This puppy. We love him dearly. But he's just not feeling the best. He had a seizure a few weeks ago. At 9 months old. It was truly a horrific thing to walk in on and see. I didn't know what was going on and my brain was thinking "What's happening? He's only 9 months old!". The vet told us it could be a one time thing or not. About a week after, I called the breeder and she told me that about a year ago, they found his dad having a seizure (age 6, first one they caught). They stopped breeding him, but of course, too late for Leo. They also know of a three year old lab from his line that is on seizure medications due to the frequency of seizures. So it is hereditary and we probably should expect more.
My sister put my in touch with someone whose dog had frequent seizures. I did not want to hear what she had to say. I am telling myself that we have quite a few good years with him if his dad was strong at age 6. But this lady had a different story. Their pup was 4 months old when it had it's first. Another six months passed, but then she had another one. And then it because monthly, weekly and daily. They put her to sleep at age 4.
I am frustrated and sad. We had two purposes for getting a dog - a lab. I wanted our family to be more active (walking, Brady biking while I walk Leo, basically wanting us to get out of the house). I also wanted a best bud for Brady because he is CONSTANTLY upset that everyone has brothers and sisters and he doesn't. Any lab owner knows that a lab is truly "man's best friend". Leo has fulfilled both of these goals - we are more active and Brady ADORES him. We purchased ($500!!) Leo expecting this relationship to last 10-12 years for Brady and it literally makes me want to cry that it might not happen. The breeder offered us another puppy, but that's not what we want. Honestly, I don't even care that she didn't offer compensation. I'm sad for Brady. He is struggling with the idea of being an only child.
And now, at nine months old, Leo has calmed down and turned into a wonderful house pet. No chewing, no accidents, not as busy. But I sat there today and actually told him that I wish he was busier, like a puppy. I can't believe I thought that! But he hasn't been the same. He doesn't eat every day, hardly drinks water, his movement isn't as coordinated as I think it should be, and he just doesn't have energy. He lays around like an old dog and moans and cries a lot. Last night his breathing changed also. He has this catch when he breathes - like a sniffle at the end of a cry. But it's pretty consistent. It's hard to tell what we should do. We aren't ready to take him in for blood work, but it's hard to see him like this. :( Of course, when we walk and have company, he DOES act like a maniac.......
No comments:
Post a Comment