Zach update

So, it's been almost two weeks since the new pup joined our family.

I took him to the vet the next day (Monday), by which time we were noticing that he would occasionally cry when trying to get up. Given the rough-housing with the Lab two days earlier, we hoped it was the result of that, and not something else. He weighed in at 39 lbs. On the vet's advice, he got anti-inflammatories for 5 days. I signed him up for his own health-care plan via VetInsurance the very next day. Rather than add him to our existing policy, I got him his own so we could cover his hips, just in case.

I went to the drugstore and picked up glucosamine/chondroitin and MSM and started both dogs on the three weeks of double-dosing. We kept the little one on lead and as quiet as we could for the rest of the week. I also dug up the physio exercises we had been given when our Saint had had his knee surgery. They were for rebuilding muscles in the leg and hips, and increasing mobility, so I knew the pup would benefit. Friday evening was his last dose of meds, and we held our breath, hoping we would not see a deterioration over the next several days.

Our concerns proved to be totally unfounded. He has been off the meds for a full week now, more than ample time for any residual effect to have gone, and there has been no deterioration. We have continued to supervise their playtime together, and they were left alone, outside, together, for most of the day today, but I stayed within earshot. They mostly sleep with some play periods interspersed. I'll be heading into the office, so they'll be alone most of the day outside tomorrow. The little guy will also move to two meals a day tomorrow as well.

The little one has already visibly grown. I noticed today that his legs are longer then when he first arrived. And, despite what I've been reading about Bernese owners needing patience when training, he has proven to be a quick study. He has already mastered 'wait' for his meals, won't try to get Duster's food when it is put down just before his, has learned 'shake', is working on 'high five' and 'down'/'couche.' Danielle used the process we learned in our puppy book to teach him 'no' and he mastered it in three or four days. He's getting better at emptying his after-dinner treat-filled Kong, and no longer bucks about going into his crate.

I began taking them for walks together and by the third morning, everyone knew what was expected of them. The little guy sleeps inside in his crate, and likely will always sleep inside. With only 21 months left to go before we are full-time in the country, it's not a big deal.

And, reluctant DS has not for a moment regretted changing her mind.