Nigel, the Best Dog in the World

When my son, Max, was in first grade he asked almost daily, “Is this the day that we are getting a dog?”  My answer remained the same,   “No, not until I find the right dog.”   After all, adopting a dog might be precipitated by a boy’s love for dogs, but ultimately it is the MOM's task to care for the dog.  

And then on December 2, 2004 we adopted not just the right dog, but the perfect dog.  Nigel, the best dog in the world, 

Dog years go by much too fast.  Recently, it had become difficult for Nigel to stand – his back legs often gave out. He was falling all of the time – he fell in yard, on walks and in the house.  He fell in the night when he tried to get up from the bed in my room to go to the bed in Max’s room.  He no longer got up for breakfast. 

On August 13, 2016,  Max and I made the difficult decision to ask the veterinarian to come to our home to humanely euthanize Nigel. 

  

Max left for college  three days later.  My house is now sadly silent.  Not because Max is gone – I hear his text message chirps often in response to my many questions.  But there are no Nigel sounds.  No tags jingling, no nails scraping, no old bones creaking while attempting to stand when I come home. 

I have many, many wonderful Nigel memories.  And pictures – I have lots and lots of pictures. But what I don’t have is time.  I don’t get to spend any more time with Nigel, the best dog in world.

Mega Snow Pile Up Can Cause Dilemma for Dogs -- Take Precautions to Prevent Pain and Suffering

Nigel mid-way through the storm.

Although I was out of town for the big one, there was plenty of snow to shovel when I got back yesterday, two days later than planned.  Nigel was home safe and sound and quickly adapted to short outings in the dug-out trenches.  Walking in the street is definitely not an option -- especially with the ton of salt spread thickly on my street.   

Be sure to wash your dogs paws after a trip outside.   Salt and mini-snowballs that lodge in dogs' pads can be painful .

Three days after the last flake fell -- warmer temps, more trenches.

Nigel's Back to School Tip

Thanksgiving 2014

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

My office buddy went home last week.  I am certain that  he has settled right in and has probably claimed a favorite spot or two!    

Nigel always enjoys this time of year.  He is particularly fond of all of the fallen leaves.  So many smells.  Sniffing every leaf can make walking a very s l o w process.   Sitting among the leaves is a good way for Nigel to soak up all of the scents at once.   I'm very thankful for November days like yesterday -- sunshine, unseasonably warm temperatures and lots of time to spend with Nigel, the best dog in the world.

Just Hanging Out, Soaking Up the Sunshine

When the front door is open, leaving a nice, sun-warmed floor and perfect view of all street activity, Nigel, Merl and Charlotte assume their rightful places in what appears to be size order.   While  hypnotized by the silent ballet of the falling leaves, they are acutely aware of their rank -- Merl may not be top dog, but he is surely king  of the trio.  And, if he wants Nigel's spot, it is his for the taking.  I think, however, he likes being surrounded by his loyal subjects.   

Dental Work Done!

Nigel at home, post surgery, sleeping off the pain medication.  I hope he is enjoying happy, happy dreams.

Nigel Goes to the Dentist

Do I really have to stay here?

How does a 75 lb dog become invisible?    Nigel tried his best this morning  to blend in with the floor at the Center for Dentistry& Oral Surgery.  One of the doctors just called to say that, while Nigel doesn't need a set of dentures, he is going to lose three rotten teeth and another will be filed, smoothed, and bonded.  Nigel will still have a great smile, the teeth extractions are in the back;  and after the polishing and fluoride treatment, he'll have a much healthier smile and probably sweeter breath.  Dental health, like with people, is important for animals.  Nigel didn't complain about his broken teeth, but he is not a complaining kind of dog. When Max had several  teeth pulled he  insisted on ice cream and mashed potatoes for every meal. For now,  Nigel will feast on water-downed dog  food.  Poor pooch!  

Nigel's Goes to the Vet

Dr. Shillito greets his patient,
Nigel, the world's best dog!

It was an easy commute.  Nigel and I walked down the stairs to the Washington Animal Rescue League's Medical Center where Nigel had his back-to-school doctor's visit with Dr. Dan Shillito.   Although he smiled at the beginning of the visit, I was not very happy by the end of the exam.  Nigel has two BIG broken teeth .  The official diagnosis is slab fractures of the maxillary carnassial teeth numbers 108 and 208.  Say that five times real fast.  The bottom line is that the big wolf-like chewing teeth have to come out; That means general anesthesia and and loud dentistry drills.   Lots of cats and dogs must be suffering from bad teeth, Nigel's not on the schedule until October 30th.   Chomp while you can, Nigel!

"Should I Swim Home?" Wonders Nigel

It may not be raining cats and dogs, but there is a flood in our parking lot.  Nigel stopped to contemplate the best way to cross the WARL River!  I'm hoping that there is not another  newly created body of water in my basement!

Snow, Sleet and Slush Makes for Messy Paws and a Short Walk!

 

Yesterday's storm closed some schools, delayed openings at others, and created a slushy mess for dogs who enjoy their daily walks.  Nigel loves to romp in piles of the white fluffy stuff.  But what fell yesterday must have felt like cold pins and needles on his bare feet.  After passing just a few houses  Nigel was raising his left front paw and hobbling like he was trying his best to finish a three-legged race!  Once home, we bathed all four feet in warm water and dried him off and spent the majority of the day inside wishing for a real snow, one with lots and lots of measurable inches.   And, we may get just that.  TOMORROW!

Nigel, not exactly thrilled with the
results of the December 8th storm.

No one should be out in the cold or snow for any length of time.    Humane officers work around the clock.  Report any cases of animals left outside to your local animal control or humane agency.  You can also do your part to help keep animal companion safes during winter storms.  Choose to put out "Safe Paws" or kitty litter rather than salt to help melt snow and/or create traction on sidewalks.  And, get in the habit of bopping  on the car hood before getting in and going for a ride.  Car engines make warm sleeping spots for cats left outdoors.  Remember, animals, like us, may enjoy playing in the snow for a short time.   But, for the most part, the best place to be a cold wintery day is inside. 

 

E. L. Haynes Public Charter School 5th Graders Surprise Me With Their Gratitude!

The saying,  a picture is worth a thousand words, does not adequately describe this photo of Nigel admiring a framed thank you photo, colorful notes of appreciation, and a jug of money collected for the animals at the League.   Actually, when the fifth graders at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School presented me with the plaque highlighting their trip to the League, I was totally speechless.  Not only was the thoughtful  gesture totally unexpected, but the fifth graders in Mr. Goff's health class and Ms. Hutchins' math class have demonstrated kindness to animals (and to each other) all year long.   I've written about them several times highlighting their posters proclaiming kindness and their letters to the president asking that animal issues be taken seriously.  Caring about animals comes naturally to this group of soon-to-be middle schoolers.  I am really going to miss them next year.  But, as I tell them, they make my job so much easier -- I know that each and every one of them are life-long advocates for  animals.  Spreading the word is what will make a difference and these kids are all about making a difference!

Nigel, obviously, was doing his best to read every comment! 

No New School Visits for Nigel!

Nigel, flat on the floor, making his pitiful "I'm not getting in the car" face.

I am totally baffled.  Until four or five months ago one of Nigel's absolutely favorite things to do was to ride in the car.  Short rides, longs rides; to the shelter, to Max's  baseball practice -- it didn't matter the destination, the treat was the ride.  And then, suddenly, Nigel refused to get in the car.  His apparent car-terror is so severe that if he even thinks that he is being lured to the car he will go flat to the floor.  And, if he makes it out the front door and then realizes that there could be a possible road trip, he glues his bottom to the porch and won't budge until he can successfully turn around and skedaddle back into the house.

I have absolutely NO idea why the dramatic change.   I've tried luring Nigel to the car with peanut butter, cheddar cheese, pasta, and bully sticks.  He hungrily eyes the the treat, but won't take the bait.    I can say the magic words, "Let's go," and these days he drops to the floor. 

There is a chill in the air on my morning  drive the League.  It's perfect Nigel travelling weather.  Nigel, however, has become a recluse and watches me leave from his pitiful belly-to-the-floor pose. 

Nigel in the Basement!

No, Nigel is not being punished. Being in the basement is a good thing.   In the nearly eight years that Nigel has lived with us, he has adamantly refused to go down the stairs.  So, when we watch TV, Nigel sits looking forlornly down from his perch at the top of the stairs.  Yesterday, however,  Nigel was in the basement.  He entered the basement three times!   He didn't actually go down the stairs  but, entered through the outside door.  Mx came up with a brilliant idea -- he took Nigel into the backyard,  and  opened the basement door from the outside and invited Nigel in -- AND,  HE WENT!   Nigel was so excited to be on the carpet.  He ran around, wagged his tail, even barked at us with his "I'm thrilled to be here" voice.   And then, he sprinted up the stairs back to the kitchen, and looked down from his usual spot.  Max took Nigel outside twice more; and, each time Nigel walked straight into the basement through the outside door.  He enthusiastically repeated his "I like it here" wiggle and then quickly headed right back up the stairs.  Later that night Max was watching the Baltimore Orioles beat the Tampa Bay Rays.  He invited Nigel to come join him in the basement.   Nigel, as usual, politely refused.    



Kitten Spends the Night -- Nigel Amused, Bruce is Not

Bruce is still feeling pretty crummy, so I decided to do something to perk him up.  I brought home a kitten.  Just for a night.  A kitten would definitely perk me up.  Especially this one.   She's a ball of energy.  She's like the energizer-bunny with extra batteries.  She likes to run, even though her back right leg is obviously deformed and doesn't work quite right.   Well, Bruce thought my idea was a really, really, really bad one.  He hissed.  He hissed  loudly.  He used every muscle in his face to hiss as loud as he could.   Nigel, on the other hand, was quite amused.   The kitten, named Jubilee, will be looked at by an ORTHOPEDIST surgeon next week (a doctor who fixes bones) to see if she needs surgery, and if so, what exactly will be done.  In the meantime, someone else took her home for night.  I haven't heard how her old cats reacted.  Hopefully, they were more welcoming than Bruce.