The snow is melting quickly, it's really wet and that makes for good snow baths! Kia especially will roll until she is wet. I think elkhounds look funny when they are wet. At least they don't get that doggy smell, they just shake off the excess water and since they are really only wet on their outer guard hair they dry quickly. Both girls went with us for a run in the woods the other day. The snow was up to their knees and it was a lot of work for them. Good exercise! They continue to hunt and I think they are anxiously awaiting the first chipmunk exiting from a winter burrow. It will get harder to control the dogs once the chipmunks are active because they want to run from one chirping chippy to the next, to the next, to the next!
Various people and I have been having discussions about hip dysplasia this week. It's such a complicated subject. One of my girls is dysplastic and I watch closely for signs of pain. So far she has done really well and as we know, sometimes they can be dysplastic and not show outward signs. At least until they get older and have a lot of arthritic changes. When I found out she was dysplastic I cried and cried, thinking about how she might someday be in pain, not to mention the fact that she should not be bred so we will never have a litter from her. But we keep her in good shape, keep her weight down, make sure she gets exercise and supplements and pray for the best for her. And hope that we will never have to put her through a surgery though that is always an option if things get bad.
Kia and I are getting ready for this weekend when we go to visit Chris Olson and her family and compete in our very first agility trial! I'm excited and nervous. Kia loves agility and it gives her a lot of confidence. I love watching her run and jump.
No comments:
Post a Comment