Starting over?

Roxy's two-day visit has given us a bit of a setback. You can see it in her eyes. The sadness is back. She is not as trusting as she was. I feel like she's regressed to where she was about one month into the fostering. She has quit sleeping on my bed--or even coming to visit me in the early morning hours. She won't jump on the couch or stay on the couch if I put her on it. She won't sit by me when I sit on the couch. She just self-crates.

Part of it is likely the heartworm treatment and how she feels, but it makes me sad to think that's she's lost some of that comfort level she had. I know patience and consistency will bring her back to the point she was before, but it saddens me that we've lost the gains we've made with her. She deserves nothing but happiness in her life.

Roxy is home

Roxy is back home, a little worse for the wear. When I called to check on her yesterday, the vet said, she's fine and she yodeled when we came in to see her. I couldn't believe it! She has never made any sound since coming to us. So then I worried that she doesn't make noise here because she's unhappy and she must yodel there because she likes it there. But the vet assured me that she yodeled because she missed me. (Even if it's not true, what a great vet!)

Well on the way home from the vet, she let us know that she did indeed miss us. And it wasn't a happy yodel like Iggy occasionally blesses us with. This was a full-out sad howl. I've never heard such a noise! I am posting it because it is so funny, but I hope it won't scare off any potential adopter! Trust me, this is the only time in the three months she's been with me that any sound has come from her!

So she's home. She's tired. She is resting quietly on my bed. This was tougher on her body than the first round. I am so happy to have her back. Another month of TLC. She's spunky and determined. I know she'll come through this in fine form. Thanks to all who follow the blog and keep her in their thoughts and prayers. It does make a difference. In both of our lives.

Terrible weather

Severe thunderstorms all night. All I could think of is Roxy at the vet, alone in a kennel with no one to comfort her. I hope she wasn't afraid. I hope she understands it won't be for long. I will call this morning to check on her. And rest assured, I will be there at first light Friday morning to get her!

When I took her yesterday morning, she knew something was up. The only times she is in the car alone is when I take her to the vet. For the first time, she crawled under a seat and stayed there until I arrived and coaxed her out. She went without a whimper or a struggle as she always does. She will willingly and obediently follow anyone and do as she is told. She is the most easy-going dog I've ever known.

My daughter says she'll be a greater Starter Basenji for someone! I like that--she will definitely spoil a first-time basenji owner. They will think all basenjis are this easy. But the fact is, she will bring nothing but pleasure and joy to her forever home.

Round Two

Thirty minutes left of hugs and tummy rubs. I will cherish each second...

One last good day

Tomorrow is March 25 and Roxy will go in for the next round of heartworm meds. It's a two-day affair this time: one shot Wednesday and one shot Thursday. She will stay at the vet until Friday--the longest she's been away from me. It will be hard knowing she's going through what she's going through. I probably won't sleep much the rest of this week.

So we'll make today one last good day. Lots of hugs, kisses and tummy rubs. While I believe I'm doing it for her, I know I'm really doing it for me.

Good days

Roxy seems like her old self. I think as she is weaned off the Prednezone medicine, it's helping her feel better. She is much more animated, and actually came back to sleep on the bed last night. It's been a week since she's done that.

I took her for a drive in the car Saturday just so she could get out and see something different (the "no long walks" part is still really hard for me!). She rewarded me by chewing up my umbrella that I keep in the car. She wanted me to know she's feeling much better these days!

We have to start the process all over again on March 25 when she'll go in for two days of shots, but this brief respite where I see that she will eventually feel better is a bright moment for me that will help see me (and her) through the next round, which I fear will be harder on her (and me).

I just keep focused on the ultimate goal: a healthy, happy Roxy with a forever home.

Update on Roxy

Roxy was much better this morning, though she is still staying in the crate except to eat. I called the vet, who assured me that this was just a typical part of the treatment. He said if she continued to eat and keep it down, then I shouldn't worry--beyond how much I am worried! So I'll just take a deep breath, continue to give her tummy rubs and stay the course.

Rough Saturday

Roxy was sick all day yesterday, unable to keep anything down. She is very quiet and has self-crated herself, something she hasn't done since she first arrived at the house. I am really worried, wondering if this is a normal part of the heartworm process, or if she's reacting poorly. She is very quiet today, but has kept her breakfast down. She won't leave the crate. I will call the vet tomorrow to see if she should go in. Until then, I'll just keep a watchful, restless eye on her today. Poor Roxy. There's a long way to go before this is over.

Seven weeks to go

Roxy had a one-week recheck with the vet today. She's doing well. She still has to limit her activity--almost an impossible task with a basenji. Her spirit is still so strong! One of the BRAT volunteers suggested lots of chew toys and it does seem to be keeping her occupied. It is still hard to leave her home when I walk Iggy. But I know it's the right thing to do. Only seven more weeks if all goes well. March 25 is the next hurdle--two more shots of the heartworm medicine and two nights in the hospital. It will be the longest I've been without her in my home.