Barky Clarky...................

This week has seen a complete change in Clark whilst at work with me which is both good and not so good!!  

He is finding his confidence and is feeling so much better in himself, he wants to be doing things, walking, cuddling and not stuck at work!!  So the not so good side is he is bored and frustrated being at work with me and has taken to barking a high pitch, ear splitting 'yip'............ his once adoring nurses and vets are slowly beginning to go deaf and can only take so much of it!  :)  

We have tried lots of things to help: - treats to chew on, some success but short lived. Calmex, no effect at all. Thundershirt, just made him hot and pant. Kennel with a good view of activity, people and animals, nope just as bad. Kennel with view of dogs, nope still 'yipping'. Kennel with no view, no change. Towel over door, make it like a cosy den, nope still frustrated. Zylkene, no effects yet but does take a while to work so fingers crossed!  The reality is he just wants to be doing stuff and isn't happy to be confined despite it being a busy happy environment.

.......... Spend all day with mum.............perfect, no barky Clarky!!!  

We shall have to work hard on keeping him happy as he really has to come with me on the three days I work. He can't stay at home unsupervised so we shall be trying new techniques to help him settle until we get the right combination. He is worth the work and although their ears were close to bleeding this week the girls and guys at work still love him........ so far!

Clark....the first time he was found in Spain - summer 2013

It has been 5 weeks since Clark arrived here in Cornwall and I have been thinking about how much our lives have changed since he arrived and whether my concerns were justified.

Clark arrives in Cornwall 20th May 2014

If you remember I had a whole list of questions I just couldn't answer at that time....

Are we up to it?  We don't know a huge amount about dog behaviour but do we know enough? We have friends to ask for help from but how much can we ask of them? What if our dogs dislike him? What if he dislikes them? What if he is too poorly to repair? What if he dislikes a home environment? What if he is an escape artist? What is he hurts himself? What if he hurts us? So many questions........so few answers! 

So to answer some of those at this moment in time......

Yes, we are up to it, despite our fear and trepidation we have done OK so far, yes there are things we would have liked to have done better but generally we are happy and we have definitely done our best for him. 

We definitely don't know enough about dog behaviour but we have, so far, applied what we do know successfully and only had a couple of instances whereby Wena has told Clark off. We have 'managed' the house and environment to the best of our ability and not had any disasters, so far, at least!

Our friends have been amazing and have helped answer our calls for help amazingly. We have the best 'doggie' friends from all over the world! 

So far Wena 'puts up' with him, she doesn't particularly care if he is around her unless it is when she is cuddling with Rob, then she gets possessive and grumbles at him. She is fine to have him close to her though and out on walks she is very happy with him trotting along by her side. She has tried to engage him in play but we have been cautious in allowing them too much free rein together as she can burst from excitement and trip over in to fight mode if not contained with any dog other than Molly. Sweet Molly is still worried about Clark and reading her body language is so very easy........ she is always looking away and standing to one side. She is happy with him unless he is being dominant over food or his bed and then she takes herself away to the safest place. Initially she wouldn't come and lie in her normal place, on my recliner between my knees, as Clark was in the bed nearby but now she comes down as she used to and always hops up from the side he can't see, bless her. She is such a gentle, kind, little dog and is so good. All in all they have done really well accepting Clark into their home.

Clark started out being growly and unhappy to have the girls too close to him, particularly to his bed or his food and he still grumbles a little but generally he is much better, accepting them in the kitchen when he eats or when they eat and although he still grumbles if too close to his bed it is lessening all the time. He is learning that he doesn't need to fight to keep his place of comfort or to protect his food which is great. We continue to use the baby gate and we don't leave them all together unsupervised but Clark is continuing to develop his confidence and joy of life.

Clark has been very poorly and that has mostly come from his mistreatment by humans. He has suffered some horrific injuries and last week the x-ray results made me cry tears of anger and despair at humanity.  He is, and will continue to be, a 'high maintenance' dog and as such he needs constant medical support and appropriate levels and types of exercise. His issues will probably never improve and may even deteriorate but, with that said, he is such an easy patient ...... he allows me to put in his eye ointment with absolutely no fuss whatsoever. He takes his Propalin either on his food or straight in his mouth, he shakes his head with the latter method but never pulls away or is difficult to do. He eventually eats his Urinary food, he's not a big lover of it (not like Wena and Molly who snaffle it up if I don't take it up quickly enough! They are so funny as they only do it because its his food, if I actually gave them a bowl of it they would walk away!)  Ultimately Clark has had a very bad past BUT his future is bright and with the care of our great vets and love, understanding and care from us he will soon be as well as he can be and will enjoy a great life. 

Happy Clark in the hay meadow!

Sunshine, smiles and BBQ sausages!

On Thursday and Friday night Clark had an upset tummy, due to the Anaesthetic, and I have been getting up with him in the night to go outside, he had conquered the dog door going out but hadn't figured out how to get back in.  He doesn't want to make a mess inside (and hasn't, ever) and wakes me up with a little whine, waits for me to put on my glasses and then goes down and out the door. This morning at about 4am he went out and I stayed in bed listening, I had decided if he wasn't in within 3 minutes I'd go down and let him in...... he was back upstairs in his bed within 2 mins! He has worked out getting back in now too - I am a very proud mummy!  

After the shock of Thursdays results we have been trying not to dwell on the past and focus on the future, so we have had a wonderful sunny day with lots of fun and smiles. First thing this morning we had a walk in the fields which have been cut so much better for running about in!  (Excuse the video not sure how to edit the bit where I didn't realise it was filming, good shots of my boots!!) 

Then back to have a little snooze and a tummy tickle - he has the cutest speckled belly but, sadly, quite a few scars :(   He has a shaved area due to the scans on Thursday but it will grow back soon enough.

I went to agility with Sowena this afternoon for a couple of hours and dear Clark waited for me by the back gate for about 10 minutes, crying, and then decided he would stay close to Rob whilst I was away, bless him. 

We then went to the reservoir for a walk and had a dip in the water. Its been warm and sunny and much more like it for Clark - he loves to sunbathe in the the back garden. 

We have had another BBQ for tea and Clark was delighted to be in the garden with the smell of sausages wafting about! I always do a few extras for the dogs, after all, they enjoy a BBQ as much as we do! 

He loves to sit close by whilst I am cooking and doze off, hoping for a sausage to fall off I think!

Wena loves to sit on the stone seat in the evening sunshine but today the flasket was on it so rather than be outdone she popped up into it and lay down with Molly looking on, bemused! 

They all get on really well and apart from a couple of grumbles from Wena and a few from Clark too they are all fine which is a great relief. 

Now time for a well earned snooze...... night night!

Sadness, anger but hope for a brighter future

Sleeping off his Anaesthetic - warm, safe and loved

Yesterday Clark spent the day in hospital in the capable hands of Rachael, one of our wonderful vets. He was booked in to be scanned, have x-rays, contrast x-rays, and possibly any treatment or operation that could help his incontinence issues.

The day dawned bright and poor Clark was not allowed any breakfast but did enjoy a lovely walk around the lanes and field first thing. Our appointment for admission was booked for 9am so we set off down to Falmouth at around 8.45am. He is a lovely traveller and is now hopping up in to the boot of his own accord and settling down for the journey quickly and quietly. 

We arrived and our Head Nurse whisked us in to go through the admission form and get Clark settled in his kennel. He was, as always, happy to see everyone and I soon left him in their excellent care. Rachael intended to start with a scan and proceed from there later that morning.

She set to work on him and he was a big baby having his catheter fitted, crying but was soon happily snoozing and oblivious to all around him once the Anaesthetic took hold. Her scans showed that his bladder looked normal, no stones shown and it didn't appear to have any abnormalities which was very positive news. Bearing this in mind she then went on to do some x-rays of his rear end again checking for stones or damage as with the scan. 

There she was dismayed to find something none of us had expected to see........ Clark has suffered a severe fracture to his pelvis. This may, or may not, have contributed to his bladder problems but it is significant as based on the damage it is highly likely that it was caused by a very hard kick from behind.  Dear, sweet, gentle Clark has probably been abused in the most awful way whilst in Spain and as such has suffered considerable pain, not to mention fear.  

Rachael, Helena, and Siobhan, three of our most highly skilled vets at our practice,  have reviewed the x-rays and all agree that the fracture was unexpected bearing in mind he doesn't limp but that the stiffness, hesitancy he has and his muscle wastage have probably stemmed from this awful damage. Thankfully both his hip joints have not been badly damaged and therefore both are working OK at present. As he ages we may find that he develops Arthritis due to the damage he has suffered and we shall have to keep a close eye on his movement and pain levels. He will need gentle exercise from now on and we shall be investigating the possibility of hydrotherapy for him and physiotherapy too.  Sadly no agility for dear Clarkyboy but we can give him plenty of fun with gentle walks and swims. 

After discussions yesterday lunchtime Rachael and I agreed not to go ahead with the contrast x-rays as the damage was obvious from the fracture and the bladder scans and x-rays had led her to believe she would not achieve a better view by using the contrast dyes. Rachael believes that the mostly likely cause of the leakage is nerve damage which may have been caused by either the broken pelvis, the bladder ruptures or even possibly when he was castrated.

With regard to the nerve damage, Rachael has suggested she speak to a neurologist with the hope that some treatments or medications may be available to improve the leaking further as Propalin is helping but hasn't eradicated the leakage at night. When we have further information on this aspect of his care I will update you. 

Abuse is rife in Spain and it is no surprise to find poor Clark has been mistreated as many many animals over there are but the damage is extensive and as such we have all been horrified at what this dear sweet boy has been subjected to. The only saving grace is he is here now - safe, loved, cared for and ultimately will never be subjected to such horrors again.   

I am sure you will all be horrified to hear this awful news.... rest assured he will continue to receive the best possible treatment with Rosemullion Vets, through the commitment of Terrier SOS and with us here at home.

No wonder he looked so sad in Spain

Signing off now - sad, angry at Spanish brutality, and glad Clark found his way to Cornwall via the wonderful Terrier SOS and their commitment to these 'trash' dogs of Spain. He would be dead now without their agreement to bring him here to the UK! 

Clark the intrepid mole hunter......

Clark has had an interesting few days meeting more and more Cornish Fauna!  Yesterday he discovered a recently disturbed mole hill and proceeded to try to dig that naughty mole out! He was snorting and sniffing, pulling the grass out with his teeth and generally digging his little paws off trying to get that little mole out! He was ably assisted by Molly who has 'form' with Moles! He didn't catch Mr Mole but he was happy to give it a good try!

Today he met a Badger Cub!  One had been brought into work having been involved in an accident but fortunately only suffered superficial injuries so Clark had a good sniff of the cage and then came nose to nose with Mr Badger who was mostly uninterested in Clark and much more interested in scratching his tummy.  Mr Badger is off to be rehabilitated and hopefully re-released very soon, wildlife is just as important as our domesticated animals.

Did someone say treats? 

In other news Clark is booked in to our hospital in Falmouth on Thursday for more tests for his urinary problems. He will undergo a scan initially and then go on to have Xrays carried out with contrast dyes to establish if we can improve his leaking whilst he is asleep. If our wonderful vets Rachael (ultrasound and scanning expert) and Helena (soft tissue and bone specialist) find something we can rectify we will go ahead with any treatments/operations that will enable him to have a happy normal life. We have to appreciate that there is the possibility that the problem cannot be rectified and as such we shall manage his symptoms for the rest of his, hopefully, long life. 

Terrier SOS commit fully to the dogs they take on and as such despite the high costs involved in diagnostics and treatment their commitment to each life is a priority and to help each dog gain the best possible health and future. This is no mean feat and as such funding raising is permanently ongoing and our supporters are all fabulous - they not only donate money but also entered into our 'Auctions' all manner of items they collect and are happy to use as a tool to raise even more money.  If you too would like to help out visit the TerrierSOS website or our Facebook page. 

Happy Clark enjoying a summer meadow

Play Time

An AMAZING thing happen just now!  Clark played for the first time with a toy!  He has watched Molly & Wena play with the toys from the box and Molly had left out a 'flat fox' on the floor. Clark sat down and started to play with it!  I helped him along and Rob managed to get some video of him!

He didn't play for long but what a breakthrough!!  He is developing new skills everyday.  Today was a first with the toy but he has also been showing off his lying down in water trick plenty at the reservoir ;)

Paddling and sunshine

Today Clark has been on a lovely walk to Loe Bar and Loe Pool. We met some friends and their Glen of Imaal terrier and set off across the cliffs. Clark loves to sniff almost every blade of grass so it was a stroll rather than a hike!  We were out in front leading the troops!

He was straight into the Loe, no hesitation, enjoying the cool fresh water of the Cober! Bearing in mind he was reluctant to walk through the small river near our home he is now keen to get in and have a paddle - it may well have something to do with the temperature reaching 24 degrees here today, much more like Spain for him!

I am sure he would have been happy to have a swim but I haven't let him off his lead as yet and didn't want to see him swimming into the distance with no recall! 

Having a paddle with Dylan the Glen of Imaal terrier, Dylan was also very keen to have a little lie down in the cool water. They were all very well behaved together. Clark often whines when he passes other dogs or people on a walk and you can see he gets a little concerned, I have no idea why but as soon as he has gone passed he immediately calms down and stops whining?  Any ideas gratefully received on reasons why he might do this other than the obvious of being concerned about peoples/dog reaction to him.

He loves the cooling fresh water on his tummy.

Ouchie sea prickles on his paws - he soon learnt to walk around them not over them, he was curious as to what he was walking on! He is learning all about Cornish flora (and fauna!) and seems to be enjoying his walks more and more. You can see his legs in the above photo, they are getting stronger and he is building more muscle daily. We ensure he has at least one good walk a day (my girls have at least two but they already have thighs of steel!) He does get tired fairly quickly and after about 30 mins you can see him start to slow down and walk beside me rather than out on his long line. We head home then and he has a little nap.

Heading home, a gentle if warm stroll back towards Porthleven. 

Today the postie brought a package for Clark - a very kind follower has sent some goodies and a get well card to Clark, he is loved by many! My girls were much more interested in the actual package because they are used to having treats arriving but Clark was mystified! He was soon very interested when he understood the treats were for him!

Oi, get off thats my post!!

The kindness of terrier lovers is such a wonderful thing, we are all one big happy terrierist family! Thank you for all your support and love for little Clark - he is one very special little boy!

Another first!!

Just a quickie...........

Clark has mastered the dog door!!!!!!!!!  Only in one direction...going out, obviously, but go Clark!  Clever terrierist 

Tickle my tummy please mum!