Ein: Part Dog, Part Cheetah.

A lot of mystery comes with adopting a shelter dog. A lot of the questions I have about Ein, our shelter dog, are probably the same questions I would have if I adopted a child. Where did they come from? What is their breed/ethnicity? How old are they? What’s their story? Do they have any health problems? Are there any healthy problems I should look out for? Are they allergic to anything?

While I would hope that an adoption agency, hospital or biological mother would know these answers, the animal shelter definitely didn’t.  It didn’t change Brandon’s or my mind about Ein at all. But while I am still determined to figure out some of these answers, I feel like Brandon might enjoy some of the mystery. Why? I think I actually know that answer already.

My boyfriend, Brandon, was adopted when he was a few months old. His mom decided to adopt him because she thought he looked like her husband. To this day, Brandon does look like his dad, despite a big difference in height. Brandon’s mom adopted him without knowing all the answers. She saw a familiar face in the baby and that’s all she needed. I’d like to think Brandon felt the same way about Ein. He didn’t need to know how old he was, or what caused his face to get so infected. Brandon didn’t even need to know what breed Ein was. Brandon related to this little dogs story and that was all he needed.

Ein has been ours for a few months now and we’ve gotten some answers. We figured out a rough age based on his teeth. We’ve come to find out that Ein is allergic to chicken. For the first week we had Ein, he would make this hilarious but pathetic noise. It sounded like he had a hairball. He would make the noise constantly. His skin would be pink all the time. After about a week, I remembered that my brothers girlfriend, Libby, had mentioned that her lab was allergic to chicken. I tried to imitate the noise Ein would make at work and found out he was reverse sneezing. It took me a while, but I put two and two together and picked up some lamb-based food for Ein to eat. Bingo. No more reverse sneezing or pink skin. You can call me Sherlock Holmes. I don’t mind.

There is still one question that Brandon and I have yet to figure out an answer to that is KILLING me. What the heck is Ein?! When anyone asks, Brandon’s response is “part dog, part cheetah”. I somewhat don’t doubt it because this dog is the fastest animal I’ve ever witnessed running.

In an effort to keep my Sherlock Holmes name, I’ve continued to keep my eye on Ein to see if any clues come up. 

Note: I know there are tests to get this answered BUT 1. I’m cheap and 2. I don’t get to keep my Sherlock Holmes title if I don’t figure this out on my own.

The shelter labeled Ein as a Golden/Lab mix. Okay, kind of. He has some Golden Retriever or Labrador in him for sure. But what else?

Clue #1: Ein is vocal. He voices every emotion he has. If he’s acting fierce while playing, you’ll know it. If he want’s to eat dinner, you’ll know it. If he’s yawning, you’ll know it. And if he wants out of his crate, you’ll REALLY know it. Hounds are known for being vocal. Noted.

Clue #2: Ein has a white tip on his tail. Hounds have white tips on their tail. Noted.

Clue #3: Ein is freakishly fast. I’m not saying that he’s a good runner. I’m saying that he has chased down wasps and squirrels before. True story. Some types of hounds are fast. Noted.

Clue #4: Ein looks like an AT-AT. Seriously, it’s uncanny. He has these long legs and this small head. What breed is known for having a small head while still being fast? Greyhounds. Now we’re going somewhere.

I googled Lab-Greyhound mix and after doing some comparing, I think this case is closed.

Comparison 1: EARS

Both Ein and this other Lab-Greyhound mix have these quirky ears. They aren't flat, and they fold a bit awkwardly.

Comparison 2: SMALL, BEADY EYES

Both Ein and the Lab-Greyhound below have small, yet adorable little black eyes. 

Comparison 3: AWKWARD LAYING 

Okay, I'm half kidding on this comparison. But still.

This photo isn't a "rare opportunity" thing. This is how Ein sleeps. All the time.

COMPARISON 4: SMILES 

No comment needed. Just two happy pups.

Comparison 5: LONG PROFILE

Both Ein and this Lab-Greyhound Mix have similar profiles. 

Comparison 6: LOVE OF GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

Lab-Greyhounds love their Goldens. Just sayin'.

Comparison 7: PROOF

When looking at this picture of Ein and Lab-Greyhound Mix, it's like looking at Ein and future Ein. Both have quirky ears, black beady eyes, a beautiful blond coat, dark black noses, skinny heads, and essentially the same exact expression on their faces. Proof, I tell ya.

In the end, regardless if Ein is part greyhound, part lab, part pug, part cheetah or part alien, we will love him for the ridiculous, animated, dramatic dog that he is. 

A Golden with Luxating Patellas Part 2

August 1^st- X-Ray Day

The first step to getting a firm diagnosis was to get x-rays of Brinkley’s knees. It would be a day long event to knock Brinkley out, get the shots they needed, and get blood drawn to test for any complications. I picked Brinkley up once I got the 'okay' and worked from home the rest of the day to keep an eye on him. I worked while he made faces like this:

The dude was out of it.

On August 2nd I got the phone call with the x-ray results. The vet said that he definitely had Luxating Patellas and that he would need a consultation with a surgeon. When I called the surgery center they explained the following:

“You’ll have an 8 AM appointment. Bring the x-rays. The surgeon will look at the x-rays and talk over his plan of attack with you. If you agree, then you’ll leave Brinkley here and he will operate that day. We will keep Brinkley overnight to monitor him. You’ll be able to pick him up at 5 PM the following day.”

BAM. Just like that I’ll find out how they will fix Brinkley’s issue. I’ll find out if it will be one leg or two. I’ll find out how much it costs. I’ll find out the recovery time. And I’m supposed to nod my head and send him on his way. And that’s exactly what happened.

August 6^th- Appointment/Surgery Day

My brother joined Brinkley and I for moral support as we met with the surgeon. We discussed how Brinkley’s leg is working now, what he will do to fix it, and how it will work after the fact. They can only focus on one leg at the time so they planned to do the surgery on his left leg, which was giving him more grief. Fingers were crossed that fixing the left leg would make the right one get better since it wouldn't have to work so hard. 

The doctor explained, used fancy plastic molds, and big words that showed off his education. He attempted to comfort Brinkley who knew someone was wrong and wasn't happy about it. While I listened, Brinkley sat on the padded bench with me keeping an eye on the surgeon. While all the right things were said, and everything made sense, all I could focus on was the knot in my stomach from the thought of leaving Brinkley overnight. 

On August 6^th, I had officially spent TWO nights without Brinkley. Both nights were due to out of town weddings. For both of those weddings, I would get picture updates with hilarious captions from my mom who treated Brinkley like a king.  It made it easy. Picturing Brinkley confused and in pain was not easy. I knew it was for the best so I signed off and it was time to say goodbye.

August 6^th was probably one of the longest days of my life. I stared at my phone waiting for the phone call saying he was out of surgery. I waited so long for such a quick phone conversation. I attempted to console myself by saying that less time on the phone meant more time making Brinkley comfortable. The night was longer than the day, and also full of wine. 

August 7^th- Recovery

Brinkley was picked up from the surgery center the next day and it was obvious he was ready to be at home. While obviously sore, he moved as quickly as he could. He couldn’t use his back leg so they provided a sling to help him carry his back weight. He wore the cone of shame, which brought back the embarrassing days of his neuter. 

It was important to keep Brinkley from moving as much as possible for the next 8 weeks. 8 WEEKS. He could only go outside twice a day and other than that he should be in a confined space with his cone on.

The surgeon had explained that the best way for him to heal was to have nothing covering the wound. It would keep it aired out. Luckily it didn’t look as horrible as I had imagined. 

The first night he was home I slept on the floor with him since he was used to being on the bed with me. I couldn't handle the thought of him attempting to jump on the bed. I made a pallet for the both of us and was hoping to catch up on sleep as the night was sleepless. Apparently Brinkley had hated being apart as much as I had because all he wanted to do was have our heads right next to each other....with the cone on.  …..It was a long night. 

Week 1 & 2

The next few weeks were all about the same. I turned my bathroom into a space for Brinkley. I had a lamp in there so he wouldn’t have bright lights on all day and night. I added a small fan to keep him cool and calm. I kept his nearly twin size bed on the floor for him to sleep on. It was a boring few weeks as can be seen in Brinkley's face....

Two weeks later, he got his stitches out. All seemed well, but the cone stayed on. About a week later, it seemed like his wound was opening up a bit. I took him back for a follow up and they gave him some antibiotics. They continued to leave the wound open and able to breathe.

Week 5

5 weeks later and Brinkley is still recovering wonderfully. He isn’t confined to a small space and his cone is off. His hair is growing back, which I honestly think he is most excited about. He is off the pain medicine and he can walk short distances.

His other leg will still give out on him a couple times a week. Fingers are still crossed that the right leg is still overcompensating for his surgery leg and will be fine once he is fully recovered.

While still on the road to recovery, Brinkley is recovering fabulously. He is back to being his goofy self and is enjoying taking it easy with his brother. Stay tuned for more updates!

More photos....

Oh Knee, Oh My

I’m known for blowing things out of proportion.  I’m known for overreacting to news, and then slowly calming down and being rational. I’m known for jumping to crazy conclusions when things are fine. I’d like to think of it as my way of coping.  “If I hear a loud noise and think that it’s a sign of the apocalypse,  I’m pleasantly surprised when I discover that it’s only a dumpster being emptied—even to the point where the wave of garbage odor smells like a second chance at life.” So you could see why it came as a HUGE surprise when I found out my one-year-old Golden Retriever needed surgery. 

“SURGERY?! No. No no no. No. He’s too young. Will he need an IV? Will he have to be shaved? Oh my gosh, that will humiliate him, you know how vein he is. I need to take a month off work to make sure he will be okay. Maybe I should quit my job.... What if he doesn’t make it out of it? My dog is supposed to be burying me, I’m not supposed to be burying it. Do they have dog crutches...? Can I order them on Amazon? I have a Prime account.”

I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me back up a few months….

Brinkley has always been a calm dog. Frankly, He’s lazy. Don’t get me wrong, he likes to play, and will do whatever it takes to fetch his tennis ball back. But Brinkley isn’t a hyper dog. He likes to cuddle. He likes to chew a bone. He doesn’t run circles around the apartment trying to get me to take him outside. In fact, he's SO lazy that he'd rather continue to lay down even while eating dinner. True story. Below are a ridiculous amount of pictures of Brinkley being lazy.

So when Brinkley yelped and collapsed while running in my parent's yard one Sunday evening, I didn’t think much of it. He held a back leg up but I sat with him while he laid down and when he got back up, all seemed well again. I blamed it on too much swimming in my parents pool.

Over the course of the next month, the mid-run collapses started happening more and more frequently and quickly began taking less physical movement before they happened. First, they only happened after long runs. Not too long after, the flare ups began occurring after shenanigan behavior with his brother, Ein. And eventually, his knees began buckling simply by walking to find the perfect green patch to go potty on. I could not handle the look in his eyes as he tried to soldier through the pain any longer. I had to do something.

I scheduled an evening vet appointment for him and off we went. The vet checked Brinkley out spending a lot of time adjusting his back legs to see how they moved. The more time she spent the more fussy Brinkley got. I stared at the vet not wanting to miss any expression that could hint that something was wrong.

And you better believe I did not miss that expression that something was wrong.

The vet looked at the assistant and said, “do you feel that?”

Feel what? FEEL WHAT?!?!?!?!

She was silent a few more minutes as she explored the area thoroughly.  When she was through, she looked at me with a concerned expression. You could tell she was struggling on how to say exactly what she noticed.

She decided on the following:

“First off, let me say that I have been a veterinarian for most of my life and it’s been at least 20 to 25 years since I’ve seen a golden retriever have what your golden retriever has”.

Awesome, great start.

“Brinkley’s knees are popping in and out of place.  It’s called Luxating Patellas. It’s pretty common in little dogs. In fact, a lot of little dogs have it and nothing is done to treat it. But Brinkley is a big boy and Luxating Patellas are rare in big dogs. Not only are they rare, but they are painful. The last time a golden I knew had this, he had surgery”.

[Queue freak out above]

“Again, I haven’t seen a golden retriever have this in decades. The methods for fixing it could have drastically changed”.

They haven't.

They attempted to take x-rays that night, but in order to get the shots they needed, they had to make Brinkley’s legs move like a Cirque-du-Solei freak. That didn’t happen.

The next step was to schedule a day for Brinkley to have anesthesia and then, of course, X-rays. The first available day? My birthday…

Without hesitation, I took it.

The Story of a Nearly Euthanized Puppy

The story begins on July 6^th when a friend at work shared a picture with me of a dog on the “CODE RED” list at the Fort Worth Animal Shelter. For those of you unfamiliar with this, the CODE RED list contains animals that are  on schedule to be euthanized, if not adopted or tagged before that night. Tagging an animal means that an individual or organization have said that you will pick up the dog the next day.  If you don’t, the dog will be back on the list.

Bear with me, this story has a happy ending, but the sadder details need to be shared. In an attempt to save these helpless animals lives, shelter volunteers post pictures of the animals on the CODE RED list on Facebook in order for word to spread. It has spared a lot of lives, especially with such a short timeframe from finding out which will be on the list and when the time of euthanization will be.

Why does this have to happen in the first place? People get puppies because they think they are cute, then find out they are a lot of work and turn them in to shelters with no consequence. Other individuals cannot pay for the costs of their pet anymore, or have to move into places where they cannot keep their pet. A lot of animals are simply just found on the side or the road and turned into the shelter. Shelters don’t have room for all of the animals and when that is the case, animals get euthanized.

How is it determined who gets euthanized? Cats and dogs can be on the CODE RED list for a variety of reasons. It could be a simple URI (upper respiratory infection) that could be easily treated with antibiotics, skin problems that could also be easily treated, or the animals breed/personality could be classified as aggressive or too shy. This means that a lot of dogs that are perfectly healthy can be on the list just for their breed having a bad reputation.

All of this is super sad.

The puppy shared with me was on the list because of skin problems.

Shelter Picture

My friend had shared the photo with me because she had heard that my boyfriend, Brandon, was interested in getting a puppy in the next few months. He had just gotten his big boy job, an apartment by himself, and he was looking for a dog to make the place a little less quiet.

Brandon was debating between getting a chocolate lab or golden retriever. He wanted a puppy and was really interested in adopting a dog that needed a home. For the past few months I had been sending him photos of golden retrievers with fosters that needed homes. The timing was just never right.

When I sent Brandon the photo above, his response was “Can I go get him tonight?”.

The next few hours were chaos. It was a Friday afternoon and trying to get ahold of the shelter was extremely difficult. The dog’s photo didn’t have an ID number so they couldn’t locate the dog. When I finally found the dogs ID from searching the website, the employee at the shelter told me the dog wasn’t on the CODE RED list. I emailed the volunteers who disagreed. It turns out the volunteers know more than the employees. We wanted to pick the puppy up that night but the shelter closed at 6 and there was no way we could get to Fort Worth by then. Another friend at work was willing to do anything to help and called her husband to see if he could go get Ein. The shelter said adoptions couldn’t be done on the phone. I emailed the volunteers to ensure that the puppy was tagged, therefore wouldn’t be euthanized, and I was told we could pick him up anytime the next day. The shelter opened at noon, so naturally Brandon and I were there, with Brinkley in the backseat, at 11:15.

I’ll spare you the details of the two hours at the shelter. All I will say is that it is a very unorganized place, with far too many dogs going in, and not enough being adopted. To help my mental stability, I stayed in the car with Brinkley while Brandon waited to get the puppy. Two hours later, he got him.

Brandon brought the small, dirty, bloody puppy out to the car. Brinkley’s first reaction to seeing his brother? Growling. “WHAT IS THIS UGLY DOG DOING IN THE CAR?!”

Despite the muddy blond coat, the bloody back from the microchipping, and the incredibly scabbed face from an infection, the puppy was adorable. While small, you could tell he was a warrior who had faced many nights on the streets. Brandon decided to name him Albus Einstein (a little bit of science, a little bit of magic) but Ein for short.

It’s been two months with Ein and a lot of vet visits. I would share the detailed story but the photos below tell the story better. Ein had a tick on his neck, a tapeworm in his belly, and mites all over his body. The mites took advantage of his malnourished body and gave him scabs all over his face. Despite all of this, he was the happiest dog you’ve ever seen.

He is now mite free, double his weight, and still the happiest dog…ever. It took Brinkley a few hours, but the boys now act like brothers. They love to play and do everything together. They are truly happier together.

Through out all of it, I never saw any hesitation from Brandon about going through this journey to get Ein well. You could just see the joy in Ein and picturing him being put down for something that just needed simple antibiotics was unbearable. Ein has so much love to give, always wanting to be in your lap and giving you kisses. I swear he is always smiling.

Ein now spends his time running laps around Brinkley, attempting to get the plunger from under the sink, and searching for any possible scrap of food he can find.

The pictures below show Ein from the day Brandon adopted him to now.

First Day

First Day

Two Weeks Later

Two Weeks Later- First Time at the Dog Park!

3 weeks after getting Ein

3 Weeks after getting Ein

1 Month after being adopted

1 month after being adopted

Sleepy boys 

A month and a half after being adopted

2 months! Patio Dogs

2 months after adoption. Mite free!