But, what I truly sat down to update everyone on was the health status of our dog (or puppy as we so affectionately call our 140 pound "child"). I've shared on and off in the past year his various ailments--UTIs, ear infections, skin infections. Well, a few weeks ago we were able to take him the the MSU vet hospital and get a full diagnostic workup as to what may be going on within him. During this process, a spunky, young veterinarian student discovered a heart murmur. What does that have to do with his frequent infections, you ask? Absolutely nothing. But, what it did mean is that they couldn't do some of the tests that they had originally wanted due to now being unable to sedate him. All we were left with was a simple blood test option.
Longer story made short...Harley is officially allergic to every grass found in Michigan, some tree pollen and weeds, and beginning to show signs of allergy to dust mites. Nice. A dog who is allergic to grass... :) So, short of cementing in our entire yard and never letting him play at the park again, we will begin allergy shots in our 8 year old (ie almost 70 year old) dog.
A note to those of you who are reading this and scoffing: I probably would scoff too if it not that I've truly become a dog person and I really think you can't empathize with our situation unless you too are a dog person. :) So, just love us for who we are and know that we are taking care of one of God's special creatures!
