Sunday

My dog, Tug, hurt himself yesterday on our walk. He was fence racing with some labs when he gave out a yelp, starting limping, and then laid down. Tug is a 6-year-old Lab/Malamute mix, weighing between 135-140. Steve and I rested him for a few minutes to see if that would help. When it didn't, Steve left to get the car -- about a 15 minute walk home. About 5 minutes after he left, Tug decided to follow and we walked and paused and walked and paused for another five minutes when Steve drove up. Tug made it up the stairs but after that didn't put weight on his foot. A quick inspection seemed like nothing was broken but the area around his front left toes looked a little swollen. We held an ice pack to it for a while. We had some leftover dog prescription for pain/inflammation from last year that didn't expire until 2010 and gave him one of those. We've kept him as still and quiet as possible. This morning I gave him another pill and queried an online vet. We think it is a sprain. He seems to be able to put a little weight on his foot now. We're hoping to not have to go to the vet this holiday weekend. We're continuing to keep him still as possible.

This has, however, given me some reading time while I sit with him. I've finished MARTYR by Rory Clements and started and finished HAIL TO THE CHEF by Julie Hyzy, 2nd of 2 in series featuring Olivia (Ollie) Paras, White House assistant chef in Washington DC, in the White House Chef mysteries. Now I'm reading the 2nd of 3 in the series featuring Gideon St. Mars, a viscount who becomes the highwayman Blue Satan, and his friend Mrs. Kean, in early 18th century England, THE SPIDER'S TOUCH by Patricia Wynn.

Tug is our only "baby" so he's got our attention this weekend. Hope the weekend is being enjoyable for all.

Much love,
PK the Bookeemonster