Isn't this a beautiful shot? It was taken by my friend Katie as Tate & I were tracking in Oct. 06, the sun was just starting to set.

Visit to the Vet

Today we got to meet Tate's new vet, Dr.Carla Schluchter. I really liked her, it's always hard to change vets when you have found a good one. The vet I had in Thunder Bay was great, but I think Dr. Schluchter will be as good, if not better!

I have to keep an eye on Tate as he was infected with Lymes last spring. He was treated, & now according to his bloodtests, we knocked out the bacteria. However, you always wonder if there was any damage done before you started to treat. Lymes affects the muscles, tissues & joints, & left untreated, in super advanced cases it can go into the brain...nasty nasty disease.

We also did a geriatric profile on Tate as he will be 6 on Fri, & he is a large dog so they tend to age quicker.

During his exam the Dr. found him to have osteoarthritis, which is a breakdown of cartilage, in both pasterns as well as both elbows, the left side being worse. He has had a build up of scar tissue inside both stifles. Tate has been doing agility since he was 10 mos old, so I'm sure it was a bit of a factor also. I am to keep walking him but no more jumping off the ground & coming down on his legs, like when he chases the ball!!! I have to keep his weight off, & right now the Doc says it's perfect! I also have Tate on a high potency CM complex which the clinic highly recommends , so she was very happy that I had already thought to start him on that. Sounds like I'm doing all the right things for my ageing boy!

Well Tater dog, your tire jumping, ball leaping days are over!!

Just For Fun

I didn't have anything to post about today so I put up these shots of Tate doing the dog walk at one of his practise sessions.....I think they are cool shots! You can always tell when Tate is moving fast by his ears going prick!

2008...The year of the Puppy!!!

I received a surprise e-mail yesterday from 2 friends in Thunder Bay. They finally purchased their own computer AND they have a new collie puppy!! This is Jurnee, officially know as Clanjak's Laughter For Tears. He is pictured at 3 months & is owned by Michelle & Monique Arpin. It is wonderful to be able to talk to them now by e-mail, so much cheaper then the phone!

So, this is puppy # 3 this year, first my sister Debra & her golden, then Donna & her shepherd , now Michelle & Monique & their collie. Also, most of you know by now that I am also "expecting", & if all goes well puppies will be born the first week in May, which will put a new puppy in my house July/Aug!!

Poor Poor Clammy !!

Well the clammy saga continues....I found Tate's poor toy this am. with it's guts hanging out, so I made Tate pose with it.....doesn't he look guilty!! Now I have to sew it yet another time, but I will, because Tate loves his clammy!