I’ve torn my clothes and I’ve drained the cup

*I have discovered the absolute perfect rag-stuffie throw toy - it is a leg cut off an old pair of trackie bottoms (aka sweatpants), with a knot at each end and a moderate ball of rag stuffed into the middle. This is where being a slightly batty packrat who wears trackie bottoms every day comes in handy - because I have five or six pairs of old ones rolled up in the airing cupboard where I stash them once their thigh seams give way and they stop being wearable. The fabric is both soft and tough and can survive an amazing amount of Spike action. Squish really really loves them too, and plays tuggy with them enthusiastically.

* Spike continues to be largely fine in himself. The infection is dying back and I hope the diet change is helping with that, because I hate using canned dog food. The brand I'm using (Dene's, which may not be the best one in the world but is the best one my pet food store delivers) seems acceptable to me in terms of not being too disgusting, either before or after it's been through his system. I'm switching it about with the odd meal of cooked chicken or liver, just because, and he's getting probiotic live organic yoghurt (Mum's idea, and Spike thinks it a good one) for breakfast.

* I think the mouth thing is obstructing him breathing properly through his nose, because he's walking about with his mouth open more than I'm used to seeing him doing. I don't think he's walking about in pain at all, but it's clearly a bit tender. He's not nearly so inclined as usual to try and play leash tuggy, and when he and Squish went to nom on the new spring grass by the bins Spike was very careful to bite it with the side of his mouth.

* It occurred to me he might not ever realistically be able to play tuggy again. I am currently refusing to allow this to get me down, but don't be surprised if I have a meltdown over it later.

* I was meant to phone the vet today and discuss referrals and options, but he wasn't there and is going to call me back tomorrow. AUGH.

* I love you all and please keep the good thoughts coming, though it's okay if you don't comment and say so. You've all been awesome. Thank you.

I’ve torn my clothes and I’ve drained the cup

*I have discovered the absolute perfect rag-stuffie throw toy - it is a leg cut off an old pair of trackie bottoms (aka sweatpants), with a knot at each end and a moderate ball of rag stuffed into the middle. This is where being a slightly batty packrat who wears trackie bottoms every day comes in handy - because I have five or six pairs of old ones rolled up in the airing cupboard where I stash them once their thigh seams give way and they stop being wearable. The fabric is both soft and tough and can survive an amazing amount of Spike action. Squish really really loves them too, and plays tuggy with them enthusiastically.

* Spike continues to be largely fine in himself. The infection is dying back and I hope the diet change is helping with that, because I hate using canned dog food. The brand I'm using (Dene's, which may not be the best one in the world but is the best one my pet food store delivers) seems acceptable to me in terms of not being too disgusting, either before or after it's been through his system. I'm switching it about with the odd meal of cooked chicken or liver, just because, and he's getting probiotic live organic yoghurt (Mum's idea, and Spike thinks it a good one) for breakfast.

* I think the mouth thing is obstructing him breathing properly through his nose, because he's walking about with his mouth open more than I'm used to seeing him doing. I don't think he's walking about in pain at all, but it's clearly a bit tender. He's not nearly so inclined as usual to try and play leash tuggy, and when he and Squish went to nom on the new spring grass by the bins Spike was very careful to bite it with the side of his mouth.

* It occurred to me he might not ever realistically be able to play tuggy again. I am currently refusing to allow this to get me down, but don't be surprised if I have a meltdown over it later.

* I was meant to phone the vet today and discuss referrals and options, but he wasn't there and is going to call me back tomorrow. AUGH.

* I love you all and please keep the good thoughts coming, though it's okay if you don't comment and say so. You've all been awesome. Thank you.