How Do I Look?

We had places to go and people to meet so Riley wanted to dress up a little. Actually he wanted to wear his Halloween costume but I told him it was too early for that.

We went to Greystone for our pet therapy visit. Dr. Glass said he could continue as long as he was having a "good day". He managed to get all the way down to the room where we visit but then the bow tie had to come off, more for his safety than anything. We had a really good visit and he made alot of people very happy today. It is always so overwhelming to see what effect a little dog can have on people. Riley has really taken a liking to a male patient and just wants to be with him the whole time. I have to be careful as the other patients can get quite jealous but it is very interesting to watch Riley and this man. It is a mutual love affair and the man is just beaming by the time he leaves. Many patients make sure they give Riley big hugs and kisses before they leave. It is very touching. I feel so fortunate to be able to do this.

It has been just 3 weeks since Riley was diagnosed. I have spent hours trying to learn all that I can about syringomyelia. I also have spent alot of time watching Riley. He has responded very well to the medication although he has had a few rough days along the way. It seems the weather has a definite effect on him. We had the cold rainy spell for a few days and Riley was in some pain for that time. I can and did give him pain medication for that time which does help. It seems like he is stating to scratch again but not nearly like he was doing before he was put on the medication. He has had more good days than bad so I am very thankful for that. He still sleeps most of the time and has all but stopped any running. He will walk fast but he will not run. I am not sure why but it is a change for him. I am keeping a daily diary of his activity or lack of , to bring to Dr. Glass in 2 weeks.. His appetite is almost insatiable. I am trying to give him more veggies and such to fill him up but he is still VERY hungry. His latest thing is to eat the maple seeds that are all over the ground. They are those little whirly bird things with a little seed at the bottom. He goes crazy for them on our walks and it is hard to keep him away from them . I am hoping that they are not harmful.

Riley is still very lethargic and spends most of his time sleeping. He has no desire to play at all. I have spent a fortune buying new toys hoping to get him interested in something but he has no interest at all. He still loves his bully sticks though.