? You know, walking on110th street? Well, if you happen to watch the opening scene and listen to the song, then simply replace Jackie's character with Alistair. Now add a tiny fedora tipped to one side, some 70s disco fever and a slight strut and you've got him. He is without a doubt the man on the block! He is saucy, spirited and full of kisses. What more could we have asked for?

We absolutely love having Alistair in our home, and are struggling to remember the days before him - and it has only been a week and half! He brought an energy into our home that has transformed these walls for good, and we couldn't be more delighted.

He is well behaved, full of love and is an amazing nuzzler. (Yes, he loves to hang out by our feet when we nap!). Thank you pugalug (and a special thank you to foster mom and dad, Jeanne and Scott) for opening your hearts so that a lovely little soul like Alistair could arrive and then come to live with us. If you are going to pugoween this year, then keep a look out for our little guy - but we aren't spilling what he will be dressed as. He hasn't fully decided yet.

Alistair is a very active, affectionate boy who loves to be with his people. He is never far from me regardless of my activity (although food prep is his favourite since veggies frequently 'fall from the heavens'). He is always ready for fun, whether it be an outing to the park, a nice walk, visiting with the neighbours or just having quality time with his toys.

Although he is happy to greet other dogs when we are out and about, he would prefer not to share the attention in his new home and instead have his humans all to himself. He doesn't mind sharing with cats though.

This agile boy is a champion table surfer, so my kids are now extra careful to push in their chairs after they leave the table. He will also try to climb into your lap in the car, so securing him in the back seat is a must. He also barks when he is excited...meal time....walk time....humans returning home time....but he is getting better.

Health wise, once his pneumonia cleared up Alistair developed a UTI (urinary tract infection). He has been on medication and prescription food to combat this and as of today, his urine is clear ! We are slowly weaning him off the prescription food and back onto a normal diet. The vet recommends that another urinalysis be done in a couple of months to ensure that all is well. Alistair is on Prednisone due to his rhinitis and the dosage has recently decreased by half. If he continues to do well on the current dosage, his new family/vet may wish to cut it in half again. I have no trouble giving him a pill each morning, nor do I have any problem administering his eye drops before bed each night. The eye drops will be on going for mild PK.

Foster Update - July 10

Alistair has 'moved right in' and loves to cuddle up with the first warm body that sits on the couch. He is a very social boy who enjoys busy family life.

Prior to coming into rescue, Alistair had been treated at Guelph for pneumonia and rhinitis which may have been caused by second hand smoke. A smoke free home will be a definate requirement when he is ready for adoption. The x-rays taken by my vet showed a vast improvement and we are hopeful that his lungs will be completely clear when we do the next follow up in a couple of weeks.

Introduction - June 22