Saturday, September 1, 2012

Rain At Last

After months of drought and temperatures in the 90s and 100s, we have rain. This situation is due to Hurricane Isaac who did so much damage to the Gulf Coast. But by the time he arrived here he was a much tamer storm and we welcomed him.
The rain began Thursday night and continued all day yesterday. It was the perfect kind of rain, steady and soaking, not the kind that runs down the hill and does no good to the plants. This was sinking in and bringing exactly what the trees, grass and shrubbery needed.
The rain continued all night and is still coming down, much to Sebastian's dismay. We learned that Sebastian does not like to get wet, unlike his water dog siblings. Last night I had to put a leash on him and drag him outside for last call. He and I plodded thru the mud until he finally gave in and peed on a tree. He was no more cooperative this morning. The others are more than happy to run thru the puddles and get completely soaked.
Yesterday Dr B and I had our Friday morning call and the news wasn't good. Samba is not getting  better and is refusing to eat again. She's painfully thin and getting weak. We discussed tweaking her diet to make it more appealing to her and he suggested an antibiotic to clear up the mess in her intestinal tract. He knew this would make me anxious because the antibiotic he wanted to use is the one that Morgan had a near fatal reaction to. We discussed the fact that Samba and Morgan are not related and the statistical possibilities of the same reaction happening are very slim. Finally I agreed to try it.
One big positive thing we discussed is treats. Samba hasn't been able to have biscuits because of her illness. I can see that she feels deprived when the others get a cookie and she doesn't. Dr B said she could have potatoes. So, Rob peeled several potatoes and I cut them into bite size pieces. Then I spread them on a non stick cookie sheet and baked them till they were golden and crunchy. She loved them and so did all the others. She looks happier already.

Thank you to all who are sending messages and asking about Samba's condition. I hope I can have some good news for you soon.

13 comments:

SissySees said...

Love the potato treats. We still have crossed paws for Samba and look forward to some good news.

Anonymous said...

Isn't mother nature great sometimes, we also have had rain and the grass is green again. So glad Samda found some food she likes, we will keep our paws crossed for her.

Your Furends
Susie & recliner Bites

Ruby said...

Those potatos are a great idea! I think I'll have Ma fix me some of those.
I'm so sorry that the news isn't better about Samba. I will keep my paws crossed that the medicine will do the job. I will also be sending ya'll some AireZens....
Good news about the rain! Yea! I totally sympathize with Sebastian ~ I'm a water dog too, but I don't like gettin' wet! I don't even much enjoy gettin' my paws wet, if I can help it. (paw-bump Sebastian!)

Kisses,

Ruby

The Life of Riley said...

Paws crowssed Samba is feeling better soon.

I have a suggestion for the times Samba wants something to crunch on - try rice cakes (the 4 inch round, 3/4 inch thick variety, not the small thin crackers). Here we get "organic rice with no added salt" rice cakes and Riley loves the crunch of what is just rice and water. He will spin circles to get a half or full cake - even though it is a low calorie treat. Check with your vet if rice is OK for Samba at the moment (usually rice is for dogs who have stomach issues)and then look for the rice cakes with no added flavors, no MSG and no added salt so Samba has the plainest low salt variety, and gets to crunch on something while your other dogs have their cookie or they try the rice cakes too.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Cool idea for Samba's treats. We do hope the antibiotics make her better and not worse.

Our rain is finally starting to stop. We were very happy to get some, but we are ready for it to stop. Mom doesn't let us out very much because we have to come inside by that white rug:(

Hope you can enjoy the weekend.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Molly the Airedale said...

Our paws remain crossed for you, Samba! Your potatoes sure do look yummy!
We're so happy to hear that you got a good soaking rain!

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Poor Samba..so glad you found a treat that she can enjoy. Paws are crossed.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

Marjie said...

Poor Samba. thankfully, Dr. B is a wonderful vet who's willing to work hard for you.

It sounds silly, but have you thought of a doggy raincoat for Sebastian? It won't help his feet, but he might be happier with his back not being wet. I've been hoping the rain got to your poor, parched yard.

Jo's World said...

I loves a potato treat too, especially those golden, crispy types. When Mom makes Chicken Veggie soup, she will pour some on my kibble and I will get a potato to chew on. Mom calls 'em spuds!

Sebastian maybe we are related, I don't like wet feets either. When I hear, "It looks like rain", I hurry out and back in again.

Cheers and prays for Samba, and all the pack!

Stella

Matilda the Boxer said...

The potatoes sound like a grreat idea! I hope that Samba feels lots better soon.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

What a great idea for a treat!! I've done hot-dogs before as a high value treat when I've been working with a dog, but the potatoes are a much better idea!

I've been thinking about you, and I'm glad you're not getting too washed away! Interesting about Sebastian--He probably doesn't like to go out in the rain because he's afraid he won't be let back in...I've had that happen with a foster or two...Just a thought.. I also continue to think of Samba, and hope she's having a good day!!

Dexter said...

Tater treats. Awesome!

Poor old Sebastian. Odd dog out with all those water loving doggies.

Slobbers,
Mango

Lapdog Creations said...

We had a lovely weekend, but now it's raining here... which is good too, we need it.

I'm ignoring the Samba part since I just read the update that came later :)