The Dachshunds

I have four dogs and a cat. As I have mentioned before they are like children with their own personalities. Especially the two dachshunds that rule.

Now Macy is a miniature black and brown dachshund. She was the first dog we had gotten and will be turning nine years old in June 2009. When she arrived by way of my daughter she was so tiny and cute. She is black with brown markings like doberman and rotties. People used to think she was one when she was a pup.

Then there is Bucky with the beautiful reddish brown coat. I got him soon after we rescued the second dog which is a Husky mix. That would be Jasmine who is so gentle.

Back to Macy and Bucky though.

Macy the oldest is the monarch of the family. She has had her problems over the years. Two of the most common problems with these dogs are back injuries and seizures. Of course, she would have both.

The first time with the back. One day she tried to walk but wobbled and could not keep her balance. It scared me terribly. I grabbed her and took her to the animal hospital down the road. They took her in immediately. They thoroughly checked her out, took x-rays and gave me the news. She had on bulging disk.

She didn't seem to be in much pain but they gave her a cortisone shot in the spine and it worked almost instantly. From there on we tried to be more careful with her. She rarely wears a collar. We try to keep them both from jumping up and down off furniture and we try to watch their weight. They have both been spayed and neutered so that is a real challenge right there.

Bucky is heavier than we'd like and the hardest to watch with the furniture trips. You are always hollering stay and then lifting him down. We've also made steps with other furniture. Macy will use it but Bucky has to take the short cuts. So far Bucky has had no problems.

About three years ago I noticed Macy in what seemed to be quite a bit of pain. She just had a very low wine under her breath if you can understand that. She then started showing signs of trouble walking. I called the vet and they took her in and another x-ray showed the disc next to the bad one was also bulging. They gave her another cortisone shot and my hope for a fast recovery was smashed. By the next day she could not walk and was in terrible pain with that low wine. I called the vet again and they had me bring her down.

I went with the intention to have her put down if that was best. I cried so hard while they checked her. It tears your heart out to see them hurt in any way. Although she still had control of her bladder and bowels the doctor suggested surgery which would be very expensive. I reluctantly told him no which he agreed to. He explained how this type of surgery was not always helpful and sometimes made them worse.

He asked to keep her overnight. That way he could give her pain meds and muscle relaxers and she'd constantly be in their care.

He kept her for two nights and kept me very well informed. She was not suffering. They'd carry her outside and she'd do her business. She still could not walk and we had no idea what the outcome would be.

I took her home with meds for a few days. I took an oblong clothes basket and layered it with blankets. That was her bed which I had carried everywhere. I had my own business so she was always with with me. I'd take her out when she'd wine and let me know.

Macy has always been very expressive, letting you know what she wants. She would always lead you to the door, to the dog food, the water dish and too many times, the treats.

Over time Macy started trying to walk and get out of the basket. She'd just flip it and walk out. We were supposed to try and keep her still for about a week but over time that became more difficult. After a couple weeks she had full use of her legs and was running around playing again. You tend to always watch with a little prayer under your breath.

So now there are the four. Macy the monarch and boss, she thinks. Jasmine the easy going sweetheart, Bucky, who is Mr. Laidback and total opposite, and Penelope the boston terror that terrorizes all the others.

I must go now for Macy and looking at me and wining about something.