Questions

It has always been Brian and I asking River questions, are you hungry, tired, happy? Tonite Brian came home from work and sat down at the table with us while we were coloring. He yawned, briefly. River, without looking up or missing a beat, asked, Are you tired? Brian and I looked at each other like he just asked the most profound question ever. It just struck us how much he can talk and how much he notices and processes. He changes so much recently it's hard to even keep up with him.

Quick Update

River was diagnosed with a single ear infection and strep throat. Today is the first day he hasn't had a fever. His appetite also returned. I think after a good night's rest he should be much better in the morning. We had to take Jinx back to the vet on Tuesday. She hadn't really improved. She was diagnosed with anxiety again. Brian and I think that she might be scared of River. He is loud, moves fast and is full of mischief. We will have to see.

River and Jinx

OK, it has been a crazy weekend. I am tired but I wanted to give everyone a quick update. To start with River started running a fever Saturday morning. It started out at 102. It took a dose of both Tylenol and Ibuprofen to get it down. I think he has an earache. Just my hunch. Anyway, he napped at 12:30 and slept until 5! Poor guy. It was a hot day so it was nice that Brian and I got almost the whole day to take it easy. We took turns getting some sun in the one spot that gets sun on our back deck. We had music playing and just did a lot of nothing. Haven't done that in a while. It was so hot that we went out to get some teriyaki after River woke up. He seemed better. He even wanted to play outside when we got back, but soon after his fever had spiked to 103.7! Whoa! We gave him a coolish bath and fever meds. It took awhile but it went down. We were up with him off and on all nite. He mostly wanted comfort. He slept in until 10 this morning. Normally he is up by 7. Again he seemed better. Just a short episode of 101 fever. He was energetic and playful for the rest of the day, but had 102 fever again tonite. Don't worry, I am taking him to the Doc as soon as possible tomorrow. In the past I would have taken him to urgent care but as he gets older he usually gets over a fever in day or so by himself. I really thought he was over the hump I didn't think he would have a fever at all tonite, especially not 102. We will see what happens tonite, we may end up at the ER yet.

Some time late afternoon, early evening we noticed Jinx panting heavily and shaking hard. She had been in the cool basement for most of the day so we weren't worried about her overheating. We put her back downstairs and she seemed fine. I let her out this morning and showered. When I went outside she was doing it again. We monitored her for the rest of the day. No improvement. I started to get worried and ended up taking her to the ER vet. The one here in Olympia had a 4-5 hour wait so I had to go to Tacoma. They were so nice. Turns out she just needed a tranquilizer. Jinx has always been easily frightened but she is still a pretty normal dog. I guess sometimes a dog like her can get freaked out and no one knows why. The weird part was as soon as I put her in the truck and drove for a few miles she calmed right down. Immediately stopped panting and shaking. As soon as I opened the door to the vet (she has never been to) she started up again. It is all very weird. Something at home is upsetting her, I wish I knew what it was. I am interested in any opinions or experiences any one has had with anything like this. Brian stayed at home and took care of River, fed him, bathed him and got him to bed. Then gave him Tylenol for his fever. I am glad I did not have to handle a sick baby and crazy dog all by myself.

Our family has kept us guessing this weekend, but so far all is well. I will be happy to get River to the doc tomorrow and see what is wrong with him. I guess we will have to put him on antibiotics. I hate to, but if he needs them....I don't want him to be sick anymore.

By the way we had a weekend of super weather. Nice Friday, hot (like 90) Saturday and a very pleasant 80 today. We are expecting rain again this week, but we'll see. Hopefully the next time we get a taste of summer everyone will be healthy so we can go camping or spend the day at the lake together.