Eyes tests and vet cuddles

This week has seen no improvement in Clark's barking at work sadly and today we gave in and I took Clark to my mums for the afternoon, bless him, he only wants to be 'doing' and not watching but his yipping was getting deafening! He loves mum, everyone does, and she is great with him so it was a good solution to a noisy problem. 

Despite all the noise he had been making he then enjoyed having cuddles with our vet, Siobhan, whilst she examined his eyes and gave him another general health exam. He is doing great and is now 11kg, he is muscling up and is definitely looking in better shape.  His eye exam went well and you can see Siobhan here testing his tear production with a strip in his eye, this measures the moisture over a timed period and I am happy to report the results are good and the Optimmune is really helping him. 

Clark is such a good 'patient' and is relaxed and calm when he is being examined, here you can see Siobhan handling him with no need for a nurse (or me) to be there as a comfort or to restrain him. He is very happy to be handled by all the staff and is often taken out by the nurses and animal care assistants for a wee break or just for a short walk. He has a real soft spot for one of our nurses, Maria, and greets her with his flapper feet going mad...... he is well loved! 

   

Clark is gaining confidence and strength all the time, he is also developing a nose for rabbits!  He enjoys sniffing in the hedges and is often seen with his bottom in the air and nose as far down the hole as he can go!! Fortunately, unlike Lakelands, he is too big to actually get down the hole but is very keen to put his head down as far is it will go, snorting and blowing away.

His back legs are getting stronger but he still tires after about 35 mins of a walk, he is keen to go though and really enjoys the sights and smells. His recall is improving and he now responds to my commands more quickly and with an understanding of what I want from him. He is happy little chap.  

This morning we had a bit of a breakthrough with Sowena when Clark greeted her with flapper feet paws....... this means he is VERY happy to see you!  He does this to me, Rob, my mum and Maria, the nurse he loves at work, and now to Wena too so he is evidently gaining confidence around her. She was snooty and ignored his attempts to say good morning but she often tries to engage him in play so hopefully they will continue to develop a friendship. He is still a little growly with Molly which I find odd as Molly is the least confrontational dog I know, I think he is just pushing her down the pack hierarchy and getting in above her but below Wena. Molly doesn't mind being down the bottom as long as she can be with me on my chair and bed so we are letting them work that out between them. Molly will always give way to him and just removes herself or turns away bless her. She really is a sweet little dog. 

We have been taking regularly walks to the dam and paddling in the shallows as he loves to lie down in the water for a bit whilst having a drink. Today I am hoping to put him in Wena's buoyancy aid and I shall wade out a short distance to get him swimming in, this should help strengthen his legs a little more too. I will try to take some pics...... whilst handling three dogs, in the water up to my knees and with a camera in one hand...... could be a disaster waiting to happen! 

  

Superman is flying high and enjoying every minute of it!  There are many dogs both in the UK and abroad who need foster places and forever homes.....if you can offer them a life changing home please consider it. We love every minute of our time with Clark and cannot recommend fostering highly enough - it might be scary and tiring, like yesterday morning at 6.00am when I was bathing Clark ready for his photo shoot at work and could have done with an extra hour in bed,  I can honestly say he is worth it!  Go on, you know you want to.......