Hannah

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 In Memory of Pete # 06-525

 Happy New Life! From Amy L

Hannah has been with me for one week now. She is a delight and typical of Goldens, can't get enough petting, pats and attention. She has settled in quite well to the quiet of our routine and dealing with the kitties, who are still not sure she should be in their realm. Today she and Whisper touched noses, so I think they have an understanding. Usually they just ignore each other.

Hannah was picked up as a stray and won't be ready for adoption until her two issues are resolved. One is heat, but she will be spayed in Dec. The Duluth vet will then look at her x-ray to determine the next steps needed for her hip dysplasia. In reading over the original vet report it was noted she has severe issues in both hips, especially the left side. She receives pain meds and glucosamine as prescribed. Poor little gal is only about 3 years old, but has been bred several times.

Because she needs to lose weight (she was 65 lbs. last week) we are keeping active with daily walks. She loves going to the beach...who doesn't love Lake Superior? She is not in the least interested in the water, but the sand has wonderful smells that kept her busy. We'll go back today for another walk. She didn't show any signs of stress from the walks until yesterday (day 5 of our walks), she slowed considerably and stopped several times. I think her hips were giving her trouble, but after resting for a bit she was ready to go forward. Later she frolicked like a pup in the yard at home. She has very short bursts of energy, but then quiets down quickly.

She really learned how to walk on leash very quickly. She thought the Gentle Leader was pure dog torture and threatened to call the Humane Society. But learned how to walk nicely in a very short time. She does not need the Gentle Leader now. Good memory!

Hannah is a smart dog who comes when called, is a very affectionate and a calm companion. I wonder if she was in a house before as she was very nervous approaching and going through doors. She has mastered the vehicle entry, but exiting is tough with her bad hips. We are working on a way to deal with this issue.

Because the vet advised she lose 10 lbs. to help her deal with the hip problems, she is not getting treats as rewards. She is happy with praise and pets. She loves her glucosamine chews and so two of those per day and 2 small doggie cookies keep her happy. Her ears seem better now, but she has begun to scratch and lick herself. The food she is getting is organic and on the A+ list, so don't think that is the problem. Perhaps a bath with the good oatmeal soap will help. She is calm, doesn't resource guard, has not yet learned to play with her toys, but loves all the people she's met. Only one accident in the house in a week and that was foster mom's fault for not paying attention to her signals. She's a love and fun to have around.