 Jefferson
Jeff turned 11 last month and seems to be enjoying his new home
and his position as "Mr. President" (our nickname for him because
Leigh and I love history). We wondered whether he might be lonely as
the "only dog" but he seems to like it that way. We
did think when we first got him that we might still get a female
Wheaten pup, but after observing his dislike of puppy antics in the
obedience class we took, as well as outdoors in the park, we thought
that would be too much of a trial for him. We then considered maybe
adding an adult female, but decided that he really would be happier
as the only dog. He truly loves People and seems puzzled when People
pass him  without a pat. He enjoys the friends who visit us and had
no problems when my mother stayed with us for a week. He enjoyed his
Christmas trip, both the traveling aspect and seeing a new
household. He didn't mind that 10 People were moving about and doing
weird things like unwrapping presents. We hope to return in the
summer and see how he likes the nearby park system.
His health has been pretty
good, especially recently. Our vet was wonderful and able to track
down the likely reason behind Jeff's chronic regurgitation. The vet
Holly used should be included in this too since she did the tests
which ruled out the most obvious choice: megaeusophogous. After
experiencing a bad time in late Dec./early Jan. our vet decided to
treat Jeff for IBD, putting him
 on 3 meds and on Hill's z/d low
allergen. This, along with the practices of feeding him on an
elevated surface and exercising him after a meal, has worked
wonderfully. Jeff is now only on 2 meds. and on z/d Ultra, and
rarely regurgitates any more. Once in a while he will drink too fast
and bring up some water, but that's about it. He loves the z/d
enough that we can use it in his clicker training.
Through his illness his
spirits remained at a high level. Jeff has plenty of the Wheaten zip
in him! He hops and whirls at meal times, and after a brushing he
relieves his feelings with a "sugar fit" AKA FRAP session. He
is an incredibly sweet and loving guy. He has brought us a great
deal of joy, helping Leigh and me through our grief in losing
Cleburne last summer. He could not replace Cle, but he is just as
lovable!
Thank you WIN for bringing
this wonderful boy into our lives!!
PS Come see Jefferson's WURL on the eboard. Just follow this link
E-board .
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