Experiencing Hell ...on Earth
I'm sorry to have to write about my last week of life because it was literally hell on earth. I know Joan did not mean it to be, but it was and she knows it now. Hopefully, she'll never do that to me again. You all might be smarter than I am knowing that I was heading to a kennel because Joan got me that innoculation shot for kennel cough - but I did not know.
It all started last Thursday. It started off great - Joan woke up and did work on her computer for a couple hours. Then she got on her ski clothes and we went to the golf course to ski with Eileen. We had a blast and I was running around like my usual self. Then we went home. Still fine - I relaxed on my bed. Then Joan got some of my stuff and we got in the car and drove to this place they call a kennel. She took off my collar and leash to put on another type of leash. I was very scared of the man there and immediately started shaking and of course, my tail was between my legs. Joan walked back to the kennels with me and then the man told her to go back "because it was easier." She told me later that she was peeking through the door anyway. They put me in this very small cage (I'm used to the living and dining room as my "cage".) I was *very* scared because I did not know what was happening to me. I did not see Joan again for a while. I thought maybe I would never see her.
The first day I wouldn't eat anything and I was shaking and panting.
The second day I threw up any food I ate and I was shaking and panting.
The third day I stopped shaking and starting eating some food.
Joan called everyday to see how I was (she told me). She was very worried about me because I wasn't eating. They took me on some walks but it was just so scary in there. There were tons of dogs and they all barked a lot (I don't bark very much). And I was in a small cage where I could lay down or stand up. I could also go through a small door into a large run outside but I'm also scared of going through small doors. They kept telling Joan I was doing better.
Then FINALLY yesterday Joan's sister, Eileen, picked me up. At first I did not know who she was either. I was expecting Joan. As soon as I smelled her, I realized who she was and was really happy! Please take me away ....and she did. When we got off the freeway to Joan's house, I knew where we were going and started to get excited. When Eileen let me in the house, I immediately searched around looking for Joan but she wasn't here. So I waited.
Then Joan showed up a few hours later and I was SOOOO happy to see her. She said that I looked skinny and she and Eileen had a discussion of how skinny I was and smelly (kennel smell laced with powder - perhaps flea powder?).
Later last night, Joan brought me into the bathroom and I went willingly. I even jumped into the bathtub all by myself. I was looking forward to a good bath to get rid of the smell on me, too. After Joan washed me, I curled up and slept. Joan put a towel around me because I was still a little damp. I have been absolutely exhausted!
This morning Joan took me to the golf course for a good run. We met Eileen there. I was on the slower side - I'm still really exhausted. Then on the way back home, Joan stopped at the vet to weigh me because she wanted to know if I really was skinny or if she was just imagining it.
I weighed 42.6 lbs. ! I lost 10% of my body weight in one week! Before I left I was 46.6 lbs. Joan was aghast and when we got home, she immediately gave me another scoop of food. And then I immediately went to bed. I'm very, very exhausted. Even when Eileen was putting on her shoes (at which time I usually jump in hopes of a walk), I just laid on my bed watching her.
I think Joan knows now that the kennel was not a good idea. She needs to find a way to have me stay at home. I hope she manages it because I HATED being at that place.