Moses is 10 today. And that is a big deal at our house.
He is a "career change" Leader Dog. He was born and raised to be a guide dog for the blind. But one hip is not quite perfect, so Moses ended up with us. We have adored him from the beginning.
His nickname is "Mellow Yellow." He had been with us a full year before anyone heard him bark! And he barks about once a year. Usually at a deer.
Moses is the most serene animal God has ever made. When you step out of the shower, he's there. When you drive into the driveway, he comes running. He sleeps on the beds. He lays on the couch. He knows all our secrets. He's the dog every kid should have. And as much as we love him, we have to thank our vets for him every day. Because we almost lost him.
FOUR TIMES!
One day, Soccer Boy found a small lump on Moses' back leg, above the knee (dogs have knees, I think). We took him in, and very apologeticaly pointed out the lump that we were sure was nothing. The next morning, he had it removed. And the test came back--cancer. Surgery was the only treatment needed, and soon we were taking morning walks again.
About a year later, another lump. Same place. Same diagnosis. More surgery. Another recovery. Wow. Our vet got flowers.
Last summer, a friend walked Moses on a warm sunny day. They were gone a long time, and it was noon. He was panting heavily when he got home and would not drink. He was unsteady on his feet, and soon fell over. Uncle Lynn lifted all 95 pounds of him into the car, and I called the clinic to tell them we were on our way! He was placed on a cool water mattress, had a fan gently blowing on him, had an IV drip and subcutaneous fluids, among other things. His temp was 107! He spent the day in the hospital. Another recovery. More flowers.
Just a month ago, Moses had surgery in Madison at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. He was diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis, which, if left untreated, ultimately results in death from suffocation. The nerves to the throat don't work, and so he could not breathe normally. That was not going to happen, so more surgery. And another remarkable recovery.
So enjoy the photos of Moses The Wonder Dog, and one more thing...
KISS A VET!
15 comments:
Your puppy is beautiful! I have two black labs and they are my kids! LOL! I love them to death!!! Happy Birthday to Moses!!!
Just one more quick thing...if you ever have an overheated dog, NEVER soak him with the garden hose! Our vet said to have done so would surely have been the end. A dog in this condition needs EMERGENCY treatment! Hope it never comes up for your family, but its good to know how to react.
I hope he has a happy birthday:-)
What a gorgeous dog!
I fell in love with Moses when Veggie Mom first posted his picture. Everyone should have such a wonderful companion!
Look at Uncle Lynn commenting!
It sounds to me like his nickname should be "Holy Moses!"
My kids want a dog so bad--I might consider it if we knew we could have one just like that.
Tracy-we are partial to Labradors. He is a wonderful ambassador for the breed. By all means, get your kids a dog! You'll start a life-time love affair. And they will learn responsibility and life lessons, with all that comes with pets. Let me know what happens! You won't be sorry.
That is one lucky dog to have such watchful owners. You did him well and then some! He is a handsome fellow and I bet is devoted to his family.
I found you at SITS. I have a cute apron giveaway at THe Apron Goddesses too. :)
Happy Birthday Moses! You definitely are one great dog! On the aside, I love your header "eat your veggies"! That's what we've been telling my daughter lately. Isn't ironic? :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO U MOSES!
That Moses sure is a sweetie! My favorite snap of him though, is the three-part series shot on the beach at Christmas...he won that stick, didn't he?
Yes, he won the stick. Stick around for more about the dogs we love, still to feature Rowdy and Trouble Elizabeth. And don't forget to comment to win a 10 pack of Poprs Magic color changing crystals! (Moses got a kiddie pool for his birthday, & doggy ice cream).
Wow, he's been through a lot. What a special dog -- especially the guide dog portion of it. Happy birthday to a very special dog!
Happy Saturday Sharefest.
Of all the blogs to comment on, I am glad I got this one. I completely understand how important Moses must be to you. My pets are family. He's a very lucky dog, and a very huggable one too!
Happy Saturday Sharefest! Coming over from SITS obviously. :o)
Ohhhhh, Moses is so beautiful! I just want to kiss that face of his! We have a yellow lab who is 8 years old. Yellow labs are the best!
I'm glad he continues to overcome his health hurdles!
Love,
Beth
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