Einstein

Einstein LOVES tennis balls. He plays with them, pops them and then tears them into little tiny pieces. I thought an x-tra large tennis ball might last longer, but this one already had a hole in it by the time I grabbed  the camara.

Einstein developed a horrible cough late last week, and we did a sonogram on his heart. The vet was afraid that he was going into heart failure, but it turns out that his heart is in great shape and the adult heartworms are gone. It does look like he’s come down with kennel cough on top of the problems with the dead worms working their way through his lungs. So, he will be delayed again for this all to clear up.

There has been considerable interest in Einstein, and I just want to make people aware that he will most likely have permanent damage from the heartworm and will not be a good canidate for a jogging partner or hunting dog.  He will make a great family pet, and will be fine for walks, hikes and playing ball. Time will tell how much his lungs will clear up.

Einstein went to the vet yesterday and here’s a summary of where we are now.  First off, his Lyme test came back ‘insignificant’, so that’s great news.  The adult heartworms are gone, however pieces of the dead worms have lodged themselves in his lungs, and his body needs time to get rid of them. He’ll go on some oral steroids to reduce his cough and allow his body to do some clean up. We’ll recheck his lungs in two weeks, and if there’s significant improvement, he’ll be treated for the heartworm eggs and assess whether he can be neutered at that time.

Thank you to everyone who is interested in adopting Einstein, and for all your concern. I know it’s frustrating that this is going so slowly, but he’s a special boy and deserves the right medical care.

Other great news, he can now exercise. No running, but walks are fine. We’re planning on another trip to the river on tomorrow!

Here’s another shot of Einstein. He’s a strong but gentle boy who is getting used to the finer things in life, like the couch. It’s pretty funny. He uses the throw pillow for his head.

Einstein continues to improve. Only one more week left until he gets to exercise! As you can see, he’s a love and is very affectionate. He had just met Mary that day and already he was her new best friend! Doesn’t that face just say ‘Can I come home with you’?

He’s also turning out to be a friendly companion when I do chores. He especially likes cleaning the pool and cooking. You’ll never be lonely with this boy around!