Friday, August 20, 2010

Tummy Trouble...and, New Favorite Place

closeup of Alfie's snout on a green rug; all you can see is brown whiskers and big brown nose

Tuesday night Mr. Alf actually had an accident indoors -- a sure sign something's wrong in the tummy department, as his housetraining has always been great.  He tried to wake me up, poor guy, but I just couldn't quite get him out in time.   Wednesday I thought he was better but then Thursday I could tell things still weren't normal so I called Larry (puppy supervisor).  He confirmed what I'd guessed -- time for our first line of defense, withholding food for a short time to let Alf's system rest and work out whatever's bugging him. 

Let me just say:  Alfie's NOT going to like this!  Although his...er..."output" isn't normal, he's quite as bouncy and happy as ever, and his appetite hasn't suffered.  With our first puppy, Willie, we had to do this any number of times and he just moped around resignedly until it was over.  Dakota, our 2nd puppy, was a bit of a poor eater and the time or two we had to withhold food he actually seemed relieved:  "Oh thank goodness, they aren't going to make me eat that stuff tonight!"  But Alfie is another personality entirely and there's no telling what he'll try when he thinks we've forgotten his dinner.  So wish us luck! 

On another note...is this an odd place to sleep or what?


looking down, you can see the edge of the toilet next to the tub; Alfie's lying on his side jammed in the space between them, nose and front paws sticking out

His coat kind of blends in with the dark floor, especially when he's sound asleep and not moving...it's ever so slightly creepy to think you're alone in the bathroom and then notice this...

the shower curtain is bunched up next to the toilet and hides all of Alfie except for a tiny bit of snout resting on the green bath mat; his fur is dark brown, the same color as the floor

...or worse, not notice until a tongue licks your foot...yowza!  He seems to think that teeny little space between tub and toilet was designed just for him!

5 comments:

Infrequent Flyers said...

Oh dear, poor Alfie. Withholding a meal is a tough one--I've never been able to do it myself. But my puppy group leader says to leave the house for a while, so you don't have to endure the heartbreak firsthand. Hope the clock ticks double time for you tonight!

Sierra Rose said...

Oh Alfie!!! Hope the tummy bug monster disappears!
Love you new hideout!
Feel better soon my friend.

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose

Becky Andrews said...

Oh Alfie, I am so sorry - I hope by now you are feeling much better. You are so smart to hang out where you are :D. Get Well Soon.

Erin said...

Re: Toiliet hiding spot; FUNNY!!!!!!!!

Partners in Crime said...

This is exactly where my Remi Bear sleeps. He has from a 10 lb puppy to the 80 lb dog he is today. Gotta love that spot!!!