• Lori McLachlan

The Grand Old Man, aka Spike, is now a full member of our family. We are the lucky ones. He entertains us everyday with his wonderful personality and crazy toy antics. His fur brothers and sisters gave him the seal of approval, seeing they are usually found in some form of 'fur pile'.

He quickly settled into our house routine, and made it clear to us that he would like to stay right where he is. We agreed with him because he is 'The Grand Old Man' and we consider it a privilege that he chose us. We know he is in his 'golden' years, but we plan on making every minute count. Love ya forever Spike.

Spike has been adopted by his foster parents! A Happy Tail will follow soon.

Spike has his eye surgery yesterday, and all went very well. He's still trying to get use to his head cone. His foster brother wasn't too sure about the cone of shame when it came to bed time, as Spike kept trying to snuggle up to him and kept poking him with the edge of the cone. They seemed to have figured it out now. Spike has a busy regiment of eye drops until his recheck in 10 days, he's taking it all in stride.

He truly is a Grand Old Man.

Spike had his dental procedure yesterday. The poor wee man had 12 teeth removed. They were very icky and some were quite loose. He had a bit of a restless evening at home, but a good sleep in the big bed with his foster Mom. He's doing ok today, just a little quiet, which is understandable given the trauma his choppers went through. He plans on having a easy weekend curled up on the couch being fussed over by everyone in the house.

"The Grand Old Man" continues to charm everyone he meets. He is a pleasure to have in our home. He has even hung his stocking by the fireplace with the hopes that Santa will be good to him. We have it on good authority that his stocking will be full of goodies for a very special boy. On the health front, funds have been raised for Spike to have his dental on Jan 3rd. and his eye surgery Jan 29th. Spike would like to say a big Thank-You to everyone who donated!

Spike continues to be a wonderful house guest. He has a super personality, and a young playful spirit. He entertains us regularly with his toy chasing antics. He enjoys all the canines that pass through our home, but is usually found as part of a 3 pug pile. Amazingly, Spike's foster brother allows himself to be groomed on a regular basis by the very thorough tongue of an ever licking Spike, which includes both ears and face. They have become very good buddies. On the other hand, Spike's foster sister will politely pass on the "lick bath", as she prefers to handle such personal activities on her own. We are still on stand by mode as far as Spike's medical requirements go, which includes a dental and eye surgery. Funds still need to be raised. All in all, Spike is one cool dude.

Spike has had his consultation with Dr. Wolfer at the Toronto Animal Eye Clinic. He has been diagnosed with medial canthal entropion in both eyes. His tear production was a little low, but not too bad. Dr. Wolfer has recommended that Spike have medial canthoplasty in both eyes. This surgery is expensive, so Spike will have to wait patiently for the funds to be raised. In the mean time, Spike is getting cyclosporin drops once a day in each eye, as well as eye lube. This is being done to keep him as comfortable as possible while waiting for surgery. Spike also needs a dental, but this too will be done when funds allow.

Spike continues to be a very good boy. He is a champion "toy player" and can outlast the younger dogs in the house when it comes to wrestling a stuffie. This is our first senior foster, we usually have young ones... we are really enjoying this grand old man.

On a rainy Saturday night, a ball of sunshine entered our home. Let me introduce you to Spike. He is 9 1/2 year old, neutered, fawn male. He is an owner surrender. Spike settled into our home very quickly. He is eating well, and getting a good sleep each night on a big pillow in our daughter's room. His favourite thing to do is play with toys, if no other dog in the household will play with him that's ok by Spike, he entertains himself. After a play session it's off to the couch for a snuggle, and a nap. Spike has had his first vet check up, he's 27lbs, he could loose a couple of pounds, but that's all, he's a big boy. Spike will need a dental, and a consultation with the eye specialist, these will have to wait until funds allow.

Spike is a joy to have, and we look forward to getting to know him even better.