Hi Diane

Just thought I'd give you an update on Abbie. First of all, she has stolen our hearts and we already can't imagine life without her. As of her first day home, we had her following us in the back yard (of course this was late when it wasn't so hot - after 9 PM). When we finally went to bed it was around 10:30 PM and we could tell she was ready (and probably thinking, "do these people ever go to bed!"). We have named her crate "Castle", so when it's bedtime we say, "Is Abbie ready to go night-night, let's get in your castle". We keep her castle in our bedroom at night and it is placed so that I can look at her from in bed and she can look up and see me. She really loves her castle which is all cushiony and plush.

Also, after two full days here, she has either pottied outside or inside on a poo-pee pad. I am very proud of her for learning this so quickly. But we don't mind accidents. We have a spot-bot, carpet shampooer, and mop that are good at cleaning up any accidents!

We've spent some morning and evening time outside with her everyday. She likes to follow us in the yard and has done some exploring on her own while checking to see if we are still close by. I thought all this activity must have sparked her foot swelling again, so as of Sunday night she was limping and carrying her right front paw. We began soaking it and holding a warm compress on it. By Monday evening it seemed much worse and swelled up very large. We soaked it three times throughout the evening and then with her licking it, it finally opened up and drained some. It was very upsetting for us to see her like this and wanted to get her feeling better quickly so I made an appointment with Dr. Williams at Clyde's Animal Clinic yesterday afternoon.

They opened it up and suctioned out blood and lots of pus, then viewed it under a slide. It is infected again so we have her on an antibiotic and some pain & inflamation medicine with instructions to continue soaking it in Epson salts & water (which is what we were doing). She (Dr. Williams) said there may be something in there that may work it's way out or it may just be infection. I will go back with her next Wednesday for a follow-up. If it doesn't clear up, I'm sure they will recommend an x-ray and if something shows up that needs surgically removed, then we will go that route.

She seemed interested in Loyd's banana Sunday morning and he gave her a few pieces that she enjoyed. She likes her soft food best so I've been giving her the Blue soft food and some other brands for variety. She also likes chicken breast - the real deal!.

As you know she had a welcome home sign waiting for her Saturday. Plus she had two gifts waiting for her that had a blanket and lots of toys and treats from Judy and Jerry Miller. Then when I went to work on Monday, one of my co-workers (who has a grand-doggy that is a dachshund rescue) had a toy present for Abby.

We probably needed her more than she needed us. We enjoy her company and plan for her to live the "good life" from now on.

With warm regards,

Ann (and Loyd)

Abbie's furever parents

P.S. As for during the day when we are at work, she has free roam of the family room, kitchen and laundry room. So far that has only been yesterday since Loyd was off on Monday (and we are both off today). She uses the poo-pee pad when she's needed to potty. We move her castle to this area during the day, plus she has another plush bed that she really likes. Of course, she likes to be on the couch, loveseat too when we lift her up there and/or when she's on there with us.