The Shallow End

Is It Something in The Water?

Ever since Cocoa exhibited signs of blockage (he still does, but the vet can find nothing wrong on the x-rays or blood tests and we haven't yet committed to the expense of an endoscopy, to search for masses, and then biopsies, etc., because, frankly, we're not inclined to treat an older dog for cancer), he's also become crippled like his brother Smokey. Not as bad yet, but he is definitely limping and favoring his back legs. Aussies are known for their hip problems (not as bad as German Shepards though), but Cocoa hadn't exhibited any such discomfort until the baby came home and we accused him of nursing it for all it was worth. Now, I'm not so sure it's not something in the water. Because now? Well, now, the goldfish that "died" and returned to life on April 15th is struggling to stay afloat and even the stray mouse that we've seen scurrying about once in awhile, eating bird seeds off the floor (hey, we live in the country, these things are inevitable and we don't dare put out poison for fear the dogs will eat a poisoned mouse), is crippled. Last night, he was hobbling about near my feet. If he had scurried I would have screamed like a little girl and put my feet up, but as he hobbled about I felt bad for him. I even moved my foot closer to see if he would scurry, hoping he would not. Then I poked him with a stick. But no. He's either become a domesticated pet, or he is too uncomfortable to care. Poor guy.

Then, my husband woke up complaining of back pains this morning, suggesting we need a new mattress (ours is only a few years old).

So far, the horse and the two caged birds are the only ones not exhibiting signs of impending death. Well, okay, my husband is not yet, but still, back pains are never good.

Sheesh, as if taking care of an infant and in immature teenage mother who cry all the time is not enough. This is just a test, right?

Labels: The Animals

posted by Gwynne @ 9:42 AM