What we know so far
We are slowly getting used to adding more time into our mornings and evenings to accommodate Shorty. He’s still shy about going to the bathroom without someone to come with him, and he still wants us nearby while he eats (but he only eats if no one is paying attention to him, so Jason & I have spent the last few days in his room with our arms crossed, mouths shut and eyes averted until we hear the telltale crunch of kibbles being eaten). We obviously don’t want to have to accompany him out in the yard for every potty break or watch him painstakingly eat one piece of dog food at a time, but for now, he’s got some leeway.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was faking his cough just so we’d hang out with him more. But he woke himself up probably 20-30 times last night from all the pitiful-sounding coughing. We have no idea how much food or water he normally ingests because he hasn’t been eating or drinking much. The vet seemed unconcerned, so I hope the antibiotics start working for him.
In the meantime, while worrying about how to give him his pill last night, we offered it to him wrapped in a piece of cheese and well, let’s just say that was a BIG HIT. Dog likes cheese – welcome to the family! If he doesn’t start eating better, we’re going to be serving him a heaping plate of nachos out of desperation.
Even though he’s under the weather, he is incredibly patient, often sitting quietly while we fumble through numerous false starts trying to figure out how to put on his harness. On our walks, he’s already got his favorite spots to check out and unfailingly searches for tall grass to do his business. In the yard, since he can’t run much without coughing, he’s content to sit next to you in exchange for a belly rub or a forehead tousle, licking your kneecap and offering up kisses in gratitude. He’s a good dog.
I can’t wait to see his little personality develop. Also, we can’t wait for his coughing to clear up so we can stop worrying and enjoy some sleep again.
Exhibit A:
Very early Sunday morning:
[Sound of Shorty's collar hitting his kennel]
Jason: What was that?
Me: The dog.
Jason: WHAT dog?
Me: The DOG.
Jason: What DOG?
Me: ARGH. The dog we JUST GOT. Shorty.
Jason: ZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
Me: [wide awake]
A few hours later:
Me: [sniffling so I can breathe]
Jason: What was THAT?
Me: [sniffling again for emphasis because I don't want to be engaged in another inane conversation with someone who isn't even totally awake]
Jason: Why are you SHUSHING me?
Me: I’m just sniffing!
Jason: ZZZZZZZZZZ.
Me: [wide awake]
That would be so like Mr. A. Get a dog and promptly forget about it.
Comment by slynnro — August 12, 2008 @ 11:50 am
We adopted a stray when I was a kid and for the longest time he would only use the bathroom on walks, and not just in the backyard. Eventually he forgot about his old, abusive owners and started going the normal way. I’m sure Shorty will be the same.
Comment by Jess — August 12, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
Congrats on the dog! I love all the picture below, he looks adorable.
Also, I totally feel for you trying to have a “conversation” with someone that isn’t awake. That bugs the crap out of me, I refuse to do it.
Comment by Penny — August 12, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
Hee hee. Your sleeping husband sounds like mine. I have had some of the most ridiculous conversations with him in the middle of the night. IF something were to wake him up, which it most often does NOT. That man sleeps like the dead.
Comment by nonsoccermom — August 12, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
I’m so amused that he forgot you had a dog. That’s awesome.
Comment by Sarah — August 12, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
my sister has sleep-conversations too. i used to try to get her to engage in them on purpose, for my own personal hilarity.
me: elizabeth! what are you doing?
elizabeth (asleep): what?
me: what are you doing?
e: i’m… walking up the hill.
me: why?
e: because… the caterpillar wants it that way.
me: BWAHAHAHAHA awesome.
Comment by Alice — August 12, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
Oh my god! I completely missed the post about you getting a dog and how cute is he? I am so jealous. My husband is dying to get a dog but we just work way too much at this point. I will *not* be showing him this picture of Shorty because then I will have to listen to him begging to get a dog.
Comment by Jill — August 12, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
I look forward to hearing more about your new addition. Our new addition is almost a year-old and I’m thinking about cashing him in.
As a pet lover, you have to read The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It is narrated by a race-car driver’s dog and is such a great read. I’m not into racing or anything, but I loved the book!
Comment by Me Today — August 12, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
OMG! OMG! I was offline for a few days and just found out about Shorty! He’s so ADORABLE! Congrats!
!!!
I wonder if it’s kennel cough? I think that’s pretty common (and not a big deal) with pound pups. And I’m with everyone else, my husband totally does the same thing. I have no idea how he sleeps through the DOGS and BABIES crying at night, but he does EVERY TIME.
Comment by Erin — August 12, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
LOL! I love Half-Asleep Jason! This should be a regular feature.
Comment by Shelly — August 13, 2008 @ 8:49 am
That’s so funny that Jason forgot you had a dog and I like Shelly’s idea of making Half-Asleep Jason a regular feature! What fun could be had with that! Also? The pretending not to pay attention posture while Shorty eats is hilarious. I’m so glad you’re enjoying him!
Comment by Julie — August 14, 2008 @ 12:08 pm