We had snow sometime last night, followed by freezing rain. Frozen droplets decorated the trees and bushes this morning.
My friend Kristin’s son aptly called them frozen “tear drops because the plant misses spring.” I love that. Never before had I seen this phenomenon, and it was so lovely – all of the weeping trees and bushes frozen in the moment, sparkling. What wasn’t so lovely is the slushy mess that ensued as the temperature crept up. It’s all fine if you can stay indoors, but when the dog needs walking, it’s ugly.
Normally on this type of day, I’d bring Buster to doggie daycare, where he can run around with his friends, get wet (but not muddy), and tire himself out – while I hide inside doing really important Real Housewife things.
But I couldn’t do that today – because Buster’s toenail is still infected. When I saw blood again on Monday, I took him to the vet. The antibiotics the ER gave me didn’t cure the infection. So I forked over even more money, the grand total now approaching $700, and received a new protocol. It’s time to get serious about this war on bacteria: Another week of a different antibiotic. No rough play. No off leash. And his foot is rebandaged and must remain so for at least 5, preferably 7 days. We’re only on day 3 and it’s already working itself off or, more likely, Buster is chewing on it when I’m not looking. But to add in the Cone of Shame just seems unfair.
He’s already upset that he can’t play with his friends.
He’s already upset that he has to wear an IV bag over his bandage to keep it from getting wet when we go outside. Buster doesn’t love boots the way that I do.
If I cone him, then I’ll have to worry about doggie depression, exacerbated by the fact that he’s not getting enough exercise because no matter how many times I walk him, it’s not the same as running off leash in the woods or playing with his doggie friends at daycare.
Did I mention we’re only on day 3?
I don’t know how I’m going to manage 4 more days of my stir crazy dog and his makeshift IV bag boot.
Maybe some new boots for me?
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
I can’t believe poor Buster’s toenail is still infected! Poor little guy!
I know! It’s killing me…
awwwww poor Buster!!
He’s so sad
Oh, NOOOOO! Poor Buster! He truly looks miserable in that picture!! I hope this new antibiotic does the trick. You guys need to be able to get back to your customary romps in the woods!!
We totally need that!
Oh no! Poor guy! I’m so sorry to hear his nail is still infected. Have you tried using an inflatable cone of shame? It isn’t actually a cone — it’s just like one of those inflatable donuts people use in the pool. It’s softer and won’t get in the way so much. Anyway, they have them at Petco.
I haven’t tried that. Thanks for the idea! If the bandage starts looking dodgy, I’ll check it out!
Awww…poor sweet Buster. That photo is so sad. If he could say “my life sucks”, that would be what he’s look like when he said it. Hang in there, you’ll get through the next few days.
Counting the days…wine at night
What we do for our pets!! My siblings and I joke with our parents about their two dogs. We say that my parents treat their dogs better then they treated us!! lol Hope Buster feels better soon!!!
Thanks me too!
Boots for yourself will help any situation. Seriously.
That’s what I’m thinking
oh, poor buster!! and poor you, stacie!! the $ for the extra meds would have bought some nice boots!…or A nice boot, depending on the brand!!
Haha! I know…
We had those frozen droplets too, along with about 5 inches of snow. There was nothing happening when I went to bed, but when I walked outside to head to work I needed an extra 5 minutes to clean off my car. No complaints though. I love being outside in the few hours after a snow.
It was really pretty – just messy to walk in. Sounds like you got more snow than we did. We had maybe 3 inches at most.
Poor puppy! And YIKES that just one toenail can cause so much trouble! I don’t blame him, I’d probably start chewing on my foot if I wasn’t allowed to race around for a whole week.
I know! I can’t believe it either.
Poor doggie…
Those frozen water droplets are really beautiful!
Thanks Dana!
Oh no, poor Buster! Good that he didn’t get a cone. Maybe he might appreciate his boot more if you DIYed something cute… What about some caramel brown suede that would suit his outdoorsy nature?
Coca hurt her toe nail too, but apparently she’s one of those “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” dogs.
Maybe if I were at all craftsy…
Buster always gets wounds infected. Always.
I am not believing this saga. Holy cow. An IV bag? There must be a child’s book in this tale somewhere. Bless his little heart. But if I had to come up with $700 right now — I’m not sure my credit cart could cover it, much less cash on hand. I hope this is the end of it for you and poor Buster.
I know, it’s a bummer!
Poor pup!! I hope he’s feeling better soon!
Thanks Michelle!