Author: otisandtess

Otis, an 8 year old 106 lb. lab/Dane mix, became a Tripawd on February 9, 2016 after his right front leg broke due to osteosarcoma. We did 4 rounds of carboplatin, but lung mets were discovered on Agust 25, and he passed on September 4. Otis was half of a bonded pair, and his adopted sister Tess, passed suddenly of hemangiosarcoma on October 9. The day before Tess passed, a local lab rescue group had identfied Gator, a 120 pound 6 year old yellow in need of a home, as a potential companion for her. His picture was on my phone, and my house needed a dog. . .

Dog Paw Protector with IV bag

There is a thread about how to make a DIY paw protector with an IV bag.  Gator and I just got home from the emergency vet where he had a broken toenail removed.   Lots of snow and ice outside, and they sent us home with the IV bag paw protector to keep his bandages dry.

Paw protector made from an IV bag tied on with gauze.

 

Home from emergency vet, on pain meds and exhausted.

 

Gator, and his new “jingles” go to daycare

Here is Gator at his first day of daycare. They say he is doing really well. He didn't want me to leave, and you can tell he thought he was being abandoned, but he will be so happy when I pick him up tonight!
Here is Gator at his first day of daycare. They say he is doing really well. He didn’t want me to leave, and you can tell he thought he was being abandoned, but he will be so happy when I pick him up tonight!  They said he is a gentle giant!
Gator showing off his new collar, with jingles!
Gator showing off his new collar, with jingles!  OK, I didn’t realize the importance of the jingles when I took the photo, so they are cut off, but he knows they are there!

 

 

critters
Although most of the critters have packed up and moved to less well patrolled yards, Gator is still on the job!   Chipmunks used to live under those stairs.

 

 

Gator and Enzo - still not as close as Enzo was with Otis, but getting there.
Gator and Enzo – still not as close as Enzo was with Otis, but getting there.

More about Gator – The Big Yellow Rescued Dog Club

Just to remind you of how big Mr. Gator is. . .
Just to remind you of how big Mr. Gator is. . .

 

. . . so that you can truly appreciate the lengths he will go to to catch critters.
. . . so that you can truly appreciate the lengths he will go to in his quest to catch critters.

 

We have started calling him a polar bear - his fur is almost white in the right light, and he is so big. . .
We have started calling him a polar bear – his fur is almost white in the right light, and he is so big. . .

 

Rubbing his head truly puts him into some kind o bliss coma.
Rubbing his head truly puts him into some kind of blissed out doggy coma.

 

 

 

 

 

One of our tasks this weekend was to get a "family photo" for the rescue's website. My daughter decided to be camera shy, so it was just Gator and I.
One of our tasks this weekend was to get a “family photo” for the rescue’s website. My daughter decided to be camera shy, so it was just Gator and I.

 

Near impossible to get 116 pounds (he has lost some weight and is now at his ideal weight!) of squirming lab to pose for a photo!
Near impossible to get 116 pounds (he has lost some weight and is now at his ideal weight!) of squirming lab to pose for a photo!