Cricket and Ellie went for their first joint haircut last week, and they came home looking a bit bedraggled. First of all, they both refused to wear the shiny pink and silver hair bows that the groomer was putting on all of the other dogs. Second, Miss Ellie had mats on her ears and tail and was shaved down to the nubs in both places. And, really, Miss Cricket just looked grumpy because we could see her eyes again. But also, Cricket’s back was hurting again. It’s a chronic thing that comes up once every year or two now.
Haircuts improve their ability to use mind control. Chicken treats, chicken treats.
I wanted to wait an extra day before going to the vet, to see if the pain would resolve with rest and massage. We do some light stretches and massage, and then she just leans on me and gives me her poor me look until I give in and continue the massage, or give her extra treats. It was scary watching Miss Cricket struggle going up the stairs, and even refuse to be picked up onto the bed or the couch, but at least I knew what I was looking at, as opposed to the first time she had back problems, when I thought she had developed a fatal neurological disorder.
“What is Mommy talking about?”
Once her eyes were visible again, and she looked as vulnerable as dogly possible, we took Cricket to see the vet. She’d actually gotten herself up onto the couch at breakfast, because Grandma made sausages, and Cricket knew Grandma would want to share. But the stairs were still a problem and we couldn’t hold out sausages for her all day every day. She was, predictably, terrified when we got to the vet’s office. Actually, she was already hyperventilating in the car, squishing herself between my neck and the headrest. When she actually walked into the waiting room, though, she fell in love at first smell with a little dog resting in his mother’s arms. It turned out that he had diabetes, so it’s possible that what Cricket really noticed was that this stranger smelled suspiciously like Miss Butterfly, and therefore he must be worth knowing.
Miss Butterfly!
Of course, by the time we saw the vet, he said, eh, no big deal, here’s a shot of cortisone and some pills for the week. And as soon as Cricket left his office she was bouncing like a rubber ball.
Ellie gave Cricket a full sniffing when she came home, and seemed to approve of the vet’s work. Then she went off to play with Cricket’s toys (because all toys belong to Cricket, of course). Cricket has actually seemed to be okay with Ellie playing with the toys, despite Ellie chewing through Ducky’s nose and chopping the top off of the pink plastic vase. But, finally, once she was fully medicated, Cricket hit her limit, because Ellie started to play with Platypus, Cricket’s bestest friend since puppyhood. Cricket didn’t go directly to Ellie with her complaints, though. She went over to Grandma and started barking. Do you need food? Still barking. Water? Still barking. Do you need to go outside? Barking, barking, barking, and glaring over at Ellie who is chewing on Platypus at that exact moment. Aha! Another toy was chosen for Ellie, and Cricket celebrated by mouthing Platypus for a second or two, and then leaving him in the middle of the floor while she returned to her bed for a well-earned nap.
Ellie and the poor nose-less Ducky
Cricket and her oldest friend
She did get back up, though, when it was time for more peanut butter, I mean medicine. She’s still a little ouchy, and not up to jumping on beds, but she’s not giving me the I’m-dying-and-you’re-just-sitting-there look anymore. So, that’s progress.
Progress!
rachelmankowitz 
I love your little furkids!
Me too!
You always have the most amazing shots of your ‘girls’. Ms. Ellie looks very secure with everyone. Ms. Hunydog sympathizes with Ms. Cricket, because Ms. Huny was at the vet this week too. I think they know (or come to remember through the scent of the place) that it’s ‘bad’ and they cry and make us feel uber guilty for taking them in. I’m glad Ms. Cricket is improved and yes, they do have their special toys, don’t they? No sharing. 🙂
Guilt production is Cricket’s super power!
Two of our four (all Malshis) got their fall trims yesterday. Scout, 2, and Coco, 1, are good customers at Dad’s clip and primp shop but it is still a bit traumatic for them. Scout seems to be back to his normal doggie self and is hard at work keeping The Child Bride within sight at all times and assuming his rightful place on her lap when she slows down enough for him to find the spot. Coco, usually quite a daddy’s girl, has decided old dad is an evil ogre to be avoided at all costs. She’ll get over it with time, she always has for the two previous sessions with the clippers. But cheese may have to be deployed in generous amounts to seal the deal. We’ll see.
Cheese, peanut butter, AND cheese. Cricket is trying to advocate from afar.
They look so cute in their little beds. Neither my dogs nor the cats ever quite acclimated to their own beds. It had to be mom’s bed. I have no idea what it feels like to stretch out in my own bed without bumping into a furry body. Then, of course, I must be still lest I wake them. **heavy sigh**
Don’t worry, my girls take over the human beds as well. Their beds are just for short naps during the day.
Thank you, Rachel! I feel so much better. 🙂
They look so happy in their dog beds. 🙂
They love to snuggle in.
Lovely to see them both looking relaxed and happy in the last photo. 🙂
Thank you!
Take my toys???? No way. SQUAAAAWK!
The pictures today were marvelous – I always love the haircuts…even when they fuss. We have found a mobile groomer who took care of Charly and Spike recently. That made me happy. The picture of Cricket and her Platypus brought tears to my eyes. Very special stories of Ellie and Cricket…I love them.
Thank you!
looking neat
& respectable 🙂
What is mind control for dogs? Very sorry to hear of Cricket’s back problem. How good that the shot helped her. I hope it’ll help till the problem no longer bothers her.
Miss Cricket has spent her whole life trying to train me to respond to her mesmerizing eyes.
Nice to see that bonding with the Platypus. Ollie had a gorilla when he was a pup, and would sleep next to it, or with his head on it. No doubt he was missing the company of his siblings at the time
Best wishes, Pete.
I think the joy of meeting platypus was that he was warm and soft and never bit her.
Your posts always make me smile Rachel, so I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Bloggers Award.
Thank you so much!
You are most welcome.
It’s amazing how dogs can get attached to such things. My friend had a cat and she was inseparable from a teddy bear!
Cricket has some very specific needs in life, and platypus is one of them.
It sure is!
I always know I can turn to the antics of your girls for a smile. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you!
Daisey is getting close to a haircut also. Looks like a fluffy cloud
Fluffy cloud is a great look!
She is a Maltese after all. But we like to keep her shorter for ease
You obviously love your “puppies” – very cute dogs 🙂
Thank you!
They’re darling!
Thank you!
Lexi got acupuncture for her hip injury (jumping off kitchen counter caused hip dysplasia on one side). She would leave feeling like a new dog. If you can find a holistic vet, that as well as chiro treatment might make a huge difference without having to give Cricket steroids.
Cricket thinks she should have a private masseuse. I am clearly not living up to her expectations.
Well, why not? Lexi did. And the masseuse even came to my and Lexis work to massage her! Keep trying, Cricket. 😉
Puppy eyes will generally get one anything one wants. 🙂
It’s a miraculous gift!
So beautiful Rachel!!!
Thank you!
I was so moved by the idea that the dog with diabetes in the waiting room may have reminded Cricket of Butterfly. Glad both your living dogs are good.
Cricket is so picky about new friends, but she loved her Butterfly. It was the only way I could explain her sudden infatuation.
They really look comfy!
They do love to be cozy!
Does she have steps or a ramp to help her up onto the bed? I know a lot of dogs refuse to use such a thing, but they can usually be trained … Better for problematic backs, even when they aren’t hurting!
The steps are there, but Miss Cricket thinks they are terrifying, no matter how many chicken treats she is offered.
Somehow I had a feeling that might be the case. Foolish little fluffhead!
I’m glad Cricket is feeling a b it better now.
They look very fine with their new haircuts!
Thank you!
SOOOO ADOrABLE!!!1
Thank you!
So cute!
Thank you!
Oh Miss Cricket, you are a wonder. 🙂
My dog never liked things tied in her hair either. My mum tried to put her in a dog jacket once to keep her warm in the snow and she refused to move. Instead she rolled around trying to bite it off 😂
I was worried they would team up to chew off each other’s ears. Didn’t seem worth it.
Ha ha a coordinated approach. I love it!
The girls are looking stunning with their hair cuts. Amazing what dogs can convey with their eyes!!! (especially guilt…like you wouldn’t leave without me, would you?) Sorry to hear about Cricket’s back 😦 Behr has a serious back injury that prevented her from being able to walk. Co-incidentally, just wrote about it on her blog.It’s hard to know they are in pain. She’s probably happy to have more peanut butter though.
She loves the peanut butter!
They are adorable! I have three rescues: Buddy, a Maltese, Sammy, a yorkie, and Rosebud, a toy poodle. They all have medical issues so I can relate to caring for Cricket. Thanks for stopping by my blog and I’ll be visiting you again. Cheers!
Thank you!
They look so innocent
This is so upsetting but so happy to see progress! I just stumbled across your blog and am obsessed with dogs, so I just had to see. I loved to see the pictures and how much improvement they have made. They are so adorable and I can see how much you care and how you are doing everything in your power to give them the world. You are doing great things and I hope the progress keeps improving.
Thank you!
I am happy to know cricket is doing better and Ellie is so cute! I missed our cmmunity and especially you rachel! So much that I take out time from study to check on you finally! I have a big delay on my blogging plans!
Good to hear from you!
They really are so cute.
Thank you!
I’ve been out of the loop for awhile – looks like Cricket has a new friends, and she;s surprisingly tolerant! I can certainly understand her feelings about her special toy though.
Cricket spends a lot of time watching Ellie with suspicion and disbelief, but that’s pretty normal for her.
Lookin’ great! Thanks for stopping by my blog, Rachel. I’m “sort of” back at it, occasionally. 🙂
Deb
Thank you!
Love your little furkids💕💕💕📸
Thank you!
They are adorable. I can’t imagine a world without dogs!
My Sophie, a rescued malti-poo has skin and hair issues and some emotional issues too. She never looks as good as the other dogs…well actually once in a blue she does. But she’s the most beautiful to me.
They are all beautiful when we love them.
My last cat used to hate visits to the vet’s, except she loved meeting dogs there (or any other animals, but especially dogs). Suzy the new girl has three catnip mice she treats (on and off) like kittens. They’re definitely company when I’m out. I once came in after a day out to find all three had been arranged neatly in the middle of the bed.
That’s adorable!