Friday, July 29, 2011

Stealth , speed and bribery .




Another day , another skill set . Thanks for all your advice . Yesterday we knew nothing about giving nose drops to a blind dog . This morning , we are experienced pros . Suffice it to say that blind dogs are quite protective about having their remaining senses interfered with and can be 'lively' patients . For those who ever have to do it our advice is to use those tried and tested staples of dog ownership - stealth , speed and bribery . It's also easier if there are two of you. One to dangle a piece of ripe camembert in front of the patient so that his head is up at a 45 degree angle , the other to quickly and quietly squeeze a pipette into the nostril . With practice it can be done in 3 seconds - max .

It was the senior vet who gave us the news about the cancer spreading into the nasal passages . ' The font ' asked if the family fellow was in any pain but was told categorically no . He's "just drifting down the river ". The vet spent a full hour giving Wilf tests and didn't charge . Peoples kindness , vets and dog bloggers alike , still a source of throat catching amazement . Wilf carries on oblivious . His days spent happily herding his flock , eating , and dozing in the sun . PON common sense : " How can something bother you if you won't let it ? "

32 comments:

  1. As long as he's in no pain and still happy... *hugs* to the fluffy one. Hang in there.

    ReplyDelete
  2. We're so sorry the cancer has metastasized to Wilf's nose; hope the drops help. So glad he's not in pain. Also glad to see Mongoose slip Wilf his favorite treats; at this stage, he's entitled to whatever he wants. Gentle hugs, sweet boy.

    Jed & Abby

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh good job! You've got it down! Pretty soon it will become a one person task because Wilf will become used to someone touching his nose and wont mind. He's told us as much in his thought for the day.
    We love you, Wilf!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This isn't the time for a healthy diet. Dear Wilf he deserves sausages and ice cream around the clock.

    ReplyDelete
  5. " How can something bother you if you won't let it ? " - so true.

    Take care Wilf.

    Love,
    Homer

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great technique...will it work with two nostrils, though. We ALWAYS have cheese when taking any medication.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wilf is one tough cookie! Good work with the nasal drops!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Well done on mastering the new skill set. In spite of the latest news, as long as the old boy isn't in pain, and he's being looked after with your love and attention, then he's in a good place. My best wishes to the three of you.

    ReplyDelete
  9. At this stage, drifting down the river seems good to me. So long as it's on a boat full of coconut ice-cream and sausages.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Glad you figured it out! Like you, I am taken back by the love and compassion to be found in the dog-bloggers world! Our animals really do bring out the best in us - what a lesson! Hugs to your old family fellow, hope the meds are helping!

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's good to hear that he's not in pain. That means so much.

    ReplyDelete
  12. So glad to hear that you managed the nose drops and that Wilf continues to receive excellent care and is not in pain.
    Please give him an extra hug today from us in Aberdeen.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Happy to read that you found the solution for the drops, Angus.
    Courageous Wilfee, i send you all my love.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Good on yo Wilfster. Thanks for making us smile Dude.

    ReplyDelete
  15. PS Gail appreciated the Murdoch joke!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I like the thought of just 'drifting down the river.' As you know, it really is the best way to take this journey.

    ReplyDelete
  17. i can't help it! i'm holding out for the same miracles that took place when you were told he only had 3 days to live. months and months ago...
    dearest little wilfee polar bear!
    you have the hearts of all of us right in your hand. uh, paw.
    god bless you angus and font and wilf.
    love,
    tammy j

    ReplyDelete
  18. I read your post everyday .... althoughI don't usually comment. I feel like I know Wilf very well. We're off to France ourselves, for a few weeks, and our labrador is coming too ..... I really hope you are still here when i get back in September. A big hug to Wilf xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  19. Words we should all live by..thanks Wilf! :)

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm glad you found a good way of doing it that works for you! I can well imagine that much bribery must be involved in the whole process. All I'll say is that it could be worse. At least you didn't have to put medicine on his, um, manly regions like I once had to do!

    I have found that dog bloggers are truly some of the nicest and most helpful people out there! Give Wilf a hug for me.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Yeah for dogbloggers, all those great ideas !!
    Yeah for Wilfie to allow those drops for a bit of fancy cheese. We never had to give Zach nose drops, thank goodness, he would not have liked it.

    Zach's mom

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wilf continues to master "the moment". His drifting is inspiring. Pats and croissant slivers are the order of the day.

    ReplyDelete
  23. People's kindness can be a wonder. I'm glad that you mastered the new skill, and that Wilf is reveling in herding his entire flock.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I was so happy to read that Wilf is still in no pain and enjoying having his family around him.

    Wilf, you are an inspiration! I hope there is some coconut ice cream in your future!

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wilf, there's a circle of love surrounding you -- and the Power of the Paw that so many of us have invoked over and over again to help our furry friends .

    We are so grateful you're not in pain and continue to enjoy the simple treats in life.

    xxx Joan and the Barkalots

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wilf is my hero.
    You and the font come in a close second.

    ReplyDelete
  27. No pain, kindness of vets, chew treats!! This is excellent news on all fronts!! Good thing for soft "delicately scented" cheeses to make the nostrils drift skyward!! Keep on going Wilf....lovely, handsome boy!!

    With love from your Canadian pals, who start holidays at 3 p.m. today (but who's counting?),
    Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker

    ReplyDelete
  28. FontandOngoosepower - so sweet what you are up to for this special little fellow - part of my heart just hopes in more miracles... forever ongoing - love to all of you from Susanne, Daisy and Foxiie

    P.S. Vet kindness is fantastic!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. i'm sorry to hear that wilf's cancer has spread to his nose, but what a relief that he remains pain free and able to enjoy his family.
    sounds like you've got the camembert technique down well already! i haven't had to give my dogs nose drops before, but booker, being a lab, has had his fair share of ear infections. cheese (or vienna sausages) always seems to do the trick for distraction. :)
    lots of gentle hugs to wilf!

    the booker man and asa's mama

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wise, wise Pup, that's for sure. My heart is heavy though..can't seem to think there'll be world without him..but we have this wonderful blog and magnificent photos to cherish...

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love Wilf's hair in that bottom photo - a look only he can carry off.

    I hope the nose drops aren't going to be a permanent thing. I imagine it won't take long for the old family fellow to catch on to what's happening and not hold his head up for you.

    I'm just relieved that he's not in any pain. That's so very important!

    ReplyDelete
  32. That second photo shows nothing if not complete contentment :) Amazing how happy Wilf is with all of the challenges upon him. I suspect he loves his people so much that he dosn't mind the challenges one bit.

    Glad to hear you've mastered the nasal dosages.

    ReplyDelete